The Midea MDF18A1AST is an 18-inch slimline built-in dishwasher designed for tight under-counter cutouts while still covering typical daily dish loads. It’s a strong fit for smaller kitchens thanks to its 8 place settings capacity and clearance for items up to 11 inches tall, plus a practical set of wash options and efficiency-focused specs.
Key takeaways
Slim 18-inch built-in footprint (22.6"D x 17.6"W x 32.4"H) fits cabinet spaces where 24-inch models won’t, with adjustable legs to help with leveling.
8 place settings works well for apartments, condos, and compact kitchens, though you’ll likely want extra loads when hosting or washing larger cookware.
6 wash programs—Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse—make it easy to match the cycle to soil level and time constraints.
Extra functions include Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and a Sanitize option (up to 136°F), paired with a stainless steel tub for long-term durability.
Quiet, efficient operation at 52 dB and an Energy Star 7.0 rating (234 kWh/year) helps keep noise down and reduce ongoing energy use.
Space-Saving Size That Still Holds a Full Load
I like how this slimline, built-in under-counter dishwasher fits where standard 24-inch units won’t, yet still handles daily dishes without forcing constant hand-washing. The 18-inch format holds 8 place settings, which feels right for apartments, condos, and smaller family kitchens. At 22.6"D x 17.6"W x 32.4"H, it slides into tight cabinet runs, and the adjustable legs let me dial in the height so the door lines up cleanly with adjacent fronts.
Fit and capacity that work in real kitchens
I focus on a few practical checks before ordering or installing:
I measure the cutout width and depth twice, then confirm the 17.6" width and 22.6" depth clear plumbing and the back wall.
I plan for leveling. Adjustable legs help me avoid door sag and improve rack glide at 32.4" height.
I load-test mentally: it accommodates plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height, so dinner plates and many sauté pans still fit.
I keep expectations realistic: 8 place settings suits everyday cycles, but big hosting nights may need a second load.
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
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Strong Cleaning Performance with Useful Cycle Choices
I like how this dishwasher keeps choices simple while still giving me real control over results. It runs 6 core programs—Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse—so I can match the cycle to the load instead of wasting time or energy. I also get 3 add-on functions: Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize, which help me fine-tune drying, heat, and hygiene without hunting through complicated menus.
How I pick cycles and options for better results
I stick to a few repeatable combos that work day to day:
Heavy + Hi-Temp for baked-on pans and greasy cookware.
Normal + Heated Dry for mixed loads that need cabinet-ready drying.
ECO for lightly soiled dishes when I’m prioritizing efficiency.
Delicate for glassware so I avoid harsh spray and heat.
Quick for small, fresh messes I want handled fast.
Rinse when I’m waiting to run a full load and want odors kept down.
The Hi-Temp/Hygiene cycle reaches up to 136°F (58°C) max, which helps with heavy soil and sanitizing items like baby bottles. A stainless steel tub also holds up well and keeps the interior looking clean over time. Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
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Drying, Noise, and Day-to-Day Usability
Heated Dry is the setting I’d lean on for that ready-to-put-away finish. It cuts down on lingering moisture on plastics and helps keep glassware from coming out with water spots. Extra drying won’t run on Rapid or Self-clean cycles, so I plan loads around that if I need cabinet-ready dishes.
I also like the everyday comfort factor. The unit’s 52 dB rating keeps it calm enough for open kitchens and apartment living, so I can run a load while I work or watch TV.
What I find most practical for daily use
Here’s how I’d use the controls and cycles to keep things simple:
I use the digital control panel and LED display to confirm the cycle, Heated Dry status, and remaining time at a glance.
I run Heated Dry after heavier meals, then skip it for lightly soiled loads when I want to save energy.
I reserve Rapid for quick turnarounds, knowing I may need a short air-dry step afterward.
I schedule Self-clean when the machine’s empty, because drying add-ons won’t apply during it.
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
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Energy Efficiency and Value
I like this unit for everyday savings. It’s Energy Star 7.0 certified and rated at 234 kWh per year, so it should cut power use versus many older machines. I also see strong value in the core basics: dependable cleaning, a clean stainless look, and setup that doesn’t turn into a weekend project.
What lifts the value day to day
Here’s what I focus on to keep cost per wash low while getting consistent results:
Run normal cycles for typical loads and save heavy cycles for baked-on pans.
Measure detergent carefully to avoid residue and wasted soap.
Rinse aid helps drying and reduces spotting on stainless and glass.
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
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What Kept It at 4 Stars
Tradeoffs I noticed in daily use
I got solid cleaning for a compact machine, but two practical limits kept it from a higher score. I stick to dishwasher detergent only. Regular dish soap can whip up suds fast and create messy overflow, plus it can disrupt the wash cycle.
The size also asks for smarter loading. I treat the compact footprint as the win, yet it forces me to plan each run.
A few habits helped me avoid headaches:
Measure detergent and skip anything labeled dish soap.
Run plates on the outer edges, with bowls angled for spray access.
Group cookware by height so the rack doesn’t block the upper spray.
Wash bulkier pots separately instead of cramming them in.
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
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From Fort Collins, Colorado. Meal-prep maximalist and spreadsheet enjoyer. Focused on organization, efficiency, and not letting lettuce liquefy in two days.
