Colors and Features
Both 18- and 24-inch dishwashers come in black, white and stainless-steel finishes; you’ll even find some models that accept custom panels to make them blend into your cabinetry. If you want a bisque or silver model, you’ll have to select a 24-inch appliance. Many features associated with full-size dishwashers are also found on 18-inch models, including stainless-steel tubs, water filters, fold-down tines, electronic control pads and noise-control technology.
Cycles and Capacity
Buyers get as many as eight or as few as three wash cycles on a 24-inch dishwasher. The tall-tub versions of these appliances can hold up to 16 place settings. A dishwasher measuring 18 inches wide may offer two to seven wash cycles. Manufacturers do not typically provide information about the number of place settings smaller models will hold.
Dimensions
A built-in, 18-inch dishwasher stands about 32 to 32 ½ inches high and 22 1/2 to 24 inches deep. A portable model can measure 38 ½ inches high and 30 inches deep. A 24-inch dishwasher designed for built-in installation usually measures 32 1/2 to 34 inches high and 23 to 25 inches deep. When shopping for a portable 24-inch model, you can expect it to stand 36 3/8 to 37 inches high and 26 1/2 to 27 inches deep.
Energy Use
You’ll spot the bright yellow Energy Star label on both 18-inch and 24-inch dishwashers. This indicates they exceed the government’s minimum standards for energy efficiency. Government data shows an 18-inch model will cost about $26 to $32 a year to operate with an electric water heater and $18 to $23 to run with a gas water heater. If you buy a 24-inch dishwasher, expect to spend $30 to $35 annually to run it with an electric water heater and $23 to $25 with a gas model.
Price
While it can seem counterintuitive, you may have to pay more to get a smaller dishwasher than a larger one. Models in 18-inch widths had manufacturers’ suggested retail prices starting at $599 in March 2011; you could spend as much as $899 to purchase one of these appliances. On the other hand, 24-inch models ranged in price from $279 to $1,349.