Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped? Do you dream of sparkling clean dishes but lack the space for a full-sized appliance? You are not alone! Many homeowners face the challenge of fitting powerful cleaning tools into smaller kitchens. This is where the 18-inch dishwasher steps in, promising big performance in a compact package.
Choosing the right compact appliance can feel overwhelming. You worry about capacity, cleaning power, and whether it will actually fit your needs. Will it handle your family’s dinner mess? Will it look good next to your other appliances? These are real concerns when space is at a premium.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best 18-inch dishwashers available today. You will learn exactly what features matter most in a smaller unit. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect compact dishwasher to reclaim your counter space and conquer those dirty dishes.
Top 18 In Dishwasher Recommendations
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
- HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
- HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
- 8 PLACE SETTINGS: Racks are suitable to fit 8 place settings of dishes. There is a top cutlery rack and 2 other racks with a large removable cutlery basket.
- MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: There are 6 washing programs to choose from- pots & pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only, and energy saver. Up to 24 hour delay start for you added convenience.
- DURABLE TUB: The tub is made of stainless steel for better efficiency performance.
- ENERGY STAR: Low energy consumption according to Energy Star standards.
- BUILT-IN STYLE: The dimensions of the unit are 22.6"D x 18"W x 32.4"H. This stainless steel built-in dishwasher is ADA-compliant
- 14 PLACE SETTINGS: Racks are suitable to fit 14 place settings of dishes. There is a top cutlery rack and 2 other racks with a large removable cutlery basket.
- MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: There are 6 washing programs to choose from- pots & pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only, and energy saver. Up to 24 hour delay start for you added convenience.
- DURABLE TUB: The tub is made of stainless steel for better efficiency performance.
- ENERGY STAR: Low energy consumption according to Energy Star standards.
- BUILT-IN STYLE: The dimensions of the unit are 22.6"D x 18"W x 32.4"H. This stainless steel built-in dishwasher is ADA-compliant
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
- HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
- Accommodates up to eight (8) place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray
- Six (6) Wash Cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse; Three (3) Options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, Heated Dry
- At only 17.75 inches wide, using this unit to replace an older appliance such as a trash compactor is a great option.
- Leakage sensor automatically shuts off water flow when a leak is detected to protect your home from water damage
- Quiet 52dB operation keeps the disturbance to a minimum; Dimensions 32.5" H x 17.6" W x 22.4" D; Depth w/ door open: 42.25"; Cutout dimensions: 32.5" H x 17.75" W x 23" D Weight: 52.9 lbs
- Time Delay Feature: allows you to program operation at a later start time (1-24 hours)
- Error Alarm: displays fault codes
- HEATING function during drying cycle
- Rinse Aid Warning Indicator: refill reminder on rinse aid.
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Built-In Stainless Steel Dishwasher: Just 18 inches wide and designed to run at a quiet 53 dB, this compact dishwasher is ideal for offices, studio apartments, basements, RVs, tiny homes, rental rooms, condos, vacation homes, and more
- Maximum Capacity: This built-in dishwasher holds up to 8 standard place settings and features both a dishwasher silverware basket and a cup tray
- Advanced Cleaning Options: This small dishwasher offers 3 wash options (Hi Temp, Sanitize, Extra Dry), 6 automatic cycles (Regular, Automatic, Super, Intensive, Delicate, Rinse), and an Eco half-load mode
- Loaded with Features: Designed for convenience, this dishwashing machine includes a rinse aid dispenser and a concealed top electronic control panel complete with a LED display and cycle indicators
- Premium Construction: An upper and lower rack work together to enhance flexibility and provide total wash coverage, while a 3-stage filtering system ensures outstanding wash performance; Measures 24.25" D x 17.75" W x 32.25" H
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your 2018 Dishwasher Purchase
Buying a new dishwasher can feel like a big chore. You want one that cleans well and lasts a long time. This guide helps you pick the best 2018 model for your kitchen. We focus on what really matters in a dishwasher.
Key Features to Look For
Dishwashers from 2018 offer many cool features. Think about what you need most.
Cleaning Power and Cycles
- Soil Sensors: Good dishwashers check how dirty your dishes are. They then adjust water use and cycle time. This saves energy.
- Heavy Duty Cycles: You need a strong cycle for pots and baked-on food. Look for one that really scrubs.
- Quick Wash: For lightly soiled items, a fast cycle saves time.
Drying Technology
Wet dishes are annoying. Look for models with good drying.
- Heated Dry: This uses a heating element to dry dishes quickly.
- Condensation Drying: Some newer models use heat trapped inside to evaporate water. This often saves energy.
Noise Level (Decibels – dB)
A quiet dishwasher makes your kitchen a nicer place. Lower numbers mean quieter operation.
- Anything under 48 dB is very quiet.
- 50-55 dB is standard and acceptable for most homes.
Important Materials Matter
The materials inside the dishwasher affect how long it lasts and how well it cleans.
Tub Material
The inside tub holds the water and heat.
- Stainless Steel Tubs: These are the best choice. They resist stains, dry dishes better because they hold heat, and last longer.
- Plastic Tubs: These are cheaper. However, they can stain easily and do not retain heat as well for drying.
Racks and Baskets
Check the racks. They should hold your dishes securely.
- Look for racks coated in durable nylon or vinyl. This coating stops rust.
- Adjustable upper racks help you fit tall items like platters easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all dishwashers clean the same way. These factors make a big difference.
Water Spray Arms
More spray arms mean better coverage. Higher-end 2018 models often feature three spray arms (one on the bottom, one in the middle, and sometimes a small one at the top). This design blasts water everywhere, improving quality.
Filtration System
Good dishwashers filter out food particles so they don’t spray back onto clean dishes. Self-cleaning filters are common. Check reviews to see if the filter clogs easily. A poor filter reduces cleaning quality.
Detergent Dispensing
Newer models often use specialized dispensers that release detergent at the perfect time. This ensures maximum cleaning power.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you live and use your kitchen.
Capacity and Flexibility
Do you host large groups? Look for 14 or 15 place setting capacities. If you have a small family, a standard 12-place setting model works fine. Flexible tines (the little spikes that hold plates) improve loading ease.
Installation Type
Most 2018 models are standard built-in units. If you have limited space, check for “drawer” dishwashers or compact models. Make sure you know if you need a model that drains into a specific pipe setup.
Ease of Use
Control panels should make sense. Can you easily select a cycle without reading the manual every time? Touch controls look sleek, but sometimes physical buttons are more reliable over time.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 2018 Dishwashers
Q: Are 2018 dishwashers energy efficient?
A: Yes, most 2018 models meet modern energy standards. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to confirm low water and electricity use.
Q: What is a good decibel rating to look for?
A: A rating under 50 dB is excellent. This means you can run the dishwasher while watching TV without much noise.
Q: Should I worry about stainless steel tubs versus plastic tubs?
A: Stainless steel tubs are better. They last longer and help your dishes dry faster because they hold heat well.
Q: What do soil sensors actually do?
A: Soil sensors measure how dirty the water gets during the wash. The machine uses this information to decide if it needs a longer wash or more rinse cycles.
Q: Is a third rack useful?
A: Yes, a third rack (usually a shallow tray at the very top) is great for silverware, spatulas, and small bowls. It frees up space in the lower rack.
Q: How important is the wash arm design?
A: Very important. Look for models with multiple, strong spray arms. This ensures water reaches every corner of the machine.
Q: Can I run a half-load cycle?
A: Many 2018 models offer a half-load or light-load option. This lets you run the dishwasher when it is not completely full, saving water.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a 2018 model?
A: With good maintenance, a quality 2018 dishwasher should last between 10 and 14 years. Stainless steel tubs usually last longer.
Q: Do I need a specific type of detergent for these models?
A: Most 2018 models work best with high-quality pods or gel detergents. Check the manual, but they generally support standard dishwasher soaps.
Q: What should I check before I buy if I have hard water?
A: If you have hard water, look for models that include a built-in water softener system or check if the manufacturer recommends using a rinse aid every time.
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!