Built In 18 Inch Dishwasher – Are they Quality?

After 20 plus years repairing appliances, I’ve come to know what dishwashers work “well”, and which work “exceptionally well”.  In my twenty years there are only two brands I’ve come to trust, and recommend to potential customers: Danby, and Whirlpool – in that specific order.  So, for those of you looking for a compact, built in 18 inch dishwasher, please continue reading as I guide you through my experience with these manufacturers.

Danby

I couldn’t possibly say enough about this company. They don’t market their dishwashers aggressively, in particular their apartment sized models. However,  the company has proven itself over and over again with usable reliability, in an affordable package.  People who don’t yet own their own home, and need a compact dishwasher such as a portable, or more popular “built in 18 inch dishwasher” simply cannot go wrong with a Danby. Models like the DDW: 1809W, 1899BLS, and 1899WP models all stand up to the rigors of a small family, or single person that doesn’t need the hassle of manual dish washing. 

All of their built in 18 inch dishwasher models have modern features such as: Customizable programming, digital displays, 13.5L water usage, built in water softener, and they fit into the tightest of all spaces.  Danby maximizes feature, and limits model numbers – Believe me, a company that seeks to satisfy everyone by releasing 100 different models, will surely never be able to keep up with warranty demands, or repair orders of so many models. If a company keeps it simple, and limits their product line by incorporating edgy features and affordable prices, they will always put out a good product.

Kenmore

Kenmore is Sears’ signature line of appliances. They offer sturdy, elegantly designed appliances, at slightly more elevated prices. They also offer condo sized 18 inch dishwashers, with a boat load of models to choose from (remember my comment about too many models?). This can be good, or bad depending on what your looking for. While the increased availability of color, shape, and design can be appealing…recent reviews have shown they have too many choices, and ever increasing warranty claims, related to cheaply made plastic parts that just won’t do. 

I still recommend them to customers who need more design choices than the more reliable Danby’s offer.  Models such as Kenmore 1315, 1334, 1373, 1374, 1387 are the most popular models. Kenmore’s features as far as technology all compare to Danby, and I wouldn’t say one has better, or more options available. 

Summary

As I’ve detailed, my experience have shown both models to be reliable. Kenmore has more design, and color options…and Danby limits their product lines, yet they have far less repair orders and warranty claims to their credit.  When you go out on the search for a built in 18 inch dishwasher, you have to decide on whether you want straight up reliability, or more choices – with a possibility of the repair man visiting a time or two. Danby is hands down my favorite, but I’ve given you the ability to determine what you want.