Experts at Consumer Reports weigh the pros and cons
If you're short on space, an 18-inch dishwasher might be worth considering—but there are caveats.
By Molly Bradley
Additional reporting by Daniel Bortz
If you want to free yourself of the Sisyphean task of hand-washing dishes day in and day out but you don’t have a ton of room in your kitchen, an 18-inch dishwasher may be the way to go.
Standard dishwashers measure 24 inches in width, and they fit 10 to 12 place settings (a place setting typically includes a plate, bowl, coffee cup and saucer, glass, and assorted flatware). These machines dominate the market and make up the bulk of the dishwashers Consumer Reports tests.
But you might also come across 18-inch dishwashers as you shop. These slim designs fit about eight place settings. With a little less room for dishes but a lot of the same offerings as standard dishwashers, they can be a great option for small households short on square footage in the kitchen. If you’re considering whether an 18-inch dishwasher is right for you, here’s what you need to know.
What You Get (and Don't Get) From an 18-Inch Dishwasher
The good news about 18-inch dishwashers: They’ll save you half a foot of space compared with a 24-inch dishwasher, but they’re still quite flush with features. You’ll find similar options to larger machines in terms of hardware flexibility, like adjustable upper racks, tines that fold down, and removable silverware baskets. You can also find 18-inch dishwashers with stainless steel tubs, which resist stains better than plastic tubs do.
As with 24-inch dishwashers, 18-inch models come in a range of exterior styles. Some models have hidden controls and pocket handles, and some offer a choice of a stainless steel, black, or white finish.
In terms of technology, though, it’s hard to beat standard-sized models. Standard-sized models tend to have the bigger range of cycle options, as well as premium perks like targeted jets, interior lighting, a door that automatically opens at the end of a cycle, and WiFi connectivity. But 18-inch dishwashers still have plenty to offer. Some actually pack a good variety of cycle options into their slim build: quick wash, high-temperature wash, specific settings for china and crystal, and rinse-and-hold cycles. Many also have features like soil sensors and delayed start.
If you want a dishwasher in your kitchen fast, however, you might think twice about an 18-inch model. Each manufacturer might offer only a couple of versions, and they’re not always kept in stock. As a result, if you see one you like in a showroom, you may have to order it and wait for delivery, which can take about a week or more. In contrast, standard-sized machines, which are more in demand, tend to be readily available.
Why Slimmer Dishwashers Aren't Cheaper
Despite their reduced capacity, the price of an 18-inch dishwasher is comparable to that of a standard-sized dishwasher. That’s because their features are similar. "You don’t buy an 18-inch dishwasher to save money or efficiency. You buy it to save space," says Dirk Sappok, director of category management at Miele. The 18-inch dishwashers in our ratings vary from around roughly $500 to just over $1,000; most of the standard-sized dishwashers cost around the same, though a few models land slightly below and considerably above that range.
You won’t necessarily save money on your water bill either. Larry Ciufo, CR’s senior test project leader for dishwashers, explains that water standards are based on how many place settings can fit into the dishwasher as opposed to the dishwasher’s dimensions. If your 18-inch dishwasher can fit eight or more place settings (the majority, in fact, can, says Nish Suvarnakar, CR’s senior market analyst for dishwashers), then it uses the same energy standard as a 24-inch model. That’s 3.5 gallons of water per cycle, as opposed to the 3.10 gallons per cycle for those that hold less than eight flatware place settings.
How We Test 18-Inch Dishwashers
We test 18-inch models the same way we test standard 24-inch dishwashers—just with fewer dishes. Our testers soil each dish with baked-on food and load them according to the manual’s recommendations. They then scan the washed items with a photo-imaging machine to determine how clean they are.
To gauge drying performance, we zero in on how dry plastic sippy cups turn out after a cycle, because plastic is the material that’s toughest to get fully dry.
Our testers also sit through the entire dishwashing cycle to evaluate noise levels.
Test results
In terms of performance, the 18-inch dishwashers we evaluated weren’t all that bad—much to the surprise of our testers.
- Energy efficiency: Like the 24-inch dishwashers we’ve tested, the 18-inch models performed pretty well in this area, generally speaking.
- Noise: Also like their larger counterparts, the 18-inch dishwashers were mediocre when it came to keeping quiet. Ultra-quiet dishwashers of any size are, in fact, few and far between.
- Washing: When the dishwashers were loaded to the exact manual specifications, they all cleaned well. Proper positioning is especially important with 18-inch dishwashers, because every inch counts, says Ciufo. (In fact, the rack tines and cutlery trays in these machines are configured to discourage you from placing large dishes in the front and back—doing so can can block the detergent dispenser on the door or any special wash sections in the back.)
- Drying: A considerably larger proportion of 18-inch dishwashers we tested landed subpar scores in our drying test. That said, there were also a couple of standouts that earned above-average scores. "Drying depends on the type of drying system the model uses," says Ciufo, and not just on the dishwasher’s size.
Best 18-Inch Dishwashers
The models below are the top-performing 18-inch choices in our tests. For more options in both small and standard sizes, explore our full dishwasher ratings. To learn more about dishwasher features and what might work best for you, see our comprehensive dishwasher buying guide.
Whirlpool WDF518SAHM
CR’s take: The top-performing Whirlpool WDF518SAHM receives solid ratings in our tests for washing and drying. The machine’s run time clocks in at 130 minutes, which isn’t bad for a dishwasher with such strong energy efficiency. This model features a soil sensor, a delayed-start function, and a stainless steel tub. Its exterior finishes come in stainless steel, black, and white. Whirlpool dishwashers garner high marks for reliability in our member surveys; owner satisfaction is average.
Danby DDW1804EB
CR’s take: If you’re looking for a more affordable 18-inch dishwasher that still delivers strong performance, check out the Danby DDW1804EB. This low-frills model performs well in both our washing and drying tests. It’s also especially energy-efficient, earning a Green Choice designation based on our test results. It also has a stainless steel interior, but you have to clean the filter manually and the machine is a bit noisy. CR hasn’t collected enough survey data yet to rate Danby dishwashers for owner satisfaction and reliability.
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