Coming from the perspective of someone who cooks much larger, I think it depends on how you see yourself using the appliances. For the dishwasher, if you generally have the same dishes all the time, as some folks do, because you're on a schedule and have a routine, and if they'll all fit in one dishwasher drawer, then you can use the drawers as part of your dish storage and have one for dirty and one for clean--and have a way to indicate to your significant other which is which. If you'd rather put all of your dishes away in cupboards, I'd think the 18" DW or a single dishwasher drawer would make better use of space. You'll have to check out all the models to see how they best fit you and your things (the DW drawers do have a small learning curve for how to best load them, so take that into consideration). I would guess that the Miele would have more flexible space for large objects, which could be an advantage in the long run, but I might be wrong about that. As to the oven, your best bet is to check out the interior sizes of the various units you might consider. Either that, or use a 30" oven as your primary pot storage and know that it will be a "feature" on resale. Many 24" ovens have interiors so small that they earn the appellation "Easy Bake". No matter how much you don't use your oven, I'd suggest avoiding that. It would be a shame if the one time you decided to make a turkey or something if it were too big for the oven. Take your biggest pot, or if you don't have one, a disposable roasting pan, or a cookie sheet, when you go to look at ovens. You should be able to find a small oven that will take a moderate sized pot/bird. For functionality, I could still recommend the 30" oven (you could reuse the one you have), on the off chance you might want to use it. An alternative that makes a lot of sense for using the space wisely would be to buy a new 30" oven that has a good warming function, as well as "proofing" and slow cook. Then you'd have one appliance that would do everything you need, and in the end save space. You might also save space by buying a range instead of components. The thing about dishwashers is that you can always save out some dishes for later, or do some by hand. If you get too small an oven that's all you've got.

So.....why, after multiple experiences of your physically observing no-go situations for your particular dishes, do you now expect cyber-observers to tell you? That's a kick! If you're that concerned about the issue, you have only one alternative: Take your pans and bowls with you to the dealer and SEE FOR YOURSELF whether or not the cavity will accommodate your items. That's it. We can't see see them. Only you know what you need. You're on your own.

Find a way to get that extra 2" to 24" wide. The estra 6" of space you get with an 18" DW comes at a premium. THe least expensive ones start at your budget and really go up from there. You also don't get as many features for the money as you do with your 24" choices. There are a couple of choices at 24" that can give you your height clearances. I think HD has a new one that can go under a 32" counter, but I think that model is exclusive to them and not available at Sears. I'd avoid the portable ones like the plague. They're loud and don't have near as many features as do the built ins. They're also extremely awkward to use, and most people only end up using them on large gathering occasions, as it's just easier to handwash in the sink than it is to roll out the DW and connect it, operate it, and then roll it away to store. Good luck with your project. This is the type project that prompts many to a total kitchen remodel. When you can't fit in standard sized modern appliances, it is certainly time to consider it.

Thanks to everyone for all your feedback! I'm happy to go either way (SS or white) but just trying to visualize what will look best in the space. I think SS would look great but wonder if it won't segment things a bit... I hear the feedback about the whites never truly matching, so either way the dishwasher would stand-out/break up the run of white cabinets... I can't seem to find any dishwashers that are in the mid-range for price and panel-ready (would answer all my dilemmas;-) If only life were that easy! Maybe Santa will bring me a panel dishwasher if I'm really nice this year!