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The KitchenAid KDTM404KPS is a dishwasher that's an instant classic. It has excellent cleaning power and useful features. Read More
This dishwasher embodies premium in every way, from its third-rack jets to its interior lighting. Wi-Fi connection and the SmartHQ app boosts customization. Read More
The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N is a near-perfect dishwasher. It scrubbed out every stain we threw at it, in record time, and has great smart features. Read More
The generous third rack accommodates mugs, small bowls, and utensils and features a specialized wash zone for exceptional cleaning results. Read More
The G 5266 blows most other dishwashers out of the water. If your budget can accommodate its premium price, it's one of the best models you can buy. Read More
Dishwasher technology probably isn’t something you think about very often, but it has continuously improved over the past decade. One of the biggest improvements has come in the way the interior space of a dishwasher is used and organized. The best dishwashers on the market not only do an excellent job of cleaning dishes but also offer the best organization for loading dishes, flatware, utensils, and more.
Adding a third rack is one of the ways that dishwasher manufacturers have increased usable space and improved organization in dishwashers. The third rack utilizes the thin space above what is traditionally considered the top rack, and it is suited to holding flatware, cooking utensils, and small items that could easily slip through the other racks. Some manufacturers have also added dedicated jets to the third rack.
When you zero in on the specific features of the third rack, a few dishwashers stand out. The KitchenAid KDTM404KPS (available at Abt for $948.00) has a unique third rack with dedicated jets that rotate for superior cleaning. All the dishwashers on this list feature top racks that increase functionality and enhance cleaning.
The third rack of the KitchenAid KDTM404KPS can handle mugs, bowls, and glasses in addition to cutlery and utensils.
CustomFit top rack with Ultra Wash
Internal LED lights
Ultra-quiet 39 dBA
More expensive than most
It cleans even stubborn stains completely
Fast cycle times
It dries dishes
Controls can be finicky
Some options only available on app
Dedicated spray jets for third rack
Great cleaning performance
No smart features
Impressive cleaning power
Third rack and adjustable upper rack
Nothing significant that we could find
If you have a dishwasher, you may benefit from one with a third rack. While it’s probably not worth changing out a dishwasher that’s still in good working condition, when it’s time to upgrade, it is worth looking for a model that features this extra rack.
Many dishwashers that don’t include a third rack just don’t make efficient use of all the space inside the tub, which means you may need to do more dishes by hand or run loads more frequently—all of which can add to your water and energy bills, not to mention time spent in the kitchen.
Third rack: From extra space to uniquely adjustable sections and dedicated spray jets—a third rack has become essential in modern dishwashers. It just makes sense to use all that space at the top of the dishwasher. Advancements in engineering continue to improve the usability and cleaning power of the third rack.
Ergonomic design elements: The height of the third rack can help alleviate strain during loading and unloading, especially if you use it for silverware. This ergonomic design means less bending and reaching to load and unload a basket on the lower rack, a must for anyone with mobility concerns.
Enhanced cleaning: A third rack adds space and allows you to spread out items, which can alleviate crowding and lead to improved cleaning. Many companies have also added innovative spray arms and nozzles to the third rack, which enhances cleaning performance.
It’s important to take care of your dishwasher to keep it running as expected for the duration of its lifespan. Be sure to clean your dishwasher quarterly, and clean the dishwasher filter weekly to monthly, depending on how frequently you run your dishwasher.
Pay attention to any performance concerns with your dishwasher, and address them before the warranty runs out. The industry standard warranty is one year of coverage for parts and service, with some manufacturers extending that for all or certain parts of the dishwasher, such as the circuitry panel.
Also, be aware that some manufacturers may claim their products last for decades but don't necessarily offer a warranty to match. Miele, for example, claims its products last for 20 years, but only offers a 2-year warranty.
Third racks allow people to efficiently use the vertical space in their dishwashers by fitting items above the upper rack, including silverware and oversized utensils. Most third racks can also accommodate smaller bowls and ramekins. By washing utensils in the third rack, you may eliminate the need for the cutlery basket and create more usable space on the bottom rack for platters and dishwasher-safe pots and pans.
As mentioned above, the third rack makes more efficient use of the space in the dishwasher tub and offers optimized space for bulky utensils, cutlery, and small dishes that don’t fit well elsewhere. New technology has also brought enhanced cleaning and cycle capabilities to the third rack with dedicated spray jets and zones for specialized cycles.
When loading your dishwasher, oversized utensils, such as mixing spoons, spatulas, and ladles, can be placed in a single layer on the flat portions of the third rack. If the third rack has angled sides, this area is often good for small bowls, cup lids, and miscellaneous items that would fall through the center rack. Most of the dishwashers with third racks that we reviewed have dedicated slots for silverware that prevent “nesting.” Some third racks even have deep enough areas for small glasses that slide onto dedicated tines. If your third rack has tines for cups and small bowls, don’t overload the tray.
When it comes to rating the best dishwashers with a third rack, we’ve done all the dirty work—pun intended. First, our editors research the best brands and models on the market to get an idea of what’s special, what’s different, and which dishwashers have a reputation for cleaning well.
Then, we put many of the dishwashers through a repeatable battery of precise tests. Testing dishwashers is a dirty job filled with cheese-crusted casserole pans and spinach puree-painted plates, but we are happy to do it. We evaluate each dishwasher on three major factors: performance, features, and user experience.
Some reviewers specifically call out the third rack, while others factor it into their overall dishwasher rankings. Either way, we’ve done some research for you to help you sort through all the opinions out there.
User comments around the topic of best dishwashers with a third rack are similar to those about dishwashers as a whole—diverse. We’re pulling these user reviews from sources like The Home Depot, Reddit, and Costco.
Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Freelance Editor, Kitchen & Appliances. Danielle has a B.S. from Syracuse University and a AAS in Culinary Arts from Newbury College. Previously, Danielle was a Test Cook and Associate Editor at America's Test Kitchen, as well as a freelance recipe developer and food writer. She’s the mom of two boys and loves making pizza on Friday nights.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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