Top 8 Apartment-Size Dishwashers: Ideal Match For Limited Spaces

Have you been trying to find the best apartment dishwasher that will fit both your needs and likings perfectly?

Then this post might help you with your search!

I found, reviewed, and compared 8 of the top models you can find on the market. Check them out and find out which one is the right fit for you.

The Rundown

What Is The Perfect Dishwasher’s Size For An Apartment?

The dishwasher that is ideal for an apartment comes with an 18 inches wide unit. This is a compact dishwasher that measures smaller than a traditional-size model with a 24-inch wide unit. Of course, you can go with smaller models too. An 18-inch big unit is the biggest one you should consider.

What Model Types Can I Get?

You can get a couple of dishwasher types for your apartment. Here are your options.

• The built-in model is great if you have that additional space in your cabinetry. Such a dishwasher features an 18-inch unit. A built-in dishwasher can have a top or front control panel.
• A freestanding model is great if you don’t have that additional space in the cabinetry for building it in. This dishwasher just needs to be placed in the kitchen where you have available plumbing. It also usually features an 18-inch wide dishwasher.
• A countertop model is a smaller dishwasher, compared to the other types. It is usually big between 14 and 18 inches and it is placed at the top of the countertop. It can either be plumbed in or it can come with a water tank.



• A portable model comes with wheels. This is really helpful if you don’t have room for a permanent dishwasher so you just roll it in when you need it and then roll it out when you don’t. This dishwasher is most often 18 inches wide.

What Are The Key Components Of Such A Dishwasher?

In order to choose the best dishwasher for your apartment, here are the key factors that define such a model type.

• Size. Of course, size is the most important part of an apartment model. You need to choose carefully the model that will fit perfectly your kitchen space. Just remember to not go over 18 inches.
• Interior capacity. The size defines the number of dishes you can wash at the same time. Most of the apartment-designed dishwashers can hold up to around 10 to 12 place settings. Choose according to your needs.
• Strong construction. This is important with any type of dishwasher. Just because you want a smaller model, doesn’t mean it has to provide less quality. A stainless steel model will be everything you need.

Usual Price Range

You can find these dishwashers priced between $400 and $1,700. Small countertop models are usually cheaper than built-in ones.

Is A Small Dishwasher Worth It?

Yes. Such a model gets very high ratings from the users due to its easy setup, ease of use, and above-average reliability ratings. Plus, any type of dishwasher really enhances the cleaning performance and gives better results than a hand wash.

Should I Get A Dishwasher For My Apartment?

Why not! These days, owning a dishwasher isn’t really a luxury. It is actually a great time-saving, eco-friendly, and high-hygiene kitchen appliance that will save you the trouble of hand washing the dishes. Here are more details.

Eco-Friendly Option

Yes, by using a dishwasher, you’ll use less water for the dishes than by hand washing them. To speak about specific numbers and data, a dishwasher uses between 10 and 15 gallons of water per load. If you hand wash the dishes, you use up to 27 gallons of water! Also, you can get a specially designed eco dishwasher with an Energy Star certificate that uses less than 4 gallons of water per load. No need to worry about energy consumption either. Dishwashers use about 1.59 kWh per load. If they are Energy Star certified, they use even less energy – 0.87 kWh per load.

Time-Saving Appliance

Hand washing can take ages to finish, while you only need a couple of minutes to load the dishwasher and set the cycle so you can be back with your guests or enjoy some family time.

Great Smart Features

Smaller dishwashers don’t mean fewer functions and features. Many apartment-designed dishwashers come with great smart features such as WiFi connectivity, time projector, LED interior lights, touch screen control panel, and more.

How To Choose The Dishwasher For Your Appartment?

Besides the focus on the size, interior capacity, and construction we already mentioned, you need to check other details too. Especially the details that are or aren’t ensuring the impeccable cleaning performance.

Cycles & Options

Most dishwashers feature between 4 and 16 cleaning cycles. The final number depends on the model. However, some of the cycles you can count on with almost any type of dishwasher are heavy, light, and normal washes, rinse only, ECO mode, and quick wash.

Drying Function For Better Results

A drying option is included in almost every type of dishwasher. However, there are 2 options you can choose from, a heated drying and air-dry function. Heated drying will get the job done quickly and effectively, however, such a drying function will use a lot of energy in the process. On the other hand, air-dry needs a bit of time to dry the dishes but it does so in an eco-friendly way.

Built-In Soil Sensors

This feature detects the soil level and then adjusts the performance of the dishwasher according to the collected data.

Quietness Level

The quietest dishwashers produce between 40 and 50 decibels per cleaning cycle. The lower the rating is, the quieter the dishwasher will be. Anything above 50 dB is too loud.

Top 8 Apartment Size Dishwashers

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Dishwasher

Small Size
Out of all models I reviewed in this post, this dishwasher comes in the smallest size. It can fit versatile dishes that are up to 12-inches in diameter at an angle. Because of its size, it is the perfect choice for smaller homes, dorm rooms, offices, campers, RVs, and even boats.

Built-In Water Tank
Another feature that sets this small dishwasher apart is its built-in 5-liter water tank. It eliminates the need for any additional water hookups.

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Danby DDW1804EB Dishwasher

Narrow Design
Because of its 18-inch size, this dishwasher features a bit more narrow design. This makes it an exceptional choice for somewhat smaller homes that simply don’t have enough floor space for larger appliances.

Programmable Delay
The great thing about this 18-inch dishwasher is that it comes with a programmable delay start timer. You can adjust it several hours in advance and ensure that your dishes are perfectly clean when you come home from work.

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Whynter CDW-6831WES Dishwasher

Energy Saving Performance
Due to its size, this dishwasher can easily accommodate up to 6 standard place settings. The best thing is that it provides you with an energy-saving performance. This means that t uses a much lower amount of power and water per cleaning cycle.

Simple Setup
Since this apartment size portable dishwasher features a completely freestanding design and comes with the required accessories, you will be able to complete its setup as quickly as possible. You can easily attach it to your kitchen faucet.

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EdgeStar BIDW1802WH Dishwasher

Multiple Cycles & Cleaning Options
This 18-inch dishwasher can accommodate 8 place settings and it is perfect for singles, couples, and small families. It provides 6 different wash cycles and 3 cleaning options so you can easily find the one that is suitable for your dishes and cookware.

Energy Star Certificate
What is great is that this dishwasher model comes with an Energy Star certificate. Thanks to that, the dishwasher uses a lot less water and energy for cleaning the dishes so you’ll save money on the bills at the end of the month.

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IAGREEA IA-DW01 Dishwasher

Designed For Easy Installation
This is a compact dishwasher that is equipped with a faucet diverter set, so it provides easy installation. It supports 3 methods of installation suitable for most faucets. Besides that, it comes with a user-friendly design and control panel.

Extra Store Mode
This small model can hold up to 4 place settings but it has 7 wash cycle options that, amongst many, include infant, glass, and fruit modes. It also has an extra store mode that offers 72-hour ventilated storage.

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SPT SD-9263W Dishwasher

Narrow Design With Wheels
This thin dishwasher comes with an 18-inch big unit. It features wheels at its bottom so you can easily roll it in the kitchen when you need it and then roll it out when the cleaning is finished. This model also comes with stainless steel construction.

Ideal For Families
Thanks to its great interior design, this narrowly designed dishwasher can hold up to 8 place settings, ideal for a small family. Besides that and thanks to its steel interior that emits minimal noise, the dishwasher provides quiet cleaning and drying operation.

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VENTRAY DW55AD Dishwasher

Small Desigh With 5 Programs
This is a mini compact dishwasher designed for small apartments, dorms, and RVs. It needs as little space as possible on the countertop. Despite its size, it comes with 5 washing programs. That includes eco, daily, intense, fast wash, and glass.

Easy-To-Use Design
This is a user-friendly dishwasher with LED digital display and it can be used by both beginners and professionals. It comes with 360° spray arms that ensure rotating powerful deep cleaning of the dishes, even for the toughest of dirt.

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BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Dishwasher

Durable & User-Friendly
Thanks to its stainless steel construction, this dishwasher is strong, durable, and resistant to stains and odors. It has a fully integrated LED control panel that ensures easy handling and usage for every generation, as well as a nicely-designed handle for easy door opening.

7 Wash Cycles
This white dishwasher can hold up to 6 standard place settings which is great due to its compact design and size. It can hold plates, bowls, mugs, cups, wine glasses, and utensils. It offers 7 superior wash cycles that include eco-friendly mode, glass, and intensive wash.

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Installation Requirements In An Appartment

You can find dishwashers that require permanent water installations and the ones that can be attached to a kitchen faucet. Some models even come with built-in water tanks that allow you to use the dishwasher in remote locations. So choose a dishwasher that will be suitable for your apartment and all the installation requirements. Speaking of installation, get yourself a professional with knowledge of electricity and plumbing. Here are a couple of tips to know.

1. If you get a countertop dishwasher, you can plumb it in yourself, you just need to connect it to the water faucet. Also, such a dishwasher drains into the kitchen sink. This applies to a dishwasher with wheels too.
2. Most drain hoses are up to 60 inches in length so make sure to place a dishwasher at the appropriate distance.
3. Most built-in models don’t come with all the faucets needed for the connection. Make sure to check out the manual to see what parts you need before you call on a professional.
4. Models with a water tank usually have a capacity of up to 7 liters. You just need to pour the water in, there is no need for other water hookups.