The 9 Best 18-inch Dishwashers May, 2019 (And 2 Others)

Scanning through some of the Bosch SPX68U55UC's 62 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 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 the best model in this specific subcategory (Learn how we rank items) with a confidence level of 97 (More on confidence levels).

Based on many of its 237 reviews, the SPT SD-9241W 18-inch portable dishwasher doesn't seem to cause any headaches when it comes to cleaning performance. Of course, it doesn't have to deal with as many dishes as your standard built-in model -- being the 18-inch portable version that it is -- but a unit that does its number-one job in a manner that's more than satisfactory for its customers should never go unappreciated. This, along with a lot of reviews commending it for operating quietly, has earned the SD-9241W 4 stars. Interestingly, its 55dB noise rating is actually above the average across all dishwashers, but smaller dishwashers tend to be more noisy and, in this case, the numerous feedback backing its relative quietness can't be discounted.

This fellow is not without potential issues, despite earning a spot in our top 9 list as Alphachooser's second best 18-inch dishwasher 2019. Many reviewers gloat about how long its standard wash cycle is (cycle duration is a common point of dissatisfaction across all types of dishwashers), and the fact that it doesn't completely dry dishes didn't go unnoticed among customers. Apparently, this last issue can be remedied by cracking the door open after the cycle to help air-dry the dishes. Also, reports of this 18-inch portable dishwasher arriving damaged, dented, or with a dislodged element seem to fester in its critical reviews. One customer even remarked that the biggest challenge with this item is to have it "arrive undamaged." Well, it's a good thing warranties exist for cases like this, and its ratio of 1-star ratings being around 16% when we looked at it is still in the healthy range, especially for dishwashers

In the end, this Sunpentown unit still left most of its customers satisfied. So if good reviews are of utmost importance to you, this dishwasher's mostly-good feedback should probably be enough to seal the deal.

Max noise level: 55dB

As an 18-inch dishwasher for smaller spaces, the Bosch SPE53U55UC is apparently very easy to install, according to some of its 26 total reviews. This 4.5-star model has also been tagged as a very quiet dishwasher, in spite of its smaller body (which is usually prone to having sized-down sound insulation). People also say that its controls are very easy to use, and that it cleans even "baked-on and burnt glass pans" effectively -- producing thoroughly-clean and bright dishware.

Compared to many models (even some of those on the AlphaChooser best dishwashers list), this particular unit seems to satisfy most of its buyers even in the drying department. We usually see great dishwashers come with the caveat of not being able to dry dishes properly -- but not this one, probably due to its ExtraShine cycle option, which increases the temperature and extends the drying time. With that said, one reviewer pointed out that you can certainly get dry dishes, but the interiors of this quiet semi-integrated dishwasher would sometimes still be left damp.

While the SPE53U55UC's design is a big hit for consumers, some have expressed dislike for the black panel that lies between the stainless steel door and the floor -- saying that it disrupts the uniformity of their silver kitchens. Another thing to note is that the top cup holder can reportedly fit only small cups.

The Bosch SPE53U55UC's promising cleaning and drying performance is enough to earn it commendation, but adding the fact that its low-noise operation is comparable to especially-quiet dishwashers, it seems only fitting that it has been named as an Alphachooser good choice in this ranking of the top 9 18-inch dishwashers.

Max noise level: 46 dBA

This semi-integrated model from Frigidaire didn't make it as an Alphachooser good choice of our top 9 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 994 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

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

The Frigidaire FFPD1821MW seems to pack quite a punch within its 18-inch body. The dishwasher has racked up 371 reviews across multiple sources, and its aggregated rating is at 4 stars. According to many of these customer feedback, it doesn't fail at delivering sparkling-clean dishes (granted, extremely-dirty dishes with dried-on gunk still have to be pre-rinsed). Some even reported that they feel like they're consuming less dishwasher compared to their previous models, and yet are getting better results. Furthermore, the Frigidaire FFPD1821MW has also been praised quite a lot for its looks, and the "easy-to-clean" stainless steel interior has gained it some fans, as well.

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 good choice by our system (Learn how we rank items) with a 99 confidence level (More on confidence levels).

Max noise level: 59 dBa

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

The DDW1802EBLS offers seven preset programs, which is quite-respectable, especially for an 18-incher.

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

The DW1831D0WE keeps to an 18-inch body, but offers a washing lineup similar to full-size models -- including six programs (Eco, Glass, Heavy, Normal, Rapid, Rinse) and three cycle options (Sanitize, High temperature, Heated dry).

8 place settings

In spite of being a narrow dishwasher, the Bosch SPE68U55UC managed to a have a sound rating of only 44dBA. This is a rare feat for built-in models its size, and so it's not entirely a shock that its buyers have expressed surprise about how quiet its operation is. The silver exterior has been praised for its stylish looks, as well.

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 reviews, this (rating temporarily unavailable)-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 number of people who have reported satisfaction with this small dishwasher, the Bosch SPE68U55UC secures a good reputation. However, it may still have to prove itself further such that it may be considered a part of the top 9 18-inch dishwashers.