DISHWASHER SIZE GUIDE: HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT
Get the dishwasher size and capacity you need to fit your space and power through all your kitchen messes. This guide will help you learn about the different dishwasher dimensions and features so you can choose the best one for you.
WHAT SIZE DISHWASHER SHOULD I BUY?
Measure the dimensions of your space to determine what size dishwasher will fit. Most dishwashers have the same depth and height, but the width can run anywhere from around 18 to 42 inches. Since larger dimensions don't always mean more capacity, make sure to explore the rack layouts and features. The interior dishwasher design can limit or maximize capacity even among dishwashers of the same size.
WHAT IS THE STANDARD SIZE OF A DISHWASHER?
Built-in dishwashers are sized to fit within standard cabinet dimensions. This means most are approximately 24 inches deep and 33 to 36 inches tall but can vary in width. Most dishwashers fall into one of three size categories based on the dishwasher width:
- Compact Dishwashers: Around 18 inches wide
- Standard Dishwashers: Typically 24 inches wide
- Oversized Dishwashers: Between 30 and 42 inches wide
Note that these dishwasher dimensions correspond to the size of the cabinet cutout. The actual unit can be slightly smaller to allow for installation.
Standard-sized dishwashers are the most common for residential kitchens. However, if you are replacing an existing dishwasher, make sure to remove it and measure the cabinet’s rough opening to be sure. Keep in mind that the dishwasher you purchase should be slightly smaller than your rough opening.
If you’re doing a remodel or new build, round up the dishwasher dimensions to leave a big enough cutout. Follow this dishwasher rough opening measuring guide to help ensure you get it right the first time.
Read this dishwasher installation guide for more information on installing your new dishwasher.
DISHWASHER DIMENSIONS: WHAT TO CONSIDER
Some exterior dishwasher features can protrude beyond the cabinet face, increasing the overall dishwasher depth. While this won’t change the cutout dimensions required, you’ll want to keep these in mind when deciding where to place your dishwasher.
If you have a small or narrow kitchen, features like handles and towel bars can catch on clothing if you have to squeeze by. If clearance in front of the dishwasher is limited, opt for a top control dishwasher or models with pocket handles to maintain a flush exterior.
Top control dishwashers from Maytag brand help minimize the overall dishwasher depth and feature a pocket handle. If you prefer a front control dishwasher, Maytag brand also offers dishwashers with front controls and a pocket handle to give you quick and seamless access to your cycles and settings without adding to the depth. Compare top control vs. front control dishwashers to find the best fit for your kitchen.
HOW MUCH DISHWASHER CAPACITY DO I NEED?
Once you know the outer dishwasher dimensions you need, it’s time to take a look inside. The racks, layouts and other features can help increase capacity or better fit the dishes you use the most. Look for the number of place settings listed in the product description to determine dishwasher capacity. Most standard dishwasher sizes can handle 10 to 12 place settings at a time.
DISHWASHER PLACE SETTINGS EXPLAINED
Dishwasher capacity is measured in place settings. Most standard models handle 10-12 place settings, but the right fit depends on your household size and how many dishes your particular household produces. For 1-2 people, a dishwasher that holds 6-9 place settings may be sufficient; 3-4 people may need a 9-12 place setting capacity, and families of 5 or more might benefit from a dishwasher that can hold 12+ place settings.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers considers one place setting to include the following:
Large dinner plate
Bread and butter plate
Saucer
Bowl
Coffee cup
Drinking glass
Knife
2 teaspoons
Dinner fork and salad fork
The way you load and position your dishes can also affect capacity. Get the most out of your dishwasher by learning how to load dishes for maximum cleaning coverage.
Maytag® dishwashers
Dishwashers that muscle through messes
Unload dishes confidently load after load with powerful features on select Maytag® dishwashers
SHOP MAYTAG® LARGE CAPACITY DISHWASHERS
When big meal prep leaves behind a mountain of dishes, Maytag® large capacity dishwashers step up to handle it all. The 3rd Level Rack on select Maytag® models provides a specialized wash zone and room for mugs and bowls, bringing more loading space and cleaning power straight to the top of the dishwasher. And, with the PowerBlast® Cycle on select Maytag® dishwashers, such as this model, you can simply load dishes in and let high-pressure jets, increased water temperatures and hot steam work together to clear food off dishes.
DISHWASHER FEATURES THAT OPTIMIZE CAPACITY
Optimizing your dishwasher capacity means spending less time at the sink. From an additional rack to adjustable racks and tines and increased rack height, discover three dishwasher features below that help you fit more in without sacrificing cleaning power.
THIRD RACK DISHWASHER
An additional dishwasher rack can help add capacity and loading flexibility. Third rack designs and sizes vary widely between standard dishwasher models. Slim third racks, sometimes called utensil racks, help keep serveware and cooking utensils out of the way. Larger third racks can sometimes fit dishes like mugs and bowls and some even feature dedicated water jets.
For example, Maytag® 3rd Level Rack dishwashers give you extra room for mugs and bowls and feature a specialized wash zone and wash arms. These types of dishwashers are especially useful for large families or people who enjoy entertaining.
ADJUSTABLE RACKS AND TINES
In general, more tines can increase the capacity for shallow dishes. But if you frequently wash larger or oddly shaped dishes like pots, pans and woks, look for adjustable tines that can fold or slide out of the way. Some dishwashers also feature adjustable racks that move up and down as needed. This can help fit taller items like pitchers, deep pots and blender jars.
INCREASED RACK HEIGHT
Many dishwashers are designed for bigger items on the bottom rack and smaller dishes up top. But if your weekly meals call for a lot of pots and pans, look for a dishwasher with extra height on the second rack. Dishwashers with increased second rack height give you plenty of room for these bulky dishes and can help cut down on handwashing.
SHOP MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
Maytag® dishwashers make room to power through meal cleanup. Increased upper rack height on select models lets you put bulky pots and pans in their place and fit big dishes usually left for the bottom, so there’s no need for a second load. Plus, you can skip soaking, scrubbing and pre-rinsing with Maytag brand engineering that puts an end to pre-work using Dual Power Filtration.
