How big is a compact dishwasher?#
A compact dishwasher is either an 18-inch built-in, 18 inches wide and 32 to 35 inches tall, or a small countertop unit about 22 inches wide and 17 to 18 inches tall. The table below covers the built-in, countertop, and freestanding portable configurations for small kitchens.
Compact dishwasher dimensions by configuration#
| Configuration | Width (in) | Height (in) | Depth (in) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in 18-inch | 18 | 32–35 | 22–24 | small kitchens and condos |
| Countertop portable | 22 | 17–18 | 20–22 | apartments with no cabinet to spare |
| Freestanding 18-inch portable | 18 | 36 | 26 | rentals that roll it to the sink |
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Installation clearances for a compact dishwasher#
- Rough opening width: 18 in in of cabinet gap a built-in compact dishwasher needs — six inches narrower than a standard unit.
- Countertop clearance: 18 in in of vertical space a countertop compact dishwasher needs under the wall cabinets.
- Faucet hookup: A countertop or freestanding compact dishwasher connects to the kitchen faucet with a quick coupler instead of a plumbed line.
Will your compact dishwasher fit? Clearances and door swing#
An 18-inch built-in needs a rough opening 18 inches wide — six inches narrower than a standard dishwasher — so it rescues a kitchen too tight for a 24-inch model. Match the cabinet gap to that 18-inch width and level the unit to the counter. A countertop portable instead sits on the worktop and needs about 18 inches of clearance beneath the upper cabinets, standing only 17 to 18 inches tall. Measure the opening or counter space in all three directions, and for a portable confirm it can reach the sink faucet, since it hooks up there rather than to a permanent line.
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Compact dishwasher sizes by type: built-in 18-inch, countertop portable, freestanding 18-inch portable#
The three compact styles fit different kitchens. An 18-inch built-in, 18 inches wide and 32 to 35 inches tall at 22 to 24 inches deep, installs permanently in a narrow cabinet gap like a scaled-down standard dishwasher. A countertop portable, 22 inches wide and just 17 to 18 inches tall, sits on the worktop and connects to the faucet — perfect for a rental with no cabinet to spare. A freestanding 18-inch portable, 18 inches wide and 36 inches tall on casters, rolls to the sink and doubles as extra counter space. Choose built-in for a permanent fit, portable for flexibility.
Appliance Repair Technician · 8 years experience
Experienced technician with 8 years specializing in dishwasher repairs and European appliance brands including Bosch and Thermador.
