Midea MDF18A1AST Built-In Dishwasher vs Honeywell HDS24SS-H Built-In Dishwasher
The Midea MDF18A1AST and the Honeywell HDS24SS-H are both stainless steel built-in dishwashers under $500, but they solve different kitchen problems. The Midea is an 18-inch compact unit at $499.12, built for smaller kitchens or apartments where a full-size opening simply does not exist. The Honeywell is a standard 24-inch model priced at $399.99, offering 12 place settings and a notably quieter 42 dB noise rating compared to the Midea's 52 dB. Both use push-button controls and have earned real buyer feedback, with the Midea drawing 501 reviews at 4.2 stars and the Honeywell collecting 327 reviews at 3.8 stars. Your decision will likely come down to the width your cabinet opening allows and how much noise matters in your home.
Quick winner
The Honeywell HDS24SS-H wins on value, capacity, and quiet operation for anyone with a standard 24-inch opening, but the Midea MDF18A1AST is the only choice if your space is limited to an 18-inch slot.
Key differences, measured
- The Honeywell HDS24SS-H is 20% cheaper ($399.99 vs $499.12).
- The Midea MDF18A1AST is 10 dB lower (52 dB vs 42 dB).
- The Honeywell HDS24SS-H is 15.4 lb heavier (70.0 lb vs 54.56 lb).
- Amazon buyers rate the Midea MDF18A1AST 0.4 stars higher across 828 combined reviews.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Midea MDF18A1AST Built-In Dishwasher | Honeywell HDS24SS-H Built-In Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.12 | $399.99 |
| Rating | ||
| Noise level | 52 dB | 42 dB |
| Capacity | 8 Place Settings | 12 Place Settings |
| Controls | Push Button | Push Button |
| Finish | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 22.6 X 17.6 X 32.4 In | 24 X 24.5 X 33.74 In |
| Weight | 54.56 lb | 70.0 lb |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 115 Volts |
The two contenders
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-In Dishwasher
The Midea MDF18A1AST is a compact 18-inch built-in dishwasher priced at $499.12. It holds 8 place settings, runs at 52 dB, and carries a stainless steel finish with push-button controls. At 54.56 lb and 22.6 x 17.6 x 32.4 inches, it is lighter and narrower than most built-ins, which makes installation straightforward in tight spaces. With 501 ratings averaging 4.2 stars, it has the stronger and larger review record of the two, suggesting buyers are broadly satisfied once they understand the smaller capacity.
Buy this if: Buy the Midea MDF18A1AST if your kitchen has an 18-inch built-in cabinet opening and a standard 24-inch unit simply will not fit. It also suits a one or two person household where 8 place settings covers a full day of dishes without running the machine half-empty.
Check price on AmazonHoneywell HDS24SS-H Built-In Dishwasher
The Honeywell HDS24SS-H is a full-size 24-inch built-in dishwasher at $399.99. It fits 12 place settings, a 50 percent increase over the Midea, and operates at just 42 dB, which is genuinely quiet for a dishwasher at this price. It measures 24 x 24.5 x 33.74 inches and weighs 70 lb. Controls are push-button and the finish is stainless steel. Its 327 reviews average 3.8 stars, which is a respectable score though slightly lower than the Midea, possibly reflecting the higher expectations that come with a standard-size purchase.
Buy this if: Buy the Honeywell HDS24SS-H if you have a standard 24-inch opening and want to spend $100 less while gaining more capacity and a noticeably quieter 42 dB cycle. It makes more sense for households of three or more people who need to load a full rack of dishes in a single run.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
What is the main physical difference between these two dishwashers?
The Midea MDF18A1AST is an 18-inch compact dishwasher, measuring 17.6 inches wide at the tub, while the Honeywell HDS24SS-H is a standard 24-inch unit. This is not a preference difference but a hard fit requirement. If your cabinet opening is 18 inches, the Honeywell physically will not fit.
Which dishwasher is quieter?
The Honeywell HDS24SS-H is significantly quieter at 42 dB compared to the Midea MDF18A1AST at 52 dB. A 10 dB difference is substantial in practice. At 42 dB the Honeywell runs at roughly a library hum, while 52 dB is closer to normal conversation level, which can be noticeable in an open kitchen or small apartment.
Which one has better buyer ratings?
The Midea MDF18A1AST holds a 4.2-star average across 501 reviews, while the Honeywell HDS24SS-H averages 3.8 stars across 327 reviews. The Midea's lead is modest but its larger review count gives that score more weight. Neither rating suggests a reliability problem, but the Midea has a broader base of buyer experience behind it.
Is the $99 price difference worth it?
For someone with a 24-inch opening, the Honeywell at $399.99 is the better deal by almost any measure: it costs less, holds 50 percent more dishes (12 vs 8 place settings), and runs 10 dB quieter. The Midea at $499.12 is only justified when space constraints make the compact size a necessity, not a preference.