Tired of washing dishes by hand, but your kitchen just isn’t big enough for a standard dishwasher? You’re not alone! Many homeowners face this challenge, especially those in apartments, smaller homes, or anyone looking to free up valuable counter space. Finding the perfect 18-inch dishwasher can feel like a treasure hunt, with so many choices and features to consider. It’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder which one will actually get your dishes sparkling clean without breaking the bank or taking up too much room.
Choosing the right compact appliance is important. You want something that fits your space, cleans well, and is easy to use. But with different brands, capacities, and energy ratings, it can be overwhelming. This guide is here to help! We’ll break down what you need to know to find the best 18-inch dishwasher for your needs.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in your decision. We’ll explore the top features to look for, highlight some popular models, and offer tips to make your dishwashing experience a breeze. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect small-space solution for your kitchen!
Our Top 5 18 Inch Dishwasher Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 18 Inch Dishwasher Detailed Reviews
1. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher, a sleek black appliance designed to make your kitchen chores easier. This dishwasher boasts a generous 14 place setting capacity, meaning you can fit all your family’s dishes in one go. It offers six different wash programs, from heavy-duty pots and pans to delicate china. Plus, its energy-saving features and ADA compliance make it a smart and accessible choice for any home.
What We Like:
- It holds a lot of dishes with 14 place settings.
- There’s a handy top cutlery rack and a large removable basket for other utensils.
- You get six helpful wash programs, including a quick wash and an energy saver option.
- The delay start feature lets you set it to run later, up to 24 hours ahead.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and helps it clean better.
- It’s Energy Star certified, so it uses less electricity.
- The built-in style fits nicely into your kitchen, measuring 22.6″D x 18″W x 32.4″H.
- It’s ADA-compliant, making it easier for everyone to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, the 18-inch width might be limiting for very large kitchens or families.
- The 14 place setting capacity is a bit misleading compared to the product title’s “8 place settings.”
This dishwasher offers a good balance of features and efficiency. It’s a solid choice for keeping your kitchen clean and tidy.
2. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 9.3/10
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for smaller households or apartments. It offers a good balance of features and efficiency, making your dishwashing chores a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish fits well with most kitchen decors.
What We Like:
- It holds 8 place settings, which is enough for a family or a dinner party.
- You have six different washing programs to choose from, like heavy for tough messes and eco for saving energy.
- The stainless steel tub helps the dishwasher work better and lasts longer.
- It’s Energy Star certified, meaning it uses less electricity and saves you money on your utility bills.
- The 24-hour delay start timer lets you set the dishwasher to run when it’s most convenient for you.
- This dishwasher is ADA-compliant, making it easier to use for people of all abilities.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits 8 place settings, larger pots or pans might be a tight squeeze.
- The 18-inch width might be too small for some kitchens that are used to standard 24-inch models.
Overall, the Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher is a solid choice for those seeking an efficient and user-friendly appliance. It delivers on its promises of good cleaning performance and energy savings.
3. Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 8.7/10
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a fantastic choice for busy kitchens. Its slim design fits easily under your sink, saving valuable space. This dishwasher can hold up to 8 place settings, making it ideal for families or smaller households. You’ll love the digital display and easy-to-use controls. Plus, it’s designed to fit larger plates and pots, up to 11 inches tall.
What We Like:
- Slimline design saves space but still offers a good capacity.
- Accommodates larger dishes, pots, and pans.
- Offers 6 washing programs and 3 helpful functions to tackle any mess.
- Heated Dry ensures dishes are ready to put away without extra work.
- The Hi-Temp wash cycle reaches 136°F (58°C), perfect for tough grease and sanitizing baby bottles.
- Energy Star certified, which means it’s good for your wallet and the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to only use dishwasher-specific detergent to avoid issues.
- The Rapid and Self-clean cycles do not include the Heated Dry function.
This Midea dishwasher offers a great balance of features and convenience for everyday clean dishes. It’s a smart addition to any modern kitchen.
4. FRIGIDAIRE 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher in Stainless Steel with Dual Spray Arms
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of handwashing dishes? The FRIGIDAIRE 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher is a game-changer, especially for smaller kitchens or anyone needing an accessible appliance. This sleek stainless steel dishwasher packs a punch with its dual spray arms, promising a thorough clean every time. Plus, with its quiet operation and energy-saving features, it’s as practical as it is stylish.
What We Like:
- The DUAL SPRAY ARM SYSTEM ensures your dishes get a powerful clean from top to bottom.
- The SANITIZE CYCLE is NSF Certified, giving you peace of mind that your dishes are truly clean and germ-free.
- It fits up to 8 place settings, which is great for small families or couples.
- The HEATED DRYING SYSTEM helps dry your dishes effectively, so you can put them away right after the cycle.
- With 6 CLEANING CYCLE OPTIONS, you can choose the perfect wash for any load.
- It’s ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED, saving you money on your energy bills.
- The QUIET OPERATION at 52 dBA means you can run it without disturbing your household.
- It’s ADA COMPLIANT, making it a great choice for accessibility needs.
- Room-of-choice delivery takes the hassle out of getting it into your home.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-place setting capacity might be too small for larger households.
- While quiet, some users might prefer even lower decibel levels for truly silent operation.
This Frigidaire dishwasher offers a fantastic blend of performance, efficiency, and accessibility. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a reliable and user-friendly cleaning solution for their kitchen.
5. EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In Dishwasher
Rating: 9.2/10
The EdgeStar BIDW1802BL is a compact and efficient dishwasher designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen. It holds up to eight place settings, making it ideal for smaller households or apartments. Its sleek 18-inch width means it can easily replace older appliances like trash compactors, saving you valuable kitchen space.
What We Like:
- It fits up to eight place settings.
- It has a silverware basket and a handy cup tray.
- Choose from six different wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse.
- You can also select three special options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, and Heated Dry.
- Its slim 17.75-inch width is perfect for tight spaces or replacing old appliances.
- A built-in leakage sensor stops water flow if a leak is found, protecting your home.
- It runs quietly at only 52 decibels.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-place setting capacity might be too small for larger families.
- It lacks some of the more advanced smart features found in larger, more expensive models.
This dishwasher offers a great balance of features and a compact design. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and space-saving dishwashing solution.
Your Guide to the Perfect 18-Inch Dishwasher
Why Choose an 18-Inch Dishwasher?
Are you short on kitchen space but still want sparkling clean dishes? An 18-inch dishwasher might be your perfect solution. These compact dishwashers are designed for smaller kitchens, apartments, RVs, or even as a secondary appliance. They offer the convenience of a dishwasher without taking up too much room.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity and Rack Design
Even though they are small, 18-inch dishwashers can hold a surprising amount. Look for models that offer adjustable racks or a flexible interior. This helps you fit different types of dishes, from tall glasses to large pots. Some models have a removable upper rack, giving you more space for bigger items below.
2. Wash Cycles and Options
Check the different wash cycles available. Most will have a normal cycle for everyday loads and a heavy-duty cycle for tougher, baked-on food. Other useful options include a quick wash for lightly soiled dishes and an energy-saving or eco-friendly mode. Some advanced models even have sanitizing cycles to kill germs.
3. Noise Level
Dishwashers can be noisy, but many 18-inch models are designed to be quiet. Look for a decibel (dB) rating. A lower number means a quieter machine. This is especially important if your kitchen is open to your living area.
4. Energy Efficiency
Just like larger dishwashers, 18-inch models have energy ratings. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the dishwasher uses less energy and water, saving you money on your utility bills.
5. Durability and Build Quality
A good dishwasher should last for years. Consider the materials used and the overall construction. Read reviews to see what other users say about the longevity of the appliance.
Important Materials
The main parts of an 18-inch dishwasher are usually made of stainless steel or durable plastic. Stainless steel interiors are generally more resistant to rust and staining. They can also handle higher temperatures, which helps with drying. Plastic interiors are lighter and often less expensive. The spray arms are typically made of plastic, but some higher-end models might use metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Stainless Steel Interior: This makes the dishwasher more durable and easier to clean.
- Quiet Operation: Good insulation and a well-designed motor contribute to a quieter machine.
- Multiple Wash Cycles: A variety of cycles offer flexibility for different cleaning needs.
- Adjustable Racks: This feature greatly improves the dishwasher’s usability by allowing you to customize the interior space.
- Energy Star Certification: This indicates better efficiency and lower operating costs.
Reducing Quality:
- Plastic Interior: While functional, plastic can be less durable and stain more easily than stainless steel.
- Limited Wash Cycles: Only having one or two basic cycles can make it hard to clean different types of dishes effectively.
- High Noise Levels: A loud dishwasher can be disruptive.
- Poor Drying Performance: Some models may not dry dishes completely, leaving you with water spots.
User Experience and Use Cases
18-inch dishwashers are great for people who live alone or couples. They are also ideal for small families who don’t generate a lot of dishes daily. Many people use them in guest houses, home offices, or as a second dishwasher in a large kitchen. The user experience is generally positive, offering the same convenience as a full-size dishwasher but in a smaller package. Loading and unloading are straightforward, and most models are simple to operate.
When choosing an 18-inch dishwasher, think about how many people are in your household and the types of dishes you typically use. Reading reviews will also give you a good idea of how the dishwasher performs in real-world situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many place settings can an 18-inch dishwasher hold?
A: An 18-inch dishwasher typically holds between 6 to 8 place settings. This is enough for a few days’ worth of dishes for one or two people.
Q: Are 18-inch dishwashers as effective as full-size ones?
A: Yes, most 18-inch dishwashers are just as effective at cleaning dishes as full-size models. They use similar washing and rinsing technologies.
Q: Do 18-inch dishwashers require special installation?
A: Installation is usually similar to a full-size dishwasher. They need a water supply, a drain, and an electrical connection. Many are designed for under-counter installation.
Q: Can I wash pots and pans in an 18-inch dishwasher?
A: You can wash smaller pots and pans, depending on the rack configuration. Larger or awkwardly shaped items might not fit well.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an 18-inch dishwasher?
A: With proper care and maintenance, an 18-inch dishwasher can last between 7 to 12 years, similar to full-size models.
Q: Are there portable 18-inch dishwashers?
A: Yes, some 18-inch models are portable. They connect to your faucet and don’t require permanent plumbing, making them great for renters or RVs.
Q: How much water do they use?
A: They use less water than full-size dishwashers, often around 3-5 gallons per cycle, depending on the model and cycle chosen.
Q: What is the typical noise level for an 18-inch dishwasher?
A: Quieter models operate around 45-55 decibels (dB). For comparison, a normal conversation is about 60 dB.
Q: Can I use my regular dishwasher detergent?
A: Yes, you can use any standard dishwasher detergent. Pods, powders, or liquids all work.
Q: Where are 18-inch dishwashers commonly installed?
A: They are commonly installed in smaller kitchens, apartments, RVs, guest rooms, or as a secondary appliance in a larger kitchen.
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!