Why Are 18-Inch Dishwashers More Expensive?

Along with the growth of the tiny home trend, the demand for compact dishwashers is also increasing significantly across America.

But the homeowners feel heartbroken when they find the 18-inch dishwasher costlier than their expectations.

If you are also wondering why are 18-inch dishwashers more expensive and still on top of the selling list, keep reading on.

Following are the reasons why 18-inch dishwashers are so expensive but so popular, as well as their capabilities.

Why Are 18-Inch Dishwashers More Expensive?

Since 18-inch dishwashers come in a compact design, consumers expect them to be cheaper.

But the reality is that 18 dishwashers are comparable to full-size dishwashers feature-wise. Therefore, 18 dishwashers cost the same price as their larger counterparts.

So buying 18 dishwashers will only be a space-saving option rather than a money-saving or efficient one.

Even the 18 dishwashers get the same technology as the larger models and consume the same amount of energy as well as water as the full-sized models.

You can install an 18-inch dishwasher under any countertop and run it as a full-sized model.

But the key difference between 18-inch and full-size dishwashers is their width.

Due to being 6 inches smaller than the full-size models, 18-inch dishwashers hold only 8 to 9 place settings while their counterparts hold up to 12 place settings.

When it comes to price, an 18-inch dishwasher costs around $670 to $1,500, which is the same as 24-inch models, making it expensive from the initial point of view.

18-Inch Dishwashers Are All In One

18-inch dishwashers are extremely versatile options and fit all challenging demands.

Understanding these following reasons will help you realize why 18-inch dishwashers are worth yet expensive:

An 18-inch dishwasher is perfect for small spaces. You can either install it permanently or choose a portable model for easier mobility.

In general, most people opt for the permanent model, since there isn’t often a strong desire to move the family dishwasher around.

But if you rent an apartment or need to move out in a year or so, then the portable model might be a good idea.

These don’t always have to be placed in apartments either. Some people just have surprisingly small kitchens.

A dishwasher measuring only 18 inches can be the best size for these compact kitchens. 

Also, the great thing about these little dishwashers is that they don’t cost more for being a unique size.

They can range from $100 to a little over $1,000. It means you can still find an affordable model if you desire.

The price of 18-inch dishwashers actually depends on the company that makes the product and what features are offered on it.

The lower-priced models are very basic, with seven or eight cycles and the basic racks inside for dishes and silverware. 

A high-end model might include condensation drying, flow-through water heater, suspension motor, advanced sensors to check for how dirty the wash water is, and LEDs or sounds that go off.

Doing a quick load of dishes is very simple with this dishwasher.

They are easy to load since they are so small, plus they wash and dry all on their own. This 18-inch dishwasher is also perfect for sanitizing items.

Some of these models come with a delay system so that they won’t turn on until well after the company has all gone home.

Most models offer ENERGY STAR, so they are very efficient on power and water. This is often another reason for choosing a compact 18-inch dishwasher.

The water consumption is so much less than what the large dishwashers use.

Those really aren’t necessary for just a couple of people, whereas a compact model is perfect.

There are some models that even sit directly on top of the kitchen counter for more convenience.

Features That Make An 18-Inch Dishwasher Comparable With High-End Options

The demand for compact dishwashers has increased significantly over the last decade, especially among urban dwellers.

Whether you have narrow under-counter space or want to add some convenience to the outdoor kitchen, 18-inch dishwashers are a great solution.

The following are some aspects that make an 18-inch dishwasher comparable with a standard-sized dishwasher:

Capacity

18-inch dishwasher has enough room so it can hold 6 to 8 place settings to serve small to medium-sized family needs.

Style

You may need to compromise with the style for convenience while buying an 18-inch dishwasher.

This compact dishwasher often has controls on the front instead of hidden. Also, not all the models have a stainless steel finish.

Features

Most 18-inch dishwashers include the same number of wash cycles as the standard dishwasher. However, an 18-inch dishwasher hardly comes with a sanitizing cycle option.

Noise

According to the users, smaller dishwashers are generally noisier than the standard size.

While a full-size dishwasher produces 49 dB, an 18-inch model produces 55 dB on average, which is also considerable.

Energy

Most 18-inch dishwashers are Energy Star certified like standard models.

Price

Though it’s the most concerning issue, you can expect to pay around $500 for an 18-inch dishwasher.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you have got enough reasons why are 18-inch dishwashers more expensive and why they deserve the value.

In summary, an 18-inch dishwasher can do the same job as a standard-size dishwasher does. 

So it’s a smart alternative to the full-size model, especially for limited-size kitchens and countertops.

It is also an effective option for outdoor use and moving around. People considered it expensive due to its compact size, but its features and capability deserve the price.