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.)

For more options in both 18-inch and standard 24-inch 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.

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. They then 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. You’ll find similar options to larger machines in terms of hardware flexibility, 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 might offer 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 about 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 $500 to $1,350. 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 bill, either. Larry Ciufo, who oversees testing CR’s testing of dishwashers, says that water standards are based on how many place settings can fit into a dishwasher rather than a dishwasher’s dimensions. If your 18-inch dishwasher can fit eight or more place settings, then it uses the same energy standards as a 24-inch model.