Third rack dishwasher buying guide
With a slender, additional rack located at the top of the dishwasher, third rack dishwashers can make it easier to comfortably fit more into each load without compromising a thorough clean. Read on to learn which features to look for in third level rack dishwashers, and discover how to choose the right model for your kitchen.
What is a third rack dishwasher?
Dishwashers with a third level rack offer an extra tier of organization through an additional rack at the top. This slim rack is often ideal for flatware, serving utensils and other small items that might otherwise crowd the lower levels.
Some models feature a slightly deeper third rack design, providing room for mugs or small bowls to help you make the most of your appliance’s cleaning potential. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, feature the 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack, the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out.
Third rack dishwashers vs. standard dishwashers
Every third rack design is a little different, but the key distinction between third rack and standard dishwashers is simple: These dishwashers feature three racks instead of the traditional two. The extra level creates a dedicated space for utensils, flatware and other small items that might otherwise crowd the racks below.
With more room to organize and arrange each piece, many third rack dishwashers make it easier to maximize every load to help keep your kitchen running smoothly.
KITCHENAID® THIRD RACK DISHWASHERS
Extra room, extra possibilities
KitchenAid® dishwashers with the Third Rack have extra room to fit your cooking tools and give them the clean they need
7 features to consider when buying a third rack dishwasher
Deciding between a standard and third rack dishwasher is a great first step, but not all third rack models are the same. Explore features found on some third rack models below—from wash and dry cycles to noise levels and filtration systems—to help you narrow down the options and find the dishwasher that best fits your kitchen and routine.
1. Capacity
Dishwasher capacity is usually measured in place settings, which include a dinner plate, salad plate, coffee mug and saucer, drinking glass and cutlery for one person. Most standard models hold around 10 to 12 place settings, while dishwashers with a third rack can often fit more. Some KitchenAid® third rack models, for example, accommodate up to 16 place settings, giving you a little extra room to handle busy days and big meals with ease.
2. Adjustable racks and tines
Each dishwasher load is unique, so finding a third rack dishwasher that can help accommodate the dishes of the day is important. Some third rack dishwashers offer adjustable racks or tines, to help you fit whatever your load demands. For instance, the Adjustable Middle Rack on this KitchenAid® dishwasher adds flexibility to fit tall items like a stand mixer bowl, while its Adjustable Rows in the middle and lower racks feature tines that easily fold down to make room for dishes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
3. Wash cycles and jets
Many third rack dishwashers offer traditional options like normal, heavy wash or quick wash cycles, but some go above and beyond to offer cycles for nearly all of your post-meal cleanup. You may find some third rack models with cycles designed to sanitize, use high-temperature water to help remove baked-on foods or sense soil levels to help get dishes clean.
Third rack dishwashers also feature spray jets to help get dishes clean, and typically, more jets means more intense cleaning. Select KitchenAid® dishwashers feature 50+ Total Wash Jets that provide complete cleaning coverage for dishes across all three racks, eliminating the need for pre-rinsing.
4. Noise level
Dishwasher noise is measured in dBA (“A-weighted decibels”), and the larger the number, the louder the dishwasher. The average dishwasher sits at about 50 dBA, but you can find third rack dishwashers with a lower rating to help keep the peace in the kitchen as you create, visit or unwind. Quiet dishwashers—like this 39 dBA third level utensil rack dishwasher from KitchenAid brand—are considered to be about 44 dBA or lower.
5. Drying options
Dripping wet dishes at the end of a cycle can bring your cleaning routine screeching to a halt. Look for a third rack dishwasher with specialized drying options to help get rid of every last water droplet. You may find models with heat or extended-heat dry cycles, as well as air dry or door open dry functions.
On select KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, you’ll find the Automatic Door Open Dry System that opens the dishwasher door four inches after the dry cycle ends to release water vapor and provide natural ventilation for an exceptional dry.
6. Filtration
A dishwasher’s filtration system captures food debris to help keep the interior fresh. Many models require routine maintenance to clean out the filter, but you can find third rack dishwashers with maintenance-free filters.
True Self-Cleaning Filtration available on select KitchenAid® dishwashers is the only dishwasher filtration system1 available that eliminates the need for manual filter cleaning. It continuously captures food particles, so only clean water circulates through the wash jets, then cleans itself as the dishwasher drains, so you can load without pre-rinsing.
1. Across brands owned by Whirlpool Corporation, including Maytag and Whirlpool
7. Design and finish
Choose a third rack dishwasher that blends form and function, with a sleek design and durable materials that are ready to take on whatever your culinary creativity leaves behind. You can likely find models in black, black stainless, stainless steel and white finishes. Or, you may find some third rack dishwashers in unique color offerings with customizable touchpoints that feel more like you.
Select KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, are designed to be personalized with a curated palette of exterior finishes and mixed metal hardware. Pick from lush Juniper, warm Black Ore and classic Stainless Steel finishes, all with matching handles. Personalize your hardware with optional Hardware Accessory Kits in Brass, Stainless Steel, Bronze and Black Ore.
How to choose the best third rack dishwasher for your kitchen
The right third rack dishwasher for your kitchen largely depends on your unique cooking habits, kitchen layout and budget. Consider the factors below to help you narrow down your options.
Cooking habits: Consider the cookware you rely on every day, and which features will best help accommodate cleanup. For example, if you often cook with large pots, baking sheets and mixing bowls, they might fit best on the lower rack, especially when paired with adjustable upper racks that create extra clearance. Some third level racks are ideal for serving utensils, spatulas and flatware, while others offer a deeper design ideal for homes that use plenty of mugs and bowls.
Style and finish: Choose a finish that complements your kitchen’s aesthetic. KitchenAid® dishwashers, for instance, are available in timeless options like Stainless Steel with a PrintShield™ Finish, which resists smudges and fingerprints, or finishes such as Black Stainless, Juniper, Black Ore or Panel-Ready designs to help you create a cohesive, elevated palette throughout your space.
Flexible features: Look for thoughtful features that adapt to your needs. Adjustable racks, fold-down tines and specialized spray zones let you customize each load, ensuring that even awkwardly shaped items get the cleaning they need.
Space and measurement: Before making your selection, confirm that your dishwasher’s dimensions align with your kitchen’s cutout space. While most dishwashers measure around 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches tall, sizes can vary from model to model, so be sure to check the specs on the dishwasher of your choice.
Discounts: Don’t forget to explore available offers during peak sale windows, often during holiday seasons, or look for closeout sales on models with the features you need.
