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Every dishwasher on this page is sold as an 18-inch machine: eight built-ins and two portables. Read the width fields side by side, though, and only one of the ten lists 18 inches exactly. The Honeywell gives 18.0 inches in its spec table. The other nine list something narrower, mostly 17.5 to 17.75 inches.
That narrower figure is the point, not a fault. In this class, “18 inch” names the cabinet opening, and a built-in needs a little side clearance to slide in. A 17.6-inch body leaves about 0.4 inches of play in an 18-inch gap, by our arithmetic. The Honeywell’s 18.0 leaves none on paper, so its installer will want the opening measured, not assumed.
So this guide sorts the ten by type first, then sets out width, place settings, noise, tub, controls, ADA compliance, Energy Star, third rack and warranty, and what each listing leaves you to ask. Star ratings and review counts were not captured for this roundup; popularity below is Amazon’s Best Sellers Rank only. Built-in installs need water, drain and electrical hookups; use a qualified professional and follow local codes.
Our Quick Picks
Best OverallHoneywell 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher HDS18W
The only listing at exactly 18.0 inches wide and the only one with a third rack, plus ADA, Energy Star and a stainless tub stated.
Most Complete Spec SheetForno 18 Inch Front Control Dishwasher
States 52 dBa, front controls, ADA, Energy Star and a stainless tub, and carries the longest warranty here: 2 years parts and labour.
Best PortableBLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher BPD8B
The best-ranked portable here at #3 in Portable Dishwashers, with 8 place settings, Energy Star and a stainless tub stated.
At a Glance
Eight Built-Ins, Then Two Portables, With the Width Each Listing Gives
Read the width column against an 18-inch opening: a figure a few tenths under 18 is normal clearance, and 18.0 is a snug fit to confirm before ordering.
| # | Model | Type | Width as Listed | Noise Stated | Best Sellers Rank | Standout | Main Drawback | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Honeywell HDS18W |
Built-in | 18.0 in | Not stated | #869 overall | Only exact 18.0 in and only third rack | No decibel figure; zero side play on paper | View on Amazon |
| 2 |
Forno FDWBI8041-18S |
Built-in | 17.7 in | 52 dBa | Not returned | Front controls, ADA, 2-year parts and labour | Titled “Polo”, branded Forno; no rank | View on Amazon |
| 3 |
Avanti DWF18V0W |
Built-in | 17.75 in | 53 dB | #5,230 overall | ADA, Energy Star, rinse aid dispenser, half load | 24.25 in deep; tub material not stated | View on Amazon |
| 4 |
Midea MDF18A1ABB |
Built-in | 17.6 in | Not stated | #317 overall | Best rank here; Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, Sanitize | Energy Star only in a size field | View on Amazon |
| 5 |
KoolMore KM-DW1852-PR |
Built-in, panel-ready | 17.6 in | 52 dB | #2,082 overall | Panel-ready front; ADA, UL, Energy Star | Panel not included; tub material not stated | View on Amazon |
| 6 |
EdgeStar BIDW1802 |
Built-in | 17.6 or 17.75 in | 52 dB | #1,457 overall | Leakage sensor; 52 dB stated | Two widths, two weights; no Energy Star stated | View on Amazon |
| 7 |
Summit DW185SSADA |
Built-in | 17.5 in | Not stated | #683,306 overall | Top controls, ADA, eight programs | No warranty or place settings stated | View on Amazon |
| 8 |
SPT SD-9254SS Built-In |
Built-in | 17.6 in (length field) | Not stated | #3,422 overall | Top-mount, heated drying, 1YR parts and labor | Four short bullets; width field reads 22.6 in | View on Amazon |
| 9 |
BLACK+DECKER BPD8B |
Portable | 17.6 in (length field) | Not stated | #631 overall | #3 in Portable Dishwashers; Quick Connect | Width field reads 23.6 in; no dB | View on Amazon |
| 10 |
SPT SD-9263SS Portable |
Portable | 17.64 in | Not stated | #2,174 overall | Energy Star, stainless tub in the title | Bullets list only package dimensions | View on Amazon |
Best Sellers Ranks and specifications are taken from each manufacturer’s Amazon listing as displayed on 5 October 2026 through a United States connection, and may change. Widths are as listed by each seller. Four listings put their dimensions in the wrong fields: the EdgeStar gives 22.44 inches as width and 17.63 as length, the BLACK+DECKER 23.6 as width and 17.6 as length, the SPT built-in 22.6 as width and 17.6 as length, and the Summit 22.5 inches as height and 32.25 as length. Where a bullet, title or size field gives the narrow dimension, we show that and report the conflict in the detail card. Noise is shown only where a listing prints a decibel figure. The two SPT machines are different models from the same maker: SD-9254SS is a built-in, SD-9263SS a portable. Ranks are overall Best Sellers Ranks as returned on 5 October 2026; Amazon files these ten in four categories, including one in Countertop Dishwashers and one in Funnels, and returned no rank for the Forno. Seven were sold by Amazon.com at capture. Star ratings and review counts were not captured for any product here.
Scroll the table sideways to see every column
How We Chose These Ten
We researched current listings, compared manufacturer specifications and documentation, and read each listing’s dimensions, features and warranty line by line. We did not carry out hands-on testing, and nothing below is presented as measured performance data. Star ratings and review counts were not captured for this roundup. We used Amazon Best Sellers Rank, buy-box stock and listing specifications instead, and nothing on this page describes or implies how owners have scored these dishwashers.
- Full-size-height 18-inch dishwashers only — every product here is a built-in or a wheeled portable sold for an 18-inch space. Countertop units that sit on a worktop are covered in our countertop dishwasher roundup.
- Built-in and portable logged separately — eight are built-ins, including one panel-ready model, and two are portables that connect to a faucet. The install demands are different, so we say which is which throughout.
- Width checked, not assumed — we read every width field, bullet and size field. Where they disagree, we report each figure. Where a listing’s width is not 18 inches or close below it, we flag it.
- Ten checklist items, counted as stated — place settings, decibels, tub material, control placement, ADA compliance, Energy Star, a third rack and the warranty, logged only where the listing says so. Anything a listing does not say is marked Not stated, even where the photo or the category might suggest an answer.
- Model numbers compared — we checked every model and part number against the others for duplicate listings. No two share a model number, but SPT appears twice with two different models, and several bodies share dimensions closely enough that we point them out.
- Popularity from Best Sellers Rank only — ranks are quoted exactly as returned on 5 October 2026, overall and in the category Amazon assigned. One listing returned no rank.
- Verified stock and seller — each product was the buy-box offer and in stock on amazon.com on 5 October 2026. Three were flagged as scarce stock at capture.

The Ten 18-Inch Dishwashers in Detail
1. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub, Built-In Style, HDS18W — Best Overall

The only listing that measures exactly 18 inches wide, and the only one that describes a third rack.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in style |
|---|---|
| Width | 18 in (bullet); 18.0 in (spec table) |
| Dimensions | 22.6 D x 18 W x 32.4 H in |
| Place settings | 8 |
| Noise | Not stated |
| Tub | Stainless steel, stated |
| Controls | Placement not stated |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA-compliant; Energy Star; UL in title |
| Third rack | Yes: top cutlery rack plus 2 racks |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Seller | Amazon.com |
| Best Sellers Rank | #869 overall; #9 in Built-In Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
This is the one machine here that is exactly what its title says. The fifth bullet reads “BUILT-IN STYLE: The dimensions of the unit are 22.6"D x 18"W x 32.4"H”, and the spec table agrees, at 18.0 inches wide. No other listing on the page lists 18 inches in its width field. That precision cuts both ways. It means the Honeywell is the widest built-in body here, so it uses every bit of the opening; it also means that on paper there is no side clearance at all in an 18-inch gap, where the 17.6-inch machines leave about 0.4 inches, by our arithmetic. Measure your opening before you order, and have the installer confirm the fit against the installation instructions.
It is the only listing with a third rack. “8 PLACE SETTINGS: Racks are suitable to fit 8 place settings of dishes. There is a top cutlery rack and 2 other racks with a large removable cutlery basket.” On a slim machine that matters more than it might on a 24-inch model. A flat top tray takes long utensils and spatulas off the lower rack, which leaves the basket and the lower rack for plates and pans. Every other listing here describes two racks, a basket, or does not say.
The checklist is nearly full. “DURABLE TUB: The tub is made of stainless steel for better efficiency performance.” “ENERGY STAR: Low energy consumption according to Energy Star standards.” The same bullet that gives the 18-inch width says the machine “is ADA-compliant”, and UL appears in the title. Out of our ten items, the Honeywell states eight: built-in, width, place settings, tub, ADA, Energy Star, third rack and warranty. The two it misses are a decibel figure and where the controls sit.
The programmes are named in plain words. “There are 6 washing programs to choose from- pots & pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only, and energy saver. Up to 24 hour delay start for you added convenience.” A 24-hour delay is the longest delay window stated on the page. The Forno also says 24 hours; the Avanti says delayed start without a figure. Unlike the Midea, the EdgeStar and the Avanti, the Honeywell does not mention a sanitize option, a high-temperature option or heated drying.
One small listing conflict. The title and colour field say white, while the fifth bullet calls it “This stainless steel built-in dishwasher”. Read in context, the stainless steel refers to the tub; the outside is white. If you need a stainless front, this is the wrong colour. The spec table also files it under an Automotive binding, which is a catalogue quirk and nothing more.
What to weigh. It is sold by Amazon.com, in stock at capture, and ranks #869 overall and #9 in Built-In Dishwashers. The listed weight is 70.0 pounds. The warranty is 1 year, the same as most of the page; only the Forno offers longer. If your opening really is 18 inches and you want the most cutlery space a slim machine offers, this is the listing that states both.
Pros
- Only listing at exactly 18.0 inches wide
- Only third rack on the page
- ADA-compliant and Energy Star stated
- Stainless steel tub stated
- Up to 24-hour delay start
- Sold by Amazon.com
Cons
- No decibel figure
- Control placement not stated
- No side clearance on paper in an 18-inch gap
- White only; bullet wording says stainless
- No sanitize or heated-dry option stated
- 1-year warranty
Best for: A buyer with a measured 18-inch opening who wants a third rack, ADA compliance and Energy Star in writing.
2. Forno 18" Dishwasher, Stainless Steel, Front Control, 8 Place Settings, Energy Star, 52 dBa, FDWBI8041-18S — Most Complete Spec Sheet

The most checklist items stated on any listing here, and the only warranty longer than a year.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.7 in |
| Dimensions | 32.5 H x 22.6 D x 17.7 W in |
| Place settings | 8 |
| Noise | 52 dBa |
| Tub | Stainless steel tall tub |
| Controls | Front control panel |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA compliant; Energy Star certified |
| Third rack | Not stated; 2 racks and a basket |
| Warranty | 2 years parts and labour |
| Seller | Home Best Price Products Inc. |
| Best Sellers Rank | Not returned |
Why We Recommend It
If you score listings by what they commit to in writing, this one wins. The title alone carries four checklist items: “18" Dishwasher Stainless-Steel, Front Control, 8 Place Settings, ENERGY STAR Certified, 52 dBa”. The bullets add the tub, “a robust stainless steel tall tub”, and ADA: “The design is ADA compliant and includes a child lock safety feature.” The spec table adds the warranty. Of our ten items, it states nine; only a third rack is missing.
The warranty is the longest here. The spec table reads “2 year of parts and labour”. Eight other listings give 1 year, and two of those, the KoolMore and the SPT built-in, specify parts and labor. The Summit states no warranty. On an appliance that will be plumbed and wired into a cabinet, labour cover matters, because a service visit is often the larger part of a repair.
Front controls are a choice, not a default. “Engineered with a user-friendly front control panel for easy operation.” Front controls let you read the cycle and remaining time without opening the door. The trade-off is that a front panel cannot be hidden behind a cabinet panel, so this machine will always look like an appliance. The Summit, the only other listing to state placement plainly, puts its controls on top of the door, and the SPT built-in says top-mount. The other seven do not say.
The noise figure is 52, the lowest stated here. “operates at a quiet 52 dBa to maintain a peaceful kitchen environment”. The EdgeStar and the KoolMore also print 52, and the Avanti prints 53. No listing on the page claims anything quieter, and six print nothing. The “a” in dBa means an A-weighted reading, which is how appliance noise is normally quoted; the others simply write dB.
The loading details are specific. “Provides 8 place settings, utilizing 2 racks and a removable silverware basket to maximize interior space. The upper rack is adjustable to accommodate tall items up to 11 inches, while the lower rack includes foldable tines.” The racks are “nylon-coated steel”. It lists six programmes, a soil sensor and a 24-hour delay start. Its heated drying works “when used with rinse aid”, so budget for a bottle; our rinse aid guide covers the choices.
Two things to check first. The title begins “Polo” while the brand and manufacturer fields both say Forno, and the model number is FDWBI8041-18S; order by the model number. Amazon also returned no Best Sellers Rank for this listing, and it is sold by Home Best Price Products Inc. rather than Amazon.com, so there is no popularity signal to lean on. At 17.7 inches wide, it leaves about 0.3 inches of side play in an 18-inch gap, by our arithmetic. Listed weight: 52.91 pounds.
Pros
- Nine of ten checklist items stated
- 2 years parts and labour, the longest here
- 52 dBa stated
- Front controls and ADA compliance stated
- Stainless tall tub; nylon-coated steel racks
- 24-hour delay start and child lock
Cons
- No Best Sellers Rank returned
- Title says Polo; brand field says Forno
- Heated drying depends on rinse aid
- No third rack
- Front panel cannot be hidden
- Not sold by Amazon.com
Best for: A buyer who wants the longest warranty, front controls and a stated noise level, and will order by model number.
3. Avanti Built-In Dishwasher 18-Inch, Digital Controls, Energy Star, White, DWF18V0W — Best ADA Value

ADA, Energy Star and a stated 53 dB in a body that runs deeper than the rest.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.75 in (bullet and spec table agree) |
| Dimensions | 24.25 D x 17.75 W x 32.25 H in |
| Place settings | 8 |
| Noise | 53 dB (bullet and size field) |
| Tub | Not stated (bullet calls it a stainless steel built-in; colour white) |
| Controls | Electronic panel with LED display; placement not stated |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA-compliant; Energy Star certified |
| Third rack | Not stated; silverware basket and cup tray |
| Weight | 64 lb (bullet); 61.0 lb (spec table) |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer’s limited |
| Best Sellers Rank | #5,230 overall; #71 in Built-In Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
This is the one noise figure on the page that is not 52. The third bullet lists “quiet 53dB operation”, and the spec table’s size field repeats “53dB”. One decibel is a small difference, and the Avanti is still one of only four listings to print a figure at all. But it does mean the stated quietest machines here are the Forno, the KoolMore and the EdgeStar at 52, and the title’s “Quiet Operation” is backed by a number one notch above theirs.
The checklist is well covered. The title gives “Built-In Dishwasher 18-Inch” and “ENERGY STAR Certified”. The fourth bullet says “This stainless steel built-in dishwasher is ADA-compliant”. The bullets add 8 place settings and a width, and the spec table adds a “1-Year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty”. That is seven of our ten items: type, width, place settings, noise, ADA, Energy Star and warranty.
The tub is a wording problem. The colour field and the title say white, and the title mentions a “Drop-Down Metal Door”. The only stainless reference is that ADA bullet, which calls the whole machine “stainless steel” without saying which part. The Honeywell has the same white-outside, stainless-in-the-text conflict, but it states the tub in a separate bullet; the Avanti does not. We mark the tub Not stated. Ask before you buy if a stainless interior matters to you.
The depth is the figure to measure. “DIMENSIONS: 24.25" D x 17.75" W x 32.25" H inches.” Every other built-in here lists 22.4 to 22.6 inches deep, so the Avanti asks for about 1.65 inches more than the 22.6-inch machines, by our arithmetic. Check that your cabinet depth, and the water, drain and power connections behind it, leave room. At 17.75 inches wide it leaves about 0.25 inches of side play in an 18-inch opening, and at 32.25 inches high it ties with the Summit as the shortest built-in here.
The feature list is the most practical on the page. “Six automatic cycles (Regular, Automatic, Super, Intensive, Delicate, Rinse), delayed start, and three additional wash options (Hi Temp Wash, Sanitize, Extra Dry).” The third bullet adds “Electronic control panel with LED display & cycle status indicators”, a “rinse aid dispenser, eco – half load mode, nylon coated upper and lower racks”. A half-load mode is the only one stated on the page, and it suits a slim machine that is often run before it is full.
What to weigh. The weight appears twice, 64 pounds in the bullet and 61.0 in the spec table. It is sold by Amazon.com, in stock at capture, and ranks #5,230 overall and #71 in Built-In Dishwashers. The model number is DWF18V0W, and the manufacturer field names The Legacy Companies. If you need ADA, Energy Star and a stated noise figure in one listing, the Avanti and the Forno are the two that give all three.
Pros
- 53 dB stated
- ADA-compliant and Energy Star certified
- Hi Temp, Sanitize and Extra Dry options
- Eco half-load mode and rinse aid dispenser
- 17.75 in wide; bullet and spec agree
- Sold by Amazon.com
Cons
- 24.25 in deep, the deepest built-in here
- Tub material not stated in words
- Control placement not stated
- No third rack
- Two different weights
- #71 in its category
Best for: A buyer who needs ADA, Energy Star and a stated noise figure, and has the cabinet depth for 24.25 inches.
4. Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub, MDF18A1ABB — Best Seller

The best-ranked dishwasher on the page, with sanitize options and a thin checklist.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in (under sink) |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.6 in |
| Dimensions | 22.6 D x 17.6 W x 32.4 H in, adjustable legs |
| Place settings | 8 |
| Noise | Not stated |
| Tub | Stainless steel, in title |
| Controls | Digital panel with LED display; placement not stated |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA not stated; “Energy Star” in the size field only |
| Third rack | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Colour | Black |
| Best Sellers Rank | #317 overall; #3 in Built-In Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
This is what shoppers are buying. At #317 overall and #3 in Built-In Dishwashers, the Midea holds the best rank on the page, ahead of the BLACK+DECKER portable at #631 and the Honeywell at #869. The title gives two checklist items, “18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub”, and the bullets add the width.
The width leaves normal clearance. “With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.” A 17.6-inch body in an 18-inch opening leaves about 0.4 inches across both sides, by our arithmetic. The adjustable legs are how the machine is levelled and set to your counter height.
The cycles and options cover sanitising. “The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions.” The Hi-Temp option “maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max”, the only wash temperature stated on the page. It takes “larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height”. One small inconsistency: the heated-dry bullet excludes “the Rapid and Self-clean cycle”, and neither name appears in the six-programme list.
Energy Star is mentioned once, in an odd place. The spec field labelled Size reads “Energy Star”. Neither the title nor any bullet mentions it. We count it as stated, because the listing does say it, but if efficiency certification matters to you, confirm the model on the Energy Star register before you buy.
The silences are on the things that make a slim machine pleasant to live with. No decibel figure, no ADA statement, no third rack, and no word on whether the controls are on the front or the top edge of the door. The listing says “digital control panel with an LED display” and leaves placement to the photos. For the best seller on the page, that is a thin checklist: four of our ten items stated outright, plus the size-field Energy Star.
What to weigh. Sold by Amazon.com, scarce stock at capture, 1-year manufacturer warranty, black finish, release date 17 July 2023 in the spec table. Its 22.6 by 17.6 by 32.4 inch body matches the SPT SD-9254SS built-in’s listed figures exactly, and the weights are close, 54.56 against 54.0 pounds; the model numbers and makers differ. If you want the popular choice with sanitize and a high-temperature option, this is it.
Pros
- Best rank here: #3 in Built-In Dishwashers, #317 overall
- Heated Dry, Hi-Temp to 136°F, Sanitize
- Stainless tub in the title
- 17.6 in leaves normal side clearance
- Black finish
- Sold by Amazon.com
Cons
- Energy Star only in a size field
- No decibel figure
- ADA and control placement not stated
- No third rack stated
- Cycle names conflict between bullets
- Scarce stock at capture
Best for: A buyer who wants the most-bought 18-inch built-in with sanitize, and can live without a stated noise figure.
5. KoolMore 18 in. ADA Panel Ready Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, 52 dB, KM-DW1852-PR — Best Panel-Ready

The only panel-ready machine here, built to disappear behind a cabinet front.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in, panel-ready (panel not included) |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.6 in |
| Dimensions | 32.5 H x 22.4 D x 17.6 W in |
| Place settings | 8 |
| Noise | 52 dB |
| Tub | Not stated (stainless finish stated) |
| Controls | Placement not stated |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA; UL and Energy Star certified |
| Third rack | Not stated; two racks and a basket |
| Warranty | 1-year parts and labor |
| Seller | Amazon.com |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,082 overall; #20 in Built-In Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
This is the listing for a kitchen where the dishwasher should not show. “Our 18-inch dishwasher not only slides under most standard kitchen countertops it boasts a panel-ready front which allows you to add a custom cabinet panel for a seamless hidden finish (Panel not included).” No other machine on the page offers that. The panel itself is a separate job: you, your cabinet maker or your installer supply a door front that matches the run.
It states more checklist items than most. The title gives “18 in. ADA Panel Ready with 8 Place Settings 52 DB Dishwasher” and “UL and Energy Star Certified”. The spec table gives 17.6 inches wide and a “1-Year Parts and Labor” warranty, one of two one-year warranties here, with the SPT built-in, that name labour. That is seven of our ten items.
The tub is the gap. The listing uses “stainless-steel” for the finish: “Clean Stainless-Steel Panel Ready Finish”, and the colour field says Stainless-Steel. It never says the tub is stainless. Since a panel-ready front is covered by your panel, the stainless reference may describe the door edge or trim. Treat the tub as Not stated and ask.
Controls are not placed in words. A panel-ready front usually means the controls sit on the top edge of the door, so the panel can cover the front. The listing does not say so, and we do not assume it. If you want to see the cycle without opening the door, check the photos and the manual before ordering.
The loading is described, not measured. “Each kitchen dishwasher is fitted with two ergonomic racks for holding cups, plates, pots, pans, and dishware more effectively. The racks even feature pop up and down holders.” There is a “pull-out storage basket” for cutlery. No cycle list, no item-height figure and no wash temperature appear in the bullets.
Read it next to the EdgeStar. Both list 32.5 inches high, about 22.4 inches deep and 17.6 inches wide, both print 52 dB, and their weights are 62.0 and 62.8 pounds. The model numbers differ, KM-DW1852-PR and BIDW1802, and the KoolMore adds panel-ready, ADA and Energy Star that the EdgeStar does not state. Sold by Amazon.com; scarce stock at capture; #2,082 overall and #20 in Built-In Dishwashers.
Pros
- Only panel-ready front on the page
- 52 dB stated
- ADA, UL and Energy Star certified
- 1-year parts and labor stated
- Pull-out cutlery basket; adjustable holders
- Sold by Amazon.com
Cons
- Panel not included
- Tub material not stated
- Control placement not stated
- No cycle list in the bullets
- No third rack
- Scarce stock at capture
Best for: A buyer fitting a run of matching cabinets who wants the dishwasher hidden behind a panel.
6. EdgeStar 18 Inch Wide Built-In Dishwasher, BIDW1802 — Best Compactor Swap

A stated leak sensor and 52 dB, wrapped in a listing that disagrees with itself twice.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.6 in (dimensions bullet); 17.75 in (another bullet); 22.44 in width field |
| Dimensions | 32.5 H x 17.6 W x 22.4 D in (bullet) |
| Place settings | 8 |
| Noise | 52 dB |
| Tub | Not stated |
| Controls | Placement not stated |
| ADA / Energy Star | Neither stated |
| Third rack | Not stated; silverware basket and cup tray |
| Weight | 52.9 lb (bullet); 62.8 lb (spec table) |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,457 overall; #14 in Built-In Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
This is the only listing that names a leak sensor. “Leakage sensor automatically shuts off water flow when a leak is detected to protect your home from water damage.” In a built-in that sits under a worktop next to cabinets, a slow leak is the failure you do not see until the floor is damaged, so a stated shut-off is worth having. None of the other nine listings mentions one.
It suggests its own use case. “At only 17.75 inches wide, using this unit to replace an older appliance such as a trash compactor is a great option.” Older kitchens with a compactor bay have an 18-inch-class slot with power nearby. Water and drain would still need running to it, and that is a job for a qualified installer working to local codes.
The width appears three ways. That bullet says 17.75 inches. The dimensions bullet says “32.5" H x 17.6" W x 22.4" D”. The spec table puts 22.44 inches in the width field and 17.63 in the length field, which looks like the depth and width swapped. Either narrow figure fits an 18-inch opening; 17.75 leaves about 0.25 inches of play and 17.6 about 0.4, by our arithmetic. Measure the machine on delivery if your gap is tight.
The weight appears two ways. The same bullet gives “Weight: 52.9 lbs”; the spec table gives 62.8 pounds. One may be a shipping weight. Neither matters much once it is installed, but plan for the heavier figure when you move it.
The cycles and noise are stated. “Six (6) Wash Cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse; Three (3) Options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, Heated Dry.” And “Quiet 52dB operation keeps the disturbance to a minimum”, the same figure as the other three that print one. It holds “up to eight (8) place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray”.
The silences are certification ones. No Energy Star, no ADA, no tub material, no control placement. It is the only listing on the page that does not state Energy Star anywhere. Sold by Amazon.com, in stock at capture, #1,457 overall and #14 in Built-In Dishwashers, 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Only stated leakage sensor
- 52 dB stated
- Sanitize, Hi Temp and Heated Dry options
- Suggested as a trash compactor replacement
- Silverware basket and cup tray
- Sold by Amazon.com
Cons
- Three different width figures
- Two different weights
- Energy Star not stated
- ADA not stated
- Tub material not stated
- Control placement not stated
Best for: A buyer replacing a trash compactor or worried about leaks, who will measure the machine on arrival.
7. Summit 18" Dishwasher, Built-in, ADA Compliant, Energy Star, Stainless Steel, DW185SSADA — Best Top-Control ADA

The narrowest machine here, with the controls on top and the most programmes listed.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.5 in |
| Dimensions | 32.25 H x 17.5 W x 22.5 D in (bullet) |
| Place settings | Not stated |
| Noise | Not stated (“advanced sound absorption”) |
| Tub | Not stated (stainless steel door) |
| Controls | Top of the door |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA compliant; Energy Star in title |
| Third rack | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Seller | KART IT |
| Best Sellers Rank | #683,306 overall; #3,094 in Funnels |
Why We Recommend It
This is the only listing that puts its controls on top. “The controls are located on top of the door for easy access.” Top controls keep the front clean, with a “stainless steel door with a curved handle in brushed stainless steel”, and they cannot be pressed by accident from the front. The trade-off is that you open the door to see the programme. The Forno states the reverse, front controls; the SPT built-in says top-mount without saying what is mounted there.
ADA is built into the model number. The title says “ADA Compliant, Energy Star”, and the model, DW185SSADA, ends in ADA. The first bullet adds a practical note: “ADA compliant, but includes leveling legs to lift up to 34” for standard counters.” At a listed 32.25 inches high, it ties with the Avanti as the shortest built-in here, which is what lets it sit under a lower ADA worktop; the legs raise it for a standard counter.
It is also the narrowest. “Dimensions & Build: 32.25" H x 17.5" W x 22.5" D.” 17.5 inches leaves about 0.5 inches of side play in an 18-inch opening, by our arithmetic, the most on the page. The spec table swaps two figures, putting 22.5 inches in the height field and 32.25 in the length field; the bullet makes the intent clear.
The programme list is the longest stated. “This unit offers eight programs for all of your cleaning needs, from “intensive plus” for tough stains to a delicate function for fragile items. Five auxiliary functions let you further customize the wash and dry settings.” Every other listing that counts its programmes gives six. The racks are described in detail: “The slide-out rack can be set in two positions for tall items. Side flaps can be used to stack cups, glasses, or hold long utensils. The lower rack has two fold-down tines for oversized pots.”
The checklist has holes the others do not. It is the only listing on the page that states neither a place-setting count nor a warranty. Noise is described as “Advanced sound absorption for a quiet performance”, with no figure. The tub is not described; the stainless steel is the door. Ask the seller, KART IT, for the place settings and warranty terms before you buy.
Popularity tells you little here. Amazon files it at #683,306 overall and #3,094 in Funnels, a category it plainly does not belong in, so the rank says more about the catalogue than about demand. The listed weight is 95.0 pounds, the heaviest of the built-ins.
Pros
- Only top-of-door controls stated
- ADA compliant, with legs to 34 in
- Narrowest here at 17.5 in
- Eight programmes and five auxiliary functions
- Energy Star in the title
- Detailed rack features: flaps, fold-down tines
Cons
- Place settings not stated
- Warranty not stated
- No decibel figure
- Tub material not stated
- Filed in Funnels; rank not meaningful
- Not sold by Amazon.com
Best for: A buyer fitting an ADA-height worktop, or who wants controls hidden on top, and will confirm the warranty first.
8. SPT SD-9254SSB 18" Wide Built-In Stainless Steel Dishwasher, Heated Drying, Energy Star, 8 Place Settings — Best Short Listing

A built-in that says almost everything in its title and four words in its first bullet.
Key Specifications
| Type | Built-in, “top-mount” |
|---|---|
| Width | 18″ (title and size field); 17.6 in length field; 22.6 in width field |
| Height | 32.4 in |
| Place settings | 8, in title |
| Noise | Not stated |
| Tub | Stainless steel, in title |
| Controls | “Top-mount” stated, not explained |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA not stated; Energy Star in title and bullet |
| Third rack | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1YR limited parts and labor; shipping not included |
| Model | SD-9254SS (spec); SD-9254SSB (title) |
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,422 overall; #45 in Built-In Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
This is the second SPT on the page, and a different machine from the first. The title reads “SPT SD-9254SSB 18″ Wide Built-In Stainless Steel Dishwasher w/Heated Drying, ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub”. The SPT SD-9263SS further down is a portable. Same maker, Sunpentown; different model, different install. The model field says SD-9254SS and the title adds a B, so quote the title’s number when you order.
The bullets are the shortest here. All four read: “Built-in, top-mount”, “6 Wash Programs: Normal, Heavy, Energy, Glass, Quick, Rinse”, “HEATING function during drying cycle” and “Energy Star”. With the title, that gives built-in, width, 8 place settings, a stainless tub and Energy Star. The spec table adds the warranty: six of our ten items.
“Top-mount” most likely means the controls. On a dishwasher, top-mount usually describes a control panel on the top edge of the door, which keeps the front clean, as on the Summit. The listing does not say what is top-mounted, so we record the phrase and do not count it as a stated control placement. Check the photos or manual if it matters for your kitchen.
The width hides in the wrong field. The spec table gives 22.6 inches as width and 17.6 as length, with a size field of “18″”. Read together, 17.6 inches is the side-to-side figure and 22.6 the depth, which would leave about 0.4 inches of play in an 18-inch gap, by our arithmetic. A width filter on a shopping site would file it as a 22-inch machine.
Its body matches the Midea’s on paper. Height 32.4 inches, 17.6 and 22.6 inches across the other two axes: the same three figures the Midea lists, with weights of 54.0 and 54.56 pounds. The model numbers, SD-9254SS and MDF18A1ABB, and the makers are different, so we treat them as separate products. The overlap is worth knowing if one is out of stock.
What to weigh. The warranty reads “1YR Limited Parts and labor. Shipping not included.”, one of two one-year warranties here that name labour, with the KoolMore. Not stated: noise, ADA and a third rack. Sold by Amazon.com, in stock at capture, #3,422 overall and #45 in Built-In Dishwashers.
Pros
- Stainless tub, Energy Star and 8 place settings in the title
- Heated drying stated
- 1YR parts and labor stated
- Top-mount stated
- Six named wash programmes
- Sold by Amazon.com
Cons
- Only four short bullets
- Width field reads 22.6 in
- No decibel figure
- ADA not stated
- Top-mount not explained
- Warranty excludes shipping
Best for: A buyer who wants a plain stainless built-in with heated drying and labour cover, and will check the details in the manual.
9. BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher, Energy Star, BPD8B, Black — Best Portable

The best-ranked portable here, with Energy Star and a stainless tub stated and no plumbing needed.
Key Specifications
| Type | Portable on wheels, countertop top |
|---|---|
| Width | “18 inches wide” (size field); 17.6 in length field; 23.6 in width field |
| Height | 35.6 in |
| Place settings | 8 |
| Noise | Not stated |
| Tub | Stainless steel, stated |
| Controls | Placement not stated |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA not stated; Energy Star in title |
| Third rack | Not stated; adjustable upper rack |
| Hook-up | Quick Connect to a faucet |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Best Sellers Rank | #631 overall; #3 in Portable Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
This is the portable most shoppers pick. At #631 overall and #3 in Portable Dishwashers, it ranks well ahead of the other portable here, the SPT SD-9263SS at #2,174. The title states “18-Inch Portable Dishwasher, Energy Star”, and a bullet adds “Stainless steel tub ensures durability”. Of the two portables, it is the only one whose own bullets describe its features; the SPT puts everything in its title.
No plumbing, by design. “Hook up your tabletop dishwasher with a seamless Quick Connect assembly that hooks directly to a faucet. No direct plumbing or permanent installation required.” You roll it to the sink, connect the hose to the tap and drain into the sink. That makes it the obvious choice for renters. It also means the sink is busy while it runs, and your tap needs a thread the adapter fits.
The top is a worktop. “This portable dishwasher on wheels offers convenient countertop space and can be setup alongside kitchen counters.” In a small kitchen that adds a prep surface when the machine is parked. At a listed 35.6 inches high, it is meant to line up with a standard counter rather than slide under one.
The width fields disagree. The size field says “18 inches wide”. The spec table gives 23.6 inches as width and 17.6 inches as length. Read together, 17.6 inches is almost certainly the side-to-side figure and 23.6 the depth, but the listing leaves you to work that out. For a portable it matters less than for a built-in, since it only needs floor space, not a cabinet gap.
The cycles are named. “Wash cycles include Normal, Heavy, Rapid, Glass, Eco, and 90-min.” It fits “up to 8-place settings”, and the upper rack is adjustable for taller items. No decibel figure, no third rack, no ADA statement and no control placement appear.
What to weigh. The listed weight is 116.0 pounds, which is a lot to roll across a kitchen floor, though the wheels do the work. The manufacturer field names W Appliance Company. Sold by Amazon.com, scarce stock at capture, 1-year warranty. If you want a smaller unit that sits on the worktop instead, a countertop model is the next step down.
Pros
- #3 in Portable Dishwashers, #631 overall
- Energy Star and stainless tub stated
- Quick Connect; no plumbing needed
- Worktop surface on top
- Six named cycles; adjustable upper rack
- Sold by Amazon.com
Cons
- Width field reads 23.6 in
- No decibel figure
- Ties up the sink while running
- 116.0 lb listed weight
- No ADA or third rack stated
- Scarce stock at capture
Best for: A renter or small-kitchen owner who wants a full-height dishwasher without plumbing work.
10. SPT SD-9263SS 18" Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher, Energy Star, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings — Best Stainless Portable

A stainless portable whose title carries every fact, because its bullets carry none.
Key Specifications
| Type | Portable (title); filed in Countertop Dishwashers |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.64 in |
| Dimensions | 35.63 H x 23.63 L x 17.64 W in |
| Place settings | 8, in title |
| Noise | Not stated |
| Tub | Stainless steel, in title |
| Controls | Placement not stated |
| ADA / Energy Star | ADA not stated; Energy Star in title |
| Third rack | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
| Seller | VirVentures |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,174 overall; #44 in Countertop Dishwashers |
Why We Recommend It
Everything you know about this machine is in the title. “SPT SD-9263SS 18″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub”. That one line gives four of our checklist items: portable, Energy Star, 8 place settings and a stainless tub. The spec table adds a 17.64-inch width and a “1 year limited manufacture warranty”.
The bullets are packaging data. They read “package height : 111.76 cm”, “package length : 91.44 cm”, “package width : 91.44 cm” and “Product type : DISHWASHER”, then a line about the brand’s range. There is no cycle list, no hook-up description, no rack detail and no noise figure. If you need any of those, the manufacturer’s manual is the place to look, not this listing.
The measured body is a full-height portable. The spec table gives 35.63 inches high, 23.63 inches long and 17.64 inches wide. Those are within a few hundredths of an inch of the BLACK+DECKER’s 35.6, 23.6 and 17.6, and the weights are close too: 118.0 pounds here against 116.0. The model numbers, SD-9263SS and BPD8B, and the makers, Sunpentown and W Appliance Company, are different, so we treat them as separate products; the overlap in size is worth knowing when you plan floor space.
Amazon files it in the wrong place. It ranks #44 in Countertop Dishwashers, which describes units that sit on a worktop. At 35.63 inches high, this one stands on the floor. The rank, #2,174 overall, trails the BLACK+DECKER’s #631, but it is competing in a different category list, so compare it with care.
The silences are the hook-up and the noise. A portable’s practical questions are how it connects to your tap, how long the hoses are and how loud it is when you are in the same room. This listing answers none of them in its own text. It does state the stainless tub, which four of the built-ins, the Avanti, the KoolMore, the EdgeStar and the Summit, never do.
Do not confuse it with the SPT built-in. The SD-9254SS above is the same maker’s built-in: 32.4 inches high against 35.63 here, 54.0 pounds against 118.0, top-mount against wheels, and sold by Amazon.com where this one is sold by VirVentures. Both state Energy Star, 8 place settings and a stainless tub, and both list a width of about 17.6 inches. Check the model number, SD-9254SS or SD-9263SS, before you order.
What to weigh. It is sold by VirVentures rather than Amazon.com, and was in stock at capture. If the BLACK+DECKER is out of stock and you want the same full-height portable footprint in stainless, this is the closest match on paper. Ask the seller about the faucet adapter before ordering.
Pros
- Energy Star, 8 place settings and stainless tub in the title
- 17.64 in width stated
- Stainless steel finish
- 1-year limited warranty
- Same footprint as the BLACK+DECKER on paper
- In stock at capture
Cons
- Bullets give only package dimensions
- No cycle list or hook-up details
- No decibel figure
- Filed in Countertop Dishwashers
- 118.0 lb listed weight
- Not sold by Amazon.com
Best for: A buyer who wants a stainless full-height portable and will check the manual for hook-up details.
Eighteen Inches Is the Opening, Not the Machine
An “18-inch dishwasher” is named for the cabinet gap it fills. The machine itself is normally a little narrower, so it can slide in between cabinet sides without scraping. The table sets out every width figure each listing gives, and the side clearance each would leave in an exact 18-inch opening. The clearance column is our arithmetic: 18 minus the narrowest width the listing states for the machine.
| Dishwasher | Type | Width figures as listed | Play in an 18-in gap (ours) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit DW185SSADA | Built-in | 17.5 in | About 0.5 in | Narrowest here |
| Midea MDF18A1ABB | Built-in | 17.6 in | About 0.4 in | Bullet and spec agree |
| KoolMore KM-DW1852-PR | Built-in | 17.6 in | About 0.4 in | Panel adds no width; it sits on the door |
| SPT SD-9254SS | Built-in | 18″ size field; 17.6 in length field; 22.6 in width field | About 0.4 in | Width and depth fields swapped |
| EdgeStar BIDW1802 | Built-in | 17.6 in; 17.75 in; 22.44 in width field | About 0.25–0.4 in | Width and depth fields swapped |
| Forno FDWBI8041-18S | Built-in | 17.7 in | About 0.3 in | Spec table only |
| Avanti DWF18V0W | Built-in | 17.75 in | About 0.25 in | Deepest here at 24.25 in |
| Honeywell HDS18W | Built-in | 18 in; 18.0 in | None on paper | Only exact 18 |
| BLACK+DECKER BPD8B | Portable | “18 inches wide”; 17.6 in length field; 23.6 in width field | About 0.4 in | Width and depth fields swapped |
| SPT SD-9263SS | Portable | 17.64 in | About 0.36 in | Spec table only |
Nine of ten list a narrow figure between 17.5 and 17.75 inches. That is the normal shape of this category. The Honeywell is the one exception, at exactly 18.0, and nothing on the page lists wider.
The Honeywell figure is not a reason to avoid it. Many 18-inch openings are cut a fraction over, and installation instructions for built-ins set out the opening they need. What the 18.0 does mean is that you cannot assume a fit. Measure the opening at the front, the back and the top, because cabinets and walls are rarely square, and compare the smallest figure with the instructions.
Four listings put the numbers in the wrong boxes. The EdgeStar, the BLACK+DECKER and the SPT built-in all give a depth-sized figure as width, 22.44, 23.6 and 22.6 inches, and a width-sized figure as length. The Summit gives its depth as height. If you filter listings by width on a shopping site, three of these would show up as 22- and 23-inch machines and drop out of an 18-inch search, which is worth knowing if you are wondering why some 18-inch models never appear.
Depth deserves the same tape measure. The built-ins list 22.4 to 22.6 inches deep, except the Avanti at 24.25. The two portables list 23.6 and 23.63 inches. A built-in also needs room behind it for the water, drain and power connections, so measure the cabinet depth as carefully as the width.

The Ten-Point Checklist, Counted
Here is every item on our checklist, as each listing states it. A blank in a listing is shown as Not stated, and we treat it as information: a seller who knows the noise level or the tub material usually says so.
| Dishwasher | Type | Place settings | Noise | Tub | Controls | ADA | Energy Star | Third rack | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell | Built-in | 8 | Not stated | Stainless | Not stated | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 year |
| Forno | Built-in | 8 | 52 dBa | Stainless | Front | Yes | Yes | Not stated | 2 years parts and labour |
| Avanti | Built-in | 8 | 53 dB | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | Yes | Not stated | 1 year limited |
| Midea | Built-in | 8 | Not stated | Stainless | Not stated | Not stated | Size field only | Not stated | 1 year |
| KoolMore | Built-in, panel-ready | 8 | 52 dB | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | Yes | Not stated | 1 year parts and labor |
| EdgeStar | Built-in | 8 | 52 dB | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 1 year |
| Summit | Built-in | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Top | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Not stated |
| SPT SD-9254SS | Built-in | 8 | Not stated | Stainless | “Top-mount” | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 1 year parts and labor |
| BLACK+DECKER | Portable | 8 | Not stated | Stainless | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 1 year |
| SPT SD-9263SS | Portable | 8 | Not stated | Stainless | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 1 year limited |
Place settings are the one near-universal number. Nine say 8. The Summit gives no count. On a slim machine, 8 is the standard figure, so the number does not separate one listing from another; the rack layout does.
Noise is the biggest silence. Four listings print a decibel figure: the Forno at 52 dBa, the KoolMore and the EdgeStar at 52 dB, and the Avanti at 53 dB. The best seller, the Midea, prints nothing, and neither do the Honeywell, the Summit, the SPT built-in or either portable. The Summit says “Advanced sound absorption” without a figure. With the stated figures one decibel apart, noise barely ranks the four that give one; it mainly separates them from the six that do not.
No listing states a plastic tub. Six say stainless steel. The Avanti, the KoolMore, the EdgeStar and the Summit do not describe the tub; the Avanti, the KoolMore and the Summit use “stainless” for the machine, the finish or the door, which is not the same thing. If tub material matters to you, and stainless tubs are generally preferred for durability and drying, ask about those four.
Control placement is the quietest field. Two listings say plainly where the controls are: the Forno on the front, the Summit on top of the door. The SPT built-in says “top-mount”, which most likely means the same as the Summit but is not spelled out. The other seven leave it to the photos. Front controls are visible but cannot be hidden behind a cabinet panel; top controls keep the front clean but mean opening the door to check the programme.
ADA compliance: five of ten. The Honeywell, the Forno, the Avanti, the KoolMore and the Summit say so. All five are built-ins, and their listed heights run from 32.25 to 32.5 inches. The Midea, the SPT built-in and the EdgeStar list 32.4 to 32.5 inches but do not claim compliance, and we do not infer it. If you are fitting an accessible kitchen, buy one that states it.
Energy Star: nine of ten, one by a thread. The Midea mentions it only in a spec field labelled Size. The EdgeStar is the only listing that never mentions it.
The third rack and the warranty are where the page is thinnest. One listing, the Honeywell, describes a third rack. Eight give a 1-year warranty, two of them, the KoolMore and the SPT built-in, naming parts and labour. The Forno gives 2 years parts and labour, and the Summit gives nothing.
Model Numbers, Checked: One Maker Twice, Three Close Bodies
We compared every model and part number on the page. No two listings share a model number. One maker appears twice, and three pairs share listed dimensions closely enough that you should read them side by side.
| Pair | Model numbers | What matches | What differs |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPT built-in and SPT portable | SD-9254SS (title SD-9254SSB) / SD-9263SS | Same maker, Sunpentown; 8 place settings; Energy Star; stainless tub; about 17.6 in wide | Built-in against portable; 32.4 against 35.63 in high; 54.0 against 118.0 lb; sold by Amazon.com against VirVentures |
| Midea and SPT built-in | MDF18A1ABB / SD-9254SS | 32.4 in high, 17.6 and 22.6 in on the other axes; 8 place settings; stainless tub; 54.56 against 54.0 lb | Different makers; Midea lists Hi-Temp and Sanitize, SPT says top-mount and parts and labor |
| KoolMore and EdgeStar | KM-DW1852-PR / BIDW1802 | 32.5 in high, about 22.4 in deep, 17.6 in wide; 52 dB; 62.0 against 62.8 lb | KoolMore is panel-ready, ADA, UL and Energy Star; EdgeStar has a leak sensor and named cycles |
| BLACK+DECKER and SPT portable | BPD8B / SD-9263SS | 35.6 and 35.63 in high; 23.6 and 23.63 in deep; 17.6 and 17.64 in wide; 8 place settings; Energy Star; stainless tub | Different makers (W Appliance Company, Sunpentown); 116.0 against 118.0 lb; BLACK+DECKER bullets describe features, SPT bullets give only packaging |
The two SPTs are the pair most likely to be confused. The model numbers differ by two digits, SD-9254SS and SD-9263SS, and both titles open with “SPT” and “18″ Wide”. One is a built-in that needs water, drain and electrical hookups; the other is a portable on wheels. Check the model number and the word Built-In or Portable before you order.
Why the close bodies matter. Appliance makers often build slim dishwashers on a shared platform and sell them under several names. A shared body is not a bad thing; it can mean a well-proven design. But it means the rank, the warranty, the seller and the stock position can be the real differences between two listings. Matching dimensions alone do not prove two machines are the same, so compare model numbers when you order.
The Honeywell sits close to the Midea and the SPT built-in too. It lists the same 22.6-inch depth and 32.4-inch height, but a width of 18.0 inches rather than 17.6, a third rack, and 70.0 pounds rather than about 54, so we do not pair it.
Built-In or Portable: What Each Asks of Your Kitchen
The split on this page is eight built-ins and two portables. The choice comes before any spec, because it decides what work the install involves.
A built-in is a permanent appliance. It needs a water supply, a drain connection and an electrical supply at the opening, and it is secured under the worktop. That is general guidance, not a listing claim: use a qualified professional and follow local codes for the water, drain and electrical work, and follow the maker’s installation instructions. Where the drain shares a line with a disposer, the connection is part of the same job; our garbage disposal guide covers that side of the sink. If you are replacing a sink at the same time, our double kitchen sink roundup looks at bowl layouts and how much cabinet space each leaves.
A portable needs a tap and some floor. The BLACK+DECKER names a Quick Connect that attaches to a kitchen faucet; the SPT portable listing does not describe its hook-up. You roll the machine to the sink, connect, run, then disconnect and park it. No plumbing work, which is why portables suit renters. The costs are a sink that is out of use while the machine runs and a tap that needs to suit the adapter. Pull-out and some designer taps do not.
The heights tell the story. The eight built-ins list 32.25 to 32.5 inches high, low enough to slide under a worktop with levelling legs to raise them. The BLACK+DECKER and the SPT portable list 35.6 and 35.63 inches, close to counter height, with a worktop on top.
Detergent and care apply to both. The Midea warns: “ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.” That applies to every machine here. Our dishwasher pods guide compares the options, and a periodic clean keeps filters and spray arms clear; see our dishwasher cleaner roundup.
Best Alternatives
| Alternative | Why Consider It | Better For | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop dishwasher | Sits on the worktop and connects to the tap or a built-in tank | Very small kitchens with no floor space | Fewer place settings than an 18-inch machine |
| 24-inch built-in dishwasher | The standard full-size width, if you have the cabinet run | Households filling an 8-setting machine daily | Needs a wider opening; a cabinet would go |
| Dish drying rack | No install, no power, no water hook-up | One or two people washing by hand | All the washing is still by hand |
| A second 18-inch built-in | Two slim machines alternate loads in a large kitchen | Big households with two spare 18-inch bays | Two installs, two sets of hook-ups |
A countertop unit trades capacity for floor space, and a drying rack trades the machine for your own time; for most households with an 18-inch bay, one of the ten above is the better use of it.
What Each Step Up Actually Buys
With no prices on this page, the useful question is what each extra commitment in a listing gets you.
From a bare listing to a stated noise figure. Four listings commit to 52 or 53 dB. A stated figure lets you compare; a blank leaves you guessing. If the dishwasher will run while you are in an open-plan room, a stated figure is worth choosing for.
From a stated figure to ADA compliance. The Honeywell, the Forno, the Avanti, the KoolMore and the Summit state it. For an accessible kitchen it is a requirement, not an extra; for everyone else, it signals a lower-profile body that fits under a lower worktop.
From an exposed front to a panel-ready front. Only the KoolMore offers it. You pay with the extra work of a custom panel, which is not included, and you gain a run of cabinets that reads as one.
From two racks to three. Only the Honeywell describes a third rack. In a slim machine, moving cutlery and utensils to a top tray frees the lower rack for plates and pans.
From 1 year to 2 years parts and labour. Only the Forno. On a plumbed-in appliance, labour cover is the part that saves money on a repair visit; the KoolMore and the SPT built-in at least name labour in their one-year terms.

What to Check Before You Buy
Measure the Opening Three Times
Measure the width of your gap at the front, the back and the top. Cabinets are rarely square. Compare the smallest figure with the installation instructions for the model you want. Nine machines here list 17.5 to 17.75 inches wide and will slide into a true 18-inch gap with a few tenths to spare; the Honeywell lists 18.0 and needs the opening confirmed.
Read Every Width Field, Not Just One
Four listings here put dimensions in the wrong fields. The EdgeStar, the BLACK+DECKER and the SPT built-in show 22.44, 23.6 and 22.6 inches as width; the Summit shows its depth as height. Read the bullets, title and size field too, and check the depth: the Avanti lists 24.25 inches.
Decide Built-In or Portable First
A built-in needs water, drain and electrical hookups and a professional install to local codes. A portable needs a tap that suits its adapter and floor space to park it. Eight of the ten are built-ins and two are portables, so the choice narrows your shortlist immediately.
Ask for the Decibel Figure
Six of the ten print no noise figure, including the best seller. The four that do print 52 or 53. If quiet matters, buy one of those four or ask the seller for a figure; a phrase like “advanced sound absorption” is not a measurement.
Check the Tub in Words
Six listings say stainless steel tub. Four do not say. A stainless finish, door or general description is not a stainless tub. If the listing only describes the outside, ask about the inside.
Know Where the Controls Sit
Only two listings say plainly: the Forno on the front, the Summit on top. The SPT built-in says top-mount. Front controls cannot be hidden behind a panel. Top controls need the door opened to check. For a panel-ready machine like the KoolMore, confirm placement before you have a panel made.
Read the Warranty Terms
Eight listings give 1 year; the KoolMore and the SPT built-in name parts and labor, and the SPT excludes shipping. The Forno gives 2 years parts and labour. The Summit gives nothing. For an appliance plumbed into a cabinet, labour cover is the part that matters most, so check whether a 1-year figure includes it.

Common Mistakes
- Assuming an 18-inch dishwasher is 18 inches wide. Nine here list 17.5 to 17.75 inches; only the Honeywell lists 18.0.
- Searching by width field alone. The EdgeStar, the BLACK+DECKER and the SPT built-in list 22.44, 23.6 and 22.6 inches as width, so filters can hide them.
- Buying the best seller for its quietness. The #3-in-category Midea prints no decibel figure; four others print 52 or 53.
- Mixing up the two SPTs. SD-9254SS is a 54.0 lb built-in; SD-9263SS is a 118.0 lb portable.
- Reading a stainless description as a stainless tub. The Avanti, the KoolMore and the Summit say stainless for the machine, finish or door, never the tub.
- Inferring ADA compliance from height. All eight built-ins list 32.25 to 32.5 inches high; only five claim ADA.
- Measuring width and forgetting depth. The Avanti lists 24.25 inches deep, about 1.65 inches more than the 22.6-inch machines.
- Installing a built-in yourself. Water, drain and electrical hookups belong with a qualified professional working to local codes.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Honeywell HDS18W if your opening is a measured 18 inches and you want the most loading space. It is the only listing at exactly 18.0 inches and the only one with a third rack, with ADA, Energy Star and a stainless tub stated. Accept that no decibel figure is given and that it needs the opening confirmed.
Buy the Forno FDWBI8041-18S if you want the most commitments in writing. 52 dBa, front controls, ADA, Energy Star, a stainless tub and 2 years parts and labour. Order by the model number, since the title says Polo, and accept that there is no rank to judge popularity.
Buy the Avanti DWF18V0W if you need ADA, Energy Star and a stated noise figure from Amazon.com. 53 dB, Hi Temp, Sanitize, Extra Dry and a half-load mode. Check that your cabinet takes its 24.25-inch depth, and ask about the tub.
Buy the Midea MDF18A1ABB if you want what most shoppers choose. The best rank on the page, #3 in Built-In Dishwashers, with Heated Dry, Hi-Temp to 136°F and Sanitize in black. Confirm Energy Star, which appears only in a size field, and accept that noise, ADA and control placement are not stated.
Buy the KoolMore KM-DW1852-PR if the dishwasher should vanish into the cabinets. The only panel-ready front here, with 52 dB, ADA, UL, Energy Star and 1-year parts and labor. Budget for the panel and ask about the tub and controls.
Buy the EdgeStar BIDW1802 if leaks worry you or you are replacing a trash compactor. The only stated leakage sensor, 52 dB and sanitize. Accept three different width figures and no Energy Star statement.
Buy the Summit DW185SSADA if you need an ADA-height machine with top controls. The narrowest here at 17.5 inches, eight programmes, legs to 34 inches. Confirm place settings and warranty with the seller first.
Buy the SPT SD-9254SS if you want a plain stainless built-in with labour cover. Stainless tub, Energy Star, heated drying, top-mount and 1-year parts and labor, sold by Amazon.com. Accept a four-line listing with no noise or ADA statement.
Buy the BLACK+DECKER BPD8B if you rent or cannot plumb in. The best-ranked portable, with Quick Connect, Energy Star, a stainless tub and a worktop on top. Accept that it ties up the sink and states no noise figure.
Buy the SPT SD-9263SS if you want the same portable footprint in stainless. Energy Star, 8 place settings and a stainless tub in the title, 17.64 inches wide. Accept that the bullets describe only the packaging, and do not confuse it with the SPT built-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 18 inch dishwasher?
On the listings captured on 5 October 2026, the Honeywell HDS18W is our best overall pick. It is the only one of ten that lists exactly 18.0 inches wide, the only one that describes a third rack, and it states ADA compliance, Energy Star, a stainless steel tub and 8 place settings. It is sold by Amazon.com and ranks #9 in Built-In Dishwashers. Its gaps are a missing decibel figure and unstated control placement. If you want the most commitments in writing, the Forno FDWBI8041-18S states nine of our ten checklist items, including 52 dBa, front controls and a 2-year parts and labour warranty, though Amazon returned no rank for it. If you want what most shoppers buy, the Midea MDF18A1ABB has the best rank on the page. Whichever you choose, measure your opening first: nine of the ten are narrower than 18 inches and the Honeywell is not.
What is the best 18 inch built in dishwasher?
Eight of the ten machines here are built-ins. The Honeywell HDS18W is our pick for its exact 18.0-inch width, third rack, ADA compliance, Energy Star and stainless tub. The Forno states the most checklist items, including 52 dBa and front controls, with the only 2-year parts and labour warranty on the page. The Avanti pairs ADA and Energy Star with a stated 53 dB, but runs 24.25 inches deep. The Midea is the best seller, with heated dry, a high-temperature option to 136°F and sanitize. The KoolMore is the only panel-ready model, the EdgeStar the only one with a stated leakage sensor, and the Summit the narrowest at 17.5 inches, with top controls. The SPT SD-9254SS is a plain stainless built-in with parts and labor cover. Every built-in needs water, drain and electrical hookups, so plan for a qualified professional install that follows local codes.
What is the best slim dishwasher?
In appliance terms, a slim dishwasher is an 18-inch-class model, about six inches narrower than the standard 24-inch size. All ten here are slim in that sense. For a built-in, the Honeywell HDS18W is our overall pick: exactly 18.0 inches wide, a third rack, ADA and Energy Star. If you need the slimmest body, the Summit DW185SSADA lists 17.5 inches, the narrowest here, leaving about half an inch of side play in an 18-inch gap by our arithmetic. For a slim machine that needs no plumbing, the BLACK+DECKER BPD8B portable is the better-ranked of the two portables. Slim does not mean shallow: the Avanti lists 24.25 inches deep, so measure depth as well as width. Nine of the ten state 8 place settings. If even 18 inches is too much, a countertop model that sits on the worktop is the next step down.
What is the best 18 inch portable dishwasher?
Two of the ten are portables on wheels. The BLACK+DECKER BPD8B is our pick: it is #3 in Portable Dishwashers, states Energy Star and a stainless steel tub, holds 8 place settings and connects to a faucet with a Quick Connect, so there is no plumbing work. Its top doubles as a worktop. The SPT SD-9263SS lists almost the same height, depth and width, and puts Energy Star, 8 place settings and a stainless tub in its title, but its bullets describe only the packaging, and Amazon files it in Countertop Dishwashers. Do not confuse it with the SPT SD-9254SS, which is the same maker’s built-in. Neither portable states a noise figure. With any portable, check that your tap suits the adapter; pull-out taps often do not, and the sink is out of use while the machine runs.
Are 18 inch dishwashers actually 18 inches wide?
Usually not quite, and that is by design. The 18-inch figure describes the cabinet opening, and the machine is made a little narrower so it can slide in. Of the ten listings here, nine give a narrow width between 17.5 and 17.75 inches. The Summit lists 17.5, the Midea and KoolMore 17.6, the SPT portable 17.64, the Forno 17.7, the Avanti 17.75, and the EdgeStar both 17.6 and 17.75. The BLACK+DECKER and the SPT built-in give 17.6 in a length field, with a depth-sized number in the width field and 18 inches in a size field. Only the Honeywell lists exactly 18.0 inches, which leaves no side clearance on paper, so its opening should be confirmed against the installation instructions. Nothing on the page lists wider than 18 inches.
How quiet are 18 inch dishwashers?
Only four of the ten listings say. The Forno prints 52 dBa, the KoolMore and the EdgeStar each print 52 dB, and the Avanti prints 53 dB. No listing here claims a lower figure. The other six give no number at all, including the best seller, the Midea, and our overall pick, the Honeywell. The Summit describes advanced sound absorption without a figure. Because the stated figures sit within one decibel of each other, the number barely ranks the four that give one; it mainly separates them from the six that do not. Lower decibel figures mean quieter running, and since the scale is logarithmic, a few decibels make a noticeable difference. If quiet matters, for an open-plan room or a dishwasher you run in the evening, choose one of the four with a stated figure or ask the seller for the measured level before you order.
Do 18 inch built-in dishwashers need professional installation?
We recommend it. A built-in needs a water supply, a drain connection and an electrical supply at the opening, and it has to be levelled and secured under the worktop. Those are jobs where a mistake can mean a leak inside a cabinet or an unsafe electrical connection, and local codes often set out how they must be done. Use a qualified professional, follow local codes and follow the maker’s installation instructions for the exact model. The listings here describe adjustable or levelling legs, and the Summit says its legs lift it up to 34 inches for standard counters, but none of them sets out the full install. Check depth too: the Avanti lists 24.25 inches. Portables are different: the BLACK+DECKER names a Quick Connect that attaches to a kitchen tap, with no direct plumbing or permanent installation, so it suits renters who cannot alter the kitchen.
How many dishes does an 18 inch dishwasher hold?
Nine of the ten listings here state 8 place settings; the Summit gives no figure. A place setting is a standard set of plates, a bowl, a glass, a cup and cutlery for one person, so 8 is roughly a day of dishes for a small household. The rack layout decides how usable those 8 are. The Honeywell is the only listing to describe a third rack, a top cutlery tray that frees the lower basket. The Forno and the Midea give an 11-inch figure for tall items, and the Forno has foldable tines. The Avanti and the EdgeStar add a cup tray, and the Avanti offers a half-load mode for smaller runs. The Summit describes side flaps and fold-down tines for oversized pots. If you regularly wash large pans or baking sheets, check those figures against your biggest piece.
Final Verdict
The only exact 18.0-inch width and the only third rack, with ADA, Energy Star and a stainless tub stated. Sold by Amazon.com.
Nine of ten checklist items stated, 52 dBa and front controls among them, plus the longest warranty here: 2 years parts and labour.
#3 in Portable Dishwashers, Quick Connect to a faucet, Energy Star and a stainless tub, with a worktop on top.
Ten dishwashers sell themselves as 18 inches, and only one lists exactly that. Nine list a narrow width from 17.5 to 17.75 inches, which is how the class is meant to work: a machine slightly narrower than its opening. The Honeywell lists 18.0, and nothing here lists wider.
The checklist separates them more than the width does. Nine state 8 place settings. Only four state a noise figure, three at 52 and one at 53. Five claim ADA compliance, nine Energy Star, one a third rack and one a warranty longer than a year. Six say stainless tub, and none say plastic. The best seller, the Midea, leaves noise, ADA and control placement unsaid.
No two listings share a model number, but SPT appears twice, with a built-in, SD-9254SS, and a portable, SD-9263SS, that are easy to mix up. Three other pairs share bodies closely enough to compare on stock, seller and warranty alone: the Midea and the SPT built-in, the KoolMore and the EdgeStar, and the BLACK+DECKER and the SPT portable.
Choose built-in or portable first. A built-in needs water, drain and electrical hookups, fitted by a qualified professional to local codes. A portable needs a tap that suits its adapter and somewhere to park.
If you buy one dishwasher from this page, make it the Honeywell HDS18W: the only exact 18.0-inch width here, the only third rack, with ADA, Energy Star and a stainless tub in writing and Amazon.com as the seller. Measure your opening first. If you want a stated noise figure and the longest warranty, choose the Forno; if you cannot plumb in, choose the BLACK+DECKER portable.









