What is a "third rack" dishwasher, and why should I want one?
New dishwashers often rock the rack. Here’s why you’ll want it.
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Reviewed / Samsung
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Modern dishwashers don’t look much like the one your parents or grandparents had. Not many new models still have an exposed heating rod, or a (very noisy) food disposal unit like older ones did.
But one of the biggest design changes in 21st century dishwashers is the addition of a third rack. These extra racks make good use of available space, and provide a convenient place to stash silverware, cooking utensils, and small kitchen wares.
Longer and oddly-shaped items that never had a good place in most dishwashers fit well in a third rack.
Not all dishwashers have third racks, but they’ve moved from the priciest models to more affordable machines. And third racks have evolved from flat trays to deeper trays, meaning that many of them now have room for small bowls, big spatulas, and deep soup ladles, as well as long, flat kitchen utensils.
If you’ve been wondering what a third rack does or why you would want one, here are some reasons why you definitely want a dishwasher with a third rack.
Third rack basics
A third rack is a sliding tray located at the top of the tub that adds to the useable space and versatility of the dishwasher.
There's plenty of room for your cutlery and utensils in this third rack.
Some third racks are adjustable, folding up or sliding to the side, to accommodate tall items in the middle rack. And, even if your third rack doesn’t adjust, most are easily removable for times when they get in the way of tall items on the second rack.
More to love
Your third rack can help you make better use of your dishwasher.
Your silverware may come out cleaner, because it doesn’t “nest” in the third rack the way it can in the basket.
Putting your flatware in the third rack enables you to remove that big silverware basket that's taking up space in the lower rack, making more room for cookie sheets and serving platters without obstructing the water jets.
Small ramekins, measuring spoons, and Tupperware lids finally have a good place to go.
If you organize silverware by type, it's quick and easy to unload it from the third rack
What to watch out for
Before you commit to a third rack dishwasher, think about these minor disadvantages.
If you’re not used to having a third rack, you may forget to empty it.
Some dishwashers come with a flat tray third rack that might not be as useful.
Silverware could take you more time to load, if you’re used to dropping handfuls of it in the basket. Unloading from the third rack can be faster, though, especially if you organize your cutlery by type.
The third rack takes up some space near the top of the dishwasher’s tub, so you may have to lower the middle rack (if it’s adjustable) to load tall items.
Although third racks are standard on an increasing number of dishwashers, you might end up spending a bit more for one. You may not have to, though. Third rack models have become so popular that some brands are adding them to every dishwasher they make.
Which dishwashers have a third rack?
While the majority of the dishwashers on our Best Overall Dishwashers list have a third rack, we also created a separate list to highlight the dishwashers that have the best third-rack features.
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The Best Third-rack Dishwashers of 2025
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