Best Midea Dishwashers in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs
The best Midea dishwasher in this guide is the MDT24P3CST, a full-size 24-inch built-in model with a stainless-steel top control panel that fits a standard kitchen opening. For compact spaces, the 18-inch built-in with a stainless steel tub holds up to 8 place settings. The countertop range includes an ENERGY STAR certified 6-place model and two units with built-in water tanks for homes without a dedicated hookup. Picks are based on the seller's stated specifications and the manufacturer's published material; none of these units was tested for this guide.
5 picks from 8 dishwashers that match this guide with a price we can quote today. All prices are live and show when they were read.
Our picks in brief
| # | Pick | Dishwasher | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | Midea MDT24P3CST 24 inch Stainless Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | $449.12 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details) |
| 2 | Best compact built-in | Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher | $498.97 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details) |
| 3 | Best countertop with ENERGY STAR | Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable | $299.99 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details) |
| 4 | Best countertop with integrated tank | Midea Countertop Dishwasher with 1.59Gal Built-in Water Tank | $317.11 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details) |
| 5 | Best countertop for baby care | Midea Countertop Dishwasher with 1.32Gal Tank | $280.49 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details) |
Find your match
- For small kitchens and apartments: If your kitchen has a narrow cutout or you want a built-in without giving up much counter space, the 18-inch built-in with a stainless steel tub is a strong fit. See pick 2
- For renters without a water hookup: If you rent or live somewhere without a dedicated dishwasher connection, a countertop model with a built-in water tank lets you wash dishes anywhere there's a sink. See pick 4
- For families with standard kitchen openings: If you have a standard 24-inch cabinet cutout and want a full-size built-in, the MDT24P3CST delivers a stainless steel top control panel and a familiar footprint. See pick 1
5 picks, up close
1 Best overall
Midea MDT24P3CST 24 inch Stainless Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Type
- Built-in
- Width
- 24 inch
- Stainless steel
- Yes
$449.12 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details)
This is the only full-size 24-inch built-in in the pool, making it the natural choice for a standard kitchen opening. Its stainless steel top control panel is a design detail that the compact models lack.
Pros
- Standard 24-inch width fits most kitchen cutouts
- Stainless steel top control panel is stated by the seller
- Full-size built-in design keeps counter space clear
- Suitable for households that need to wash more than a few place settings
Cons
- No ENERGY STAR certification is stated by the seller
- Requires a 24-inch cabinet cutout and plumbing connection
- No place setting count is provided, so capacity is not confirmed
Good fit if
- Homes with a standard dishwasher opening
- Anyone who prefers a built-in unit with a top control panel
Skip if
- You need a compact model for a small kitchen
- You want an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher
Verdict: The MDT24P3CST is the most versatile Midea dishwasher here for a conventional kitchen layout.
2 Best compact built-in
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher
- Type
- Built-in
- Width
- 18 inch
- Place settings
- 7 to 8
- Stainless steel
- Yes
- ENERGY STAR
- Yes
$498.97 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details)
This 18-inch built-in model packs a stainless steel tub and up to 8 place settings into a narrower footprint, making it ideal for kitchens that cannot accommodate a 24-inch unit.
Pros
- Stainless steel tub is explicitly stated
- Holds up to 8 place settings, more than the countertop models
- Built-in installation uses no counter space
- Compact 18-inch width suits tighter kitchen layouts
Cons
- No ENERGY STAR certification is stated by the seller
- Narrower than the standard 24-inch size, so it needs a 18-inch opening
- Smaller capacity than the full-size MDT24P3CST
Good fit if
- Kitchens with a compact 18-inch cutout
- Small households that want a built-in without a full-size footprint
Skip if
- You have a standard 24-inch opening and want maximum capacity
- You need portability or a built-in water tank
Verdict: The 18-inch built-in is the best choice when you need the look of a built-in but have limited space.
3 Best countertop with ENERGY STAR
Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable
- Type
- Countertop
- Place settings
- Up to 6
- Noise level
- 50 dB and up
- ENERGY STAR
- Yes
$299.99 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details)
This is the only ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher in the entire Midea pool, which means it meets strict efficiency criteria for energy and water use as defined by the EPA.
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified, indicating reduced energy and water consumption per the EPA's program
- Up to 6 place settings, enough for everyday loads
- Portable and compact, no permanent installation needed
Cons
- Requires a faucet connection; no built-in water tank
- Smaller capacity than the 18-inch built-in
- Countertop footprint takes up counter space
Good fit if
- Renters who cannot install a built-in unit
- People who want to save energy and water with a certified model
Skip if
- You want a built-in unit or a water tank for standalone operation
- You regularly wash more than 6 place settings in one load
Verdict: If energy efficiency is your priority, this countertop model is the only Midea pick with ENERGY STAR certification.
4 Best countertop with integrated tank
Midea Countertop Dishwasher with 1.59Gal Built-in Water Tank
- Type
- Countertop
$317.11 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details)
With a built-in 1.59-gallon water tank and 5+2 program options, this countertop model works without a fixed water line, making it the most flexible choice for apartments and RVs.
Pros
- Built-in 1.59-gallon water tank allows use without a permanent water connection
- 5+2 programs provide extra cycle choices compared to the 5+1 model
- Compact design fits on a standard countertop
Cons
- No ENERGY STAR certification is stated by the seller
- Tank capacity means you may need to refill for larger loads
- Countertop placement uses valuable kitchen surface
Good fit if
- People who want to place the dishwasher anywhere with a sink
- Users who prefer to fill the tank manually rather than connect to a faucet
Skip if
- You want a built-in unit with a large capacity
- You need a model with a smaller tank (the 1.32-gallon unit is lighter)
Verdict: The 1.59-gallon tank and extra programs make this the most self-sufficient countertop Midea dishwasher.
5 Best countertop for baby care
Midea Countertop Dishwasher with 1.32Gal Tank
- Type
- Countertop
$280.49 (as of 11/05/2026 00:12 PST - Details)
This countertop model includes a Baby Care program in its 5+1 cycle lineup, making it the only Midea in the pool with a cleaning option specifically aimed at sanitizing baby items.
Pros
- Baby Care program is stated in the product name
- Built-in 1.32-gallon water tank enables standalone use
- 5+1 programs give a selection of wash cycles
Cons
- Smaller water tank than the 1.59-gallon model
- No ENERGY STAR certification is stated by the seller
- Fewer programs than the 5+2 model
Good fit if
- Parents who want a dedicated cycle for bottles, pacifiers, and toys
- Individuals who need a lightweight countertop dishwasher with a tank
Skip if
- You need a larger tank for fewer refills
- You prefer the extra cycle flexibility of the 5+2 model
Verdict: With its Baby Care program and a built-in tank, this model is the best Midea countertop for households with infants.
How they compare
| # | Dishwasher | Type | Width | Place settings | Noise level | Stainless steel | ENERGY STAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Midea MDT24P3CST 24 inch Stainless Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | Built-in | 24 inch | not stated | not stated | Yes | not stated |
| 2 | Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher | Built-in | 18 inch | 7 to 8 | not stated | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable | Countertop | not stated | Up to 6 | 50 dB and up | not stated | Yes |
| 4 | Midea Countertop Dishwasher with 1.59Gal Built-in Water Tank | Countertop | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | Midea Countertop Dishwasher with 1.32Gal Tank | Countertop | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
Our selection method
To build this guide, we started with five Midea dishwashers that matched the brand filter. We split them into built-in and countertop groups, then compared each model on the attributes that matter most: size, tub material, place settings, ENERGY STAR certification, and whether a built-in water tank is included. Prices are read live from the store listing and change frequently, so we do not compare cost in prose. The specifications and program counts come directly from the seller's product pages. No unit was tested: the picks are chosen from the stated specifications and the manufacturer's published information. For definitions of compact and standard capacity, we refer to the ENERGY STAR criteria, which uses place settings and serving pieces to distinguish the two classes.
What matters when choosing
Built-in vs. countertop
The first decision is whether the dishwasher will be permanently installed or sit on your counter. Built-in models like the MDT24P3CST and the 18-inch unit are meant to slide into a cabinet cutout, require a plumbing connection, and free up counter space. Countertop models, by contrast, are portable and connect to a faucet or use a built-in water tank. They are easier to move and need no permanent installation, but they occupy counter space and generally hold fewer place settings.
Capacity and place settings
Place settings indicate how many dishes a dishwasher can wash in one load. A standard-size dishwasher, per the ENERGY STAR definition, holds more than eight place settings and six serving pieces, while a compact model holds less than that. In this Midea pool, the 18-inch built-in is rated for 7 to 8 place settings, and the countertop models state up to 6. If you cook and host often, a built-in with a higher capacity will save you from running multiple loads.
ENERGY STAR and water consumption
ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers meet strict specifications for energy and water use, which are updated by the EPA and DOE. The current criteria, effective July 19, 2023, cap electricity use at 240 kWh per year for standard models and 155 kWh per year for compact models, with water limits of 3.2 and 2.0 gallons per cycle respectively. In this list, only the countertop portable model carries the ENERGY STAR label. Choosing that model can lower your utility bills and reduce water use, as the EPA reports that certified dishwashers save water compared to hand washing.
Built-in water tanks and portability
Two of the countertop models in this pool include a built-in water tank, which means they can operate without a direct connection to a faucet. This is especially useful for apartments, RVs, or temporary living situations. The 1.59-gallon model holds more water than the 1.32-gallon version, so it can handle larger loads before you need to refill. However, a tank also adds weight and takes up space inside the dishwasher, so consider how often you are willing to refill it.
Tub material and control types
A stainless steel tub is often preferred for its durability and resistance to stains, though that is not a universal requirement. In this pool, only the 18-inch built-in lists a stainless steel tub; the 24-inch unit states a stainless steel top control panel, not the tub. Control types also matter: top controls are hidden when the door is closed, giving a cleaner look, while front controls are easier to reach. The MDT24P3CST's top control panel is a nice touch for a seamless kitchen aesthetic.
Questions
Can a countertop dishwasher work without a fixed water line?
Yes, if the model has a built-in water tank. In this guide, the two countertop units with 1.59-gallon and 1.32-gallon tanks can be filled manually, letting you run the dishwasher without a permanent connection to your plumbing. The ENERGY STAR certified portable model, however, still needs to be attached to a faucet for its water supply.
What does ENERGY STAR certification mean for a dishwasher?
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the EPA and DOE. Certified dishwashers must meet specific energy and water consumption limits, which are currently 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons per cycle for standard models, and 155 kWh and 2.0 gallons per cycle for compact models. Certification tells you the product is among the more efficient options on the market.
How many place settings do I need?
Place settings indicate the number of full place settings, including plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery, that the dishwasher can wash at once. A compact model like the 18-inch built-in Midea holds up to 8 place settings, which suits small households. The countertop models hold up to 6. Standard full-size models, by the ENERGY STAR definition, hold more than 8 place settings and 6 serving pieces, though the exact count for the 24-inch Midea is not stated.
What is the difference between built-in and portable dishwashers?
Built-in dishwashers are installed under a countertop and connect to the home's water supply and drain. They generally have larger capacities and do not take up counter space. Portable dishwashers sit on the counter or on wheels and either connect to a faucet or use a built-in water tank. They are easier to move and set up, but they use counter space and usually hold fewer dishes.
Is a stainless steel tub necessary?
A stainless steel tub is not required, but it is often valued for its resistance to heat, stains, and odors. Among the Midea models in this guide, only the 18-inch built-in explicitly lists a stainless steel tub. The other models do not mention their tub material, so you would need to check the full specifications if that feature matters to you.
Change log
- : First published.