5 Best Stainless Steel Dishwashers (November 2026)
The best stainless steel dishwashers include the Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher for a slim built-in fit, the COMFEE' 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher for an adjustable upper rack, and the Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place for a black exterior and steel tub.
On this page (7 sections)
- Which stainless steel dishwasher is the best fit?
- Stainless steel dishwasher picks by kitchen need
- How should you compare stainless steel dishwasher finishes?
- What dimensions matter for a compact built-in dishwasher?
- Which wash and drying features are useful?
- How can you find stainless steel dishwashers on sale?
- Which stainless steel dishwasher should you choose?
The Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher is our top stainless steel dishwasher pick for its 17.6 in width, 8 place settings and heated dry function. It has a white exterior and stainless steel tub, so choose the COMFEE' or SPT if a stainless steel exterior matters more.
This roundup focuses on compact built-in dishwashers. The picks differ in visible finish, interior material, rack features and stated dimensions, so compare the cabinet opening and the appearance you want before choosing.
For an all-purpose comparison beyond finish, see our best all around dishwasher. If a black exterior fits your kitchen better, compare the best black stainless steel dishwasher.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for an adjustable upper rackCOMFEE' 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a black exterior and steel tubHoneywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSPT SD-9254SSA 18″ Wide Built-In Stainless Steel
Best for delay start and alerts - 5
Check itFRIGIDAIRE 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control
Best for dual spray arms
Which stainless steel dishwasher is the best fit?
The Midea is the strongest fit for a narrow opening when a white exterior works, while COMFEE' offers the clearest stainless steel color and an adjustable upper rack. SPT and Frigidaire add distinct features, but their stated dimensions deserve careful checking.
We compared the listed dimensions, finish descriptions, capacity and wash features for each model. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Width | Capacity | Finish | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher | a slim built-in fit | 17.6 in | 8 place settings | White exterior, stainless steel tub | 9.7 |
| COMFEE' 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher | an adjustable upper rack | 17.6 in | 8 place settings | Stainless steel color | 9.6 |
| Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place | a black exterior and steel tub | 18 in | 14 place settings stated in features | Black exterior, stainless steel tub | 9.5 |
| SPT SD-9254SSA 18″ Wide Built-In Stainless Steel | delay start and alerts | 17.6 in | 8 place settings | Stainless steel | 9.3 |
| FRIGIDAIRE 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control | dual spray arms | 22.5 in | 8 place settings | Stainless steel | 9.0 |
Stainless steel dishwasher picks by kitchen need
The best choice depends on whether you care most about an exact exterior match, a compact opening or a particular cycle feature. Check the installation dimensions before treating any model name or width label as a guarantee of fit.
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher: Best for a slim built-in fit
- 17.6 in wide
- 8 place settings
- Six wash programs
- Heated dry and Hi-Temp functions
A narrow built-in with an 8 place setting capacity and six wash programs. It has a stainless steel tub, heated dry and a Hi-Temp function.
Pros
- 17.6 in width
- Six wash programs
- Heated dry function
Cons
- Exterior color is white, not stainless steel
The Midea is a practical choice for a narrow built-in space where an 8 place setting capacity is useful. It measures 17.6 in wide and has adjustable legs, with a digital control panel and LED display.
Its six programs include Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick and Rinse. Heated Dry, Hi-Temp and Sanitize functions add options for different loads, though the heated dry feature excludes Rapid and Self-Clean cycles.
Compare dishwashers with heated drying if drying is a priority.
The exterior is white, while the tub is stainless steel. That makes it a better match for buyers prioritizing interior material and a slim cabinet fit than for anyone seeking a stainless steel front.
Midea lists the maximum water temperature for its Hygiene wash cycle as 136°F. Use dishwasher detergent, since regular liquid dish soap can cause dishwasher problems.
COMFEE' 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher: Best for an adjustable upper rack
- 17.6 in wide
- 8 place settings
- Adjustable upper rack
- Stainless steel color
This slim built-in has an adjustable upper rack and stainless steel color. Its six wash cycles include Heavy, Normal, Eco, Delicate, Quick and Rinse.
Pros
- Upper rack adjusts up to 1.97 in
- Stainless steel color
- Heated dry function
Cons
- Heated dry is unavailable on Rapid and Self-Clean cycles
COMFEE' is the strongest option here when a stainless steel color and adjustable upper rack matter. The upper rack adjusts by up to 1.97 in to clear deeper pots, and the lower rack accommodates dishware up to 13.78 in high.
It shares the 17.6 in width and 8 place setting capacity of the Midea. Six wash cycles cover Heavy, Normal, Eco, Delicate, Quick and Rinse, with heated dry, Hi-Temp and Sanitize functions also described.
Heated dry is available on most cycles, but not Rapid or Self-Clean. That distinction matters if you expect to use a quick cycle and have dry dishes immediately afterward.
Choose COMFEE' when rack flexibility and the visible finish lead your checklist. Measure the cabinet opening and leave room for the connections and installation requirements.
Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place: Best for a black exterior and steel tub
- 18 in wide
- Stainless steel tub
- Six washing programs
- Up to 24 hour delay start
A black built-in exterior pairs with a stainless steel tub. It offers six programs and a delay start of up to 24 hours.
Pros
- Stainless steel tub
- Up to 24 hour delay start
- Energy Star standards stated
Cons
- Exterior is black rather than stainless steel
Honeywell fits kitchens where a black exterior and stainless steel tub are an intentional combination. It measures 18 in wide and includes six wash programs, plus a delay start of up to 24 hours.
The program choices include pots and pans, normal wash, china, quick wash, rinse only and energy saver. Its two racks and removable cutlery basket offer a straightforward way to separate utensils from plates.
The stated capacity information is inconsistent: the product name refers to 8 place settings, while its feature description says the racks fit 14. Confirm the capacity for the exact model before relying on either figure.
The black exterior is not a stainless steel finish. If your main goal is a coordinated stainless front, compare the COMFEE', SPT and Frigidaire instead.
SPT SD-9254SSA 18″ Wide Built-In Stainless Steel: Best for delay start and alerts
- 18 in wide
- Stainless steel finish and tub
- 1–24 hour time delay
- Error alarm
This stainless steel built-in has a time delay, fault code display and rinse aid warning. A heating function runs during the drying cycle.
Pros
- 1–24 hour time delay
- Fault code display
- Rinse aid warning
Cons
- Confirm the cabinet opening and installation needs before choosing
SPT is a useful choice if delay start and status alerts are higher priorities than rack adjustments. Its time delay can be set from 1 to 24 hours, and the display can show fault codes or a rinse aid refill reminder.
The model has a stainless steel exterior and tub, 8 place settings and an 18-inch-wide designation. Its listed dimensions are 22.6 in deep, 17.6 in wide and 32.4 in high, so compare all three with your available opening.
A heating function runs during drying, and the package components include a drain hose, inlet hose, dispenser and top-mount brackets. Confirm the installation requirements and included parts for your planned setup.
If noise is part of your decision, read How Loud Is a Countertop Dishwasher in Everyday Use?. The guide helps frame sound as a kitchen-use consideration, though this SPT pick is a built-in model.
FRIGIDAIRE 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control: Best for dual spray arms
- Stainless steel finish
- Dual spray arm system
- Up to 8 place settings
- Sanitize cycle
Frigidaire pairs a stainless steel finish with dual spray arms and a sanitize cycle. Its stated dimensions differ from the other compact built-ins, so measure the opening carefully.
Pros
- Dual spray arms
- Sanitize cycle
- Heated drying system
Cons
- 22.5 in wide, so it needs a wider opening than the other picks
Frigidaire suits buyers who want dual spray arms and a sanitize cycle with a stainless steel exterior. It has a stated capacity of up to 8 place settings and a heated drying system.
The dimensions are the main fit check: 22.5 in wide, 18 in deep and 35 in high. Those figures differ from the narrower Midea, COMFEE' and SPT dimensions, so measure the cabinet opening and confirm installation clearance.
Its six cleaning cycle options include Energy Saver, Heavy Wash and Rinse. The sanitize cycle is described as NSF certified, and the model is identified as ADA compliant.
For a brand-specific comparison of sale models, see best whirlpool dishwashers on sale. For a different brand, our best rated LG dishwasher guide can help you compare another set of options.
How should you compare stainless steel dishwasher finishes?
Compare the visible door finish separately from the tub material, because the two can differ. A stainless tub may be hidden when the door is closed, while the exterior finish affects how the appliance looks beside cabinets and other appliances.
Among these five, COMFEE', SPT and Frigidaire describe a stainless steel exterior or finish. Midea has a white exterior with a stainless steel tub, and Honeywell has a black exterior with a stainless steel tub.
Black stainless steel is a separate look from standard stainless. If that finish is on your shortlist, use our best black stainless steel dishwasher comparison to narrow the options.
What dimensions matter for a compact built-in dishwasher?
Measure the cabinet opening's width, height and depth, then check installation clearance and connection placement. A model's width alone does not show whether its full body and required connections will fit.
Midea and COMFEE' measure 17.6 in wide, 22.6 in deep and 32.4 in high. SPT lists the same dimensions, while Honeywell is 18 in wide; Frigidaire is wider at 22.5 in and taller at 35 in.
Do not assume that two products with an “18 inch” name have the same measurements. Confirm the exact model dimensions and installation instructions, especially if replacing an existing dishwasher.
Which wash and drying features are useful?
Choose cycles and drying functions based on what you wash most often and when you need the dishes ready. A quick cycle, a heated dry option or a delay timer can matter more than a long list of settings you rarely use.
Midea and COMFEE' have six wash programs and heated dry functions, with stated cycle limits. SPT has a heating function during drying and a time delay, while Honeywell's six programs include china and energy saver options.
Frigidaire adds dual spray arms and a sanitize cycle. If your kitchen setup also needs a faucet change, our best single handle kitchen faucet guide covers a separate sink upgrade.
How can you find stainless steel dishwashers on sale?
Compare the exact model and finish across retailers because sale availability and included services can change. Check delivery, installation, haul-away and return terms alongside the price, then verify the model number before ordering.
Searches for stainless steel dishwasher on sale or dishwashers on sale stainless steel can return different finishes and widths under similar product names. Confirm the exterior color, tub material and all three dimensions against your kitchen plan.
A dishwasher also changes how you handle dishes between cycles. If you need a place for hand-washed items, our dish drying rack buying guide covers rack styles and counter space.
Which stainless steel dishwasher should you choose?
Choose Midea for a narrow fit with heated dry when a white exterior is acceptable, or COMFEE' for stainless steel color and an adjustable upper rack. Pick SPT for delay start and alerts, and Frigidaire when dual spray arms and its sanitize cycle are the priority.
The Honeywell makes sense when a black front suits the kitchen, but its capacity descriptions conflict. Measure your opening, confirm the exact model and choose by the visible finish and features you'll use most.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for an adjustable upper rack
COMFEE' 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a black exterior and steel tub
Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What should you check before buying a stainless steel dishwasher?
Check the exterior finish, cabinet opening, capacity and installation type first. A stainless steel tub does not mean the exterior is stainless steel, as the Midea has a white exterior and the Honeywell has a black one.
Measure width, depth and height, then compare those figures with the installation instructions for your space.
Is a stainless steel tub the same as a stainless steel finish?
No. The tub is the dishwasher's interior, while the finish describes its visible exterior.
Midea pairs a white exterior with a stainless steel tub, and Honeywell pairs a black exterior with one.
If matching your cabinets matters, confirm the exterior color separately from the tub material.
Are 18-inch dishwashers suitable for small kitchens?
An 18-inch model can suit a narrow cabinet opening, but check the exact width and installation requirements before you plan around it. The Midea and COMFEE' are 17.6 in wide, while the Frigidaire is 22.5 in wide.
Capacity and rack layout also affect how well a compact model fits your routine.
How do you compare dishwasher drying features?
Look for the drying method and any cycle limits. Midea and COMFEE' have heated dry functions, though COMFEE' excludes Rapid and Self-Clean cycles.
SPT has a heating function during drying, and Frigidaire describes a heated drying system.
Check which cycles include drying before deciding.
Where can you find stainless steel dishwashers on sale?
Compare current prices from reputable appliance retailers and check delivery, installation and return terms before you buy. Sale availability changes, so use the model name and confirm the finish, dimensions and included components for the exact option.
A discount matters less if the dishwasher won't fit the opening.
