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:
- Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher: Best Overall
- Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher: Best for Families
- KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher: Best Heavy-Duty
- Samsung Whisper Quiet Dishwasher: Best Value
- Costway Portable Countertop Dishwasher: Best Countertop Dishwasher
- BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher: Best Portable Dishwasher
Compare Top-Rated Dishwashers
| Product | Price (at Time of Publishing) | Dimensions | Third Rack? | dBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bosch 300 Series DishwasherCheck Price | $900 | Width: 24 inches, Depth: 24 inches, Height: 34 inches | Yes | 46 |
Samsung 24-inch Top Control DishwasherCheck Price | $799 | Width: 24 inches, Depth: 24 inches, Height: 35 inches | Yes | 39 |
KitchenAid Top Control Built-In DishwasherCheck Price | $1,050 | Width: 24 inches, Depth: 25 inches, Height: 34 inches | Yes | 44 |
Samsung Whisper Quiet DishwasherCheck Price | $809 | Width: 18 inches Depth: 23 inches Height: 32.3 inches | No | 46 |
Costway Portable Countertop DishwasherCheck Price | $600 | Width: 16 inches Depth: 18 inches Height: 19 inches | No | Not listed |
BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable DishwasherCheck Price | $900 | Width: 18 inches Depth: 24 inches Height: 36 inches | No | Not listed |
Best Overall
Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
Good for: Customers looking for a reputable brand and large capacity.
This heavy-duty dishwasher various useful bonus features, such as a third rack, Wi-Fi connectivity, and 24/7 leak protection. It also comes with a convenient “favorite” button on the control panel that allows you to quickly select your top cycle option with just the touch of a button.
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.
Pros and Cons of Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher
- Has Wi-Fi connectivity for hands-free operation
- Features a quiet operation at 46 dBA
- Includes a sanitize option that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria
- Has a somewhat high price point
- Has fewer cycle than some other, similar models
What People Are 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.
Best for Families
Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher
Good for: Large families who need to wash a high amount of dishes nightly.
This dishwasher is an ideal choice for large families who need to run the dishwasher daily after dinner time. It features a linear wash system that provides corner-to-corner coverage and a flexible third rack that expands the capacity when needed. At just 39 dBA, this dishwasher also won’t disrupt nap time or ruin your movie night, as it is one of the quietest on the market. It also utilizes a zoner booster to thoroughly wash tough-to-clean pots and pans.
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.
Pros and Cons of Samsung 24-inch Top Control Dishwasher
- Door automatically opens after cycle
- Has a flexible third rack
- Features a fingerprint-resistant finish
- Is more expensive than some other, similar models
- Cutlery basket is difficult to remove
What People Are 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.
Best Heavy-Duty
KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
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.
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.
Pros and Cons of KitchenAid Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
- Extended ProDry option
- Adjustable middle and third racks
- Express wash option
- Not compatible with Wi-Fi
- Overly noisy, according to some customers
What People Are 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.
Best Value
Samsung Whisper Quiet Dishwasher
Good for: Single people or couples who want a high-performing dishwasher but don’t need a super large capacity.
This is an ideal dishwasher for those with a small kitchen looking to save space. It features a slim design and at a reasonable price without sacrificing performance or unique features. This dishwasher washes quickly and efficiently and has a quiet operation at just 46 dBA. While it lacks the capacity of a third rack, its two spacious racks are plenty for single people or couples who do dishes every few days.
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.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Whisper Quiet Dishwasher
- Fast drying feature and auto-release door
- Express wash cycle that washes in just 60 minutes
- Has a fingerprint-resistant finish
- Higher dBA than in smaller models
- Doesn’t include a third rack
What People Are 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.
Best Countertop Dishwasher
Costway Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Good for: Customers with limited space who want a countertop model to wash a small amount of dishes.
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.
Pros and Cons of Costway Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- Has five washing cycles
- Manual or automatic water filling
- Has an 18-inch width that can fit in small areas
- Too small to fit a large amount of dishes
- LED display is inconsistent
What People Are 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.
Best Portable Dishwasher
BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher
Good for: Those looking for a portable dishwasher they can bring with them while traveling or camping in an RV.
If you’re working on a project that isn’t near a power outlet, having a reliable cordless sander can be a convenient alternative to hooking up an extension cord. This product also comes with a one-hand locking dust collection bag that makes cleaning up a breeze.
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.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher
- Has an adjustable top rack
- Has six wash cycles
- Features a delayed start function
- Requires heavy prewashing
- Only fits eight place settings
What People Are 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.
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.