Countertop and 18-inch built-in models tested and ranked. Updated for 2026.
If your kitchen can't fit a standard 24-inch dishwasher, you have two excellent options: countertop models that hook up to your faucet, and slim 18-inch built-ins that slide into a narrow cabinet slot. Both categories have improved dramatically in recent years. We compared seven of the best on cleaning performance, noise, capacity, and value.
| Model | Type | Width | Noise | Place Settings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch SPE53B52UC | 18" built-in | 17.6" | 46 dB | 9 | ~$650 |
| Farberware FCD06ABBWHA | Countertop | 17.3" | 52 dB | 6 | ~$350 |
| Bosch SPV68B53UC | 18" built-in | 17.6" | 44 dB | 9 | ~$950 |
| hOmeLabs Compact | Countertop | 17.2" | 55 dB | 6 | ~$280 |
| Midea MDC3203DWW3A | Countertop | 21.7" | ~52 dB | 6 | ~$220 |
| GE GPT225SSLSS | Portable/rolling | 23.6" | 54 dB | 12 | ~$649 |
The two most important specs for small kitchens are width and noise level. Built-in 18-inch models typically handle 8–10 place settings and run at 44–50 dB — quiet enough for an open-plan apartment. Countertop models hold 4–6 settings and attach to your kitchen faucet with a quick-connect adapter, requiring no permanent plumbing changes.
The Bosch 300 Series has long been the benchmark for compact built-in dishwashers, and the current model lives up to that reputation. At 46 dB it's quiet enough that you'll forget it's running. The third rack adds a surprising amount of utensil capacity. The main trade-off versus a full-size unit is that large pots and pans need to be hand-washed.
For renters or anyone who can't modify their plumbing, the Farberware countertop model is the easiest path to machine-washed dishes. It hooks to your faucet in seconds, runs five wash cycles, and handles six place settings — enough for a couple's daily dishes. It's louder than a built-in, but at this price point, the convenience is hard to beat.
The 800 Series is the premium step up from the 300 Series, running at 44 dBA with a fully integrated panel-ready design that hides behind custom cabinet doors. PrecisionWash automatically adjusts the cycle based on soil level sensors, and RackMatic's nine-position upper rack accommodates an unusually wide range of loads. A third rack adds 30% more loading flexibility. Note: the custom panel and handle are sold separately. Home Connect app support allows remote monitoring.
The Midea MDC3203DWW3A packs six place settings and six wash cycles into a countertop footprint that hooks directly to your kitchen faucet. Midea is one of the world's largest appliance manufacturers (they also make Comfee and several OEM brands), and the build quality reflects that scale. A programmable delay start and Energy Star certification make it a practical daily driver. Available in White, Black, and Stainless Steel — all at the same price.
The GE GPT225SSLSS is a full 12-place-setting dishwasher on casters that connects to your sink faucet for use and stows away when not needed. In testing by Reviewed.com it out-cleaned many traditional built-ins with 98–99% stain removal on heavy cycles. The AutoSense CleanSensor uses a light beam to measure soil level and adjusts the cycle automatically. The standout feature: when you move somewhere with space for a proper installation, this unit can be permanently plumbed in as a built-in.
We evaluated each model on five criteria: cleaning performance based on aggregated owner reviews, noise level (measured in dB, lower is better), interior capacity relative to external dimensions, build quality and long-term reliability data, and value for money. Models were sourced from the current inventories of Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe's.
Choose a countertop model if you're renting, have no 18-inch cabinet opening, or want a zero-installation solution. Choose an 18-inch built-in if you own your place (or have landlord permission), want quieter operation, and prefer a built-in look with slightly more capacity. If you have space for a standard 24-inch dishwasher, a compact model isn't the right fit — you'd be paying more per place setting.