Key takeaways
- Apartments and condos with an existing 18-inch dishwasher opening.
- Small kitchens being remodeled where a 24-inch unit would cost a drawer bank.
- Households of one to three people who run the dishwasher once a day.
- Landlords replacing an old 18-inch unit with an efficient, certified model.
The Honeywell 18-inch dishwasher is a solid buy for small kitchens that need a permanent, built-in style dishwasher without giving up 24 inches of cabinet space. It holds 8 place settings, offers 6 washing programs, uses a stainless steel tub and carries UL and Energy Star certification, all in a white finish that suits most rental-grade and classic kitchens. For couples, small families, condos and ADUs, that combination covers daily dishes at a reasonable price.
Who should look elsewhere? If you have a full 24-inch opening, a standard-width dishwasher holds roughly 12–14 place settings and will save you cycles. And if you cannot install anything under the counter, an 18-inch portable or a countertop model is the way to go. But for an existing 18-inch gap, or a remodel where every inch counts, the Honeywell is a sensible, well-specified option.
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Spec sheet
| Spec | Honeywell 18 in dishwasher |
|---|---|
| Width | 18 in |
| Capacity | 8 place settings |
| Wash programs | 6 |
| Tub material | Stainless steel |
| Installation style | Built-in |
| Certifications | UL, Energy Star |
| Finish | White |
| Standard cut-out for 18 in built-ins | About 18 in W x 34–35 in H x 24 in D |
| Typical price range | Usually around $400–$600 |
The cut-out dimensions are the standard US size for 18-inch built-in dishwashers; confirm the exact requirement in the installation guide before cutting or removing cabinets.
Is it right for you?
Strong fit
- Apartments and condos with an existing 18-inch dishwasher opening.
- Small kitchens being remodeled where a 24-inch unit would cost a drawer bank.
- Households of one to three people who run the dishwasher once a day.
- Landlords replacing an old 18-inch unit with an efficient, certified model.
Weak fit
- Families of four or more who cook every night.
- Anyone needing to fit large stockpots or sheet pans regularly.
- Kitchens with no water supply or drain at the intended spot.
What stands out
Stainless steel tub
A stainless interior holds heat better than plastic, which helps drying, and it resists staining and odors over years of use. In budget 18-inch dishwashers, a stainless tub is a meaningful upgrade.
Eight place settings in a narrow footprint
Eight place settings is the typical ceiling for 18-inch dishwashers. It means a day’s worth of plates, bowls, glasses, mugs and cutlery for a couple or small family, plus a few smaller pots.
Six programs
Six programs cover the realistic range: a heavy cycle for baked-on food, normal for daily loads, eco for lower energy use, a quick wash, and gentler settings for glassware. You will use two or three most of the time, but having a heavy and an eco cycle is useful.
UL and Energy Star
UL listing indicates the unit has been evaluated for electrical safety. Energy Star certification means it meets federal efficiency criteria for water and energy, which lowers running costs over its lifetime.
Trade-offs and limits
- Capacity is capped. No 18-inch dishwasher matches a 24-inch model. Large households will run it more often.
- Installation is a real project. It needs a hot water line, a drain connection, a power supply and secure mounting under the counter. Many buyers will want a plumber or handyman.
- Brand support. Honeywell-branded appliances are typically produced under license, so check warranty terms and the support channel listed with the product.
- White only. If your kitchen uses stainless or panel-ready appliances, the white front may stand out.
Installation and usage tips
- Measure the opening. Confirm width, height to the underside of the countertop and depth, and check that the leveling legs can adjust to your floor.
- Check utilities. You need a hot water supply valve, a drain connection (with an air gap or high loop as local code requires) and a properly grounded power connection.
- Secure the unit. Use the mounting brackets to fix it to the countertop or side cabinets so it cannot tip when the door is open.
- Run hot water at the sink first so the first fill is hot.
- Use rinse aid. It improves drying significantly, especially for plastics.
- Clean the filter every week or two, depending on how much you scrape plates first.
- Load wisely. Face dirty surfaces toward the spray arms, put plastics on the top rack and keep tall items from blocking the spray arm.
18-inch vs 24-inch: is the narrow size enough?
A standard 24-inch dishwasher typically holds about 12–14 place settings, while 18-inch models like the Honeywell top out around 8. In practice, an 8-setting machine handles dinner for two plus breakfast dishes in a single run, but a family of four cooking three meals a day will likely run it twice. If your kitchen can spare 24 inches, the larger size is usually better value. If it cannot, the 6 inches you save can become a drawer bank or pull-out pantry, which many small-kitchen owners value more than extra dishwasher capacity.
Running costs
Energy Star compact dishwashers use only a few gallons of water per cycle and modest electricity. Run daily, the water and power cost is typically a small fraction of what hand-washing with a running tap uses for the same dishes.
Alternatives
If you do not want to install anything, an 18-inch portable dishwasher on casters gives similar capacity with a faucet connection. If you only need to wash for one person, a countertop dishwasher is cheaper still. And if you can make room for 24 inches, a full-size built-in dishwasher roughly doubles daily capacity for a similar price class.
FAQ
Can the Honeywell 18-inch dishwasher replace any 18-inch built-in?
Most US 18-inch dishwashers share a similar opening size, but always compare the height range and depth with your existing cut-out.
Is it quiet?
Built-in dishwashers are quieter than portables because cabinets surround them. Check the listed decibel rating if noise is a priority.
Does it need a dedicated circuit?
Many dishwashers require a dedicated 15 or 20 amp circuit under local code. Follow the installation manual and local requirements.
