In recent years, it has become common knowledge that dishwashers consume less energy and water than manually washing dishes. Dishwashers also save time and effort for large families but what about small families or those who live on their own? For those who still want the benefits of a dishwasher, but feel that standard dishwashers are just too cumbersome, slimline dishwashers may be the answer.
Slimline dishwashers are typically 17.72in across as opposed to 23.62in across in standard dishwashers. These narrow dishwashers are ideal for small spaces, single-living, rental properties, home bars, vacation homes, and anywhere else that may benefit from a small dishwasher. The quality of slimline dishwashers is comparable to that of standard dishwashers.
Read on to learn more about slimline dishwashers and the best ones available on the market.
Why Buy a Slimline Dishwasher?
Slimline dishwashers are ideal for those who want the convenience and ease of using a dishwasher but find that standard dishwashers are just too big or take to long too long to fill before running. They are ideal for physically small spaces like tiny homes, mobile homes, single-living, rental properties, summer homes, home bars, or any other small space you can think of.
Typically, a standard dishwasher will fit approximately 14 place settings (including plates, cups, cutlery, soup bowls, and saucers) making them ideal for large families or spaces that cater to many people. Conversely, slimline dishwashers fit approximately 8 to 10 place settings making them ideal for small families or spaces where there will be fewer dirty dishes.
Slimline dishwashers are subject to the same rigorous quality testing procedures as their standard counterparts, ensuring their effectiveness at cleaning your dishes. The only compromise is the narrower capacity size.
How Wide is a Slimline Dishwasher?
Typically, slimline dishwashers measure 17.72in across as opposed to standard dishwashers which are 23.62in across. This makes them ideal for physically compact spaces while still offering the benefits of a fully functioning dishwasher.
How Deep Are Slimline Dishwashers?
Slimline dishwashers are 21.65in deep and 32.28in tall. The depth and height of slimline dishwashers are the same as standard dishwashers. The only difference is the width across which is 17.72in as opposed to standard dishwashers which are 23.62in.
What Size Plates Fit in a Slimline Dishwasher?
Whereas standard dishwashers will fit approximately 14 place settings, slimline dishwashers will fit 8 to 10 space settings, making them ideal for spaces where capacity is less of a concern. Place settings in this context include dinner plates, side plates, dessert plates, soup bowls, cups, saucers, and cutlery.
Because the depth and height of the dishwasher are the same, you can expect slimline dishwashers to fit similar-sized dishes as standard dishwashers. The main variance will be in the size across decreasing the capacity slightly but making it ideal for small spaces.
5 Best Slimline Dishwashers
1. EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18 Inch Wide Slimline Dishwasher 
This EdgeStar Slimline Dishwasher can accommodate up to 8 place settings and contains a silverware basket and cup tray. This dishwasher has 6 wash cycles including Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Rapid, Rinse, and 3 drying options including Sanitize, Hi-Temp, and Heated Dry.
This dishwasher runs at an average decibel level of 52 and features a leakage sensor that automatically shuts water flow off if a leak is detected, protecting your home from water damage.
2. FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US Dishwasher
This FRIGIDAIRE dishwasher boasts a dual spray arm located at the top and bottom of the dishwasher to ensure your dishes are thoroughly cleaned. It features 6 wash cycles including Heavy Wash, Rinse, Energy Saver, a Sanitizing option and features a drying system that will completely dry your dishes in one cycle.
Running at an average decibel level of 52, this dishwasher is also Energy Star certified so you can feel confident in its energy efficiency. It can accommodate up to 8 place settings.
3. Danby 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher 
This Danby dishwasher has the capacity for 8 place settings, features a silverware basket, and is energy-star compliant, boasting low water consumption. It has a digital display that has a delayed start feature so you can customize when you want your dishwashing cycle to begin.
The easy-to-use electronic controls allow you to choose from one of six cycle options including Heavy, Normal, Eco, Rapid, Glass, and Rinse.
4. Bosch 300 Series ADA 18″ Stainless Steel Recessed Handle Dishwasher 
This Bosch 300 Series ADA dishwasher can accommodate up to 10 place settings and features a third rack, making it ideal for small spaces that produce a lot of dirty dishes. This dishwasher operates 5 standard cycles and has a recessed handle, giving it a streamlined appearance.
5. SPT SD-9254SSA Stainless 18″ Built-in Dishwasher 
This SPT SD-9254SSA dishwasher accommodates up to 8 place settings that will be washed in a stainless steel tub. It has a time-delay feature that allows you to start the dishwashing cycle at a time of your choosing and features an error alarm if something malfunctions.
There is a rinse aid indicator that offers a reminder when it is time to refill the respective compartment with rinse aid. This dishwasher operates on 6 settings including Heavy, Normal, Energy, Glass, Quick, and Rinse.
Related Questions
How Loud Are Slimline Dishwashers?
Dishwashers are available in various sound levels. If noise is a concern for you, try to find a dishwasher that runs at a decibel level of 45 or less. Dishwashers that have a decibel level between 45 to 50 will be reasonably quiet, similar to the sound of rainfall. A decibel level of 50 or higher may be disruptive with a volume similar to a normal conversation.
For reference, most dishwashers run at a decibel level of 45-60, with older models running louder. The choice is ultimately personal preference as you will likely be paying more for a slimline dishwasher model that runs below a decibel level of 45.
Are Slimline Dishwashers Too Small for a Large Family?
If you have a large family and are contemplating whether or not a slimline dishwasher is right for you, there are a few factors to consider. If you live in a physically compact space, a slimline dishwasher may make sense though you may need to run it more frequently to avoid dirty dishes piling up in the sink.
If you are okay with running your slimline dishwasher more frequently to clean the number of dirty dishes produced, you may need to anticipate a slight influx to your energy bill. A standard dishwasher is usually ideal for large families to meet capacity requirements and minimize the number of dish loads that need to be cleaned per day.
What’s the Difference Between an Integrated and Freestanding Dishwasher?
Integrated dishwashers are built into the cabinetry to give your kitchen a seamless finish. They include either a full or partial cabinet door attached to the front, giving them a seamless appearance.
Fully integrated dishwashers will have a control panel along the top of the dishwasher door when pulled open. Partially integrated dishwashers will have an exposed control panel along the top with a matching cabinet door panel along the lower portion so it still blends in well.
Freestanding dishwashers come with finished doors and slide into and out of their designated spaces in your kitchen. They are usually available in white, black, or stainless steel finishes so they still look sleek in your kitchen.
While integrated dishwashers tend to run quieter and look seamless, they are costlier, and cannot be taken with you if you move. Conversely, freestanding dishwashers run slightly louder but can easily be replaced or taken with you if you move.
Final Thoughts
Slimline dishwashers are a fantastic option for small spaces or single-living apartments and condos. They go through the same rigorous quality testing as standard dishwashers with their only difference being the width across. Slimline dishwashers offer the benefits of standard dishwashers for more compact living arrangements.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.