Key takeaways
- Good fit: small kitchens with an existing 18-inch opening, one to three person households, stainless kitchens, condo and apartment owners replacing an older compact dishwasher.
- Poor fit: renters who cannot install appliances, large families, and anyone wanting a white or panel-ready finish.
The EdgeStar BIDW1802SS is worth buying if you need a stainless steel dishwasher for an 18-inch cabinet opening and value a brand that specializes in compact appliances. It is an 18-inch wide, 8 place setting built-in model, which makes it a natural fit for condos, galley kitchens, small homes and remodels where a standard 24-inch dishwasher will not fit. Expect to pay roughly $500 to $575, which is toward the upper end of the 18-inch built-in class.
Who should skip it: if your kitchen has white cabinets and appliances, or price is your main concern, other 18-inch models cost about $100 less with similar 8 place setting capacity. And if you can fit a 24-inch dishwasher, you will get far more capacity for similar money. For stainless compact kitchens, though, the BIDW1802SS is an easy recommendation.
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Who it’s for and not for
- Good fit: small kitchens with an existing 18-inch opening, one to three person households, stainless kitchens, condo and apartment owners replacing an older compact dishwasher.
- Poor fit: renters who cannot install appliances, large families, and anyone wanting a white or panel-ready finish.
Key specs
| Spec | EdgeStar BIDW1802SS |
|---|---|
| Type | Built-in, under-counter |
| Width | 18 in class (fits an 18 in opening) |
| Capacity | 8 place settings |
| Finish | Stainless steel |
| Typical opening height (class) | About 34–35 in |
| Typical depth required (class) | About 22–24 in |
| Hookups | Hot water line, drain, 120V electrical |
| Typical price range | About $500–$575 |
Opening and depth figures are typical for 18-inch built-in dishwashers. Confirm the exact dimensions in the installation guide before cutting or modifying cabinetry.
What stands out
Built for small kitchens
EdgeStar focuses on compact appliances like slim refrigerators, wine coolers and narrow dishwashers. That focus shows in the BIDW1802SS’s practical design for an 18-inch space: it slides under the counter like a full-size dishwasher, connects permanently to plumbing and frees your counter for cooking.
Stainless steel finish
The stainless front matches most modern ranges, microwaves and refrigerators. In a small kitchen where appliances sit side by side, a matching finish makes the room look more cohesive.
8 place setting capacity
Eight place settings is standard for the 18-inch class and handles a day or two of dishes for one or two people, or a single day for a family of three. It is a clear step up from 6 place setting countertop models and does not take up any counter space.
Permanent installation advantages
Unlike countertop and portable dishwashers, a built-in does not tie up your faucet or need to be rolled to the sink. Load, close and start; the water and drain connections are always ready.
Trade-offs and limits
- Capacity ceiling: large platters, sheet pans and tall stockpots may not fit, and families cooking every night may need to run it daily.
- Price premium: similar capacity 18-inch models from Honeywell, COMFEE’ and Midea often cost less.
- Installation: a new install requires plumbing and electrical work. Swapping out an existing 18-inch dishwasher is much simpler.
- Fingerprints: a stainless front needs regular wiping to stay smudge-free.
- Parts availability: as a specialist brand, EdgeStar parts may be ordered direct rather than found at a local store.
Installation tips
- Measure three times. Check opening width at the top and bottom, height from the floor to the underside of the countertop, and depth to the back wall.
- Check the floor. New tile or flooring can reduce the opening height. Leveling legs only adjust so far.
- Use a new supply line. Replace the braided stainless water line and the drain hose when replacing an old dishwasher.
- Install a high loop or air gap. Local codes often require a high drain loop or air gap to prevent backflow from the sink.
- Use a proper circuit. A dedicated 15 or 20 amp 120V circuit is typical. Hardwire or plug in according to the instructions and local code.
- Secure it. Fasten the mounting brackets to the countertop or cabinet sides so the dishwasher does not tip when the door opens.
Using it well
- Run the hot tap at the kitchen sink before starting, so the first fill is hot.
- Use rinse aid to improve drying, especially on plastics.
- Clean the filter every couple of weeks.
- Load bowls and cups on the top rack angled down, plates in the lower rack facing the center.
- Don’t overload: in compact tubs, blocking the spray arm has a bigger impact than in full-size models.
Alternatives
If the price is a concern, the Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher offers 8 place settings, 6 programs and a stainless tub in white for less money. The COMFEE’ 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher adds Energy Star and NSF certification. The Midea 18 Inch Built-in is a mainstream all-rounder with a stainless tub. If you cannot install a built-in at all, a countertop or rolling portable dishwasher is the renter-friendly route.
What it costs to own
Beyond the purchase price, budget for installation if you are not swapping like for like. Replacing an existing 18-inch dishwasher with new supply and drain lines is usually a modest job, while converting a cabinet into a dishwasher space can add several hundred dollars for plumbing and a new electrical circuit. Running costs are low for the class: a compact dishwasher uses a few gallons of water per cycle, and most of the energy goes into heating water, so choosing eco or normal cycles over heavy cycles keeps bills down. Rinse aid, detergent and an occasional dishwasher cleaner are the only regular consumables.
Final verdict
The EdgeStar BIDW1802SS does the core job of an 18-inch dishwasher well: 8 place settings in a stainless package that fits a compact kitchen. You pay a little more than some competitors, but you get a design aimed squarely at small spaces from a brand that specializes in them. If your opening is 18 inches and your kitchen is stainless, it is a smart buy in 2026.
