Frigidaire FFBD1831US compact stainless steel dishwasher review with dual spray arms

Description

Compact Design with Maximum Efficiency

Testing the Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher made one thing clear: its space-saving design is a game changer for smaller kitchens. Measuring just 18 inches wide, it fits snugly under the counter without compromising on performance. I was initially skeptical about how much this compact dishwasher could handle, but its ability to clean up to 8 place settings in one cycle genuinely surprised me. For someone like me, who’s used to cramming every dish into a tight space, this model felt like a breath of fresh air.

The stainless steel finish isn’t just sleek—it’s resistant to smudges, making it look clean and polished even after multiple uses. Its ADA compliance ensures it’s accessible for many different households, something I hadn’t considered before but found to be a thoughtful inclusion.

Thorough Cleaning with Dual Spray Arms

I’ve owned dishwashers before, but the dual spray arm system on this model stood out. Instead of just spraying water from one centralized arm, it has both top and bottom spray arms, ensuring every plate, glass, and fork gets the royal treatment. I tested it by loading in a casserole dish with baked-on cheese (you know, the kind that doesn’t budge without a fight). To my amazement, it came out spotless. No pre-scrubbing required.

What I also appreciated was the NSF Certified Sanitize Cycle, which ensures dishes are not just visibly clean but hygienically sanitized. This is especially valuable for families with young kids or anyone concerned about germs.

Quiet Yet Powerful Performance

Dishwashers can often sound like jet engines, especially in small apartments where kitchens and living spaces share walls. The 52 dBA operational noise level on this unit is impressively low. I ran it during a movie night, and it was barely noticeable. For someone who values peace and quiet, this feature alone makes it a worthy contender.

Key Benefits

• Energy Star Certified: Save both energy and money with its efficient design.
• Six Cleaning Cycles: Offers versatility for different needs, whether it’s a delicate glass or a greasy pan.
• Heated Drying System: Dishes come out dry and ready to use, no towel-drying required.
• Compact Yet Capable: Fits in small spaces while handling a full day’s worth of dishes.

Areas for Improvement

• The interior racks feel a bit basic. While functional, they lack the customizability found in some higher-end models.
• The drying cycle, although effective, took longer than I expected. This might be a minor issue for those who need dishes ready in a hurry.
• I found the control panel lacking a display screen. A digital timer or status indicator would’ve made it easier to track cycles.

Competing Products

Compared to similar models, such as Bosch’s compact dishwashers, the Frigidaire holds its ground well. While Bosch offers superior rack adjustability and a quieter operation at around 44 dBA, the Frigidaire excels in price-to-feature ratio and includes the NSF Certified Sanitize Cycle, which many competitors lack at this price point. I also compared it to Whirlpool’s compact dishwashers, which are slightly larger but don’t perform as efficiently, especially on baked-on stains. The Frigidaire’s dual spray arm system is a standout feature here, delivering better cleaning coverage.

Affordable Quality

In terms of value for money, this dishwasher hits the sweet spot. It’s not the cheapest option, but the features like the Energy Star certification, dual spray arms, and quiet operation make it feel like a premium product without the premium price tag. If you’re looking for a compact dishwasher that’s reliable and efficient, this one delivers exceptional cost-effectiveness. Sure, there are fancier models out there, but this balances affordability and performance beautifully.

Additional information