At a Glance:
Understanding Dishwasher Place Settings
Other Features That Affect Dishwasher Dimensions
You might not think a dishwasher size guide is important, but that’s a different story once you deal with a dishwashing machine that doesn’t have enough room for a full load of dishes. Part of the problem is understanding your wash needs—which we cover in this guide—along with knowing how much a dishwasher fits to begin with and which factors impact load capacity. Discover the details inside as we review the importance of knowing dishwasher dimensions.
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Although dishwashers may appear similar, buyers have a selection of dimensions to choose from. Typically, there are two sizes of dishwashers: compact dishwashers, which are 18” wide, and standard dishwashers, which are 24”.
Overall, a dishwasher's capacity is affected by its dimensions, and naturally, the more space a dishwasher has, the more dishes it can fit and wash.
How to Measure a Dishwasher
Measuring the dimensions of your dishwasher is a simple task that can prevent future complications with an improperly sized unit. Asking “how wide is a dishwasher” is just one step of the process since it’s important to measure all three dimensions (width, depth, height) to avoid purchasing a dishwasher that doesn’t fit flush into a kitchen cutout.
| Dimension | How to Measure | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring Dishwasher Width | Measure the distance between the cabinets. To get the exact measurement, measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the dishwasher cutout. | ||
Understanding Dishwasher Place Settings
When our buyers ask us how many dishes can a dishwasher hold, we always recommend them to consider a dishwasher’s capacity. Dishwasher capacity is expressed in terms of standard place settings. A commonplace setting typically includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a soup bowl, a teacup with a saucer, a drinking glass, a knife, a fork, a spoon, and a teaspoon.
Overall, the most common capacities are:
- 10 place setting dishwashers—good for households of around three.
- 12 place setting dishwashers—good for standard households that frequently cook with larger cookware.
- 14 place setting dishwashers—good for households that wash dishes frequently.
- 16 place setting dishwashers—good for full-size households that cook frequently and use a variety of cookware sizes.
Learn more: How Does a Dishwasher Work?
Other Features That Affect Dishwasher Dimensions
Various features in a dishwasher, such as racks, third racks, silverware trays, and other features, can impact the dimensions and dishwasher layout functionality. Here's an overview of how these features affect the dishwasher dimensions:
✅ Dishwasher Racks: Adjustable dishwasher racks are especially beneficial because they can instantly create additional clearance on the upper rack. The upgrade makes it easier to fit bulky items in a dishwasher without having to place them on the bottom rack where larger dinnerware fits better.
✅ Third Racks: This additional rack is designed for small items such as utensils, knives, and lids. Depending on the brand and model, a third rack can be a basic tray suitable for utensils or deeper racks capable of fitting cups, bowls, and other items without compromising place settings on the upper and bottom rack.
✅ Silverware Trays & Baskets: The silverware tray or basket is where you place knives, forks, spoons, and other utensils. The design and location of silverware trays can affect the dishwasher's dimensions. For more flexibility, look for models that allow users to place the tray within the door to make room on the bottom rack for more dishes.
✅ Folding Tines: Dishwasher racks sometimes come with folding tines that can be adjusted for more extensive or differently shaped items. While there the amount of fold-down tines are typically limited, having them is a handy way to create a custom rack layout depending on what will be washed,
Learn more: Dishwasher Leaking from Bottom Guide
Recommended Dishwashers
As these models prove, having a dishwasher with a thoughtful layout can make all the difference when it comes to post-dinner cleanup. Take a look at our top picks that explore dishwasher dimensions for every type of household.
Recommended 18 Inch Dishwasher: Bosch® 300 Series 18" Black Built-In Dishwasher
If your household has limited kitchen space, this compact dishwasher from Bosch is an excellent choice. At just 18” wide, it's ideal for apartments and smaller kitchens, while still offering an impressive 10 place settings—enough to handle a standard household. We’re also big fans of the intelligent layout, including an adjustable rack and even a 3rd rack, so even if you’re short on space, you don’t have to be short on performance.
★ Featured Bosch SPE53B56UC Review:
“I love this dishwasher. It is my first DW ever, and I couldn't ask for a better one (it helps that I'm also a specialist in an appliance dept). It's nice and quiet and has room for a family of three (even though it's an 18") that occasionally washes dishes. I would recommend this unit to everyone.”
Recommended 24 Inch Dishwasher: Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
When it comes to style, Cafe is one of the top brands that nails it every time. This beautiful dishwasher shows why with custom handles, plus matte white and matte black finishes. This model boasts over 1,000 5-star reviews, though, so it’s not just about looks. It’s also about performance with an Ultra-Wash & Dry system with over 90 jets alongside its carefully crafted interior with an adjustable rack and fold-down tines that accommodate up to 16 place settings.
★ Featured Café CDT845P2NS1 Review:
“We love our new dishwasher! It is so quiet that we must listen to see if it is even running. It is easy to organize, especially with the additional third rack. Our dishes come out very clean and dry. And it has many different options for washing, including bottom/top only. I would encourage anyone to buy this dishwasher.”
Recommended 10 Place Setting Dishwasher: Danby® 18" White Built In Dishwasher
We like to call this a perfect balance. A dishwasher that’s not overpriced (ideal if you’re looking for a dishwasher under $600) with enough room to wash regular loads of dishes. While this model doesn’t offer a running list of features, it has all the essentials to the job done, plus upgrades like a sanitize mode and Energy Star rated performance.
★ Featured Danby DDW18D1EW Review:
“It fits right after removing my 18" cabinet. I was delighted with the easy hook-up. It had a plug-in cord, which was very convenient. Thanks Danby!!”
Recommended 12 Place Setting Dishwasher: Frigidaire® 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Frigidaire Dishwasher
Extra room in a dishwasher is never bad, and this Frigidaire dishwasher delivers with two additional place settings. Along with the size upgrade, this dishwashing machine under $1,000 also comes with heated drying, a self-cleaning filter, and Energy Star certified wash performance.
★ Featured Frigidaire FFBD2420US Review:
“Quiet, energy efficient, beautiful, roomy, quality dishwasher. This sums up this dishwasher. It has everything you want in a quality dishwasher. You definitely can't go wrong purchasing one!”
Recommended 14 Place Setting Dishwasher: Maytag® Eco Series 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Despite having nearly the maximum place settings, this Maytag dishwasher is still extremely affordable, coming in at under $800. We love that it’s built by Maytag, one of the best brands when it comes to reliability, and its series of features are the cherry on top. Handle large loads of dishes with an adjustable rack and three-level filtration together with heated drying with fan.
Recommended 16 Place Setting Dishwasher: GE® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
With the exception of certain luxury dishwashers, a dishwasher will tap out at 16 place settings, which is plenty of loading flexibility for the largest and bulkiest washes. This GE dishwasher is a great example of the design, complete with an upper rack, an adjustable mid rack, and a silverware tray with 40 dedicated spray jets.
Recommended Third Rack Dishwasher: KitchenAid® 24" PrintShield™ Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This KitchenAid Dishwasher
Only KitchenAid can claim to have the largest third rack in its class, which is also found on this model. The FreeFlex Third rack is 30% more spacious than standard third racks and is capable of loading and washing cups, bowls, and other large items. Every square inch is well-thought out, from the adjustable middle rack to the silverware caddy, and with the powerful combination of an advanced wash system and heated drying, no matter where dishes are placed, they’re treated to premium dish care.
★ Featured KitchenAid KDPM704KPS Review:
“In a word...AMAZING! Our new Kitchen-Aid dishwasher is so quiet that I honestly have to put my ear next to the door to confirm the start of the cycle. This is our second KitchenAid dishwasher…Highly recommend this model (KDPM704KPS).”
As you can see, when choosing a dishwasher, considering the dimensions is essential. Another important factor is dishwasher capacity. With dishwashing machines advancing more and more with each new generation, it’s important to stay up-to-date with what brands have to offer. The best place to find that is at Fred’s Appliance, the inland Norwest’s go-to destination for appliance experts. See our entire stock online or visit one of our appliance stores near you today to see how we can help you learn more about dishwasher dimensions, features, and more!
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Dishwashers at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop dishwashers online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you understand the importance of knowing dishwasher dimensions and more. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: Top Stainless Steel Dishwasher Picks