The 9 Best 18-inch Dishwashers March, 2021 (And 4 Other Models)
Our list showing the newest 18-inch dishwashers includes only dishwashers that obey to these rules:
- 18-Inch dishwashers are, for the vast majority, built-in models, but compact-enough for small kitchens
- The narrow range we require to consider a model as an 18-inch dishwasher is between 17.5 and 18.5 inches
- Expect a feature set slightly less impressive for these small dishwashers than on full-fledged units, but some 18-inch stainless-steel dishwashers still manage to have fitted many of the latest perks and scrubbing technologies associated with wider models. There are also a few portable (with casters) and panel-ready models in the 18-inch-wide category.
- 18-inch dishwashers are the norm for any narrow or slimline models and may not be the quietest (given their smaller size), but we included decibel ratings when available, so you can choose wisely if noise levels are a concern.
The List:
Mainly due to the third rack (which appears to be mainly used for utensils and flatware), customers seem to be more than satisfied with this 18-inch dishwasher's capacity -- with a number of buyers saying that it felt like this model can hold almost as much as a 24-incher . This ability to utilize space effectively definitely makes the SPE68U55UC feel like a catch for space-strapped-kitchen owners. According to many of its 110 reviews, this 4.5-star compact dishwasher also has great cleaning ability -- washing baked-on pans and dried-on bowls with apparent ease.
We didn't really find any major complaints from its customers, except for some expressing preference for metal feet over the plastic ones found in this model.
With the impressive number of people who have reported utmost satisfaction with this dishwasher, as well as the obvious lack of any major setbacks reported by consumers, the Bosch SPE68U55UC more than deserves its spot as Alphachooser's best 18-inch dishwasher 2021 in this AlphaChooser top 9 listing (Learn how we rank items), with this ranking coming at a confidence level of 75 (More on confidence levels).

Bosch SPE68U55UC
- Semi Integrated
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Stainless Version Available

Edgestar BIDW1802
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Available In Black
- Also In White
Opinions about the Frigidaire FFBD1821MS' noise level isn't as definitive, however. Some consumers have noted that it is "very quiet," while some expressed wishes for it to be less noisy. As such, perhaps the most solid benchmark we can rely on at this point is really its 55dB noise rating, which is relatively-noisy, but its not unexpected for a semi-integrated compact dishwasher.
Common complaints found among its 1399 reviews involve the "wonky" silverware basket and this semi-integrated dishwasher's height (or lack thereof), which is not the tallest but is definitely taller than the category average. So if you're iffy about having a dishwasher that may potentially leave some space between it and the countertop, then we suggest that you take diligence in comparing measurements before taking the plunge.
In the end, the Frigidaire FFBD1821MS was able to traverse past its imperfections, winning an impressive number of fans in the process

Frigidaire FFBD1821MS
- Semi Integrated
- Heated Dry
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Stainless Version Available
- Also In White
With only eight place settings and being an 18-inch model, it's really no surprise that it has more limitations than the standard dishwasher when it comes to capacity. Danby seemed to have added salt to the wound when it opted for a silverware basket that reviewers have described to be "clunky" and "too big," thus failing to optimize the already-constricted space. The upper rack has also been criticized for its apparent flimsiness and tendency to get stuck every once in a while.
Some have also remarked that this portable dishwasher's faucet adapter works with only with select types of faucets. Those who were lucky enough to have escaped this problem, however, raved about the Danby DDW1801MWP's easy-breezy faucet hookup and installation.
It also apparently is a relatively-quiet unit, with one reviewer saying that it only produces white noise. However, definitive data about its noise rating isn't available, so take this claim with a grain of salt.
Overall, the Danby DDW1801MWP still has garnered a hefty share of 4-star and 5-star reviews as opposed to critical ones. Because of this, it has clinched the place of an Alphachooser good choice in our list of the top 9 18-inch dishwashers.

Danby DDW1801MWP
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Portable (with casters)
- Also In White
However, what seems to set it apart from many others in this top 9 list of 18-inch models is the overwhelming positive feedback about it being a quiet dishwasher. Not a few reviews contain remarks about the SPX68U55UC being so quiet that their owners had to rely on the InfoLight feature (which indicates if a cycle is ongoing) to make sure that the unit was indeed running. Such a claim may potentially be too good to be true, but picture this: many 18-inch dishwashers in our database have already been praised for their quietness at a noise rating of around 55dB. This Bosch model, meanwhile, boasts a significantly-lower 44dB max noise level.
Perhaps the most common complaint about this dishwasher concerns its olfactory appeal. There have been complaints about it having an "overwhelming" bad odor, especially during the first several uses. It also doesn't dry dishes excellently, but this is a complaint we see a lot across dishwashers in general.
In the end, the SPX68U55UC has earned a 4.5-star rating. This just shows that it is really a strong contender if you're looking for a quiet 18 inch dishwasher, seeing that it's an Alphachooser good choice in this specific subcategory.

Bosch SPX68U55UC
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Stainless Version Available
While it's nothing disruptive, this 18-inch dishwasher's 59dB noise rating isn't its most encouraging feature. It's true that models that veer away from the standard size tend to have higher noise ratings, but the FFPD1821MW clearly has a lot of customers wishing that it was a bit quieter. Another complaint we've seen more than a few times concern the silverware basket. Reviewers have pointed out that it feels quite wonky and that they wish it was bigger. Also, the silverware slots inside aren't too accommodating for larger utensils. Luckily, the slots can be removed in favor of having just a plain old basket.
Still, the Frigidaire FFPD1821MW appears to have shown customers all that it is capable of doing, which has left a lot of people satisfied, based on the reviews we have encountered. Due to this, it's been named as an Alphachooser interesting choice by our system (Learn how we rank items) with a 75 confidence level (More on confidence levels).

Frigidaire FFPD1821MW
- Heated Dry
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Portable (with casters)
- Available In Black
- Also In White

Avanti DWE1801B
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Stainless Version Available
- Available In Black
- Also In White

Electrolux EIDW1805KS Small Dishwasher
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Stainless Version Available
More 18-inch dishwashers, sorted by the latest model first:

Avanti DW1831D0WE Narrow Dishwasher
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Also In White

Danby DDW1802EBLS
- Semi Integrated
- Stainless Steel Tub
- Stainless Version Available
