Midea MDF18A1AWW 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher: features, specs and fit

The Midea MDF18A1AWW is a slimline built-in dishwasher, 18 inches wide, designed for small kitchens and apartments where a full-size 24-inch machine won't fit. It holds eight place settings and offers six wash programs plus three extra functions. Here is what those specs mean in daily use and what to confirm before you plan around it.

What an 18-inch, 8-place-setting machine means

A place setting is the standard measure of dishwasher capacity: a dinner plate, bowl, glass, cup and cutlery for one person. Eight settings is enough for a small household's daily dishes, though a larger family will likely run it more often. Midea gives the dimensions as 22.6 inches deep, 17.6 inches wide and 32.4 inches high (about 57 x 45 x 82 cm), with adjustable legs to level it and fine-tune the height under a counter. It weighs 54.6 lb (about 25 kg).

Midea says the interior takes plates, pots and pans up to 11 inches (28 cm) in height. It also describes an under-sink fit for tight spaces, so measure the cabinet opening carefully.

Six programs and three functions

The programs are Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick and Rinse. In general, Heavy suits baked-on cookware, ECO trades a longer cycle for lower energy and water use, Delicate is gentler on fragile glassware, Quick is a shorter cycle for lightly soiled loads, and Rinse removes food residue when you want to run a full load later.

Three functions can be added: Heated Dry, Hi-Temp and Sanitize. The controls are a digital panel with an LED display.

Drying and the Hi-Temp cycle

Midea says Heated Dry gives thorough drying so dishes don't need towelling, except in the Rapid and Self-clean cycles. Heated drying typically adds time and some energy use compared with air drying, which is why it is a selectable option.

The Hi-Temp (hygiene) cycle holds the water at up to 136°F (58°C), according to Midea, for heavily soiled items. Follow the manual on which items are suitable for higher temperatures, especially plastics.

Efficiency and the stainless steel tub

The model is listed as Energy Star 7.0 certified, a standard that sets energy and water limits for dishwashers. A stainless steel tub is a common feature on better-equipped machines, since it resists staining and holds heat well for drying.

Detergent matters

Midea notes that only dishwasher detergent should be used. Ordinary liquid dish soap produces excess suds, which can overflow and cause problems. Dishwasher detergent, rinse aid and, in hard-water areas, dishwasher salt or cleaner help results.

Who it suits

It suits apartments, condos, small kitchens, secondary kitchens and renovations where the cabinet opening is narrow. If you regularly cook for large groups, a standard 24-inch machine has more room.

What to check before you buy

• Cabinet opening: measure width, depth and height, including the clearance for the adjustable legs.
• Connections: confirm access to a hot water supply, drain and a suitable electrical outlet, and follow local codes and the installation manual.
• Your dishes: check that your largest plates and pots fit the 11-inch height limit.
• Doors and handles: leave room for the door to open fully.
• Upkeep: check the manual on cleaning the filter and spray arms.

The short version

• An 18-inch built-in dishwasher with eight place settings and a stainless steel tub.
• Six programs: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick and Rinse.
• Heated Dry, Hi-Temp (up to 136°F / 58°C) and Sanitize functions.
• Listed as Energy Star 7.0 certified; digital panel with LED display.
• Use dishwasher detergent only, and measure the opening before planning installation.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.