Looking for a compact yet powerful dishwasher that fits your small kitchen? The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is an excellent option worth considering. In this review, we’ll take a close look at what makes this appliance a great choice.
Overview
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a built-in dishwasher designed for small kitchens. With a width of 18 inches, it has a slim profile that takes up minimal space while still offering a large capacity of 8 place settings. The interior is thoughtfully designed to fit larger dinner plates, pots, and pans.
It features a digital control panel with an LED display for easy selection of cycles. With 6 wash programs and 3 special functions, you can customize each wash for optimal results. Plus, its Energy Star certified rating means it saves you money on utility bills.
History of Dishwashers
The concept of the dishwasher dates back to the 1850s when the first patents for manual dishwashers were filed. However, it wasn’t until Josephine Cochrane invented the first practical mechanical dishwasher in 1886 that the device began to gain popularity, initially among hotels and large restaurants. Over the decades, dishwashers evolved significantly, incorporating automatic features, improved energy efficiency, and advanced cleaning technologies. Today, they are an indispensable part of modern kitchens, offering a range of sizes and features to suit different needs and spaces.
Key Features
- Slimline design
- 8 place settings capacity
- 6 wash programs
- Heated dry
- Hi-Temp sanitize function
- Energy Star certified
How Dishwashers Work
A dishwasher operates through a series of steps: pre-rinse, main wash, rinse, and drying. Water is heated and mixed with detergent, then sprayed onto dishes through rotating spray arms. The force of the water and the detergent action removes food and debris. After washing, the water is drained, and the items are rinsed with clean water. Finally, the heated dry cycle removes moisture, leaving dishes clean and dry. Understanding these processes can help users optimize their dishwasher’s performance.
Design and Appearance
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher has a stainless steel exterior and tub for a sleek, modern look. Measuring 33.27” H x 17.72” W x 24.41” D, it has a compact footprint. The intuitive control panel is smooth and simple to operate.
Types of Dishwashers
Dishwashers come in various types, including built-in, portable, and countertop models. Built-in dishwashers, like the Midea MDF18A1AST, are installed under the counter and offer a seamless look. Portable dishwashers are freestanding and can be moved around, ideal for renters or those without a dedicated dishwasher space. Countertop dishwashers are compact and sit on the counter, perfect for small kitchens or office settings. Each type has its advantages, catering to different lifestyles and kitchen sizes.
Features and Performance
This Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher comes equipped with 6 wash cycles – Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick and Rinse. It also has special functions like Heated Dry, Hi-Temp Wash and Sanitize. The Heated Dry function ensures dishes come out dry, while Hi-Temp uses higher temperature water to sanitize dishes.
The Quick 1-hour cycle is perfect when you need clean dishes fast. And for baby bottles or kids’ dishes, the 136°F Hygiene cycle thoroughly sanitizes with higher heat. Throughout operation, it maintains a quiet 52 dB noise level.
Ease of Use
With its smooth control panel and LED display, the Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is simple to operate. Cycles and options are clearly marked and selecting them is intuitive. The racks adjust to fit different dishware with ease. Overall, customers find this dishwasher very easy to use right out of the box.
Quality
Midea is known for making affordable home appliances that deliver reliable quality. This dishwasher features a stainless steel tub that resists rust and stains. The nylon racks glide smoothly and feel sturdy. Midea provides a 1 year limited warranty covering defects. Owners mention this dishwasher runs quietly and gives consistently good cleaning results, reflecting its quality construction.
Cleaning Ability
With 6 wash cycles, adjustable racks, and a stainless tub, this dishwasher effectively cleans dishes, cutlery, pots and pans. The Hi-Temp sanitizing function helps remove stuck-on food. Heated drying also improves results to minimize spotting. Owners mention this Midea model cleans as well as higher priced brands.
Noise Level
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher operates at a quiet 52 decibels. This is comparable to the sound of a quiet conversation. Users mention this appliance runs without excessive noise that would disturb conversations or TV watching in nearby rooms.
Power and Energy Use
This Energy Star certified dishwasher consumes an estimated 307 kWh per year. It runs on a 120V, 60Hz power supply. The Eco wash helps conserve energy and water. With an estimated yearly operating cost of $35, this appliance is very energy efficient.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
Modern dishwashers, especially ENERGY STAR certified models like the Midea MDF18A1AST, are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They use less water and energy compared to hand washing or older dishwasher models, contributing to environmental conservation and cost savings. Features like the ECO cycle provide an option to minimize resource use while still achieving effective cleaning results.
Battery Life
As a built-in dishwasher that connects directly to home plumbing and power supply, this Midea model does not contain or require batteries for operation.
Suitable Uses
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is perfect for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, offices, RVs or anywhere space is limited. It can handle dishes for 2-4 people and clean baby bottles, kids’ dishes, pots, pans, and more. The energy efficient design also helps cut utility bills.
Customer Feedback Analysis
Reviews for the Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher highlight just how much owners love this compact yet powerful appliance.
Starting with sizing, many reviewers state this 18-inch dishwasher is a perfect fit for their small kitchens. They love how its slim profile takes up minimal space while still offering ample room inside for dishes. As one owner puts it, “This little workhorse is amazing for tight spaces!”
In terms of performance, customers rave about this dishwasher’s cleaning abilities. They mention it easily handles loads of dirty dishes and returns them sparkling clean, even getting rid of baked-on casserole messes. Many also praise the hi-temp sanitize function for giving them peace of mind that dishes are hygienic for their families.
Owners are equally impressed with the quiet operation, stating you can barely hear it running. This noise level makes it easy to use any time without disturbing conversations or TV watching nearby. As one reviewer declares, “This dishwasher is so quiet I sometimes open it mid-cycle just to check if it’s running!”
When it comes to value, users comment this Midea model offers impressive features and reliability that rivals more expensive brands. They love the energy efficiency as it cuts utility costs substantially. One owner says, “The energy savings alone will pay for this dishwasher in no time!”
Of course, there are a few downsides mentioned in reviews. Some users find the silverware basket awkwardly placed making loading difficult. A handful of owners report receiving units with defective parts, but Midea quickly sent replacements.
Overall though, the vast majority of customers recommend this dishwasher very highly. They agree it is an affordable, high quality appliance ideal for small kitchens, especially given its outstanding cleaning performance. As one happy owner proclaims, “This slender little dishwasher is a powerhouse – don’t let the size fool you!”
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Compact 18-inch width
– Fits 8 place settings
– Versatile wash cycles
– Energy and water efficient
– Quiet operation
– Effective cleaning and drying
Cons:
– Silverware basket placement not ideal
– Not a full-size dishwasher
Value for Money
For its price point, the Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher provides excellent value. Considering its compact size with 8-place capacity, energy efficiency, low noise, and versatile wash options, this dishwasher packs a lot of performance. For small kitchens needing a reliable, built-in dishwasher that doesn’t take up much space, this model is a great budget-friendly choice.
Conclusion
For those needing a slim and powerful dishwasher, the Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a great option. With thoughtful design, ample capacity and versatile cycles, it delivers outstanding performance. For small kitchens, this Energy Star built-in dishwasher is a space-saving yet effective solution.
Buying Guide
When selecting a dishwasher, consider factors like size, capacity, wash cycle options, energy efficiency, and noise level. Measure your space to ensure a proper fit, and think about your typical dish load to choose the right capacity. Evaluate the wash cycle options to find a model that suits your cleaning needs. Also, consider the dishwasher’s energy consumption and noise level to ensure it aligns with your preferences and environmental values.
In conclusion, the Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher offers a compact, efficient, and quiet solution for small kitchens, blending modern features with energy-saving benefits. Its slim design, versatile wash cycles, and user-friendly operation make it an excellent choice for those seeking convenience and efficiency in their kitchen appliances.
