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Finding a black dishwasher that actually fits your kitchen’s narrow footprint is the real challenge here — most standard units are 24 inches wide, but many apartments, condos, and galley kitchens were built for an 18-inch model. That size gap is the single biggest buying mistake people make, and it’s why this list separates true 18-inch compacts from full-size 24-inch machines. You’ll also want to check the door depth, because a 22-inch-deep unit won’t slide into every cabinet cutout.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. 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.
Whether you’re replacing a trash compactor or outfitting a rental, black dishwasher options span slim 18-inch machines and full-capacity 24-inch models that hide fingerprints and match dark cabinetry.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Black Dishwasher
Before you fall for a glossy photo, measure the opening under your countertop. Dishwashers are built to fit either an 18-inch-wide space (common in apartments and older homes) or a standard 24-inch-wide cutout, and there’s no workaround for that dimension. Width, depth, and height all have to clear your cabinet box, so grab a tape measure first.
Match the Width to Your Cabinet Cutout
If your kitchen has a tight spot, an 18-inch dishwasher still fits 8 place settings — enough for a couple or a small family. If you have a standard 24-inch opening, you can step up to a model that holds 14 to 16 place settings, so you can cook a big holiday meal and wash everything in one load. The trade-off is size: a 24-inch unit is roughly 6 inches wider, so it won’t squeeze into a compact opening, no matter how many adjustable legs it has.
Check the Depth and Height for a True Fit
Width gets all the attention, but depth and height quietly cause the most install headaches. A built-in unit that’s 22.6 inches deep, like several on this list, needs a cabinet that’s at least that deep behind the door. Height matters for ADA-compliant counters — a low-profile 32.3-inch model tucks under a standard universal-design countertop, while a 35-inch-tall unit needs more vertical clearance. Adjustable legs help, but only within a range of an inch or two, so measure before you order.
Decide Between Built-In and Portable
Most black dishwashers here are built-in units that slide under your counter and connect to your home’s plumbing. But if you rent, or your kitchen simply has no dedicated cabinet slot, a portable model on wheels is the answer — it hooks directly to your faucet with a quick-connect assembly and needs no permanent installation. The catch is that it takes up floor space when not in use, and it ties up your sink while running.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Width | Place Settings | Noise Level | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EdgeStar 18″ Built-In★ Best Overall | Compact replacement | 17.75 in | 8 | 52 dBA | Amazon |
| Midea 18″ Built-InBest Value | Quiet daily cleaning | 17.6 in | 8 | — | Amazon |
| COMFEE’ 18″ Built-InCompact Pick | Small kitchens | 17.6 in | 8 | 52 dBA | Amazon |
| Equator 24″ Built-In | ADA countertops | 23.5 in | 14 | 51 dBA | Amazon |
| SUNVIVIPRO 24″ Built-In | Large family loads | 23.74 in | 14–16 | 49 dBA | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 18″ Portable | Apartments & rentals | — | 8 | — | Amazon |
| Kenmore 24″ Built-In | Smart wash cycles | 23.55 in | 14 | — | Amazon |
| Kenmore 24″ Hybrid Tub | Fingerprint-proof finish | 23.6 in | 12 | 54 dBA | Amazon |
| Frigidaire 18″ ADA Built-In | Compact with sanitize | 18 in | 8 | 52 dBA | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. EdgeStar 18 Inch Wide Built-In Dishwasher
Our pick — over 4★ from 800+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The compact workhorse that slides into a trash compactor’s old spot without a fight.
The EdgeStar is the pick for anyone staring at a dead trash compactor or a skinny 18-inch gap, because at 17.75 inches wide it’s built for exactly that swap. It holds 8 place settings with a silverware basket and cup tray, so a couple or a small family gets a full load in one go. The leakage sensor is the standout safety feature — it automatically shuts off the water flow the moment a leak is detected, which protects your floors and cabinets from water damage..
You get six wash cycles (Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse) plus three options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, and Heated Dry. It runs at a quiet 52 dB, so you can watch TV in the same room without raising your voice. For real-life proof, buyers report “5 months: excellent cleaning, high capacity, low noise, great value” — a solid five-month verdict from owners who run it daily.
The honest catch: installation gets mixed reviews. Some owners find it super easy, but others say the front plumbing and hard install make it a bit of a faff. A few owners also note the drying needs a drying agent refill to keep dishes fully dry. It’s the crowd favorite for a reason — the cleaning performance is the thing everyone raves about, and it surpasses expectations for the size.
What wins people over
- Leakage sensor shuts off water automatically to protect your home
- Compact 17.75-inch width fits compactor spaces
- Quiet 52 dB operation for open living areas
The trade-offs
- Installation is tricky for some, especially front plumbing
- Drying may need a drying agent refill
Reach for this if: you need a slim 18-inch unit that cleans well, runs quietly, and guards against leaks — it’s the complete compact package.
Look elsewhere if: you want a simple plug-and-play hookup, since the built-in install can test your patience.
2. Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher
The silent slimline that swallows tall pots and still whispers while it works.
The Midea’s a neat extra is its interior — it’s a slim 17.6 inches wide, yet the stainless steel tub accepts larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height. For anyone who cooks in batches, that means your Dutch oven and big skillet fit without contortion. At 22.6 inches deep and 32.4 inches tall with adjustable legs, it slides under most counters, and it’s notably quieter than the EdgeStar on the same footprint.
It runs six programs (Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse) and adds Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions. The Hi-Temp Hygiene wash holds water at 136°F (58°C) max, which owners say handles heavily soiled dishes and is suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets.. Owners mention it’s “completely silent” and the dishes come out wonderful no matter what they use, and it’s inexpensive to run.
The one recurring issue is leakage — several owners flag water leaking from the unit, so it’s worth checking your connections carefully during install. The other quirk: it doesn’t come with hoses or an install kit, so you’ll need to buy those before the delivery truck arrives. If you’re coming from a name-brand 24-inch machine, this compact will surprise you on value.
Why it wins: the classy stainless tub and spacious interior for the size — buyers call it a quality addition that fits small spaces perfectly, and it’s the best-priced slimline here.
Who should skip: anyone without an install kit on hand, since hoses aren’t included, and anyone wary of the leakage reports.
3. COMFEE’ 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher
The budget-friendly 18-incher with a rack that lifts to fit oversized cookware.
The COMFEE’ fits the same 18-inch opening as the Midea — 22.6 inches deep, 17.6 inches wide, 32.4 inches tall — but its adjustable upper rack raises by up to 1.97 inches to clear deep pots. The lower rack holds extra-large plates and oversized dishware up to 13.78 inches in height. That flexibility turns a compact dishwasher into a real workhorse for a family that cooks big.
It shares the six-cycle lineup (Heavy, Normal, Eco, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse) plus Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize. The Heated Dry delivers a thorough, cabinet-ready dry on all cycles except Rapid and Self-Clean, eliminating towel drying. At 52 dB it’s whisper-quiet, and the stainless steel tub resists stains and odors while improving heat retention for better drying.
Owners with small kitchens call it ideal — one notes it’s “noticeably quieter than expected for a budget built-in” and the rack slides smoothly, with a premium stainless tub for the price. The practical catch from multiple owners: no power cord is included, so budget for that separately. The value here is tough to beat for a compact machine with this much adjustability.
The highlights
- Adjustable upper rack lifts 1.97 inches for tall pots
- Lower rack holds oversized dishware up to 13.78 inches
- Heated Dry means no towel drying on most cycles
Before you order
- No power cord included — buy one separately
- Minor moisture can linger on plastic items after drying
Ideal for: compact kitchens where you want a stainless tub, quiet operation, and a rack that flexes for odd-sized cookware without paying premium prices.
Not for: anyone expecting a plug-and-play delivery — you’ll need to source a power cord before installation.
4. Equator 24-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
The ADA-height full-size unit for counters built a little lower than standard.
The Equator is the answer to a very specific problem: a 32.3-inch low-profile height that’s fully ADA Compliant for standard universal-design countertops. Most 24-inch dishwashers stand around 33.7 to 35 inches tall, so if your counters were built to ADA guidelines, this one fits where others won’t. It holds a full 14 place settings with an adjustable top rack, adjustable tines, and a dedicated wine glass rack.
Where this one stumbles is delivery and design refinement. Customers note units arriving with broken plastic parts and dents, and the rack design draws mixed feedback — some say utensils don’t fit holders well and plates can hit the sprinkler. The manual is incomplete, so installation can require some guesswork. Buyers who got a clean unit love it; those with shipping damage are understandably frustrated.
The fit advantage: if ADA-height counters are your reality, this is one of the few 24-inch black machines engineered for exactly that clearance, and The 150°F sanitize is a real standout..
The gamble: delivery damage is the recurring theme, so inspect carefully on arrival and be ready to file a claim if parts show up broken.
5. SUNVIVIPRO 24″ Built-in Dishwasher
The 49 dB full-size unit that’s quieter than a normal conversation — even mid-cycle.
The SUNVIVIPRO is the biggest and quietest machine on this list, holding 14–16 place settings with two huge racks plus a third top rack for silverware and smaller items. That third rack is the feature owners single out — they say you don’t have to stack taller stuff only on the bottom, and the top rack works great for utensils. At 49 dB, it’s the quietest here, beating the 51–54 dB crowd by a clear margin.
You get 8 programs (Auto, Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Express in 35 minutes, Soak, and Self-Clean) plus high-temp wash, rinse, heat/extended drying, and Sanitization reaches up to 149°F (65°C).. The half-load mode saves water and energy on smaller loads, and a leak detection system automatically stops water flow and alerts you. Hidden controls prevent accidental changes, and an interior light improves visibility when loading.
Reviewers point out it’s “the most silent dishwasher I’ve ever had,” which is the main draw. But reviews are split: some report units arriving dented, and a couple call the quality poor. At 79.2 pounds, it’s a heavy install, so plan for two people and check the delivery box carefully for damage before you commit.
Why it stands out
- 49 dB operation — quieter than any other pick here
- Third top rack adds serious loading flexibility
- Sanitize up to 149°F (65°C) with half-load water savings
What to watch
- Mixed quality reports — inspect on arrival for dents
- Heavy 79.2 lb unit needs a two-person install
Best for: large families who want maximum place-setting capacity and the quietest possible run — the 49 dB rating is the standout spec.
Consider twice if: you’re risk-averse on delivery quality, since a few units arrive damaged and the experience varies.
6. BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher
The wheeled workhorse for renters who can’t touch the plumbing but still hate hand-washing.
The BLACK+DECKER is the pick for renters, because it needs no permanent installation — the Quick Connect assembly hooks directly to your faucet, and the whole unit rolls on wheels alongside your counter. It holds 8 place settings including dinner plates, bowls, glasses, cups, cutlery, and serving platters, and the stainless steel tub shrugs off daily use. The adjustability is real: the upper rack moves to accommodate taller dishes.
Six wash cycles (Normal, Heavy, Rapid, Glass, Eco, and 90-min) cover the daily range, and the 59-inch hose gives you room to position it near your sink. Cleaning performance is what owners praise most — shoppers say it “cleans dishes NICE” and works perfectly for small kitchens. The quick connect/disconnect is nicer than older styles, though the faucet adapter sometimes needs a hardware store visit to fit odd faucet threads.
The honest trade-off is water management: buyers report the hoses don’t retract into the unit, so the drain pipe can drip and leave water on the floor unless you drain it into a bowl or catch basin when done. A few experienced leaks that damaged cabinets, so test the connections and use the catch basin religiously. The heating dry option is a favorite for glassware.
Who it’s for: apartment dwellers and homeowners who want a real dishwasher without hardwiring — the faucet hookup and wheels make it truly landlord-friendly.
The catch: the non-retracting hoses need a catch basin at the end of a cycle, and the adapter may not match your faucet without a small trip to the hardware store.
7. Kenmore 24″ Built-In Dishwasher
The 50-minute express machine that reads how dirty your dishes are and reacts.
The Kenmore’s defining feature is the SmartWash sensor system — it detects soil levels and automatically adjusts water temperature, pressure, and cycle time, so you get a tailored clean for every load without thinking about it. The 3-stage UltraWash Filter captures particles as small as a grain of fine sand and drains them away so they can’t redeposit on dishes, and it removes easily for monthly cleaning. The Express Cycle gets a full load clean in just 50 minutes.
It fits 14 place settings, and the MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack raises, lowers, or removes entirely to make room for pots, tall items, or delicate stemware. The Half Load option is there for small loads, and the SmartDry Plus system uses hot water to force condensation down the drain for tune drying. Leak detection cuts off issues before they start, and there’s a UL-certified Sani Rinse option for seriously clean dishes.
Owners love the design and quiet operation — some call it the “best upgrade decision we’ve made,” noting the top rack fits tumblers and baby bottles plus accessories, and the SmartWash runs very quietly. The bottom rack lacks height for a large cutting board, and drying draws mixed feedback. A couple of owners hit an “FF” error and reliability issues, which is the risk with any appliance — most, though, are happy with sparkling clean results.
The strengths
- SmartWash senses soil and adjusts water, temp, and pressure automatically
- Express Cycle cleans a full load in 50 minutes
- UltraWash filter catches sand-sized particles
The limitations
- Bottom rack can’t fit very large cutting boards
- Drying is good but not great — a few owners want more
Choose this for: a full-size 24-inch machine with genuinely smart sensing, a fast express cycle, and a roomy adjustable rack — the DIY install is doable if you lay the unit down for the water connection.
skip it if: rock-solid reliability is non-negotiable, since a handful of owners hit error codes that support couldn’t resolve quickly.
8. Kenmore 24″ Hybrid Tub Dishwasher
The fingerprint-proof finish for kitchens where the front of the machine gets touched all day.
The second Kenmore trades a glossy look for a Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel finish — the color option that actually keeps smudges off a black appliance, which matters if your kitchen sees a lot of hands near the control panel. The hybrid tub pairs that finish with a pocket handle for a clean, flush look, and the interior is a stainless steel tub that resists stains and odors. It’s the most polished-looking machine on this list.
It uses the same UltraWash system with 2 pressurized spray arms to blast off stuck-on foods, and the 3-stage UltraWash Filter captures sand-sized particles. The SmartWash sensor adjusts to soil levels automatically. It holds 12 place settings with the MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack offering two height levels — lift it, lower it, or remove it entirely for awkward items. You get cycle options ranging from Express Wash to Heavy Duty with Eco Wash, Sani Rinse, and Heated Dry.
It runs at a 54 dBA sound level — “conversation level quiet” per the maker, so it fades into the background. Owners mention it works great and looks great, with several months of trouble-free use. The quality and noise feedback is genuinely mixed, though, with some owners noting the noise is “a little loud” for their taste, and a defect story here and there. For a fingerprint-resistant black finish at this spec level, it’s a strong contender for style-conscious buyers.
The style play: if fingerprints on a glossy black door drive you nuts, this fingerprint-resistant finish plus pocket handle is the most low-maintenance look in the lineup.
The honest note: quality and noise opinions split — most owners are happy, but a few find it louder than expected and one hit a leak error. Test it early within your return window.
9. Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher
The ADA-certified compact with dual spray arms and an NSF sanitize cycle that kills 99.9% of germs.
The Frigidaire is the premium compact, and its headline feature is The National Sanitation Foundation Certified Sanitize Cycle removes 99.9% of common household germs. — a real differentiator if you’re washing baby bottles, cutting boards, or anything where hygiene is the priority. It’s ADA Compliant, meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act appliance standards, so it fits lower universal-design counters. At 18 inches wide and 22.5 inches deep, it drops into a compact cabinet with room to spare.
The dual spray arm system cleans top and bottom racks thoroughly, with a heating element that dries dishes the first time. It holds 8 place settings and offers 6 cleaning cycles including Energy Saver, Heavy Wash, and Rinse. At 52 dBA it’s quiet enough to run while you’re in the same room, and the stainless steel interior resists stains and corrosion. Room-of-choice delivery is available at checkout, which takes the heavy lifting out of a 35-inch-tall install.
The recurring praise is the size and fit — owners who were skeptical at first loved it after 6 months, and it fits perfectly in cabinet space with adjustable legs for height. The drying is where opinions split: some say it doesn’t dry as well as older Frigidaire models because of a smaller heat coil. Installation needs extras like a hot water connection and possibly an air gap depending on your local code. The cleaning and quiet operation win most people over for everyday loads.
The standout features
- NSF Certified Sanitize removes 99.9% of common household germs.
- Dual spray arms clean top and bottom racks thoroughly
- Room-of-choice delivery takes the heavy lifting off you
The caveats
- Drying isn’t as strong as older Frigidaire models — smaller heat coil
- DIY install needs a hot water connection and possibly an air gap
Grab it if: sanitization is your priority and you want a trusted brand name in a compact 18-inch frame with a low ADA height.
Pass if: you expect aggressive drying on plastics, since the heating element is smaller than previous generations and moisture can linger.
Understanding the Specs
Place Settings and Capacity
Place settings tell you how many full table settings — plates, bowls, cups, silverware — fit in one load. An 8-place-setting machine handles a couple or small family daily load, while 14 to 16 place settings cover a big household or a dinner party. It’s the quickest way to match the machine to your cooking volume, and it varies wildly between 18-inch and 24-inch models.
dBA Noise Rating
The dBA number measures how loud the dishwasher runs; lower is quieter. A 49 dBA unit is quieter than a normal conversation, while 52 to 54 dBA is still fine for an open kitchen but noticeably present. If your kitchen flows into your living room or you run cycles at night, this spec matters more than almost any other.
FAQ
Will an 18-inch dishwasher fit where my old one was?
What is the difference between an 18-inch and 24-inch dishwasher?
What does the sanitize cycle actually do?
Can I install a built-in dishwasher myself?
What does ADA compliant mean for a dishwasher?
Why does my portable dishwasher leak water on the floor?
Is a stainless steel tub worth the extra cost?
How do I know if my counter has the clearance for a 24-inch model?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the black dishwasher winner is the EdgeStar 18 Inch Built-In because it pairs reliable cleaning with a leak sensor and a quiet 52 dB run in a size that fits real kitchens. If you want a stainless tub and silent operation at a value price, grab the Midea 18 Inch. And for renters with no plumbing access, the BLACK+DECKER Portable 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, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.