Sharp SDW4523MS Built-In Dishwasher Review
Our verdict
The Sharp SDW4523MS is an 18-inch built-in dishwasher that fits smaller kitchen footprints while delivering 47 dB quiet operation and backlit touch controls at $799. Early buyers rate it at 4.7 out of 5, though only 4 reviews exist so far.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Apartments, condos, or kitchens with an 18-inch dishwasher opening where a full 24-inch unit simply will not fit, and where quiet operation is a priority.
Skip if
You need room for more than 8 place settings or want a lower price. At $799 for 8 place settings, the cost-per-setting is high compared to full-size alternatives.
- Noise level 47 dB
- Capacity 8 Place Settings
- Controls Backlit Touch Control
- Finish Stainless Steel
- Color Stainless Steel
- Dimensions 22.68 X 17.68 X 32.12 In
- Weight of 76.8 lb - lighter than 68% of the 48 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 4 owner ratings
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Popularity3.4/5
4 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other vacuum sealers, built-in and countertop dishwashers, food slicers, meat and grain grinders, spice mills and kitchen prep appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The SDW4523MS fills a genuine gap in the market: a quiet, brand-name 18-inch built-in dishwasher. Many 18-inch options come from less-established brands, so Sharp's presence here with backlit touch controls and a 47 dB rating is notable. The unit measures 22.68 x 17.68 x 32.12 inches and weighs 76.8 lb.
Capacity is 8 place settings, which is appropriate for the size but limits this to one to two people or very selective loading. The stainless steel finish is standard rather than fingerprint-resistant, unlike some of the larger Sharp models.
At $799, the price is steep relative to 8 place settings. But if your kitchen has an 18-inch opening, alternatives are limited and often from smaller or less-reviewed brands, which makes the cost more understandable.
Pros
- One of the few brand-name 18-inch built-in dishwashers available
- 47 dB noise level is quiet for a compact unit
- Backlit touch controls are a premium detail at this size tier
- Stainless steel finish looks clean in modern kitchens
- 4.7 rating from early buyers, suggesting strong initial satisfaction
Cons
- Only 8 place settings limits it to one to two-person households
- At $799, cost per place setting is high versus 24-inch alternatives
- Just 4 reviews, so reliability data is very limited
- No fingerprint-resistant coating on the stainless finish
Performance notes
Noise level is rated at 47 dB, reasonable for a compact unit. Capacity is 8 place settings. Controls are backlit touch, positioned on the front. Finish is stainless steel. Dimensions are 22.68 x 17.68 x 32.12 inches. Weight is 76.8 lb. Voltage is 120 V.
What buyers say
A 4.7 average from 4 buyers is encouraging but not statistically meaningful. The few buyers who have reviewed it are pleased, but with such a small sample size, it is hard to draw conclusions about durability, installation ease, or performance across different water conditions. Approach with cautious optimism.
Specifications
- Noise level
- 47 dB
- Capacity
- 8 Place Settings
- Controls
- Backlit Touch Control
- Finish
- Stainless Steel
- Color
- Stainless Steel
- Dimensions
- 22.68 X 17.68 X 32.12 In
- Weight
- 76.8 lb
- Voltage
- 120 Volts
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Frequently asked questions
Who should buy an 18-inch dishwasher instead of a 24-inch model?
An 18-inch dishwasher makes sense if your kitchen has a narrow opening that cannot accommodate a standard 24-inch unit, which is common in apartments, galley kitchens, and older homes. It also works for one to two-person households who run small loads and do not want to wait for a full-size machine to fill up. For families or frequent entertainers, a 24-inch model will almost always be the better fit.
Can an 18-inch dishwasher replace a 24-inch one?
Not without modifications to the cabinetry. The cutout sizes are different, so installing an 18-inch unit where a 24-inch dishwasher once sat will leave a visible gap unless you add filler panels or modify the adjacent cabinet. Conversely, a 24-inch unit will not fit into an 18-inch opening. Always measure your existing opening before ordering.
Is $799 a fair price for 8 place settings?
On a per-setting basis it is high, but the price partly reflects the limited competition in the 18-inch built-in segment. Comparable 24-inch machines with 12 to 16 place settings can be found for $400 to $600, but they require a larger opening. If you specifically need an 18-inch unit from a name brand, options are scarce and $799 is within the typical range for this niche.