The 5 Best 18-inch Dishwashers As Of April, 2018 (And 5 Other Models)
Our list presenting the latest 18-inch dishwashers includes only dishwashers that satisfy these specifications:
- 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:
Danby DDW1801MWP Small Dishwasher
This portable small dishwasher from Danby garnered a combined rating of 4 stars, aggregated by our system from a total of 54 reviews. According to buyers who gave it a 5-star rating, it does a fine job cleaning dishes. However, some of them have remarked that this ideal result is realized only when items are placed in a specific position and orientation.
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 the best 18-inch dishwasher 2018 (Learn how we rank items), with a confidence level of 97 (More on confidence levels), in our list of the top 5 18-inch dishwashers.
Bosch SPX68U55UC 18 Inch Dishwasher
Scanning through some of the Bosch SPX68U55UC's 26 total reviews, a lot of people appear to have been pleasantly surprised by how well it accommodates a variety of dish shapes and sizes, considering that it is, after all, an 18-inch built-in dishwasher with only 10 place settings (as opposed to the 14 place settings usually found on standard-size models). It has also been praised quite a lot for its cleaning ability, with some buyers even describing their dishes as "sparkling clean" right after being washed in this said unit.
However, what seems to set it apart from many others in this top 5 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 the a good choice in this specific subcategory.
Frigidaire FFBD1821MS Compact Dishwasher
This semi-integrated model from Frigidaire didn't make it as a good choice of our top 5 18-inch dishwashers for nothing. It has secured a great number of reviews praising it for its physique, with its stainless steel finish (for the FFBD1821MS variant, at least) giving its exterior a sleek and modern look. Furthermore, praises for its cleaning ability come aplenty, even with its light cycle -- but note that most of the reviewers who've written this remark have also mentioned that they routinely pre-rinse extra-dirty dishes in the first place.
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 169 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
Danby DDW1802EBLS Narrow Dishwasher
The DDW1802EBLS offers seven preset programs, which is quite-respectable, especially for an 18-incher.
8 place settings
Frigidaire FFPD1821MW
The FFPD1821MW only offers up to three hours of delay start time, which is certainly not the highest we have seen.
Max noise level: 59 dBa
More 18-inch dishwashers, sorted by the latest model first:
GE PDW1860KSS
The PDW1860KSS is an 18-inch dishwasher that makes quite a lot of washing noise with its 60-dBa sound rating and whose key highlights are its natural-air-drying cycle, nylon racks, and stainless-steel tub.
Max noise level: 60
Avanti DW18D0WE Dishwashers For Small Spaces
The DW18D0WE is a rather-basic (but ADA-compliant) built-in 18-inch dishwasher with the bare-minimum eight place settings, four programs, including a Speed one, and a surprisingly-high Energy Star rating of 270 Kwh per year, slightly above the average (but the average also includes larger 24-inch models).
Bosch SPV68U53UC Small Dishwasher
The SPV68U53UC is an 18-inch panel-ready Bosch dishwasher that stands apart from its category with a 44-dBA noise rating, while sporting a V-shaped third rack, six wash programs, and ten place settings.
Max noise level: 44 dBA
Avanti DWE1802SS
The DWE1802SS does not look like it has the fastest quick-wash option, offering a Speed cycle that takes a rather-sluggish 65 minutes to finish.
Electrolux EIDW1805KS Small Undercounter Dishwasher
The EIDW1805KS apparently auto-adjusts the cycle time by relying on a Smart Soil sensor -- a more-advanced feature than what we would expect from a 18-inch dishwasher.
Max noise level: 56
