and not one that buyers of either high-end or mid-range dishwashers take lightly -- neither should you. As a brand, Frigidaire has been holding its own and improving steadily for the past few years.

Another brand worth your consideration is Danby. Known for its high-performance, compact appliances, Danby has a six-cycle countertop dishwasher available from Home Depot for $325.80. This ...