Is an 18-Inch Dishwasher Right for You and Your Kitchen?

The dishwashers below are the top-performing 18-inch models in our tests. Their washing performance, energy use, and noise are about on a par with many full-sized dishwashers. Where the 18-inch models we’ve tested fall short is in their drying performance, though drying is something that dishwashers overall tend to struggle with. One thing our testers have found helpful for drying is to open the dishwasher door when the cycle is done, which lets steam out and allows fresh air to circulate. (Some full-sized models have incorporated a feature that pops the door open automatically.)

We test them the same way we test standard 24-inch models—just with fewer dishes. Our testers soil dishes with baked-on food and load them according to the manual’s recommendations. After the cycle has run, they scan the washed items with photo-imaging software to determine how clean they are.

To gauge drying performance, our testers assess how dry all of the glassware, ceramics, and plastic cups turn out after a cycle. Plastic is the toughest material to get fully dry, so they scrutinize the plastic cups in particular.

For each dishwasher, our testers also measure the amount of water and energy used in a standard cycle, and they sit through the entire dishwashing cycle to evaluate noise levels.

The good news about 18-inch dishwashers is that they’ll save you a half-foot of space compared with a 24-inch dishwasher, but they’re still quite flush with features. In terms of hardware flexibility, you’ll find similar options to larger machines, like adjustable upper racks and fold-down tines. You can also find 18-inch dishwashers with stainless steel tubs, which are more stain-resistant and durable than plastic tubs.

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 exterior finishes (stainless steel, black, white, and custom paneling options).

In terms of technology, though, it’s hard to beat standard-sized models. They tend to have a wider range of cycle options and 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, and more and more models incorporate at least some of those more specialized features.

If you want a dishwasher in your kitchen fast, however, you might think twice about an 18-inch model. Each manufacturer offers only a couple of versions, and they’re not always kept in stock. So if you see one you like in a showroom, you may have to order it and wait for delivery, which can take a week or more. In contrast, standard-sized appliances, which are more in demand, tend to be readily available.

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 about $750 to $1,500. A majority of the standard-sized dishwashers are priced within that range, too, though a few models fall slightly below that, and you’ll find high-end models that cost considerably more.

You won’t necessarily save money on your water or energy bill, either. Larry Ciufo, who oversees CR’s dishwasher testing, says that standards for energy and water use are based on how many place settings can fit into a dishwasher, rather than its dimensions. If your 18-inch dishwasher can fit eight or more place settings, then it’s meeting the same standards for water and energy use as a 24-inch model.