You might be frustrated if you had to settle for an 18-inch dishwasher instead of the standard 24-inch model.
But it’s actually a smart choice—way smarter than buying a standard dishwasher and having to compromise on a smaller stove or refrigerator.
In this article, I’ll first explain why an 18-inch dishwasher is a great purchase. Then, I’ll walk you through the best models to consider.
And of course, I’ll also point out what you should avoid.
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Why You Should Consider an 18-Inch Dishwasher in a Smaller Kitchen
If you have a small kitchen or need to save space, an 18-inch dishwasher is an excellent option. In fact, it might be the smartest buy.
Unlike smaller stoves or refrigerators, you still have decent brands and options.
The two best dishwasher brands, Miele and Bosch, offer multiple models in this size, along with GE and Monogram.
Now, compare that to a smaller 24-inch range.
Go ahead, Google 24-inch ranges… I’ll wait.
Pretty grim, isn’t it? Did you even recognize any of those brands?
You also lose size, capacity, and features when you scale down your refrigerator or stove—but not your dishwasher.
Capacity
Let’s compare the capacity of 18-inch and 24-inch dishwashers.
You don’t lose much internal space with an 18-inch versus a 24-inch dishwasher, so it’s a much better option than other smaller appliances in terms of functionality.
Whether you’re buying an 18-inch dishwasher as your primary or secondary dishwasher, it really is the smartest choice for smaller kitchens.
Be Careful of Unknown Dishwasher Brands
This article is an update from two years ago, during the supply chain crisis when you couldn’t find an 18-inch dishwasher.
Now, there are more appliance brands than ever. I’ve never heard of many of these brands.
Better selection is great for you—assuming they work. But that’s a broad assumption, especially with any water-based appliance.
Water leaks can be a huge problem, so be careful and read reviews on impartial https://shophjr.com/s like Google Reviews.
At the end of the article, I’ll share a 50-cent hack to help you determine if your dishwasher is leaking.
The Most Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dishwasher
1. Dishwasher Reliability
When you’re choosing a dishwasher, you might be focused on racks, drying methods, and cycle times.
But the most important factor you should consider is reliability.
Dishwasher Reliability for 2024
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 7,000 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| LG | 4% |
| Bosch | 5.9% |
| Thermador | 5.9% |
| Miele | 6.2% |
| LG Studio | 6.2% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 6.7% |
| GE Profile | 8.1% |
| Asko | 10.2% |
| Beko | 11.2% |
| Café Appliances | 19.4% |
| Grand Total | 6.9% |
This table requires some explanation.
The dishwashers mentioned in this article are all more reliable than average, but LG does not produce an 18-inch model.
While dishwashers are generally reliable, it’s important to know who can fix your appliances before you buy them.
Even a reliable product can break down occasionally, and this industry is notorious for its lack of available service technicians.
Read More: The Most Reliable Dishwashers
2. Dishwasher Quietness
I used to think a dishwasher’s main job was just to wash dishes, but that’s a given since most do that well.
We tested washing and drying performance across five brands—Miele and Bosch were the best.
Quietness is the most common question in dishwasher purchases, especially if your kitchen is open to your living room.
Forty-four decibels (a measure of sound) is the threshold for quietness in a dishwasher.
Bosch and Miele meet that standard, but Monogram and Beko are slightly louder at 46 and 48 decibels.
Listen to 39, 44, 50, and 55-decibel dishwashers in the video below. We used a professional microphone to capture the sound.
Read More: The Quietest Dishwashers by Decibel Rating
The Best 18-Inch Dishwashers for 2024
Best Service: GE Profile PDT145SSLSS
GE still handles its own service, although they’ve recently rebranded to Bodewell.
If you’re reading this outside Boston, it’s important to know that most dealers don’t have their own service teams, which can lead to problems with many brands.
With GE, now Bodewell, you won’t have that issue as much.
As for the dishwasher itself, the Profile is decent.
Cycles
It has a place setting for 8, with 3 main cycles and 5 options.
Plus, the tub is stainless steel, not plastic like most other brands at this price point.
Grinder
It also features a grinder at the bottom, which is handy if you accidentally leave something solid, like a chicken bone (but not a turkey carcass).
This model is approved for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) applications. In fact, all the dishwashers on this list are ADA-approved.
Note: The Profile has been completely revamped in the 24-inch version with special features like silverware and bottle washes, a new drying system, and a 42 dB quietness rating.
Unfortunately, these upgrades aren’t available in the 18-inch model.
The Profile is good for service, but let’s be honest—you’re probably more interested in the next one.
Best Value: Bosch SPE53C55UC
The Bosch 300 Series is their second most popular line, right after the 500 Series, which isn’t available in an 18-inch model.
PrecisionWash
Bosch monitors the soil level and automatically adjusts the wash and rinse times for optimal cleaning.
RackMatic
The top rack adjusts side-to-side to accommodate larger plates, adding to its flexibility.
5 Wash Cycles & 5 Options
This dishwasher includes all the essential cycles, like heavy, normal, sanitize (hotter water), and delicate.
AquaStop
Bosch has a double sensor that shuts off the dishwasher if a leak is detected.
(I’ll show you another way to check for leaks at the end of the article.)
Quietness
At 46 decibels, you’ll hear this dishwasher faintly, as it’s slightly above the 44 dB quietness threshold.
Drying
Both this model and the GE Profile use condensation drying, which relies on JetDry, heat from the wash, and time.
Smart Features
This model also includes Wi-Fi connectivity through the HomeConnect app, so you can monitor the time remaining on the cycle from your phone.
You can even turn the dishwasher on or off remotely.
While smart functionality isn’t as essential for a dishwasher as it is for a stove, it’s still handy for avoiding interruptions by letting you know when the cycle is complete.
Bosch also offers condensation drying on this model, which isn’t as effective for plastics and other less dense items.
But the next dishwasher excels at drying, thanks to its unique use of volcanic elements.
Quietest: Bosch SPE68C75UC
CrystalDry
You wouldn’t normally think to ask about drying performance, since most dishwashers struggle with less dense items like plastics.
However, Bosch’s CrystalDry technology is the best in the industry, even drying plastics using Zeolite, a volcanic element.
Zeolite absorbs moisture and emits heat, which is exactly how dishes should dry—and with CrystalDry, they will.
Cycles & Options
This model features 6 cycles and 5 options, including the CrystalDry setting and an Auto wash setting.
Quietness
At 44 dB, this dishwasher meets the standard for quietness, so you won’t hear it running.
Note: The PowerControl spray arm, which allows you to set the lower spray arm at three different levels, is only available in their 24-inch version.
Best Washing: Miele G 5892 SCVi
The G 5892 is a fantastic dishwasher and the best of Miele’s two models, which range from $1,299 to $2,099.
Quietness
At 42 decibels, the Miele dishwasher is extremely quiet, making it the quietest 18-inch model available.
Miele Drying
Miele also features a unique drying system.
The dishwasher draws air into the exterior of the side wall, where steam from inside is attracted to the cooler surface and dissipates as water.
If you’ve ever seen steam rising from your head on a cold day, it’s the same principle.
Double Insulated Tub
Miele incorporates important features you might not notice, like their double-insulated pump, which reduces the chances of leaks.
This could be critical if you’re installing it on the 34th floor of your condo in downtown Boston.
While Bosch has AquaStop, Miele’s system is a bit better.
Miele Washing
In terms of washing, Miele offers three larger independent spray arms, creating a bigger spray radius in the dishwasher.
Most dishwashers have just two spray arms, or two plus a much smaller sprinkler head like Bosch.
The auto-sensing feature adjusts water usage, temperature, and time based on the soil level of the dishes for the most efficient wash.
An intense wash option allows you to put heavily soiled items on the bottom rack while still washing glasses on the top rack.
Third Rack
Miele adds a third, over-the-top silverware rack, similar to Bosch and GE, but with a slight edge: Miele secures the flatware to prevent scratching.
Miele Cycles
Like Bosch, Miele includes the third rack with better cycles like China/Crystal and a faster QuickIntense Wash, which takes just 58 minutes for normally soiled dishes.
The Simple Flood Protection Hack for Your Dishwasher
Here’s an easy way to avoid a potential flood in your kitchen.
This simple hack costs less than a dollar, works with any water-using appliance—like a dishwasher—and helps you catch leaks early before they become bigger problems.
Appliance installations aren’t always perfect, and this quick fix can help if your dishwasher was installed incorrectly.
After we deliver and install dishwashers, refrigerators, or washing machines, we place leak detection paper underneath to check for water leaks.
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If any water appears within 24 hours, we return to fix the problem.
You can use a similar method at home.
Cut a piece of wax paper and place it underneath your dishwasher. If you don’t see any water after 24 hours, just remove it.
This simple step can help prevent major water damage.
The Best 18-Inch Dishwashers: Key Takeaways
First, I hope you feel more confident about choosing an 18-inch dishwasher. You have four excellent options to consider.
GE is a solid choice for overall service, but I recommend checking reviews in your area to be sure.
Bosch and Miele are the top dishwasher brands, both offering excellent models that come in either panel-ready or stainless steel.
Dishwashers are generally reliable, but you will still need service at some point. Inquire about service options before you buy.
Additional Resources
Ready to find the perfect dishwasher? Don’t risk buying the wrong model! Our Dishwasher Buying Guide is loaded with specs, features, and reliability insights from over 37,000 service calls.
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