Tired of washing dishes by hand after a long day? Does the thought of a sparkling clean sink feel like a distant dream? Many apartment dwellers face this exact challenge. Finding a dishwasher that fits your small kitchen and your budget can feel like a puzzle. You want convenience, but you also need it to be the right size and do a great job.
This is where apartment-sized dishwashers shine! They are designed to be compact without sacrificing cleaning power. But with so many models out there, how do you pick the best one for your needs? We know it can be confusing to figure out what features matter most and what will actually fit in your space. That’s why we’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about apartment-sized dishwashers. We’ll guide you through the key features to look for, explain the different types available, and offer tips for making the perfect choice. Get ready to say goodbye to dishpan hands and hello to more free time!
Our Top 5 Apartment Size Dishwasher Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Apartment Size Dishwasher Detailed Reviews
1. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 9.0/10
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for smaller households or apartments. It neatly handles up to 8 place settings, meaning you can fit a good amount of dinnerware in one go. Its sleek stainless steel design looks modern and will blend well with your existing appliances. Plus, it’s designed with your convenience and the environment in mind.
What We Like:
- It fits 8 place settings, which is great for families or entertaining.
- You get 6 different washing programs to choose from, so you can pick the best one for your dishes.
- The stainless steel tub helps it clean dishes well and lasts a long time.
- It’s Energy Star certified, so it saves you money on your electricity bill.
- The 24-hour delay start timer is super handy for planning washes.
- It’s ADA-compliant, making it accessible for more people.
What Could Be Improved:
- While 8 place settings is good, larger families might need a bigger dishwasher.
- The 18-inch width might be a bit narrow for some standard kitchen cabinet openings.
This Honeywell dishwasher offers a smart and efficient way to keep your dishes sparkling. It’s a solid choice for those seeking performance and energy savings.
2. Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 9.0/10
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those with limited space. This slimline dishwasher packs a punch with its 8 place setting capacity, meaning you can fit a good amount of dishes inside. It’s designed to make your life easier, handling everything from your daily plates to larger pots and pans.
What We Like:
- Its slim design saves precious kitchen space.
- It easily fits plates and pots up to 11 inches tall.
- You get 8 place settings, perfect for small to medium families.
- It offers 6 useful washing programs for different needs.
- The Heated Dry function means your dishes come out ready to put away.
- HI TEMP wash gets even tough messes clean and sanitizes items.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and looks great.
- It’s Energy Star certified, saving you money on electricity bills.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember to only use dishwasher-specific detergent.
- The Rapid and Self-clean cycles don’t use the Heated Dry function.
This Midea dishwasher offers a great balance of size, features, and performance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for an efficient and effective way to keep their kitchen clean.
3. Midea MDF18A1ABB Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of spending hours scrubbing dishes by hand? The Midea MDF18A1ABB Built-in Dishwasher is here to make your life easier. This sleek, black dishwasher fits perfectly into your kitchen, offering a generous capacity for its size. It’s designed to handle all your dishes, from delicate glasses to tough, baked-on messes. Plus, with its energy-saving features, you can keep your kitchen sparkling clean while being kind to your wallet and the planet.
What We Like:
- The slimline design fits easily into smaller kitchens without sacrificing capacity.
- It holds 8 place settings, which is great for families or entertaining.
- You get 6 different wash programs, so you can pick the best one for any load.
- Heated Dry ensures your dishes come out ready to put away, no towel needed.
- The HI TEMP option gets water super hot (136°F!) to really sanitize and tackle tough grease, perfect for baby bottles.
- It’s Energy Star certified, saving you money on electricity.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember to only use dishwasher detergent, as regular dish soap can cause problems.
- While it has a good capacity for its size, very large pots might still be a tight squeeze.
This Midea dishwasher offers a smart and efficient way to keep your kitchen clean. It’s a great addition for anyone looking for convenience and powerful cleaning performance.
4. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand? The COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher in sleek black is here to save your day! This compact powerhouse is designed for small spaces like dorm rooms, RVs, and apartments, making it perfect for 2-3 people. It’s Energy Star certified, meaning it’s good for your wallet and the planet. Get ready for sparkling clean dishes without all the scrubbing!
What We Like:
- It’s the perfect size for small living spaces, fitting up to 6 place settings.
- Installation is a breeze, connecting right to your faucet.
- You have 8 different wash cycles to choose from, including special ones for baby items and delicate glasses.
- The Heavy program tackles tough grease and grime with powerful sprays and high heat.
- Need dishes fast? The Speed program gets them clean in just 45 minutes.
- It’s energy efficient, using only about 2.77 gallons of water for a wash.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dishwasher might have some water inside when you get it, but this is normal because it’s tested at the factory.
- You might need to buy a special adapter to connect it to your faucet.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher offers convenience and efficiency for anyone short on space. It’s a smart addition to any home, dorm, or RV.
5. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 9.1/10
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher in sleek black is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for smaller households or those looking to upgrade their current appliance. It packs a lot of power and convenience into its compact design. You can easily fit up to 14 place settings, which means less hand-washing for you! Plus, its energy-efficient design helps save money on your utility bills.
What We Like:
- It has a large capacity, holding up to 14 place settings, including a top cutlery rack and a removable basket.
- You get six different washing programs for any type of load: pots & pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only, and energy saver.
- The delay start feature lets you set the dishwasher to run up to 24 hours later, which is super convenient.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and helps the dishwasher perform better.
- It’s Energy Star certified, meaning it uses less energy and is good for the environment and your wallet.
- This dishwasher is built-in and ADA-compliant, making it accessible and easy to use for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it says “18 Inch Dishwasher” in the title, the dimensions list it as 22.6″D x 18″W x 32.4″H. This might be confusing for some buyers looking for a true 18-inch width.
- The product title mentions “8 Place Settings” but the features clearly state “14 PLACE SETTINGS”. This inconsistency could be a source of confusion.
This Honeywell dishwasher offers a great balance of features and efficiency for its size. It’s a smart choice for a clean kitchen and a lighter workload.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Apartment-Sized Dishwashers
Living in an apartment often means making smart choices about space. This includes choosing appliances that fit your home and your needs. An apartment-sized dishwasher is a fantastic way to ditch the sink scrubbing and enjoy more free time. Let’s explore what makes a great compact dishwasher.
Why Choose an Apartment-Sized Dishwasher?
These dishwashers are perfect for smaller kitchens. They save precious counter space. They also use less water and energy than full-sized models. This is great for your utility bills and the environment.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
This is the most important feature for apartment dwellers. Apartment-sized dishwashers are typically around 18 inches wide, compared to the standard 24 inches. They usually hold about 8-10 place settings. Think about how many people live in your apartment and how often you cook. This will help you decide if a smaller capacity is enough.
2. Wash Cycles and Options
Look for dishwashers with different wash cycles. Common ones include Normal, Heavy Duty, and Quick Wash. Some models offer specialized cycles like Sanitize or Eco mode. More options mean you can clean different types of dishes effectively. A Quick Wash is great for when you’re in a hurry.
3. Noise Level (Decibels – dB)
Apartment living often means close neighbors. A quiet dishwasher is a must-have. Dishwashers are measured in decibels (dB). Anything below 50 dB is considered quiet. Some models are as low as 45 dB, which is almost silent.
4. Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This means the dishwasher meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. It will save you money on electricity and water costs. This is good for your wallet and the planet.
5. Interior Racks and Adjustability
Check how the racks are designed. Can you adjust the height of the upper rack? This helps you fit larger items like pots and pans. Some models have foldable tines to create more space for bulky dishes.
Important Materials
Stainless Steel Interior
Dishwashers with stainless steel interiors are more durable. They resist rust and stains better than plastic interiors. Stainless steel also helps with drying. It’s a good indicator of a higher-quality appliance.
Durable Racks
The racks should be sturdy. They need to hold a full load of dishes without bending or breaking. Look for coated racks that prevent rust and protect your dishes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better reliability and customer service.
- Build Quality: A solid, well-constructed dishwasher feels more robust.
- Advanced Drying Systems: Features like condensation drying or heated drying improve how dry your dishes get.
Reducing Quality:
- Plastic Components: Too many plastic parts, especially in the interior, can mean less durability.
- Basic Wash Cycles: Limited wash cycle options might not handle all your cleaning needs.
- High Noise Levels: A loud dishwasher can be disruptive.
User Experience and Use Cases
An apartment-sized dishwasher makes daily life easier. You won’t have to spend time washing dishes by hand. This frees up your evenings. It’s perfect for couples or individuals who want a cleaner kitchen with less effort.
Use Cases:
- Busy Professionals: Come home to clean dishes without the chore.
- Small Families: Manage daily dishes efficiently.
- Entertainers: Keep up with the dishes after hosting guests.
Choosing the right apartment-sized dishwasher means considering your space, your habits, and your budget. With these tips, you can find a model that brings convenience and cleanliness to your apartment kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in an apartment-sized dishwasher?
A: The main Key Features include appropriate size and capacity, various wash cycles and options, low noise level (measured in decibels), energy efficiency (look for ENERGY STAR®), and adjustable interior racks.
Q: How much space does an apartment-sized dishwasher typically take up?
A: Apartment-sized dishwashers are usually around 18 inches wide, which is narrower than standard 24-inch models. They are designed to fit in smaller kitchen spaces.
Q: What does “place setting” mean in terms of dishwasher capacity?
A: A place setting refers to the number of items needed for one person to eat a full meal. This includes a plate, bowl, cup, and cutlery. Apartment dishwashers typically hold 8-10 place settings.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than a plastic interior?
A: Yes, a stainless steel interior is generally better. It is more durable, resists rust and stains, and can help dishes dry more effectively compared to plastic interiors.
Q: How can I tell if a dishwasher is quiet?
A: Look at the decibel (dB) rating. A dishwasher with a rating below 50 dB is considered quiet. Some models are as low as 45 dB.
Q: What is the ENERGY STAR® label, and why is it important?
A: The ENERGY STAR® label means the dishwasher meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government. It indicates that the appliance uses less energy and water, saving you money and helping the environment.
Q: Can I fit large pots and pans in an apartment-sized dishwasher?
A: It depends on the model. Look for dishwashers with adjustable upper racks or foldable tines, as these features allow you to customize the interior space to fit larger items.
Q: How often should I run my dishwasher?
A: This depends on how many dishes you use. For a single person or a couple, running it every 1-2 days might be sufficient. For families or those who cook a lot, you might run it daily.
Q: What are some common wash cycles found on apartment dishwashers?
A: Common cycles include Normal, Heavy Duty (for tough, baked-on food), and Quick Wash (for lightly soiled dishes when you’re in a hurry). Some may also have Sanitize or Eco modes.
Q: Where can I find the decibel rating for a dishwasher?
A: The decibel rating is usually listed in the product’s specifications or on its energy guide label. You can also find it on the manufacturer’s website or in product reviews.
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!