Are there 18 inch dishwashers?
Yes. 18-inch dishwashers are a common, standard size made for smaller kitchens, apartments, and bar or prep areas. Your Edgestar BIDW18SS-1 is an 18-inch class dishwasher, designed to fit a compact opening while still providing full wash features.
An “18-inch” dishwasher refers to the approximate cabinet opening width it’s built to fit. Most 18-inch built-in dishwashers are designed around these typical fit ranges:
| Fit detail | Typical 18-inch range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Opening width | ~18 inches | Confirms it will fit between cabinets |
| Height | ~32 to 35 inches | Determines if it fits under your countertop |
| Depth | ~22 to 24 inches (plus door) | Affects door clearance and toe-kick alignment |
We recommend measuring your space before ordering or installing any compact dishwasher.
- Measure the cabinet opening width at the front and back
- Measure height from floor to underside of countertop (check for tile or uneven flooring)
- Measure depth to the front of adjacent cabinets (door needs clearance)
- Confirm access to a 120V outlet and a shutoff valve for the water supply line
- Check that the drain hose can reach the sink drain or disposer connection
Choosing the correct width (18-inch vs. 24-inch) prevents installation problems like gaps, door interference, and misaligned mounting brackets. It also helps ensure proper drainage routing and a secure, level fit for quieter operation.
If you’re maintaining or repairing your Edgestar BIDW18SS-1, we list model-specific replacement parts when available. If you need to search by model number or find additional diagrams and parts categories, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How much space do you need to install an 18 inch dishwasher?
For an 18-inch built-in dishwasher like the Edgestar BIDW18SS-1, we plan for a minimum 18-inch-wide opening, at least 2 inches of side clearance if it sits in a corner, and about 22 inches of clear space in front so the door can open fully. You can shop model-compatible parts through Sears PartsDirect.
- Cabinet opening width: 18 inches minimum
- Corner installs: 2 inches minimum clearance to the adjacent cabinet, wall, or appliance
- Front clearance: 22 inches minimum in front of the dishwasher for door opening
- Level floor space: keep the footprint flat so the tub and door seal align correctly
- Access space: leave room to reach the water shutoff and power connection during install
| Installation detail | What to allow | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Opening width | 18 in. min. | Prevents cabinet interference and vibration |
| Side clearance in a corner | 2 in. min. | Keeps the door and racks from hitting nearby surfaces |
| Space in front of unit | 22 in. min. | Allows full door swing for loading and unloading |
Correct spacing prevents door binding, rack interference, and leaks caused by a twisted cabinet opening. It also makes it easier to service common dishwasher items later, such as the drain hose routing, inlet connection, and leveling legs.
- Confirm the opening is square; measure top, middle, and bottom.
- Check that the door can open without hitting a baseboard, toe-kick, or nearby handle.
- Make sure the unit can slide out for service without disconnecting cabinetry.
- Verify the water line and drain path are not kinked when the dishwasher is pushed in.
Last updated: February 2026
Are Edgestar dishwashers good?
Edgestar dishwashers, including the Edgestar BIDW18SS-1, are a good choice when you need solid cleaning performance in a smaller footprint. They are commonly picked for apartments, condos, and compact kitchens where an 18-inch dishwasher fits better than a full-size model.
A compact dishwasher is “good” when it reliably handles everyday loads, runs without excessive noise, and fits your space and hookups. Most 18-inch models trade capacity for convenience, so performance depends heavily on loading, water temperature, and routine cleaning.
Typical strengths
- Fits tight spaces (common in small kitchens and remodels)
- Uses less water per cycle than many older full-size units
- Handles daily dish loads well when loaded correctly
- Often quieter than older portable or builder-grade units
Common tradeoffs
- Less capacity (more frequent cycles for large households)
- Tall items and wide pans can be harder to place
- Cleaning can drop off if spray arms or filters get clogged
Use this quick checklist to decide if the BIDW18SS-1 style of dishwasher matches your needs.
- Household size: 1 to 3 people is the sweet spot for 18-inch capacity
- Cookware habits: heavy pots and sheet pans may require hand-washing or careful placement
- Water heating: best results when hot water reaches the dishwasher at the start of the cycle
- Maintenance: periodic filter and spray-arm cleaning keeps wash pressure strong
- Expectations: longer cycles are normal on many modern dishwashers
| Feature | 18-inch dishwasher (like BIDW18SS-1) | 24-inch dishwasher |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small kitchens, apartments | Families, high dish volume |
| Capacity | Lower | Higher |
| Space needed | Less | More |
| Load flexibility | Moderate | Higher |
If your kitchen layout only supports an 18-inch opening, choosing a compact dishwasher that cleans well and runs quietly is the difference between a convenient daily appliance and constant re-washing. Keeping the interior clean and loading correctly protects wash performance over time.
If you are comparing performance issues (not starting, not cleaning, not draining), we recommend using our troubleshooting videos and ordering replacement parts by model number through Sears PartsDirect.
Can you buy parts for a dishwasher?
Yes. We sell replacement dishwasher parts so you can repair and maintain your Edgestar BIDW18SS-1 dishwasher instead of replacing it. Common repairs include fixing leaks, restoring draining, improving cleaning, and replacing worn rack hardware; you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Most dishwashers, including the BIDW18SS-1, use the same core systems. These are the parts categories we see customers replace most often:
- Door seal and other gaskets (leaks at the bottom or corners)
- Drain pump and drain hose (standing water, slow drain)
- Water inlet valve (not filling, weak fill)
- Circulation pump and motor (poor wash pressure, noisy operation)
- Spray arms and filters (not cleaning dishes, debris left behind)
- Detergent dispenser components (detergent cup not opening)
Because this model page does not include a published parts list, we recommend matching parts using the most reliable identifiers.
- Use the full model number: BIDW18SS-1
- Compare the part description to your symptom (leak, no drain, not cleaning)
- Confirm fit by checking measurements, connector style, and mounting points
- If you can, match any numbers printed on the old part (pump label, valve stamping)
- Replace clamps, seals, or O-rings when you replace a pump, hose, or valve
| Symptom | Most likely part area | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Door latch, control, power supply | Door fully latches, breaker not tripped |
| Not draining | Drain pump, drain hose, air gap | Filter and sump for blockage |
| Not cleaning | Spray arms, filter, circulation pump | Spray arm holes and filter screen |
| Leaks | Door seal, hose connections, pump seals | Look for drip source during fill/wash |
Buying the correct dishwasher parts keeps wash performance, drying, and leak protection where they should be. It also prevents repeat failures, such as reusing a flattened gasket after a pump swap.
For step-by-step troubleshooting that helps you pinpoint the failed component before you order, use our dishwasher common questions guide.
Last updated: February 2026





