Midea MDF18A1AST vs FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US
Shopping for a built-in dishwasher under $900 often comes down to two very different value propositions: a compact, well-reviewed budget option or a pricier full-size unit from a long-standing appliance brand. The Midea MDF18A1AST comes in at $499 and has earned a 4.2-star rating from over 500 buyers, which is a meaningful sample of real-world feedback. The FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US lists for $803 and also carries a 4.2-star rating, though from a smaller pool of 165 reviewers. The Midea is an 18-inch-wide model with an 8-place-setting capacity, while the Frigidaire is a full 24-inch-class unit designed for larger households. Your choice here largely depends on kitchen space, how many people you cook for, and how much weight you put on the per-dollar value that a larger buyer community signals.
Quick winner
The Midea MDF18A1AST is the stronger everyday pick for small kitchens and single-to-two-person households, thanks to its lower price, slimmer footprint, 52 dB noise rating, and a much larger verified buyer base at the same 4.2-star score.
Key differences, measured
- The Midea MDF18A1AST is 38% cheaper ($499.12 vs $803.00).
The two contenders
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-In Dishwasher
The Midea MDF18A1AST is an 18-inch built-in dishwasher priced at $499.12, making it one of the more accessible full-featured options in the category. Its 4.2-star rating across 501 reviews gives buyers a reliable read on long-term satisfaction. The stainless steel finish and push-button controls keep the look clean and the daily operation simple. At 52 dB, the machine runs at a moderate noise level that most households will find acceptable. Measuring 22.6 by 17.6 by 32.4 inches and weighing under 55 pounds, it fits narrow kitchen openings where a standard 24-inch unit simply will not go.
Buy this if: People with a narrow kitchen layout or a dedicated space for an 18-inch dishwasher who want a reliable, low-cost option backed by strong buyer feedback. Singles and couples who run smaller loads and want to save around $300 compared to the Frigidaire. Anyone who weighs noise level as a factor, since the confirmed 52 dB rating on the Midea removes guesswork.
Check price on AmazonFRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US Built-In Dishwasher
The FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US is a full-size built-in dishwasher priced at $803, which puts it in a higher tier of the market for shoppers who want a recognizable appliance brand. It holds a 4.2-star average from 165 reviews, indicating solid satisfaction among buyers who have purchased it. Frigidaire has decades of appliance manufacturing experience, and the FFBD1831US is designed to fit the standard 24-inch cabinet opening found in most American kitchens. Specific specs such as noise level, weight, and exact capacity are not listed in available product data, so buyers should confirm those details on the product page before purchasing.
Buy this if: Households of three or more people who need a full-size 24-inch dishwasher capable of handling larger loads and standard American cabinetry openings. Buyers who have brand familiarity with Frigidaire and prefer sticking with a name they know from other appliances in the home. Shoppers who find a unit with 165 verified reviews sufficient for purchase confidence and do not need the larger review pool the Midea offers.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
How much quieter is the Midea MDF18A1AST compared to the Frigidaire FFBD1831US?
The Midea MDF18A1AST has a documented noise level of 52 dB. The Frigidaire FFBD1831US does not have a confirmed dB rating in the available product data, so a direct decibel comparison cannot be made. At 52 dB, the Midea falls in the range most people consider moderate, which is audible but not disruptive during a conversation in the next room. Buyers considering the Frigidaire should check the manufacturer spec sheet for a confirmed noise rating before purchase.
Is the Midea MDF18A1AST really an 18-inch dishwasher, and will it fit my cabinets?
Yes. The Midea MDF18A1AST measures 22.6 inches tall on its front panel but is 17.6 inches wide, which matches the 18-inch cabinet slot standard. That is a full 6 inches narrower than the 24-inch opening required by most full-size dishwashers including the Frigidaire FFBD1831US. If your kitchen has a 24-inch cabinet opening, the Midea will leave a gap unless you have a filler panel or can adapt the space. Measure your cabinet cutout carefully before ordering either unit.
Which dishwasher has more buyer reviews, and does that matter?
The Midea MDF18A1AST has 501 reviews versus 165 for the FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US, and both share a 4.2-star rating. A larger review count generally means the average rating is more stable and less likely to shift with a few new reviews. For shoppers who want confidence that the score reflects consistent real-world performance over time, the Midea's larger sample is a practical advantage. That said, 165 reviews is still a reasonable number for an appliance, and the Frigidaire's rating is not dismissible.
Is the $300 price difference between these two dishwashers justified?
The Midea MDF18A1AST costs about $499 and the FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US costs about $803, a difference of roughly $300. If you need a full-size 24-inch dishwasher, the comparison is somewhat forced since the Midea physically cannot fill that space, making the Frigidaire the only option for standard cabinet openings. If your space genuinely fits an 18-inch unit, it is hard to justify the extra spend for the Frigidaire given the Midea's equal rating and much larger review base. The Frigidaire makes sense when you specifically need the larger capacity or standard width.