Imagine this: a mountain of dirty dishes after a big family dinner. Do you groan at the thought of scrubbing each one by hand? For many of us, the dishwasher is a kitchen superhero. But when it’s time to buy a new one, especially an 18-inch model, the choices can feel overwhelming. It’s like trying to find a specific Lego brick in a giant bin – confusing and a little frustrating!
Choosing the perfect 18-inch dishwasher might seem like a small task, but it’s actually a big deal for your kitchen. You want one that fits, cleans well, and doesn’t break the bank. Plus, you need to understand what features really matter. This guide is here to help you conquer that confusion. We’ll break down what makes a great 18-inch dishwasher so you can stop worrying and start enjoying sparkling clean dishes.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll explore the best options, the key features to consider, and how to make sure your new dishwasher is the perfect fit for your home. Get ready to discover how to choose an 18-inch dishwasher with confidence!
Our Top 5 18 Dishwasher Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 18 Dishwasher Detailed Reviews
1. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 9.0/10
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s designed to make your dishwashing chores easier. This dishwasher can hold up to 8 place settings, meaning it’s perfect for small families or couples. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and will match most kitchen decors. Plus, it’s Energy Star certified, so you can save money on your electricity bills.
What We Like:
- It comfortably fits 8 place settings, so you can wash a good amount of dishes at once.
- There are 6 different washing programs, including a quick one for when you’re in a hurry and a special one for glassware.
- The stainless steel tub helps it clean dishes better and lasts a long time.
- It’s Energy Star certified, using less electricity which is good for the planet and your wallet.
- You can set it to start washing up to 24 hours later, which is handy for busy schedules.
- The built-in style fits neatly into your kitchen cabinets, and it’s ADA-compliant, making it accessible for more people.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 18-inch width might be a bit small for larger families or if you entertain often.
- While it has many programs, some users might prefer even more specialized cycles.
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher offers a good balance of features and efficiency for its size. It’s a practical choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
2. Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 8.5/10
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a smart and efficient choice for your kitchen. It offers a lot of cleaning power in a compact size. This dishwasher can handle your everyday dishes and even tough messes.
What We Like:
- It has a slim design but can fit a good amount of dishes, up to 8 place settings.
- You can fit large plates and pots up to 11 inches tall.
- It has 6 different washing programs to choose from, like Heavy for tough jobs and ECO for saving energy.
- The Heated Dry feature means your dishes come out dry and ready to put away.
- The HI TEMP wash gets really hot (up to 136°F), perfect for sanitizing baby bottles or cleaning really greasy pots.
- It has a stainless steel tub, which is durable and looks nice.
- It’s Energy Star certified, so it’s good for your electricity bill.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember to only use dishwasher detergent, not regular dish soap, to avoid problems.
- The Rapid and Self-clean cycles do not include the heated dry function.
This Midea dishwasher is a great option for smaller kitchens or for anyone who wants a reliable and effective way to clean their dishes. It makes dishwashing easier and more hygienic.
3. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 9.5/10
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience and efficiency. This dishwasher handles all your dishwashing needs with its ample space and versatile washing options.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: It fits up to 14 place settings. This means you can load a lot of dishes at once. The racks are designed to hold plates, bowls, and glasses easily. There’s a special top rack for cutlery, and another rack with a big basket for all your forks, knives, and spoons.
- Six Smart Wash Programs: Choose the perfect wash for any load. It has settings for tough pots and pans, a normal wash for everyday dishes, a gentle cycle for china, a quick wash for when you’re in a hurry, a rinse-only option, and an energy-saving mode.
- Convenient Delay Start: You can set the dishwasher to start up to 24 hours later. This lets you run it when it’s most convenient for you, perhaps overnight or while you’re out.
- Durable Stainless Steel Tub: The inside of the dishwasher is made of stainless steel. This material helps it clean dishes better and lasts a long time.
- Energy Efficient: This dishwasher is Energy Star certified. It uses less electricity and water, saving you money on your utility bills.
- ADA Compliant Design: The dimensions (22.6″D x 18″W x 32.4″H) make it ADA-compliant. This means it’s designed to be accessible and easy to use for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- 18-Inch Width: While compact, some kitchens might prefer a standard 24-inch width for even more capacity.
- Sound Level: Specific decibel ratings are not provided, so it’s difficult to gauge how quiet it is during operation.
This Honeywell dishwasher is a smart choice for busy households. It cleans well, saves energy, and offers great flexibility for your kitchen.
4. EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In Dishwasher
Rating: 9.2/10
The EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In Dishwasher is a compact powerhouse designed to make your kitchen chores easier. Its slim 17.75-inch width makes it an ideal replacement for older appliances, fitting neatly into your existing kitchen space. This dishwasher handles up to eight place settings, so you can easily clean up after family meals. It comes with a handy silverware basket and a cup tray to help organize your dishes.
What We Like:
- It holds up to eight place settings, which is great for families.
- It offers six different wash cycles, including options for heavy messes, delicate glasses, and quick rinses.
- You can choose from three special options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, and Heated Dry for extra cleaning power.
- The leakage sensor is a smart safety feature that stops water flow if a leak is found, protecting your home.
- Its quiet 52dB operation means it won’t disrupt your household activities.
- It’s a perfect fit for replacing older appliances like trash compactors due to its narrow width.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it accommodates eight place settings, larger families might find it a bit small for very large gatherings.
- The 52dB noise level is quiet, but some might prefer an even quieter operation.
This dishwasher offers a great balance of features and a space-saving design. It’s a solid choice for kitchens needing an efficient and reliable way to clean dishes.
5. FRIGIDAIRE 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher in Stainless Steel with Dual Spray Arms
Rating: 9.4/10
The FRIGIDAIRE 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher in Stainless Steel is a powerful and convenient appliance for any kitchen. It’s designed to fit into smaller spaces while still offering excellent cleaning performance. This dishwasher makes cleaning up after meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- The dual spray arm system on both the top and bottom racks ensures a thorough clean every time.
- It has a National Sanitation Foundation Certified Sanitize Cycle, which is great for germ-conscious households.
- This dishwasher can clean up to 8 place settings in a single cycle, perfect for small families or couples.
- The heated drying system helps your dishes come out dry and ready to put away.
- You get 6 different cleaning cycle options, including Energy Saver and Heavy Wash, to handle any load.
- It’s ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED, saving you money on your energy bills.
- With a quiet 52 dBA operation, you can run it without disturbing conversations or activities.
- It’s ADA COMPLIANT, making it accessible for everyone.
- Room-of-choice delivery is available in select locations, so they’ll bring it right where you need it.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits 8 place settings, larger pots and pans might require careful arrangement.
- For very large families, an 18-inch model might be too small for daily use.
Overall, this Frigidaire dishwasher is a smart choice for those needing a compact, efficient, and accessible cleaning solution. It delivers on performance and convenience.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect ’18 Dishwasher
Buying a new dishwasher can feel like a big decision. You want one that cleans your dishes well, saves you time, and fits your kitchen. This guide will help you find the best ’18 dishwasher for your home. We’ll look at what makes a dishwasher great and answer your common questions.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an ’18 dishwasher, keep these important features in mind:
- Wash Cycles: Different cycles clean different types of dishes. Look for options like Normal, Heavy Duty, Quick Wash, and a delicate cycle for glassware. Some dishwashers have special cycles for rinsing or sanitizing.
- Energy Efficiency: A dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR® label saves you money on your electricity and water bills. It’s also better for the environment.
- Noise Level: Dishwashers can be loud. If your kitchen is near a living area, a quieter model is a good choice. Look for decibel (dB) ratings – lower numbers mean less noise. A rating below 50 dB is considered quiet.
- Third Rack: Some dishwashers have a slim third rack at the top. This is perfect for silverware, small utensils, or even cups. It frees up space in the other racks.
- Adjustable Racks: Being able to move or fold down rack tines helps you fit larger pots, pans, and oddly shaped items.
- Smart Features: Some newer dishwashers connect to your phone. You can start, stop, or monitor cycles from anywhere.
2. Important Materials
The materials inside your dishwasher affect its durability and how well it cleans.
- Stainless Steel Interior: A stainless steel tub is strong and resists rust and stains. It also helps the dishwasher dry dishes better and can make it quieter.
- Plastic Interior: Most dishwashers have a plastic tub. These are more affordable but might not last as long or dry as well as stainless steel.
- Durable Racks: Look for racks with a good coating that won’t chip or rust. Nylon-coated racks are common and hold up well.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a dishwasher better or not so good.
- Water Filtration System: A good filter keeps food particles from moving around and redepositing on your dishes. Some dishwashers have self-cleaning filters, which means less work for you.
- Spray Arms: More spray arms or specially designed ones help water reach every corner of the dishwasher. This leads to cleaner dishes.
- Drying Method: Some dishwashers use a heating element to dry dishes. Others use a fan or condensation drying. Condensation drying is more energy-efficient.
- Build Quality: A dishwasher that feels solid and well-built will likely last longer. Check door hinges and rack slides.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your dishwasher.
- Family Size: If you have a large family, you’ll need a dishwasher with a larger capacity.
- Dishwashing Habits: Do you often have heavily soiled pots and pans? You’ll need a powerful model with a heavy-duty cycle. If you only run the dishwasher when it’s full, energy efficiency is key.
- Ease of Loading: Adjustable racks and a third rack make loading and unloading easier.
- Maintenance: Some dishwashers require more cleaning and upkeep than others. Consider how much time you want to spend on maintenance.
Choosing an ’18 dishwasher means finding the right mix of features, materials, and performance for your needs. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions about ’18 Dishwashers
Q: What is the most important feature of a dishwasher?
A: The most important feature is its ability to clean dishes effectively. Look for good wash cycles and strong spray arms.
Q: Are stainless steel dishwashers better than plastic ones?
A: Yes, stainless steel tubs are generally more durable, resist stains, and help with drying. They also tend to be quieter.
Q: How do I know if a dishwasher is quiet?
A: Look for the decibel (dB) rating. A lower number means it’s quieter. Aim for under 50 dB if noise is a concern.
Q: What is a third rack for?
A: A third rack is an extra, slim rack at the top. It’s great for silverware, small utensils, or delicate items.
Q: Do energy-efficient dishwashers clean as well?
A: Yes, ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers are designed to clean well while using less energy and water.
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: It’s a good idea to clean the filter every few weeks and run a cleaning cycle every month or two.
Q: What does “heavy duty” cycle mean?
A: This cycle uses hotter water and a longer wash time. It’s best for heavily soiled pots, pans, and dishes.
Q: Can I put plastic items in any dishwasher?
A: Always check the care label on your plastic items. Some plastics can melt in the dishwasher. Place them on the top rack if they are dishwasher-safe.
Q: What if my dishes aren’t coming out dry?
A: Make sure you’re using a drying aid (like rinse aid) and that the dishwasher’s drying cycle is selected. Some materials, like plastic, don’t dry as well as others.
Q: How long do dishwashers usually last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, most dishwashers last between 10 to 15 years.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!