A comparative wash cycle analysis of built-in dishwashers shows that most models cluster around six wash cycles, representing about 51 percent of the market, making this the industry standard (see the comparative chart). The Honeywell HDS18W fits squarely into this popular category, offering balanced versatility without overcomplicating daily use. Designed as a built-in unit, it runs quietly at around 42 dB and uses approximately 2.5 gallons of water per normal cycle, appealing to homeowners who value efficiency and low noise alongside reliable cleaning performance..
Read on to discover why the Honeywell HDS18W dishwasher review matters for small to mid-sized kitchens, or check out our Overview Summary below for a quick verdict and pricing history.
Table of Contents
Overview Summary
Performance Indicators:
Honeywell HDS18W Price History:
Pros:
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Built-in water softener
- 42 dB quiet operation
- 2.5 gallons per cycle
- Six wash programs
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- 8 place setting capacity
- Manual filter cleaning
Honeywell HDS18W in the Market Spotlight: A Competitive Comparison
💰 Breaking Down the Numbers: A Histogram of Product Prices
The price analysis shows that the Honeywell HDS18W sits in the $300 to $624 range, which accounts for 28% of built-in dishwashers. This places it firmly in the budget-to-entry segment, making it one of the more accessible options for buyers looking for a built-in model without premium pricing.
In contrast, the most saturated range is $625 to $949, covering 39% of models, followed by $950 to $1,274 at 20%. Higher-priced categories above $1,275 make up a much smaller share, highlighting the Honeywell’s strong affordability advantage.
🔇 From Whisper to Roar: Placing Noise Levels in Perspective
Operating at 42 dB, the Honeywell HDS18W falls into the 42 dB to 45 dB category, which represents 32% of built-in dishwashers. This places it in one of the most desirable quiet-operation segments, suitable for open kitchens and noise-sensitive households.
Quieter models between 38 dB and 41 dB are rare at just 4%, while louder dishwashers in the 50 dB to 53 dB range account for 29%. With many competitors operating above 46 dB, the Honeywell clearly maintains a competitive edge in everyday quiet performance.
⚖️ From Featherweight to Heavyweight: Placing It on the Scale
Weighing 70 lbs, the Honeywell HDS18W falls within the 54.5 lb to 73.9 lb range, which includes 22% of built-in dishwashers. This places it slightly lighter than the most common category while still offering a solid, stable build for permanent installation.
The largest share of models, 36%, falls between 74 lb and 93.4 lb, followed by 27% in the 93.5 lb to 112.9 lb range. Lighter models under 54.4 lb are uncommon, suggesting the Honeywell strikes a practical balance between manageable weight and durability.
🍽️ Place Settings in Perspective: This Model vs. the Rest
With 8 place settings, the Honeywell HDS18W sits in the 7 to 8 place setting category, representing 17% of built-in dishwashers. This positions it toward the compact end of the market, ideal for small households, apartments, or kitchens with limited cabinet space.
Larger capacities dominate the segment, with 15 to 16 place settings leading at 35%, followed by 13 to 14 place settings at 29%. While it offers less capacity than full-size models, the Honeywell prioritizes space efficiency over maximum load volume.
🔄 Cleaning Options Compared: Wash Cycles Across the Market
Equipped with 6 wash cycles, the Honeywell HDS18W aligns perfectly with the most common configuration in the market, where 51% of built-in dishwashers offer exactly six cycles. This confirms its cycle selection matches mainstream consumer expectations.
Models with 5 wash cycles account for 16%, while those offering 7 or more cycles collectively represent a smaller share. Dishwashers with 9 to 10 cycles are especially rare at just 4%, showing that Honeywell focuses on practical, widely used programs rather than unnecessary complexity.
Honeywell HDS18W Dishwasher
Honeywell HDS18W Performance Breakdown: Key Features and Ratings
The incredible team at WashDryDazzle took the Honeywell HDS18W Under-counter dishwasher for a spin just for you. We wanted to see if it’s as dazzling as it sounds. Our goal? To help you make the best choice for your kitchen.
💵 Price and Design (4.3/5)
Priced around $400, the Honeywell HDS18W sits comfortably in the mid-range built-in dishwasher category, appealing to homeowners who want a balance between features and affordability. Its clean, minimalist design is available in both white and black finishes, making it easy to match with most kitchen styles.
The front control layout with a digital display and LED status indicators keeps everything user-friendly and modern. With standard built-in installation and compact 18-inch width, it’s especially well-suited for apartments, condos, and smaller kitchens.
| Price | $400 |
| Height | 32 inches |
| Width | 18 inches |
| Depth | 23 inches |
| Weight | 70 lbs |
| Color | White, Black |
| Control Panel Location | Front Control |
| Display | Digital display |
| Touch or Tactile Controls | Press buttons |
| Cycle status/progress indicator on display | Display LED with Status Indicators |
| Wi-Fi Enabled (Smart Dishwasher) | N/A |
| Compatibility with home assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant) | N/A |
✨ Cleaning Performance (4.4/5)
With six wash cycles, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse, the Honeywell HDS18W offers solid flexibility for everyday dishwashing needs. The full-tub spray arm coverage helps ensure water reaches every corner, while the two spray arms provide consistent cleaning across racks.
Temperature-boosting options like Hi Temp, which raises wash water to about 140 °F (60 °C), and Sanitize, which pushes the final rinse to around 156 °F (69 °C), add extra confidence for tougher messes. It uses a removable filter, and for better performance, the entire filter system should be cleaned at least once a week.
| Number of Wash Cycles | 6 (Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, Rinse) |
| Specialized Cycles | Glass |
| Number of Options / Functions | 4 (Sanitize, Hi-Temp Wash, Heated Dry, Energy Saver) |
| Number of Spray Arms | 2 |
| Filter type (self-cleaning or manual/Removeable Filter) | Removable filter (manual cleaning required) |
| Sanitization | sanitize option |
| Delay Start Timer | Yes (24 hours) |
| Targeted washing zones | full-tub spray arm coverage |
| Soil sensor capability (Turbidity Sensor) | turbidity sensor with thermal sensor |
| Option / Function # 01 | Heating Dry: Activates the heater during drying for faster, more effective results |
| Option / Function # 02 | Sanitize: Raises water temperature to 69°C for hygienic cleaning and bacteria removal |
| Option / Function # 03 | Hi Temp: Increases wash water to 60°C for improved cleaning of tough residues |
| Option / Function # 04 | Energy Save: Reduces energy use during the wash cycle, making it more efficient |
💨 Drying Performance (4.2/5)
The Honeywell HDS18W relies on Heated Dry for moisture removal. Heat drying uses an internal heating element or system to actively warm the air inside the dishwasher after the wash cycle. This added heat speeds up moisture evaporation and leaves dishes drier more quickly, but it consumes more energy than other methods.
A built-in rinse aid system helps reduce water spots and improve overall drying, while the built-in water softener treats hard water during each wash cycle, reducing mineral buildup, improving cleaning performance, protecting dishes from spotting, and extending the dishwasher’s lifespan. The Rinse option also helps prevent odors between loads.
| Hot Air Drying / Heat Drying | Heated Dry |
| Fresh Air Circulation for Moisture and Odor | RINSE option prevents odor |
| Auto Door Opening for Natural Drying | No |
| Rinse aid availability | Yes |
| Built-in Water Softener (For Hard Water) | Yes, Built-in softening system with salt sensor and regeneration valve |
🔕 Noise Level (4.6/5)
Running at just 42 dB, the Honeywell HDS18W is impressively quiet for a built-in dishwasher in this class. To put the 42 dB dishwasher noise level into perspective, standing about five feet away from the dishwasher would sound like a whisper or the faint rustling of leaves on a calm day, so quiet that it might blend into the background, barely noticeable unless you focus on it.
In comparison, competitors like the Frigidaire FFBD1831US and EdgeStar BIDW1802WH operate around 52 dB, and the Avanti DWF18V3S sits closer to 53 dB, making them noticeably louder in everyday kitchen environments.
⚡ Energy Efficiency (4.3/5)
The Honeywell HDS18W is ENERGY STAR® certified (ENERGY STAR-certified appliances meet strict energy-efficiency standards set by the EPA, use less energy, and reduce environmental impact), making it a smart choice for eco-conscious households.
A Normal Wash Cycle with Heated Dry System, running 155 minutes, would use approximately 1.08 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. To put this into perspective, it’s like running a 1-ton AC at full load for about 65 minutes. Energy consumption for running this dishwasher daily on Normal Wash Cycle with Heated Dry System for 30 days = 1.08 kWh/day x 30 days = 32.65 kWh/month. The 24-hour delay start timer also allows you to schedule cycles during off-peak energy hours.
| Energy Star rating | ENERGY STAR® |
| Estimated Energy Consumption / Wattage | 32.7 kWh/month for Daily use of the normal wash cycle with Heated Dry System |
| Voltage Required | 120 Volts |
| Delay Start Timer | Yes (24 hours) |
💧 Water Usage (4.5/5)
The Honeywell HDS18W is designed to be water-efficient, using about 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) per wash in its Normal cycle, which is impressive for a built-in model in this size category. In comparison, the Frigidaire FFBD1831US consumes roughly 3.2 gallons (12.11 liters) per Normal cycle, while the EdgeStar BIDW1802WH matches the Honeywell at 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) per wash. The Avanti DWF18V3S comes in slightly higher at around 3.1 gallons (11.73 liters) per regular cycle, making the Honeywell a more water-conscious choice.
| Water Consumption (Per Cycle) | 2.5 gallons (9.46 Liters) per wash in Normal cycle |
🕒 Cycle Time (4.3/5)
The Honeywell HDS18W offers a practical range of cycle durations to suit different cleaning needs. The Heavy cycle runs for about 155 minutes, while the ECO and Normal programs typically fall between 105 to 135 minutes. For lighter loads, the Glass cycle finishes in roughly 95 minutes, and the Rapid option wraps up in just 60 minutes. There is also a short Rinse cycle at around 20 minutes for quick freshening between full washes.
For a deeper dive into specific wash cycles, please refer to our section: “Specialized Wash Cycles.”
🍽️ Loading Capacity (4.2/5)
With support for 8 Place Settings (defined further down in this section), the Honeywell HDS18W is well-suited for small households, apartments, and compact kitchens. It can accommodate dinner plates up to 11 inches in diameter and features two racks along with a dedicated cutlery basket for organized utensil loading. The overall layout makes it easy to balance daily dish loads without feeling cramped, even when handling a mix of plates, bowls, and glassware.
| Number of Place Settings | 8 Place Settings |
| Dish or Plate Size: A Rack can Accumulate | 11-inch dinner plates |
| Number of Racks | 2 |
| Special Utensil Holders or Baskets | Cutlery Basket |
| Adjustable height of Rack | Adjustable Lower Rack with cup shelf |
8 – Place Setting Dishwasher:
A place setting refers to the dishes and utensils needed for one person’s meal. In dishwashers, it indicates the number of such sets the appliance can handle in one cycle.
An 8-place setting dishwasher is designed to wash 8 dinner plates, 8 dessert plates, 8 soup bowls, 8 cups, 8 glasses, and 8 sets of cutlery in one cycle.
In reality, the exact combination can vary due to item sizes and shapes. For example, you might fit 8 dinner plates, 8 dessert plates, 6 soup bowls, 6 cups, 4 glasses, and 8 sets of cutlery comfortably in an 8-place setting dishwasher.
🔒 Safety Features (4.4/5)
The Honeywell HDS18W includes a control lock and child lock, helping prevent accidental button presses during operation. For added stability, the dishwasher features a non-slip base, keeping it securely in place during use. But do not place or use the machine on an unstable or uneven platform. For safe operation, avoid placing the dishwasher near gas or electric burners. Also, do not use extension cords or adapter plugs, as these can increase the risk of electrical hazards.
| Child Lock – Safety Feature | Control Lock, Child Lock |
| Leak or Overflow Protection – Safety Feature | Tub seal with automatic overfill and leak detection |
| Non-Slipping Base | Yes |
🛠 Reliability and Durability (4.3/5)
Built with a stainless steel interior tub, the Honeywell HDS18W is designed for long-term performance. Stainless Steel is a strong, corrosion-resistant material prized for its durability, sleek appearance, and ability to withstand high temperatures and exposure to moisture without rusting or degrading.
The dishwasher feels sturdy in daily use, but avoid overloading the top surface with heavy items. It comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty (parts and labor). To keep your warranty valid, use the product only as intended, follow the instructions in the manual, and avoid misuse, mishandling, accidents, neglect, or abuse.
| Finish Type / Material | Stainless Steel |
| Interior Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
| Warranty Duration | 1-year limited manufacturer warranty (parts & labor) |
Exploring the Honeywell HDS18W’s Wash Programs
The Honeywell HDS18W’s Fix dishwasher features specialized cleaning cycles to tackle messes, ensuring your dishes shine every time. Here’s a quick breakdown of the available wash cycles:
| Program | Purpose | Cycle Description | Water Usage | Cycle Time | Available Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Wash | For hard-to-clean, heavily soiled dishes, pots, and pans | Pre Wash → Main Wash (60°C) → Rinse (65°C) → Rinse with Sanitize (69°C) → Drying | 19.7 L | 155 min | Heating Dry, Sanitize, Hi Temp, Energy Save |
| ECO | For normally soiled tableware; most efficient in energy and water use | Pre Wash → Main Wash (50–55°C) → Rinse (58–60°C) → Rinse with Sanitize (69°C) → Drying | 15.5 L | 105 min | Heating Dry, Sanitize, Hi Temp |
| Glass | For lightly soiled items like glasses, crystal, and fine china | Pre Wash → Main Wash (48–50°C) → Rinse (50–55°C) → Drying | 15.5 L | 95 min | Heating Dry, Hi Temp |
| Rapid | Quick wash for lightly soiled loads that don’t need drying | Pre Wash → Main Wash (48–50°C) → Rinse (50–55°C) | 12.5 L | 60 min | Heating Dry |
| Rinse | For rinsing dishes, glasses, and silverware that will be washed later | Pre Wash → Main Wash | 6.7 L | 20 min | None |
| Normal Wash | Standard program for regularly soiled dinner dishes or silverware | Pre Wash → Main Wash (50–55°C) → Rinse (58–60°C) → Rinse with Sanitize (69°C) → Drying | 9.5–18.5 L | 105–135 min | Heating Dry, Sanitize, Hi Temp, Energy Save |
Honeywell HDS18W Advantages and Drawbacks
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified, helping reduce monthly electricity use and lower overall environmental impact.
- Uses only 2.5 gallons (9.46 liters) per Normal cycle, promoting strong water efficiency and utility savings.
- Operates quietly at 42 dB, keeping kitchen noise close to whisper-level during daily wash cycles.
- Built-in water softener with salt sensor improves cleaning results and reduces mineral spotting on dishes.
- Six wash cycles, including Heavy, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse, for flexible daily cleaning performance.
- The sanitize option raises the final rinse temperature to 156 °F (69 °C) for hygienic, bacteria-reducing results.
- The front control panel, with a digital display and LED status indicators, offers clear, user-friendly operation.
- Compact 18-inch built-in design fits smaller kitchen spaces without sacrificing essential washing capacity.
- Stainless steel interior tub resists corrosion and supports long-term durability under frequent heat exposure.
- A 24-hour delay-start timer allows flexible scheduling for off-peak energy use and convenient wash planning.
Cons
- Limited to 8 place settings, restricting load capacity compared to full-size 24-inch built-in dishwashers.
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or smart assistant compatibility for remote monitoring or mobile app control.
- The removable manual filter requires regular weekly cleaning to maintain optimal washing performance.
- Lacks the auto door opening feature, relying entirely on heated drying for moisture removal.
- Only two racks, missing a third rack or a dedicated cutlery tray for added loading flexibility.
- Rapid cycle excludes the drying phase, requiring air-drying or towel-drying after quick washes.
Honeywell HDS18W Dishwasher
Who Gets the Most Out of Honeywell HDS18W Dishwasher
- Apartment dwellers who want a quiet, space-saving dishwasher that blends neatly into smaller kitchens without disrupting daily routines.
- Busy professionals who appreciate flexible scheduling, letting dishes run while they focus on work or unwind after long days.
- Eco-conscious users who value mindful resource use and want a cleaner kitchen with less water and energy waste.
- Parents with young children who prefer extra peace of mind from hygienic cleaning for baby bottles and everyday dishware.
- Noise-sensitive households that enjoy calm, open-plan living spaces without the hum of appliances competing with conversations.
- Couples or small families looking for a practical built-in dishwasher that covers daily meals without overwhelming their kitchen layout.
- Renters in long-term homes who want a reliable under-counter solution that feels permanent without investing in high-end luxury appliances.
- Glassware lovers who want gentle care for delicate cups and stemware while still enjoying everyday cleaning convenience.
Who May Not Be Suited for Honeywell HDS18W Dishwasher
- Large families who regularly generate heavy, high-volume dish loads and need a dishwasher that can handle everything in one cycle.
- Tech enthusiasts who prefer smart home integration, remote monitoring, or voice assistant control as part of their kitchen setup.
- Frequent hosts who often entertain guests and need a dishwasher that can manage oversized cookware and party-sized cleanups.
- Minimalist users who prefer ultra-simple appliances with fewer settings and minimal maintenance routines.
- People seeking a premium, luxury-style dishwasher with advanced automation and design-forward features.
- Travelers or RV owners who need a portable or flexible dishwashing solution rather than a fixed, built-in installation.
- Users who prioritize ultra-fast wash-and-dry cycles for quick turnarounds during busy meal schedules.
Best Substitutes for Honeywell HDS18W Dishwasher
Frigidaire FFBD1831US
The Frigidaire FFBD1831US is a solid built-in alternative that focuses on reliable cleaning and a familiar, user-friendly design. It features six wash cycles, including a dedicated Energy Saver and a gentle China Crystal option for delicate dishware. The bi-beam dual-direction spray system helps deliver full-rack coverage, while Heat Dry supports faster moisture removal after each cycle. With an ENERGY STAR certification and a stainless steel interior tub, it balances everyday efficiency with long-term durability in compact kitchen spaces.
Read more about this model in our comprehensive Frigidaire FFBD1831US Dishwasher Review.
Frigidaire FFBD1831US Dishwasher
EdgeStar BIDW1802WH
The EdgeStar BIDW1802WH is designed for users who want consistent performance in a compact built-in footprint. It offers six versatile wash cycles, including Heavy, ECO, and Glass, supported by a smart soil sensor that helps adjust cleaning intensity for mixed loads. Heat drying with a built-in heating element improves post-wash dryness, while the stainless steel tub enhances durability and temperature retention. ENERGY STAR efficiency and a clean front-control interface make it a practical choice for smaller kitchens.
Learn more about this model by exploring our detailed EdgeStar BIDW1802WH Dishwasher Review.
EdgeStar BIDW1802WH Dishwasher
Avanti DWF18V3S
The Avanti DWF18V3S stands out with a more feature-rich approach, blending flexibility and performance in an 18-inch built-in design. It includes specialized cycles like Intensive and Delicate, along with an automatic program that adapts washing conditions for mixed dish loads. The dual spray arm system promotes full-tub coverage, while Extra Dry and Sanitize options enhance hygiene and moisture removal. A stainless steel interior and ENERGY STAR efficiency round out a well-balanced alternative.
Discover all the details in our thorough Avanti DWF18V3S Dishwasher Review.
Avanti DWF18V3S Dishwasher
Summing Up the Honeywell HDS18W Dishwasher Review
Wrapping it all together, the Honeywell HDS18W stands out as a thoughtfully designed built-in dishwasher that blends quiet operation, efficient resource use, and dependable cleaning into a compact 18-inch footprint. Its balanced mix of wash cycles, hygienic sanitizing option, and stainless steel interior make it a reliable everyday companion for modern kitchens that value both performance and peace of mind.
While it skips smart connectivity and ultra-large capacity, it makes up for it with steady results, energy-conscious design, and practical features that simplify daily routines. If you’re looking for a space-saving dishwasher that delivers consistent performance without overcomplicating your kitchen, the Honeywell HDS18W is well worth considering for your next upgrade.
Honeywell HDS18W Dishwasher
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Honeywell HDS18W dishwasher quiet enough for open kitchens?
Yes, it runs at a low noise level, making it comfortable for conversations, TV watching, and everyday kitchen use.
How many place settings can the Honeywell HDS18W handle in one load?
It supports eight place settings, which works well for daily meals, small households, and compact kitchen spaces.
Does the Honeywell HDS18W include a sanitizing option for hygienic cleaning?
Yes, it features a sanitize function that uses higher temperatures to help reduce bacteria and improve overall dish cleanliness.
Can this dishwasher help reduce water and energy consumption?
Yes, it is ENERGY STAR certified and designed to use less water and electricity during normal and eco wash cycles.
Is the Honeywell HDS18W suitable for hard water areas?
Yes, it includes a built-in water softener that helps reduce mineral buildup and improve cleaning and drying results.
What type of drying system does the Honeywell HDS18W use?
It uses heated drying to speed up moisture evaporation and leave dishes drier at the end of each wash cycle.
Are there good alternatives to the Honeywell HDS18W in the same size category?
Yes, models like the Frigidaire FFBD1831US, EdgeStar BIDW1802WH, and Avanti DWF18V3S offer similar built-in compact designs.
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To get the most out of your dishwasher, it’s important to keep it clean and properly maintained. Here are some articles from our website to help you do just that:
- 18 Common Dishwasher Mistakes You’re Likely Making Every Day!
- How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher: 5 Simple Steps to Cleanliness
- Dishwasher Air Gaps: What They Are and Why We Need Them
- Dishwasher Door Unlocking During A Cycle? 5 Tips to Consider
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Recommended Reads for Better Dishwashing Practices
- How Do Countertop Dishwashers Work?
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- How to Use the Delay Start Option?
- Stainless Steel vs. Plastic Tub Dishwashers: Which is Better?
- How to wash a Hat in the Dishwasher without damaging it
WashDryDazzle delivers expertly curated lists to help you find the best products for your home. Our detailed guides and expert education articles are crafted to simplify appliance selection and enhance your everyday maintenance routines.
