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A high-quality dishwasher can dramatically reduce your water bill and free up time you might otherwise spend handwashing dishes and cookware. If you’re shopping for a new dishwasher, one of the most important things to consider is its size.
We broke down different dishwasher sizes to help you determine what option is best for your home.
What Are the Most Common Dishwasher Sizes?
The most common dishwasher dimensions are 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high. Many modern homes have cabinets specifically built to accommodate this size dishwasher.
Other size options are available if you have a smaller space. Compact dishwashers for apartments, dorm rooms, or other small kitchens are usually around 17–18 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches tall.
If you think you’ll wash more dishes than the average person, you can look for oversized dishwashers. These vary in size but typically run between 30 and 42 inches wide, with industry-standard depth and height dimensions.
How Do I Know If a Dishwasher Will Fit?
The easiest way to know if a new appliance like a dishwasher will fit is to measure your space with a tape measure.
Start by measuring the height. Take measurements from the floor to the bottom of the counter on the left, right, and middle. If each side is around 35 inches, your space will fit most standard dishwashers.
Next, measure the width of the cabinet opening from the right edge to the left edge. Dishwashers vary significantly in width, so don’t panic if your space is too small or too big to fit a typical 24-inch wide dishwasher.
Finally, measure depth. Hold your tape measure at the back of the wall of your kitchen cabinet space’s opening and extend it to the front of that space to calculate the area’s depth.
You’ll also need to account for the closed dishwasher door to extend past the cabinets and leave enough room to open it for loading and unloading.
What To Know About Dishwashers
Many dishwashers are available in standard sizes and all serve the same purpose. However, they come with various different features to improve efficiency. You can also choose the finish, style, noise level, and more.
Here are the top things to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Price
The bigger your dishwasher is, the more expensive it will likely be. You can buy a small dishwasher for only a couple hundred dollars, but it may have less power and require extensive pre-rinsing and possibly even post-rinsing. Most standard dishwashers cost between $800 and $1,200. Heavy-duty models cost more.
Features
There are various unique dishwasher features. Some of the most common are adjustable racks, self-cleaning filters, quick washes, child locks, and options for delayed start, heated dry, and smart-home integration. Look for an Energy Star-certified dishwasher to ensure optimal efficiency.
Noise Level
Dishwashers can be noisy, so check the A-weighted decibel level (dBA) before buying. Dishwashers with a dBa below 44 are relatively quiet, and machines below 38 dBa are extremely quiet. The average dishwasher has a dBA rating of around 52.
Our Top Dishwasher Picks
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the top dishwashers based on our in-house research:
- Best Overall: Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
- Best for Families: Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher
- Best Heavy-Duty: KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Best Value: Samsung Whisper Quiet Dishwasher
- Best Countertop: Costway Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- Best Portable: BLACK+DECKER 18-inch Portable Dishwasher
Compare Top-Rated Dishwashers
| Product | Price (at Time of Publishing) | Dimensions | Third Rack? | dBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher | $900 | Width: 24 inches, Depth: 24 inches, Height: 34 inches | Yes | 46 |
| Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher | $799 | Width: 24 inches, Depth: 24 inches, Height: 35 inches | Yes | 39 |
| KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher | $1,050 | Width: 24 inches, Depth: 25 inches, Height: 34 inches | Yes | 44 |
| Samsung DW50T6060US Dishwasher | $809 | Width: 18 inches Depth: 23 inches Height: 32.3 inches | No | 46 |
| Costway Portable Countertop Dishwasher | $600 | Width: 16 inches Depth: 18 inches Height: 19 inches | No | Not listed |
| BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher | $900 | Width: 18 inches Depth: 24 inches Height: 36 inches | No | Not listed |
| Product | Price (at Time of Publishing) | Dimensions | Third Rack? | dBA |
Best Overall
Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
- $900
- $1,000
- 10% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This heavy-duty dishwasher is from a reputable brand in Bosch and features a versatile design that allows you to create more capacity with its third rack, nine rack positions and three heights. It also features a variety of cycle options, including a heavy-duty and express option, and features precision sensor washing for a convenient, thorough clean.
Good for: Customers looking for a reputable brand and large capacity.
What Are People Saying About the Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher?
Reviewers liked this dishwasher’s quiet operation, powerful no-rinse design, and flexible sizing options. However, some noted that it didn’t always fully dry the dishes, and others said it was difficult to load.
“Washes brilliantly, dishes have never come out of our previous dishwasher as clean! Glasses are spotless. The third rack for flat utensils and silverware is great. Everything feels sturdy and well built. Dishes come out totally dry and handles plastics well.” —Chris via Best Buy
“Cleans the dishes adequately, but very difficult to load. Dish-holding spokes seem to be angled in wrong direction and too close together.” — HarryP via Best Buy
Best for Families
Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher
- $799
- $1,199
- 33% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This dishwasher is fully controllable from your smartphone, so you can start and stop loads without ever needing to leave the couch. Additionally, it has a fingerprint-resistant finish to help reduce smudges, and it comes in multiple color options to best fit your kitchen decor.
Good for: Large families who need to wash a high amount of dishes nightly.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher?
Customers were impressed with this dishwasher’s high capacity, quiet operation, and stylish design. Some had issues with it leaking and the automatic release feature not working properly.
“I purchased this dishwasher a month ago, and it is so quiet. I have an open floor plan and wanted a dishwasher that was quite while I’m watching television. This dishwasher exceeded my expectations. The only way I know it’s running is because the timer comes on. This dishwasher also does a great job of getting the dishes clean. So far, I am very satisfied with this dishwasher. Samsung did a great job at getting my items delivered fast and having them installed.” — Anne via Samsung
“I purchased this 3 months before a major kitchen renovation. The dishwasher leaked and continues to leak. I’ve had Samsung repair out here at least two times, and they cannot find a problem. Otherwise, the dishes are spotless, and I can fit way more in the dishwasher. Love the third rack.” — Da277 via Samsung
Best Heavy-Duty
KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- $1,100
- $1,305
- 16% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This heavy-duty dishwasher has a flexible third rack and enough space to wash 16 place settings, making it a great choice for people who use a lot of dishes. Its PrintShield finish resists fingerprints and smudges to keep the dishwasher looking new. The controls are tucked away at the top to blend in better with your kitchen’s style.
What Are People Saying About the KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher?
This dishwasher earned rave reviews for its large capacity and adjustable racks. Several others also liked its sturdy, durable build. However, some customers felt it was overly loud, and others said it took too long to dry.
“Firstly, the sleek and modern design in black stainless steel adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen. It seamlessly blends with other appliances and enhances the overall aesthetic. The top control panel is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to select the desired settings. The FreeFlex Third Rack is a game-changer, providing extra space for utensils and small items, allowing for more efficient use of the dishwasher’s capacity.” — OlgaP via Best Buy
“… makes a lot of strange noises throughout the cycle. It’s not one of those dishwashers where you have to get close to see if it’s even on. You know this is on. The rack setup is super weird and clunky. They give you a special rack for cups and mugs, which is good in theory, but they’re assuming that you have small glasses or coffee mugs. Hardly any of mine fit. Overall, a real disappointment.” — ck76 via Best Buy
Best Value
Samsung Whisper Quiet Dishwasher
- $809
- $899
- 10% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This slim dishwasher is Energy Star-certified so you’ll waste less water when you use it compared to some other models. It also comes with a five-year warranty for added security, and has a fingerprint-resistant finish to keep it in pristine condition.
Good for: Single people or couples who want a high-performing dishwasher but don’t need a super large capacity.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung Whisper Quiet Dishwasher?
Customers liked that this dishwasher ran quietly, fit into tight spaces, and had lots of available space on each rack. Others felt that it was difficult to install and that it rusted easily.
“We bought it when we redid our kitchen a month ago, and so far, it is perfect. It’s the smaller model that fits perfectly in our small kitchen. But still gets the job done and cleans everything perfectly and is super quiet.” — Jpolonco1980 via Samsung
“Overall, happy with the dishwasher. We have a small kitchen and needed something that wouldn’t take up all of our cabinet space. Only two complaints: -We had issues leveling it during installation. -We have owned it just less than two years, and the top rack is rusting. Seems like a manufacturer error.” — Chelsea via Samsung
Best Countertop Dishwasher
Costway Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- $250
- $270
- 7% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This small countertop dishwasher is a good opinion if you live in a small space but still want a dishwasher. It can wash up to two place settings without taking up too much space and has smooth wheels that make it easy to move on your counter. Additionally, it has an inner light so you can see the progress of your dishes, as well as an LED timer display.
Good for: Customers with limited space who want a countertop model to wash a small amount of dishes.
What Are People Saying About the Costway Portable Countertop Dishwasher?
Customers liked that this product cleaned dishes efficiently, was easy to use, and was easily portable. Others found that it used an excess amount of electricity, and some had problems with it being overly bulky.
“I love this dishwasher. I live in a small bachelor apartment, so I needed to find a standalone countertop dishwasher with a water tank because I could not easily hook it up to a faucet…. This dishwasher lets you use any dishwashing liquid that you want, which is a big plus … The unit is small, and sometimes dishes slip below the bottom of the rack, so you need to be careful when you place them in. I like this unit because it sprays from the top and the bottom. Great purchase. I’m so happy with it.” — Lynn via Target
“This is a solid dishwasher but not without issues. The fan runs on and off constantly (burning electricity), and turning the power button off doesn’t help, so you have to unplug the machine. Secondly, every fourth or fifth wash, a cup or plate will come out with whatever it had in/on it, baked on, not clean at all, so you have to pre-clean it and send it through again.” — LBLI via Amazon
Best Portable Dishwasher
BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher
- $599.97
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This portable dishwasher comes on wheels, so you can move it around your kitchen or RV. It has six wash cycles, push-button control, an LED display, an adjustable top rack, and a child safety function. Another great feature is its quick-connect assembly that includes a 59-inch hose.
Good for: Those looking for a portable dishwasher they can bring with them while traveling or camping in an RV.
What Are People Saying About the BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher?
Customers liked that this dishwasher had a low noise level, was easy to set up, and had a bright display. However, some customers reported issues with leaking, and others said it arrived damaged.
“The package was delivered via Amazon fulfillment, and I would not be happier with how it arrived. This is a wonderful portable unit and extremely light to move around compared to other units. Opened it up all packaging was good. The unit fired right up with no leaking.” — Lefty3213 via Amazon
“…Main issue I had with this: the plastic mechanism it came with to organize the plug & faucet connections did not work. I’m not sure if it’s the wrong one, but I ended up putting a hook up above where I store this machine so that the plumbing didn’t leak everywhere after use. If it’s not upright, the residual water will spill all over the floor.” — Emily Economos via Amazon
FAQ About Dishwasher Sizes
What is a standard dishwasher size?
The standard size for most built-in dishwashers is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high.
How much space is needed for a dishwasher?
The amount of space you need for a dishwasher depends on what type you’re shopping for. For built-in dishwashers, ensure your cabinet can accommodate the size by measuring the space. Portable and countertop dishwashers depend on where you want to place them in your home and how much counter or kitchen space you’re working with.
Do all dishwashers have the same dimensions?
No, dishwashers have various dimensions. While 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches high are the standard dimensions, dishwashers can be larger or smaller. Always check the dimensions carefully before buying.
Are all dishwashers 600mm wide?
Six-hundred millimeters translates to about 23.6 inches wide, which is the standard size of most dishwashers. However, dishwashers do come in other sizes.
Who This Dishwasher Guide Is For
This guide is for customers looking for a new dishwasher who are unsure how dishwasher sizes are determined and what size to buy for their home. It’s also for customers in the market for a new dishwasher who are looking for high-quality product recommendations of various sizes.
How We Selected the Best Dishwashers
To provide our readers with the best dishwasher recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of dishwashers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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