Best 10 Narrow Dishwashers: Don’t Let Tight Spaces Cause You Headache

Are you looking for a large-capacity dishwasher that can fit into a somewhat smaller kitchen?

Then a narrow dishwasher is just what you need!

Just like larger models, these dishwashers also offer versatile user-friendly features and ensure amazing cleaning performance. Keep reading and find out which of the listed models suits your needs the best.

The Rundown

What Is A Narrow Dishwasher?

Narrow or slimline dishwashers are designed to fit in tight spaces. They usually measure between 18 and 20 inches in width as they are narrower than standard 24-inch models. However, most slimline dishwashers can still fit great amounts of dishes per load, no matter their width.

Is This The Same As A Compact Model?

Yes. A narrow type is actually often referred to as a compact dishwasher since it is a time-saving kitchen appliance.

What Is The Interior Capacity?

These models usually hold between 8 and 12 place settings, depending on the design. Standard 24-inch models can usually hold up between 14 and 20 place settings.

What Size Is The Narrowest Model?

Actually, it is an 18-inch model. There are smaller models to go for, however, they won’t feature such a narrow design that is in such a focus as with these models. Countertop dishwashers can also be designed with narrow construction, but that is quite rare.

What Is The Difference Between Slimline & Full Size Dishwashers?

Only by their width. All the other functions and specifications are the same as the one that a classic dishwasher has. That includes construction, interior capacity, cleaning cycles, noise level, and more.

What Model Designs Can I Get?

You can get 3 models – built-in, freestanding, and portable. Here are the details.

• A built-in dishwashing machine is placed inside the already existing kitchen cabinetry. It can feature a top or front control panel.
• A freestanding model is designed on all sides so it can simply be placed next to the countertop or in some other available space in your kitchen that has accessible plumbing. This dishwasher can also have a top or front control panel.
• A portable dishwasher features wheels on its bottom. That way you can roll it in and out of the kitchen, and use it per request. It can also feature 2 different control panels.

Do Slim Models Use Less Water?

Not really. They are chosen because of their slim and space-saving design, not because of their budget-friendly water consumption. These models use the same amount of water and energy as any other dishwasher, however, if you choose a model with an Energy Star certificate, you will save water, energy, and money.

Pricing Info

Most of these dishwashers are priced between $600 and $1,500. That is a great price range to get a high-quality model that will fit your household, needs, and preferences, and meet the highest cleaning requirements.

Narrow Models Come With Excellent Advantages

Before we get into the standard functions, let’s talk about some of the advantages and disadvantages of getting a dishwasher with a tall design.

Pros:

• Space-Saving Appliance. This is the key factor of these models. As it is smaller in size, it doesn’t require too much space in the cabinetry or next to the countertop.



• Eco-Friedly Certificate. Want to save water and energy? And decrease the bill at the end of the month? Get a dishwasher that is Energy Star certificated. Such a model uses less than 4 gallons of water and 0.87 kWh of energy per load. For comparison, non-certificated models use up to 15 gallons of water and 1.59 kWh of energy per load.
• Enhance The Beauty Of Your Kitchen. Certain dishwasher models can certainly enhance the design lines of your kitchen. For example, stainless steel, black, or white dishwashers give a perfect touch to the beauty of the space.

Cons:

• Less Space Inside. Classic 24-inch big units can hold up to 20 place settings. That is 8 place settings more than a slim designed model.
• No Room For Awkwardly-Shaped Dishware. As the interior space is smaller, larger items will not usually be able to fit inside. So tall vases, stockpots, and similar items will need to be washed by hand.

How To Buy A Perfect Dishwasher With Narrow Design

In order to find and buy the most ideal dishwasher for your kitchen and household, you need to bear in mind its functions and what can it offer you regarding the cleaning and drying performance. Here is everything you need to know.

High-Quality Construction

Go with a stainless steel constructed dishwasher. This is one of the best materials on the market as it is strong, durable, and resistant to high temperatures, time, stains, and odors. What is great about steel is that it ensures better cleaning and drying results. It also contributes to quieter performance.

Adjustable Racks Or Third Rack?

Both. Adjustable racks are great as they allow you to completely customize the dishwasher’s interior according to your needs and by rearranging all the compartments, baskets, and racks. On the other hand, a third rack will give you additional space above the top rack suitable for flatware, serving and cooking tools, or other small items.

Do I Get Multiple Cleaning Cycles?

Yes. Most dishwashers, no matter the size, come with some standard cleaning cycles such as normal, light, and heavy wash, rinse only, quick wash, and ECO mode. Some of them also have baby care, delicate, glass only, top rack only, and more.

What Drying Options Do I Have?

Almost every dishwasher comes with a drying function. However, you can choose between 2 types of drying, a heated drying or an air-dry. Both options provide good and efficient drying operation, however, heated drying, as it uses a fan or some other heated element, uses a lot more energy, while an air-dry option is eco-friendly and it uses 15% less energy during its performance.

Built-In Water Softener

This is a great feature as it removes minerals from the water that can be hard on dishes over time. A built-in softener contributes to better cleaning results.

Smart Features

These models can have amazing smart features. For instance, they can come with smart soil sensors, WiFi connectivity, powerful leak protection sensors, automatic doors, a time projector, and more. However, those smart models are more expensive so keep that in mind.

Quietness Level

You can get a low-noise model as these dishwashers feature a decibel level between 40 and 55. Every machine that has less than 48 dB is considered ultra-quiet.

Best 10 Narrow Dishwashers

Danby DDW1804EB Dishwasher

Clean Black Design
This extra slim dishwasher in black color features a clean black design thanks to which it provides a very elegant appearance. It features a very simple control panel with versatile programs and functions. Due to its size, it can easily accommodate up to 8 standard place settings.

Delay Start Program
With its delay start feature, you will be able to set the exact time when you want to run the next cleaning cycle up to several hours in advance. Additionally, its Energy Star compliant performance ensures low energy and water consumption.

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EdgeStar BIDW1802SS Dishwasher

Fully Integrated Design
This skinny dishwasher features a fully integrated design. It is made out of stainless steel material that provides it with the needed quality and durability. Additionally, it produces about 52 DBs during the washing cycles, meaning, it will keep the disturbance at a minimal level.

Leakage Sensor
Note that this built-in dishwasher comes with a specially designed leakage sensor. Once it detects a leak, it automatically stops the water flow inside the tub. As a result, your home will remain free from leak damages.

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SPT SD-9263SS Dishwasher

Simple Design
As opposed to the previously reviewed models, this slim dishwasher features a completely freestanding design. It comes with 6 different wash programs, a rinse aid warning indicator, and an error alarm. It can accommodate up to 8 standard place settings and has an adjustable top rack thanks to which it can fit even larger pots and pans.

Rolling Wheels
This dishwasher comes with a drain hose and a faucet adapter for a quick and simple setup. Due to its built-in rolling wheels, you will be able to move the dishwasher anytime you want.

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Kucht K7740D Dishwasher

Smart Wash System
This thin dishwasher features a high-quality stainless steel design. Amongst its multiple cleaning cycles and options, it also provides a Smart Wash system. It determines which cleaning cycle is the best option depending on how soiled the dishes inside the tub are. As a result, your dishes will get a thorough clean with every use.

Filtration System
Note that this 18-inch big dishwasher offers a powerful filtration system. It consists of multiple mesh filters that remove soiled water from the clean one, meaning, the dishwasher consumes a much lower amount of water and energy.

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Frigidaire FFBD1821MB Dishwasher

Multiple Cycles & Options
This is another dishwasher with steel construction and black unit that comes with multiple cleaning cycles and options. Each one is specially designed to provide amazing cleaning performance depending on how soiled your dishware is.

Automatic Dispensers
Just like the rest of the listed models, this slim-fit dishwasher also comes with automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensers. With its Energy Saving performance, you can be sure that no water or power will go to waste. Additionally, its delay start program lets you set the next cyles in advance.

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Electrolux EIDW1805KS Dishwasher

Touch Controls
This super slim dishwasher features a high-quality stainless steel design. It offers very simple touch controls that are mounted atop the door. With its smart soil technology, it can detect the soil level inside the tub and adjust the dishwasher’s performance accordingly.

AquaLux Wash System
Due to its AquaLux wash system, which uses alternating wash arms, this dishwasher will provide a much quieter and more efficient cleaning performance.

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Bosch SPE68U55UC Dishwasher

Freestanding Design
This is another narrow model that features a completely freestanding design, meaning, it requires no permanent installations. Its control panel is located at the top of the machine’s door to ensure that you can easily access it. With its backlit display and warning light indicators, you will be able to tell if something is wrong with the machine.

Water Softener
Because of its size, this thin dishwasher can easily accommodate up to 10 standard place settings. It also comes with a water softener that ensures shiny results in households with hard water.

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Kuppet Countertop Dishwasher

Mini Size
Out of all models I reviewed in this post, this ultra-thin dishwasher comes in the smallest design. You can place it atop your countertops or under the sink in your kitchen cabinetry. Its control panel is located at the top of the machine to ensure that you can easily access it from any position.

Sanitizing Performance
The best thing about this machine is that it uses very high temperatures and ensures very high sanitizing performance. 

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Bosch SHV863WD3N Dishwasher

Panel-Ready Design
This slim dishwasher features a panel-ready design, meaning, you will be able to customize its design to your kitchen’s design. It comes with 3 separate dish racks and features a RackMatic system that allows you to adjust the position of every dish rack.

Low Noise
The best thing about this model is that it produces noise of around 44 DBs during the washing cycle. This means that you will be able to run it both during the day and night with minimal disruption.

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GE Profile Dishwasher

Spacious Tub
Due to its size, this dishwasher will provide you with a very spacious tub interior. It features 2 dish racks and an additional cutlery basket that separates your silverware. Its control panel is top-mounted on the door and the machine has a convenient handle you can use as a towel rack.

ADA Compliant
The best thing about this ultra-thin dishwasher is that it is ADA compliant. This means that all its electrical information and technology is accessible to those with disabilities.

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What Installation Requirements Are In Order?

This dishwasher type doesn’t require some special installation. However, to set it properly, call a professional or make sure to study the manual of a dishwasher to know and understand what you need to do. Setting up a built-in or freestanding model is the same so you can’t go wrong there.

What About Dishwasher With Wheels?

It does require less work than the other 2 models. Here are the installation steps.

1. Install the hoses on the bottom back rack of the dishwasher, remove the tap adapter, and install the thin washer.
2. Align the bottom of the clip with the cut-out on the top back area of the dishwasher.
3. Push down the clip and lock it in place.
4. Push the button on the coupler assembly.
5. Hook up 2 hoses into the rear hose hook at the dishwasher’s back.