Ever feel like your dishwasher just isn’t big enough? You unload it, only to find a few stray spoons or spatulas crammed into the cutlery basket, taking up precious space. It’s a common kitchen frustration, especially when you’re trying to fit everything in after a big meal. Choosing a dishwasher can be tricky, and figuring out if that extra top rack is worth it adds another layer of confusion.
Many people wonder if a third rack is truly a game-changer or just a fancy add-on. We get it – you want to make sure you’re investing in something that actually makes your life easier. This post will break down everything you need to know about dishwashers with a third rack, so you can stop stressing and start enjoying a cleaner kitchen.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the real benefits of a third rack, discover what to look for when shopping, and confidently decide if it’s the right upgrade for your home. Let’s dive in and explore how this extra shelf can transform your dishwashing routine!
Our Top 5 Dishwasher With Third Rack Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dishwasher With Third Rack Detailed Reviews
1. Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 8.7/10
The Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher is a real game-changer for your kitchen. It’s designed to make dishwashing easier and quieter. This dishwasher packs a lot of features into its sleek stainless steel design, making it a smart choice for any home.
What We Like:
- The adjustable third rack is super handy. It slides easily, giving you more room for all your silverware and cooking tools.
- It’s really quiet! The Library Quiet technology means you can run it anytime without being bothered. It’s only 47 decibels, which is like a whisper.
- The wash zones are great for saving water and energy. You can wash just the top or bottom rack if you have a small load.
- The Power Wash Sprayer tackles tough, baked-on food. It blasts away grime from pots and pans.
- It has a stainless steel tub for durability. The top-touch controls are easy to use.
- There are 6 wash cycles and 7 options to choose from. It also has a heated dry feature for perfectly dry dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 24-inch size a bit small if they have a very large family or entertain often.
- While the third rack is adjustable, some larger serving utensils might still be a tight squeeze.
Overall, this dishwasher offers excellent cleaning power and thoughtful features. It brings quiet efficiency and convenience to your kitchen cleanup routine.
2. Sharp SDW6506JS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 8.9/10
The Sharp SDW6506JS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers powerful cleaning in a quiet and stylish package. Its stainless steel finish looks great and it’s built to last. This dishwasher makes doing dishes a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super quiet! At only 49 decibels, you can run it without hearing a thing. It’s like having a library in your kitchen.
- It holds a lot of dishes. You can fit 12 place settings inside, perfect for families or when you have guests.
- The third rack is a game-changer. It’s great for all your silverware and even those tricky cooking tools.
- You can easily adjust the top rack. It moves up or down to fit tall pots and pans.
- The half-load option is smart. It saves water and energy when you don’t have a full load.
- It cleans really well. Three sprayers make sure every dish gets sparkling clean.
- The touch controls are easy to use. They are on the front and have a child lock to keep little hands out.
- Dishes come out dry and ready to put away thanks to the heated dry option.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the hybrid tub is efficient, some users might prefer a fully stainless steel interior for maximum durability.
- The 12-place setting capacity is good, but larger families might occasionally wish for a bit more space.
Overall, this dishwasher is a smart choice for anyone looking for a quiet, efficient, and versatile appliance. It makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen running smoothly.
3. Midea MDF18A1AWW Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of handwashing dishes? The Midea MDF18A1AWW Built-in Dishwasher is a smart solution for your kitchen. This white, slimline dishwasher fits easily into smaller spaces but offers a surprisingly large capacity for its size. It’s designed to handle all your dishwashing needs, from delicate glasses to tough, baked-on pots and pans.
What We Like:
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity: This dishwasher doesn’t take up much room but can still fit big plates and pots up to 11 inches tall.
- 8 Place Settings: It holds enough dishes for a small family or gathering, with adjustable legs to make sure it fits perfectly.
- 6 Programs + 3 Functions: You get lots of options like Heavy, ECO, and Quick wash. Plus, Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions make sure your dishes are clean and dry.
- Heated Dry: Your dishes come out dry and ready to put away, so you don’t have to towel dry them yourself.
- HI TEMP (Hygiene Wash): The hot water (up to 136°F) powerfully cleans even the dirtiest dishes and is great for sanitizing baby bottles.
- Energy Star Certified: This means it’s good for the environment and can help save on your electricity bills.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires Special Detergent: You must use dishwasher-specific detergent. Regular dish soap will cause problems.
- Noise Level (potential): While not explicitly stated, some users might prefer a quieter operation, though this is common for dishwashers.
The Midea MDF18A1AWW is a practical and effective choice for keeping your kitchen clean. It offers excellent cleaning power and useful features in a compact design.
4. Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 9.4/10
The Sharp SDW6726MS is a 24-inch stainless steel dishwasher that makes cleaning up after meals a breeze. It’s designed to be super quiet, so you can run it anytime without disturbing anyone. Plus, it has smart features that make sure your dishes come out sparkling clean every time.
What We Like:
- It’s really quiet! The “Library Quiet” technology means you’ll barely hear it running at 47 dB. This is great for open-concept homes where you want to relax or entertain.
- The adjustable third rack is a game-changer. It gives you extra space for silverware and serving spoons, so you can fit more dishes in.
- The “Power Wash Sprayer” and three-sprayer system really tackle tough messes. Greasy pans and dried-on food don’t stand a chance.
- Smart sensors check how dirty your dishes are. They then adjust the wash cycle to use just the right amount of water and energy.
- It holds 12 place settings, which is plenty for most families. You also get 5 wash cycles and 4 options to choose from.
- The front touch controls are easy to use and look sleek.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the third rack is flexible, some users might wish for even more height adjustment options for very tall items.
- The 12-place setting capacity is standard, but very large families might need to run it more frequently.
This Sharp dishwasher is a solid choice for anyone who wants a quiet, efficient, and powerful way to get their dishes clean. It combines thoughtful features with strong performance for everyday use.
5. SHARP SDW6767HS Smart Dishwasher Works with Alexa. Includes LED Interior lights
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the SHARP SDW6767HS Smart Dishwasher, designed to make your kitchen chores easier and quieter. This dishwasher connects to Alexa, letting you control it with your voice. It has bright LED lights inside, a tough stainless steel interior, and a fan-assisted heated dry to get your dishes sparkling. Plus, it offers flexible washing options like a Wash Zone for half loads and an adjustable third rack for extra space.
What We Like:
- Hands-free control with Alexa voice commands makes starting or checking your dishwasher simple.
- Interior LED lights let you easily see everything inside, even in a dim kitchen.
- The Heated Dry with Fan Assist ensures your dishes come out dry and ready to put away.
- Wash Zone flexibility lets you clean just one rack, saving water and energy.
- The adjustable third rack adds valuable space for smaller items like utensils and cups.
- It operates very quietly at 45dBA, so it won’t disturb your household.
- Easy smart home setup makes connecting to your Alexa app a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- An Amazon Echo device is required for voice control and is not included with the dishwasher.
The SHARP SDW6767HS offers smart convenience and quiet performance for your kitchen. It’s a great choice for busy households looking for a modern and efficient dishwasher.
Dishwasher With Third Rack: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
A dishwasher with a third rack is a game-changer for your kitchen. It gives you extra space for all those tricky items. You can wash more dishes at once. This guide will help you find the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
- Third Rack Design: This is the star! Look for racks that slide out smoothly. Some are adjustable. This means you can fit taller items. A good third rack holds silverware, spatulas, and small bowls.
- Adjustable Upper Rack: This feature lets you move the middle rack up or down. It’s great for fitting large pots and pans on the bottom rack. You can also make more room for tall glasses on the top rack.
- Spray Arms: More spray arms mean cleaner dishes. Most dishwashers have at least two. Some have a third one at the top for the third rack. This ensures everything gets a good cleaning.
- Soil Sensors: These smart sensors detect how dirty your dishes are. The dishwasher then adjusts the wash cycle. This saves water and energy. It also makes sure your dishes are sparkling clean.
- Quiet Operation: Nobody likes a noisy kitchen. Look for dishwashers with decibel (dB) ratings. Lower dB numbers mean a quieter machine. Aim for 45 dB or lower for peace and quiet.
- Drying Performance: How well does it dry? Some use heated dry cycles. Others use condensation drying. Look for models with extra drying options. This helps prevent water spots.
Important Materials
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is the best choice. Stainless steel is durable. It resists rust and stains. It also helps with drying. It looks sleek and modern.
- Plastic Interior: These dishwashers are usually less expensive. However, they can be less durable. They might also stain over time.
- Racks: The racks are often coated with vinyl or nylon. This coating protects your dishes from scratches. Make sure the coating is smooth and free of defects.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: A well-built dishwasher feels sturdy. The doors should open and close smoothly. The racks should slide without sticking. Higher quality materials and better construction lead to a longer-lasting appliance.
- Wash Cycles and Options: More wash cycles give you more flexibility. Look for options like quick wash, heavy-duty, and sanitize. These features help you tackle different cleaning needs.
- Energy Efficiency: An Energy Star certified dishwasher saves you money on your utility bills. It also helps the environment. Look for the Energy Star label.
- Noise Level: As mentioned, a quiet dishwasher improves your kitchen experience. A loud dishwasher can be annoying. Check the decibel rating.
User Experience and Use Cases
- More Loading Space: The third rack is fantastic for small, awkward items. Think silverware, lids, and cooking utensils. It keeps them separate and prevents them from falling through the bottom rack.
- Easier Unloading: With everything organized on its own rack, unloading is a breeze. You can grab your silverware quickly.
- Families: Families with lots of dishes will love the extra capacity. You can fit more in each load. This means fewer loads of laundry.
- Entertainers: If you often host parties, a third rack is a lifesaver. It helps you manage all the extra glasses and serving utensils.
- Busy Professionals: Save time by washing more dishes at once. Spend less time loading and unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwashers With Third Racks
Q: What is a third rack on a dishwasher?
A: A third rack is an extra shelf at the very top of the dishwasher. It sits above the main upper rack. It’s designed for smaller items like silverware, spatulas, and lids.
Q: How much extra space does a third rack add?
A: It adds significant space for smaller items. This frees up room on the other racks. You can fit more dishes overall.
Q: Can I fit large pots and pans in a dishwasher with a third rack?
A: Yes! Many dishwashers with third racks have adjustable upper racks. You can lower the upper rack to make space for tall pots and pans on the bottom.
Q: Are dishwashers with third racks more expensive?
A: They can be slightly more expensive. However, the added convenience and capacity often make them worth the extra cost.
Q: How do I clean the third rack?
A: You can usually pull the third rack out completely. Then, you can wash it with soap and water. Check your dishwasher’s manual for specific instructions.
Q: What are the benefits of a stainless steel interior?
A: Stainless steel interiors are durable, resist rust and stains, and can help with drying. They also give the dishwasher a premium look.
Q: What does a soil sensor do?
A: A soil sensor detects how dirty your dishes are. The dishwasher then adjusts the wash cycle to use the right amount of water and energy. This ensures a good clean while saving resources.
Q: How can I tell if a dishwasher is quiet?
A: Look for the decibel (dB) rating. A lower number means it’s quieter. Aim for 45 dB or less for a very quiet machine.
Q: Do third racks help with drying?
A: The third rack itself doesn’t dry dishes. However, dishwashers with good drying systems, like heated dry or condensation drying, will dry items on the third rack effectively.
Q: Is a third rack worth the investment?
A: For most people, yes. The extra organization and capacity it provides make loading and unloading much easier. It helps you get more done with fewer loads.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!