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You want dishes that come out clean and dry without pre-rinsing every plate, and you want the machine that does it without making your kitchen sound like a jet engine. That means finding an Energy Star certified model that balances washing power, noise, and a tub that actually dries. A compact 18-inch dishwasher now matches the cleaning and drying of a full-size 24-inch unit, so small kitchens don’t sacrifice performance.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
This review of the best energy star dishwasher models focuses on 18-inch and 24-inch built-ins that save water and energy while getting your dishes truly clean and dry.
How To Choose The Best Energy Star Dishwasher
An Energy Star dishwasher is certified to use less water and energy than a standard model, which shows up as a smaller utility bill. Beyond the sticker, you need to match the machine to your kitchen’s physical space and your household’s actual dish load.
Measure Your Cabinet Opening First
This is the step that trips up more buyers than any other. An 18-inch dishwasher fits a narrow slot, while a 24-inch model is the standard full-size opening. Check the exact width of your cabinet gap before you fall in love with a specific unit, and confirm the height works with your countertop and adjustable legs.
Match Capacity to Your Household
An 8 place setting machine suits a couple or a small family, while a 14-16 place setting unit handles a busy household with big pots and pans. Think about your largest loads — if you cook big meals or host often, the extra capacity in a 24-inch model saves you from running two cycles.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Width | Place Settings | Noise Level | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea 18-Inch | Small kitchens, big cleaning | 17.6″ | 8 | Quiet | Amazon |
| SPT 18-Inch | Value pick | 17.75″ | 8 | Quiet | Amazon |
| Avanti 18-Inch | ADA-compliant installs | 17.75″ | 8 | 53 dB | Amazon |
| Kenmore 24-Inch | Smart wash cycles | 24″ | 14 | Quiet | Amazon |
| Honeywell 18-Inch | Tiny homes | 18″ | 8 | Quiet | Amazon |
| SUNVIVIPRO 24-Inch | Oversized loads | 26.1″ | 14–16 | 49 dB | Amazon |
| Equator 24-Inch | ADA low-profile fit | 23.5″ | 14 | 51 dB | Amazon |
| Frigidaire 18-Inch | Tiny kitchens, trusted brand | 18″ | 8 | 52 dB | Amazon |
| KoolMore 24-Inch | Custom cabinet fronts | 24″ | 14 | 45 dB | Amazon |
| Kenmore Elite 24-Inch | Full-size luxury cleaning | 23.55″ | 15 | 42 dB | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Midea 18-Inch Built-in Dishwasher
The compact workhorse that fits a slim slot yet swallows 11-inch tall pots
If you live in a small household, this 18-inch Midea is the one to beat. Its slim 22.6″D x 17.6″W x 32.4″H body fits tight kitchens, yet the interior still takes larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height — so you won’t hand-wash your big cookware. It holds 8 place settings, enough for a typical three-person household to run one load a day.
Cleaning is the thing everyone raves about, and the numbers back it up: the Hygiene wash cycle holds the water at 136°F (58°C) max, which is what makes it suitable for baby bottles and kids’ dinner sets. You get 6 programs (Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, Rinse) plus Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions. The key rule here is to use only dishwasher-specific detergent — regular liquid dish soap will cause problems, per the manufacturer.
Reliability is the standout story with this one. Buyers report units that are “almost a year old, still working great,” and the consensus is that it does what it’s supposed to: dishes come out shiny and the filter is easy to clean. The biggest catch is that it doesn’t come with hoses or an install kit, so have those ready before the delivery arrives.
What wins you over
- Heated Dry delivers thorough drying without towel-drying
- Stainless tub resists stains and odors
- Adjustable legs help fit tight under-counter spaces
Plan for this
- No hoses or install kit included
- Only use dishwasher detergent, never liquid dish soap
Reach for it if: you need a compact 18-inch unit that genuinely cleans and dries a family’s worth of dishes.
Look elsewhere if: you expect a plug-and-play install with all hoses in the box.
2. SPT SD-9254SSA 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
Big-name internals at a friendlier price, with a 1-24 hour delay timer
If you want to run the wash while you sleep or after you leave for work, the SPT’s Time Delay feature lets you program operation to start 1-24 hours later. That, plus an Error Alarm that displays fault codes, makes this a smart pick for the price. It runs on just 234 kilowatt hours per year, which is the Energy Star efficiency number that shows up as a smaller bill.
Buyers with experience installing dishwashers call it a match for big-name internals at roughly half the price, and a prior unit in the same family lasted 6 years before the door latch failed. The cleaning performance is what people praise most, with the power wash leaving dishes spotless. The recurring note is that the instruction manual is poor — experienced installers find it straightforward, but beginners may struggle.
The honest trade-off is drying. Some owners mention the heated dry and sanitize buttons don’t live up to their name, leaving everything dripping wet. It’s the most-discussed downside, so if bone-dry plastics are a must, factor that in. For a couple, the 8 place settings and compact footprint are ideal.
Smart timer: the 1-24 hour delay start lets you schedule washes around off-peak hours.
Know the limit: drying gets mixed reviews, so plan to air-dry or check the load after a heated cycle.
3. Avanti 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
A white 18-inch built-in that meets ADA height standards for accessible kitchens
For an accessible kitchen, this Avanti is built to a specific requirement: it is ADA-compliant, meaning it meets the appliance standards in the Americans with Disabilities Act. That makes it a go-to for universal-design countertops where standard-height machines won’t fit. It measures 24.25″D x 17.75″W x 32.25″H and weighs 64 lbs.
You get six automatic cycles (Regular, Automatic, Super, Intensive, Delicate, Rinse) plus three wash options: Hi Temp Wash, Sanitize, and Extra Dry. The quiet 53 dB operation means you can run it and still hold a conversation in the same room. A nylon-coated upper and lower rack protects your glassware from scratches, and the eco half-load mode saves water for smaller loads.
The caveat is build quality at delivery. Customers note that the thin metal door and sides dent easily, and one unit arrived with a broken spinner that required a contractor to repair. It’s a solid washer once installed, but inspect the box carefully on arrival and file claims right away for any damage.
Accessibility first: the ADA-compliant height fits universal-design counters that standard units won’t.
Inspect on arrival: thin metal panels mean shipping dents are the most common complaint.
4. Kenmore 24″ Built-In Dishwasher
A 24-inch machine that thinks — sensors adjust water, pressure, and time to the mess
If you want a dishwasher that adapts to how dirty your dishes actually are, the Kenmore’s SmartWash sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. It also has leak detection, which prevents water damage before it starts. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish means you won’t be polishing the door every day.
The interior is built for flexibility: fit up to 14 place settings, or use the Half Load option for just a few items. The MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack raises, lowers, or removes entirely to make room for pots, tall items, or delicate stemware. The 3-stage UltraWash Filter captures particles as small as a grain of fine sand, so they can’t redeposit on your plates.
Real-world feedback is split on noise and drying. Some owners call it extremely quiet and inaudible in an open-concept living area, while others describe it as loud as a freight train — and the recurring gripe is dishes not drying properly. The UL-certified Sani Rinse option ensures hygienically clean dishes., which is a strong point for households that want extra hygiene.
Adaptive cleaning: SmartWash reads the soil level and adjusts the cycle automatically.
Mixed reviews: drying and noise get inconsistent reports, so weigh both before committing.
5. Honeywell 18-Inch Dishwasher
Built for tiny houses, with a 24-hour delay timer and racks for 8 place settings
In a tiny house, every inch counts, and this Honeywell is designed for exactly that scenario. It fits under the counter in a narrow 18-inch opening with 2 racks and a removable cutlery basket sized for 8 place settings. The stainless steel tub improves efficiency, and the UL and Energy Star certifications confirm both safety and efficiency standards.
Wash performance is the thing owners praise most — it handles baked-on gunk without pre-scrubbing and works with both powder and liquid dishwasher detergents. You get 6 washing programs: heavy, normal, eco, glass, rapid, and rinse, plus a timer with up to 24-hour delay start. Multiple reviewers point out it running reliably past the one-year mark with no issues.
The most common complaint is condition on arrival — some units come dented. A few also report leakage issues. The Sanitize cycle works for baby bottle parts, which makes it a practical pick for new parents with limited kitchen space.
Loved for
- Sanitize cycle handles baby bottle parts
- Compact fit for tiny kitchens
- 24-hour delay start for scheduling
Watch out for
- Some units arrive dented in transit
- A few shoppers say leakage
Best for: small-house dwellers who want a reliable sanitize cycle for baby gear.
Skip if: you can’t be around to inspect and return a potentially dented delivery.
6. SUNVIVIPRO 24″ Built-in Dishwasher
A full-size 24-inch machine with a third rack and a 49 dB hum
For oversized loads, this 24-inch SUNVIVIPRO holds 14–16 place settings and includes a top third rack for silverware and small items. The adjustable racks and removable cutlery basket make it easy to load plates, pots, pans, and oversized items without the usual Tetris. It operates at just 49 dB, which is quieter than a normal conversation.
You get 8 programs — Auto, Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Express (35 min), Soak, or Self-Clean — so there’s a match for delicate glassware or stubborn baked-on grease. The sanitize cycle heats to 149°F (65°C) to reduce contaminants., and the half-load mode saves water and energy for smaller loads. An interior light improves visibility, and the leak detection system automatically stops water flow and alerts you.
Noise is what owners praise most, calling it extremely quiet and quieter than name brands. The main risks are delivery damage and a missing part — one unit arrived dented with a return shipping cost, and another was missing a top rack wheel (easily replaced). It’s a newer, less-established brand, so reliability beyond a few months is less proven.
Why it stands out
- Third rack adds space for utensils
- 149°F sanitize cycle for hygiene
- 49 dB quiet operation
Proceed with care
- Newer brand with limited long-term track record
- Shipping damage and missing parts reported
Choose this if: you want a full-size capacity machine with a dedicated utensil rack at a mid-range price.
Think twice if: you want a proven brand with a long reliability history.
7. Equator 24-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
A low-profile 32.3-inch height that fits ADA counters and a 150°F sanitize cycle
This Equator targets a specific need: a full-size dishwasher that fits under ADA-compliant, universal-design countertops. Its low-profile 32.3-inch height is fully ADA compliant, and the front-control panel gives an upscale kitchen look. The premium stainless steel tub resists stains, odors, and corrosion while improving heat retention for better drying.
The honest problem is consistency. Some owners love it — “very quiet when running, and gets my dishes very clean” — while others received units with shipping damage, broken parts, or a power cable disconnected inside. The rear lateral brace is plastic and arrived broken for at least one buyer. It’s a capable machine when it arrives intact, but quality control is a gamble.
ADA fit: the 32.3-inch height matches universal-design countertops standard machines won’t.
Quality gamble: shipping damage and plastic parts are recurring complaints, so buy with a solid return plan.
8. Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Dishwasher
A name-brand 18-inch with dual spray arms and NSF-certified sanitizing
When you want a trusted brand name in a compact size, the Frigidaire 18-inch delivers. The dual spray arm system on the top and bottom racks gives a thorough clean every time, and the NSF-certified Sanitize Cycle removes 99.9% of common household germs.. It fits up to 8 place settings in one cycle, ideal for a tiny kitchen.
Buyers report clean dishes every time, and they praise the compact size as “perfect for tiny kitchens.” The heated drying system helps dry dishes the first time, and the 52 dBA operation (about as loud as a quiet conversation) lets you run it while in the same room. It’s ADA compliant (meets accessibility standards) and offers room-of-choice delivery options at checkout in select locations.
The nuance is installation. DIY installers note you need to plan for a hot water connection, a drain tailpiece swap, and an air gap per local code. One long-term owner found the newer model’s heating coil smaller than the previous one, which affected drying. The black finish looks like a mini fridge, which some find charming and others don’t.
Brand reliability: a recognized name with an NSF-certified sanitize cycle.
Install planning: DIY setup needs extra parts beyond the box, so budget for them.
9. KoolMore 24 in. Panel Ready Dishwasher
A 45 dB machine designed to vanish behind a custom cabinet front
If you want your dishwasher to disappear into the cabinetry, this KoolMore is panel ready — you can attach a custom wood front so it looks like another cabinet. Inside, the slide-out racks feature pop-up and down holders so you can customize load capacity, and a space-saving top utensil rack fits longer spatulas, spoons, and turners. It runs at a very quiet 45 dB.
The heating element is what owners love — dishes come out dry without water spots, even for tall blender jars that fit thanks to the customizable racks. It holds 14 place settings with two ergonomic racks, and the express mode is handy for quick cycles. The stainless-steel finish and recessed pocket handle complete the premium look.
The catch is that it ships without a door panel, and the manufacturer doesn’t sell one. You’ll need DIY woodworking with your own tools and no templates to attach a custom panel, which adds cost and effort. Some owners also report the door mechanism weakening after months of use.
Hidden in plain sight: the panel-ready design lets you attach your own cabinet front, so the dishwasher blends into custom cabinetry for a smooth kitchen.
DIY required: no door panel included and none sold by the maker, so plan the woodworking.
10. Kenmore Elite 24″ Built-In Dishwasher
The 42 dBA flagship with TurboDry that leaves even plastics spot-free
This is the top-of-the-line Kenmore, and the number that matters most is 42 dBA — its quietest model yet, so you can run it at night without waking anyone. But the real headline is TurboDry: a built-in fan pulls moisture and warm air out while a heating element boosts drying power, so even plastics come out dry and spot-free. Owners mention dishes they’ve “never seen this clean, dry, and spotless.”
The UltraWash Plus system uses 3 pressurized spray arms with fresh, filtered water, and the Accela Wash cycle cleans fast when you’re in a hurry. The TurboFlex third rack adds 35% more space for utensils, spatulas, and chef’s tools, while the MoreSpace Plus Upper Rack adjusts to three heights even when fully loaded. It holds 15 place settings, the most in this lineup.
The premium touches matter: interior LED lighting and a green floor light track cycles, hidden touch controls are child-safe, and the modern reach-thru bar handle finishes the look. The trade-offs are real: it needs a 3/8″ compression inlet and wire connectors (no power cord included), and one owner reported a reliability nightmare with three service visits. It’s a serious investment in a machine that, when it works, is superb.
The premium payoff
- TurboDry dries plastics spot-free
- Third rack adds 35% more space
- 42 dBA is whisper-quiet
The honest risk
- No power cord included, needs extra parts
- Reliability reports are mixed
Buy it for: the quietest, most thorough drying performance money can buy in this list.
Consider the risk: the premium price doesn’t guarantee flawless reliability — check your warranty coverage.
Understanding the Specs
Decibels (dB / dBA)
This measures how loud the machine is while running. A 42-45 dB dishwasher is whisper-quiet — you can watch TV in the same room. At 50-53 dB, it’s still conversational but more noticeable. Lower numbers mean a quieter kitchen, which matters in open-concept layouts.
Place Settings
This is the number of full table settings (plate, bowl, cup, saucer, silverware) the machine holds in one load. An 8 place setting machine suits a couple or small family. A 14-16 place setting unit handles a busy household with pots and pans. Match capacity to your biggest real-world loads.
FAQ
What does Energy Star certified mean for a dishwasher?
Will an 18-inch dishwasher fit where my old 24-inch was?
How many place settings do I need for a family of three?
Why do my dishes come out wet with some models?
Do I need a special detergent for these dishwashers?
Is a stainless steel tub worth the extra cost?
What is a sanitize cycle and do I need it?
How much water does an Energy Star dishwasher use?
Can I install the dishwasher myself?
What is ADA compliant on a dishwasher?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best energy star dishwasher is the Midea 18-Inch because it pairs genuine cleaning power with a stainless tub and a price that undercuts the competition. If you want smart sensor technology that adjusts to the mess, grab the Kenmore 24-Inch. And for households that demand whisper-quiet luxury with spot-free drying, the Kenmore Elite is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.