If you live in an apartment, there’s a good chance you’re already living a busy life. Working in the city, gym sessions, coffee with friends, long commutes. Wouldn’t it be great if you could spend less time on household chores?
We think that just because you live in an apartment, no matter how small, you shouldn’t miss out on having a dishwasher. It takes less time, energy and saves you money!
While you can get countertop or portable dishwashers, maybe you have space for one of the best apartment size dishwashers. We scoured the web looking for the best recommendations to share with you. After spending hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and dozens of products, we narrowed it down to seven fantastic apartment-sized dishwashers.
- Flexible third rack
- PrecisionWash ensures clean dishes
- PureDry condensation drying
- ADA-Compliant and NFS-Certified
- Third rack for utensils
- 6 cycles, 5 options
- Dual spray arm provides spotless results
- Cycle status indicators
- Self-cleaning filter
- Heated drying system
- 1-24 hour time delay
- Has two spray arms
- Three-level wash system
- Autosense cycle chooses settings for you
- Includes hard food disposer
- Three level wash system
- NSF-certified sanitization option
- Autosense cycle
- User-friendly front control panel
- 6 cycles, 4 options
- Stainless steel tub
Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we meticulously evaluate the best apartment size dishwashers through in-depth research, hands-on experience, and data analysis. Our professional team compares each product’s performance, design, and user experience to provide you with an objective assessment. We identify the key decision-making factors, including efficiency, capacity, noise level, installation process, and price, and rank the products based on these criteria. To further instill trust, we share quantitative measurements of each dishwasher’s performance, explain what sets them apart from competitors, and provide first-hand evidence supporting our recommendations. Trust Oh So Spotless to guide you in finding the perfect apartment size dishwasher to meet your specific needs.
The Best Apartment Size Dishwashers of 2024
We’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, as well as applying our own insight to create this list of the best apartment-size dishwashers. We rated and reviewed these products based on their noise level, washing and drying ability, capacity, and more.
Get ready for your new apartment appliance!
Bosch 800 Series Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Best Quiet Dishwasher
Although standard dishwashers go down to 39 decibels, 18-inch dishwashers can’t quite reach that sound level yet. But the Bosch 18-inch 800 series dishwasher is still super quiet. At only 44 decibels, this is similar to the sounds of birds calling (1).
If you’re sensitive to sounds, this is an excellent option for your apartment, even if it’s smaller. Once you’re all tucked up in bed, you won’t be able to hear this as it deeply cleans all your dishes from that day.
What We Like
Flexible Third Rack
The third rack, which is deep enough to hold cutlery and small cups, adds 30% more capacity to the dishwasher. Located at the top of the dishwasher, you can put cutlery, utensils, and cups here to give yourself more space on the other racks. If you don’t like it, you can remove it!
PrecisionWash Ensures Clean Dishes
Forget about pre-rinsing your dishes. Finish your meal, scrape your plate, and shove it in the dishwasher. The PrecisionWash cycle uses intelligent sensors and powerful spray arms to ensure your dishes are spotless.
PureDry Removes Moisture
PureDry uses condensation drying to bring your dishes, even plastic, to ultimate dryness. It ends the cycle with an extra hot wash, meaning moisture wicks away as the dishes cool. There are no heated fans, so putting your plastics on any rack is safe!
Prevents Leaks In Your Apartment
If you live in an apartment, you know the fear of a leak. Not only does it affect you, but it affects your downstairs neighbors. This dishwasher has AquaStop Leak Protection which will prevent leaks even if the dishwasher is switched off.
What We Don't Like
Some Aesthetic Flaws
We think this is a pretty classy looking dishwasher, but not everybody thinks so. And we can understand why when you look at it more closely. Firstly, it doesn’t come with a baseboard, so the legs are visible.
Secondly, the print on the buttons fades over time, meaning that after a couple of years, you may not see which cycle you’re selecting!
Third Rack Cleaning Issues
While we love the third rack, you may struggle to clean heavily soiled items on it since it doesn’t have a dedicated spray arm. It shares the same spray arm as the rack below, meaning not everything gets fully clean. If you have heavily soiled utensils, we recommend laying them flat on one of the other racks.
Product Specs
| Type | Built-in top control |
| Noise Level | 44 dB |
| Wash Cycles | Six |
| Drying Capacity | Condensation drying |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 10 place settings |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Bosch 800 Series Custom Panel Ready Dishwasher
Most Spacious
The Bosch 18-inch dishwashers are definitely the most spacious on the market. They have 10 place settings plus a third rack which adds 30 percent more loading space. The third rack is great for utensils, small bowls, and small cups.
As well as being spacious, this is also a panel-ready dishwasher. You can customize the front panel to suit the rest of your kitchen decor, so the dishwasher seamlessly fits into your home.
What We Like
Certificate Central
This dishwasher is the proud owner of a few important certificates. Firstly, it’s ADA-compliant, so it’s specially made for customers with special height requirements.
It also has a CSA certificate, so it meets Canadian standards. It’s also NSF certified, as well as UL listed. Let’s not forget that it’s also Energy Star certified, so it’s an efficient and eco-friendly option.
Sanitize Option Kills Bacteria
We love dishwashers with a Sanitize cycle. It’s so useful, especially if someone in the family has been sick!
This cycle reduces 99.9 percent of bacteria with a hot-wash rinse. This also provides extra clean dishes with reduced spots. It’s great for hard water areas!
Six Cycles, Five Options
This little dishwasher has a lot of wash options, so you can customize it to suit your needs. The six wash options include Heavy, Auto, Normal, Delicate, Express, and Rinse. The five additional options are Delay Start, Half load, Delicate, Sanitize, and Extra Shine.
Third Rack for Utensils
This dishwasher also has a third rack in a v-shape design which allows for angling your items. It also has expandable wings, so you can make space for deeper items like mugs or bowls.
What We Don't Like
Difficulty Drying
This dishwasher has a bit of a struggle fully drying dishes. Even if you run it overnight, they might not be dry in the morning. You may have to air dry them afterward for 30 minutes or so to achieve complete dryness.
Installation Problems
Before buying this model, remember that it’s tough to install. The instructions aren’t clear, and some people had missing parts. Not only that — but adding your custom panel is quite a project!
Product Specs
| Type | Built-in custom panel top control |
| Noise Level | 44 dB |
| Wash Cycles | Six |
| Drying Capacity | Condensation drying |
| Dishwasher Capacity | 10 place settings |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Frigidaire Stainless Steel Tall Tub Dishwasher
Best Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Stainless steel dishwashers are our top pick over plastic. While many great plastic dishwashers are on the market, stainless steel takes the lead. It’s more durable, easier to clean, and helps wick away moisture.
Plastic tends to cling to moisture, so stainless steel is better for dryer dishes as well as limiting bad odors in your appliance.
We also love this dishwasher for its dual spray arm, eight place settings, 24-hour delay start, heated drying system, and much more.
What We Like
Dual Spray Arm Provides Spotless Results
Sometimes one spray arm isn’t enough, especially if your dishes are heavily soiled. This dishwasher has a top and bottom rack spray arm which ensures thorough cleaning every cycle.
Cycle Status Indicators
The status lights tell you when your dishwasher is running. Plus, they also let you know which stage the cycle is at so you know how long is left.
Filtration System Eliminates Food Residue
The self-cleaning filter (which can also be cleaned manually) removes food particles during the cycle to ensure the water is as clean as possible. This results in super clean dishes without gross food residue.
24-Hour Delay Timer
You apartment dwellers live busy lives! This dishwasher is designed to suit your schedule. You can set the timer to begin the cycle anywhere from one to 24 hours from now.
This allows you to have clean dishes ready for when you come home or for the dishwasher to run when energy prices are lowest.
What We Don't Like
Awkward Spacing Interior
You may find this awkward to load. Firstly, the cutlery rack is at the back, not the front, so it means reaching far into the dishwasher when you want to pop just one fork in there.
Secondly, the tines are close together, so your dishes will be narrowly stacked. This is fine, except if you have larger bowls or plates. Then they might hit each other.
Leaking Issues
A few customers experienced leaks as soon as they set up their dishwashers. This is covered by the warranty and can be fixed, but it might ruin your floors.
Other customers had an error message that there was a leak, even though there wasn’t. Pretty annoying!
Product Specs
| Type | Built-in front control |
| Noise Level | 52 dB |
| Wash Cycles | Six |
| Drying Capacity | Heated drying |
| Dishwasher Capacity | Eight place settings |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
SPT Built-In Dishwasher With Heated Drying
Best Budget Choice
Shocked by the price of dishwashers? Even these slimline dishwashers often have a steep price point. Thankfully, there are a few budget-friendly dishwashers in the market.
The SPT built-in dishwasher is our favorite budget-friendly option that still delivers amazing results. It has eight place settings, so it’s a great addition to all apartments, whether you live alone or with your family. Of course, it still takes up minimal space, so it’s great for most kitchens.
As for features, it has six wash programs, a time delay option, and a new heated dry cycle.
What We Like
Heated Dry Removes Moisture From Dishes
As mentioned, this dishwasher has a heated dry cycle. This means your dishes are likely to come out much drier than condensation cycles. Now, you can go from dirty to dry with very little effort.
One To 24 Hour Time Delay
With the option to extend the start time from 1-24 hours after you’ve loaded it, this dishwasher can fit into your busy schedule. Program it to be finished by the time you wake up, get home from work, or are ready for your next meal.
Two Spray Arms Provide Thorough Coverage
Each rack in this dishwasher has its own spray arm. This provides for maximum coverage and cleaning for both racks.
Our dishwasher has one spray arm, and we definitely don’t get consistent results! Two spray arms is a big bonus.
Quality Stainless Steel Tub
We’re impressed that this appliance has a stainless steel tub, despite the low price point! Stainless steel is better than plastic, in our experience. It’s easy to clean, durable, and helps wick away moisture more effectively.
What We Don't Like
Awkward Loading
A few customers hate the design of the tines on the racks. While it is fine for plates and standard bowls, they don’t fit larger items, such as deep bowls or big mugs.
Look, a Leak!
Unfortunately, leaks are no stranger to this dishwasher. A few unsatisfied customers had issues with leaks. Of course, you can return the dishwasher within the warranty period if this happens to you, but it’s something to watch out for.
Keep in mind that this is a rare problem and the majority of the customers didn’t experience this.
Product Specs
| Type | Built-in front control |
| Noise Level | 52 dB |
| Wash Cycles | Six |
| Drying Capacity | Heated drying |
| Dishwasher Capacity | Eight place settings |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
GE Profile Series 18 Inch Built-In Dishwasher
Best for Hard Water
I think we can all agree that this is one classy GE dishwasher. It has a very aesthetic front panel with a sleek pocket handle.
It’s also available in black, white, and stainless steel. So you can find one that looks magic in your kitchen!
As for hard water areas, we think this is a great choice. Of course, it has space for a rinse aid to eliminate hard water spots at the end of the cycle. But it also has a steam-prewash cycle which helps remove any hard water residue from previous washes or dishwashers.
What We Like
Three-Level Wash System
The three-level wash system means that your dishes are extra clean. Rather than one spray arm, this has three water levels ensuring that every last item is clean and sparkling.
Autosense Technology Chooses Settings for You
A fancy beam of light measures soil levels on the dishes. It adjusts the water temperature and cycle time to suit your dishes best. This saves you time and energy where possible.
Piranha Hard Food Disposer
A stainless steel blade rotates at 3,600 RPM to finely grind up food remains. This ensures the cleanest dishes ever since food particles won’t stick around during the cycle.
Of course, you should still rinse your plates before putting them in the dishwasher. But if you do forget some scraps, you don’t need to worry.
Kills 99.99 Percent of Bacteria
If you like everything to be disinfected or need to sanitize dishes after a family illness, you’ll enjoy this dishwasher. It has an NSF-certified high-temperature wash that will protect you and your loved ones.
What We Don't Like
Average Drying Results
Don’t expect amazing drying results from this dishwasher. It uses a condensation drying cycle without an automatic door, which provides average results.
A heated drying system or an automatic door would be better to help with extra moisture after the condensation drying.
Loading Confusion
Loading this dishwasher may be more difficult than installing it! Many customers find loading this dishwasher to be a confusing experience.
The racks have an unusual layout. Every time they load this dishwasher, it’s like finding a new way that works best.
Product Specs
| Type | Built-in top control |
| Noise Level | 47 dB |
| Wash Cycles | Three |
| Drying Capacity | Condensation drying |
| Dishwasher Capacity | Eight place settings |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Haier 18-Inch Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Best Smart Dishwasher
We’re living in the digital age, so we can’t create this list without recommending a Wi-Fi-compatible dishwasher. The Haier 18-inch dishwasher works via the GE Kitchen app and your smart speaker. From there, you can monitor the performance, check the cycle status, and reorder detergent.
Just note that you can’t yet start the dishwasher cycle remotely.
Another reason we love this dishwasher is because it’s family-friendly. You don’t need to pre-rinse dishes, and there is a child lock to keep curious kids away from the buttons.
What We Like
Three Level Wash System
For pristine cleaning, enjoy the three-level wash system on this dishwasher. The mighty wash arms will deep clean your dishes, which is great for saving you time during your busy week.
Hard Food Disposer
As mentioned, this is an excellent option for families. When you want to quickly load the dishwasher before bath time, there’s now no need to pre-rinse the dishes. Any food particles will be effectively ground up and washed away without the risk of clogging.
Autosense Cycle Chooses Settings for You
This dishwasher will choose the most effective settings for you, from cycle time to water temperature. No need to guess the best settings — this appliance detects the soil levels and handles all the dirty business.
NSF-Certified Sanitization Option
Here’s another reason we love this dishwasher for families. You can kill 99.99 percent of bacteria and germs on your dishes with this feature. This is essential for families with young kids who bring home too many viruses!
What We Don't Like
Condenser Drying Only
While this does have condenser drying that works well with the sanitization option, overall, it’s not the most impressive dishwasher for drying dishes. Keep a towel nearby to wipe these dishes after the cycle.
Annoying Silverware Caddy
The silverware caddy has individual slots of the silverware. This means you are limited to how many items you put in there — but the good news is, this method cleans the silverware better.
Product Specs
| Type | Built-in top control |
| Noise Level | 47 dB |
| Wash Cycles | Three |
| Drying Capacity | Condenser drying |
| Dishwasher Capacity | Eight place settings |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Danby 18 in. Front Control Dishwasher
Best Built-In Dishwasher
Looking for something that can be built into your cabinet space? All of our options are, but here is one more for the road! Plus, it’s budget-friendly, so it shouldn’t break the bank.
Just watch out because the price can easily add up when you consider extra parts and labor costs.
Besides these features, you can also expect to find eight place settings and low water consumption. There’s also a delayed start, quiet operation, an adjustable upper rack, and much more.
What We Like
User-Friendly Front Control Panel
The wide front control panel is so easy to use! If you struggle with the tiny buttons on top control dishwashers, this is one to consider. It has easy-to-use buttons as well as a digital control screen so you can see the settings you’ve chosen.
Six Cycles, Four Options
With six cycles and four wash options, you can customize each cycle to suit the dishes. The six wash cycles are Heavy, Normal, Eco, Rapid, Glass, and Rinse. The four extra options include various temperature options, including a sanitization cycle.
Stainless Steel Tub
Just because it’s a budget-friendly dishwasher doesn’t mean it needs to be made of plastic. This stainless steel tub is built to last for years to come, it’s easy to wash and helps wick away moisture.
Adjustable Upper Rack
For a slim dishwasher, this is a rare feature. You can adjust the upper rack on this dishwasher, allowing more room for taller items on the rack below.
What We Don't Like
Don’t Stack Dishes Too Close Together
In a small dishwasher, this is a big problem. If you want to stack your dishwasher full, you risk the dishes not getting 100 percent clean since the detergent and water seem to struggle to get in between plates and bowls.
Price Adds Up
While this is a budget-friendly option, the price can add up. Many customers had to hire a plumber to fit the dishwasher.
Plus, not every part is included. For instance, it comes without a power cord since it’s meant to be built into a countertop which is typically hard-wired into the house. If you need a power cord, that’s another price to pay on top of the dishwasher.
Product Specs
| Type | Built-in front control |
| Noise Level | 52 dB |
| Wash Cycles | Six |
| Drying Capacity | None |
| Dishwasher Capacity | Eight place settings |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Type | Noise Level | Wash Cycles | Drying Capacity | Dishwasher Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 800 Series Stainless Steel | Quiet Dishwasher | Built-in top control | 44 dB | 6 | Condensation drying | 10 place settings |
| Bosch 800 Series Custom Panel Ready | Spacious | Built-in custom panel top control | 44 dB | 6 | Condensation drying | 10 place settings |
| Frigidaire Stainless Steel Tall Tub | Stainless Steel Dishwasher | Built-in front control | 52 dB | 6 | Heated drying | 8 place settings |
| SPT Built-In With Heated Drying | Budget Choice | Built-in front control | 52 dB | 6 | Heated drying | 8 place settings |
| GE Profile Series 18 Built-In | For Hard Water | Built-in top control | 47 dB | 3 | Condensation drying | 8 place settings |
| Haier Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | Smart Dishwasher | Built-in top control | 47 dB | 3 | Condenser drying | 8 place settings |
| Danby Front Control Dishwasher | Built-In Dishwasher | Built-in front control | 52 dB | 6 | None | 8 place settings |
What Size Is an Apartment Size Dishwasher?
A full-size 24-inch dishwasher may be too big for apartments, so we’re focusing on the best 18-inch dishwashers. These are slim enough to fit in most apartments but still have a lot of power behind them.
There are other space-saving options, such as countertop dishwashers or portable dishwashers, but we’re focusing on 18-inch options today. They’re as close as you’ll get to 24-inch dishwasher standards.
Is an 18-Inch Dishwasher Big Enough?
18-inch dishwashers, while smaller than standard dishwashers, still have a good capacity. Most have around an eight to ten place setting capacity.
How Much Space Do You Need Around a Dishwasher?
This will vary by model, but you should have at least the amount of space that matches the dimensions of the dishwasher, plus about half an inch extra on each side. Except for the back, which should be about two inches bigger, so the dishwasher doesn’t stick out.
If necessary, you can leave gaps around the dishwasher, but the gaps aren’t good-looking, and debris can fall down the side.
If your space is bigger or meant for a standard dishwasher, you can tuck it into this space. Still, you may need to renovate your surrounding cabinets for it to look good.
Top Tip
How To Choose the Best Apartment Size Dishwasher
Looking for an apartment size dishwasher to make your life easier? Here are what details you should prioritize.
Type
Within this genre of dishwashers, there are a few categories. You can find custom panel dishwashers, of which you can change the front panel to suit the rest of your kitchen.
There are built-in options, as well as portable. You’ll also find top or front control dishwashers. Some people prefer one type over the other.
Size
Apartment size dishwashers are 18 inches, so you only really have one option in the width department. But always check the height and length to make sure it will fit in your dedicated spot.
Noise Level
Always check the decibel level. The higher this number, the louder the dishwasher.
Dishwashers usually run between 39 and 65 decibels, with 39 being the quietest. Apartment size dishwashers typically aren’t quieter than 44 decibels.
Design
Consider the design of the dishwasher. Many brands have a variety of design options to make the overall experience easier.
Have a look at the different handles, whether it’s a recessed, a pocket handle, or a bar handle. You should also consider the material: is it plastic or stainless steel? Stainless steel dishwashers are built to last longer.
Wash Cycles
How many wash cycles does the dishwasher have? Does it have everything you want, such as heavy, sanitization, delicate, or express cycles?
Drying Capacity
Not every dishwasher does a good job at drying dishes. If this is important to you, look for a dishwasher with a specific drying cycle.
Other drying options include condensation drying, which does a decent job. Perhaps the dishwasher has an automatic door which opens at the end of the cycle? This helps to air dry dishes.
Dishwasher Capacity
Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings. The higher this number, the more spacious the dishwasher is.
Apartment size dishwashers usually have a place setting of up to 10. If you need something more spacious, you’ll have to go for a portable or standard dishwasher.
Ease of Installation
Dishwashers can be a challenge to install, but once you familiarize yourself with all the steps, it’s a doable DIY job. Consider how easy the dishwasher you’re choosing will be to install. You can always ask the manufacturer to install it for you.
Extra Features
Dishwashers can do more than just wash and dry your dishes. Consider the extra features of the dishwasher. These could include LED lights, foldable tines, adjustable racks, Wi-Fi, a hard food processor, and much more.
Eco-Friendly
Check the dishwasher is Energy Star certified. If so, it will be an energy-efficient option. To go the extra mile, check if it has an eco cycle.
You may also want one that’s CEE certified. Lastly, check how much it costs annually to run.
Warranty
Don’t forget about the warranty. This gives you a rough idea about how long the dishwasher will last and how good the customer service is. Depending on the brand, this tends to range from one year to 10 years.
FAQs
How Do You Know When To Replace Your Dishwasher?
Several signs point to when you need to replace your dishwasher. The dishes come out cold, food is baked onto the surface, it doesn’t latch properly, it fails to drain, and you spot internal rust.
How Do I Know What Size Dishwasher I Need?
Knowing what size dishwasher you need depends on your requirements and available space. Kitchen cabinets are standardized, as are dishwashers, so you need to measure the gap and purchase a dishwasher that fits.
What is the Slimmest Dishwasher You Can Buy?
The slimmest dishwasher you can buy measures 18 inches in width. Slimline dishwashers are designed to fit tight spots, where space is precious, unlike wider 24-inch dishwashers.
Is a Stainless Steel or Plastic Dishwasher Better?
A stainless steel dishwasher is better than a plastic model because they are harder-wearing, more efficient, and less likely to malfunction. They also deal with heat better, whereas some plastics warp over time.
How Far Away Can the Dishwasher be From the Sink?
The maximum distance a dishwasher can be from a sink is two feet. Any further, and it will struggle to clean dishes and drain properly.
