Midea is a budget-friendly brand praised for ultra-quiet operation and good cleaning power on a small scale. But real users report ongoing issues with drying, rust, stink, and poor support. Let’s dig into the good and the bad.
✅ What Users Often Like
- **Very quiet operation** — typically around 44–46 dB, many say it’s so quiet they can’t hear it in the next room. (Great for open-plan homes.) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- **Impressive cleaning** — even tough stains and baked-on food often come off clean, especially in slimline models like MDF18A1AST. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- **Affordable and efficient** — many report good build quality for the price, smooth installation, stainless steel tubs on premium models, and energy savings. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
⚠️ Common Complaints & Issues
Drying performance is weak
Extended dry cycles, rinse aid, cracking the door afterward—sometimes all these still leave dishes wet. Condensation drying often traps hot moist air inside the cabinet instead of venting it out. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Rusting racks & utensils
Multiple users report rust forming on rack pegs, and even kitchen utensils corroding despite being stainless steel and using recommended detergents. Midea’s own warranty reportedly doesn’t cover rust issues. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Cleaning can be inconsistent
Some users say dishes, especially on the top rack, still come out dirty even with hot cycles and clean filters. Many suggest switching to powder detergent improves results. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Stopping mid-cycle or failing early
Issues include E4 errors, touch panels going dark, or dead panels after about a year. Repair often requires replacing a motherboard under warranty. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Rack issues & unit instability
User complaints include racks sticking, awkward deep trays, and the entire dishwasher wanting to tip forward when pulling out the lower rack. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Customer support problems
Multiple reports of slow or unhelpful customer service. Parts often have long lead times, and some users say Midea or retailer support was unresponsive or denied warranty coverage. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
👥 Real Owner Experiences
“We replaced the first unit under warranty. Since then it’s been quiet and works great… but rusty rack pegs started breaking after 3–4 years.” :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
“Nothing is clean and everything smells terrible… water is scalding hot but bubbly suds and grime remain.” :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
“Stainless steel utensils rusted—even brand new ones. Customer service refused to help. Don’t buy Midea.” :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
“Technician replaced motherboard after multiple failed cycles. Unit works fine now—but getting parts took over 2 months.” :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
🧾 Breakdown of Pros & Cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-quiet (44–46 dB) | Poor drying—dishes often wet |
| Efficient cleaning—even tough stains go away | Rust-prone racks and utensils |
| Low price with decent features (Wi-Fi, third rack) | Inconsistent cleaning on top rack |
| Energy Star certified, compact fit | Racks can stick or feel unstable |
| Often easy to install | Poor customer support, long part delays |
🛠 Troubleshooting Tips & Fix Steps
- Drying slow? Crack door after cycle, always use rinse aid, or run extended dry mode.
- Rust forming? Avoid mixing metals, check water pH, or switch detergents. Use rack liners or sprays if needed.
- Cleaning weak? Use powder detergent, avoid overloading, clean filter & spray arms regularly.
- Stops mid-cycle? Reset by unplugging, contact support for motherboard replacement under warranty.
- Rack doesn’t slide? Check installation brackets, adjust leveling, lubricate rails gently.
- Need help or parts? Contact Midea support and note persistent tracking case numbers if delays occur.
🔍 When Midea Might Work—and When You Should Skip It
If you want:
- A quiet, slim dishwasher that’s easy to install
- Solid cleaning for small loads and light use
- A lower initial cost and can manage minor issues
Midea could be OK—but avoid it if you need:
- Consistent drying and stain-free results every time
- Durable parts that won’t rust or degrade quickly
- Strong, responsive customer support and easy repair access
✅ Final Verdict
Midea dishwashers offer good cleaning and whisper-quiet operation in a compact, budget package. But many real-world users face trouble with drying, rust, stuck racks, performance inconsistencies, and poor support.
If you’re handy, willing to manage small issues, and load is light, a Midea can be a decent short-term choice. But for long-term reliability, ease of repair, and consistent results, spending a bit more upfront on brands like Bosch, Frigidaire, or Whirlpool is often wiser.
Need help comparing specific Midea models or troubleshooting an issue like poor drying or rack rust? I’m happy to help step-by-step!