The 6 Best 18-inch Dishwashers August, 2021 (And 4 Other Models)

As an 18-inch dishwasher for smaller spaces, the Bosch SPE53U55UC is apparently very easy to install, according to some of its 112 total reviews. This 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 Alphachooser's best 18-inch dishwasher 2021 (Learn how we rank items), with 61 confidence (More on confidence levels).

With its 4.5 stars over 641 reviews, here is second best 18-inch dishwasher. * Our list is based on a full analysis of hundreds of 18-inch dishwasher reviews from across the web.

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.

Scanning through some of the Bosch SPX68U55UC's 160 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 6 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.

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).

The DW18PR may be an 18-inch model, but doesn(')t skip on having sanitize and heated dry cycle options.

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 6 18-inch dishwashers.