Ever feel like your dishwasher is just… not quite enough? You load it up, press start, and then, a few hours later, you’re still faced with a pile of awkwardly shaped utensils or delicate wine glasses that just didn’t fit. It’s a common kitchen frustration, and choosing a new dishwasher can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to decide if that extra rack is really worth it.
We get it. The world of dishwashers is packed with features, and the “third rack” can sometimes feel like a mystery. Is it a gimmick, or a game-changer? You want to make sure you’re investing in a machine that will actually make your life easier, not just add another confusing option. But don’t worry! This guide is here to cut through the noise and help you understand exactly what a third rack can do for you.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know if a dishwasher with a third rack is the perfect addition to your kitchen. We’ll explore its benefits, the different types you might see, and what to look for when you’re shopping. Get ready to say goodbye to hand-washing those tricky items and hello to a more organized and efficient way to tackle your dishes!
Our Top 5 Dishwasher With Third Rack Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dishwasher With Third Rack Detailed Reviews
1. Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 9.1/10
The Sharp SDW6726MS is a 24-inch stainless steel dishwasher that’s designed to make your kitchen life easier. It’s super quiet, cleans tough messes, and has smart features to save you time and energy.
What We Like:
- Library Quiet: This dishwasher runs so quietly, you’ll barely know it’s on, even in an open-concept home. It’s only 47 dB, which is like a whisper.
- Third Rack: The adjustable third rack is a game-changer for organizing. It holds all your silverware and serving pieces, freeing up space below.
- Power Wash Sprayer: For those really messy pots and pans, the Power Wash sprayer tackles tough grime. You get a powerful clean every time.
- Smart Sensors: The dishwasher has smart sensors that figure out how dirty your dishes are. It then adjusts the wash cycle to clean them perfectly and use less water and energy.
- Lots of Space: It can hold 12 place settings, which is great for families or when you have guests.
- Easy to Use: With 5 wash cycles and 4 options, plus simple front touch controls, operating this dishwasher is a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 12 place setting capacity is good, some larger families might wish for an even bigger capacity.
- The front touch controls are easy to use, but some users prefer physical buttons for a more tactile feel.
This Sharp dishwasher offers a fantastic combination of quiet operation, powerful cleaning, and smart convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen.
2. Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 9.0/10
The Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers smart features and quiet operation to make dishwashing a breeze. You’ll love how it cleans and how it fits into your busy life.
What We Like:
- The adjustable third rack is super handy. It slides out of the way, giving you extra room for all your silverware, cooking spoons, and serving dishes.
- It’s really quiet! The “Library Quiet” technology means you can run it anytime without loud noise. This is great for open kitchens or when you’re sleeping.
- Wash Zones let you clean just one rack at a time. This saves water and energy, which is good for your wallet and the planet.
- The Power Wash Sprayer tackles tough messes. It blasts away stuck-on food from pots and pans, so you don’t have to scrub as hard.
- It has a sleek stainless steel tub and easy-to-use top-touch controls. You get 6 different wash cycles and 7 options, plus heated drying for perfectly dry dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the third rack is versatile, it might take a little practice to get the most out of its sliding feature.
- The 47 dB noise level is very quiet, but for some extremely sensitive ears, there might still be a faint hum.
This dishwasher offers a great balance of convenience and performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich appliance.
3. Equator 24″ Built in Tall Tub Dishwasher 15 Place 3rd Rack 8 Wash 1400 RPM Turbo Dry 110V E-Star in Silver
Rating: 8.8/10
The Equator 24″ Built-in Tall Tub Dishwasher in sleek silver is a powerhouse for your kitchen. It makes cleaning up after meals a breeze, handling all your plates, glasses, and utensils. This dishwasher is a great fit for families of 4 to 6 people.
What We Like:
- **Effortless Cleanup:** It handles all your dishes, glasses, and utensils in one go. It’s perfect for families of 4-6 people.
- **Eight Versatile Wash Programs:** Choose from Auto Sensor, Light, Rinse, Fast 50, Normal, Delicate, Pots & Pans, and Heavy. This means there’s a setting for every kind of mess.
- **Large 15-Place Setting Capacity + Third Rack:** You can fit a lot of dishes inside. The third rack is extra handy for silverware and small items.
- **Ultra-Quiet Operation:** At just 51 dB, it cleans your dishes without making a lot of noise. You can talk or watch TV without being bothered.
- **Dishwasher Connectable + Overflow Protection:** It connects easily to your kitchen setup and has safety features to stop leaks.
- **Durability and Corrosion Resistance:** The stainless steel tub and racks are built tough. They can handle heat and moisture for a long time. The racks resist corrosion, even with hot washes.
- **Upper and Lower Wash Zones:** This design ensures dishes on both the top and bottom racks get cleaned thoroughly.
- **Third Rack Wash:** This extra rack helps you wash even more items at once.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the “Turbo Dry” feature is mentioned, specific details on its effectiveness compared to other drying methods are not provided.
- The description focuses heavily on capacity and wash programs; information on energy efficiency ratings beyond “E-Star” could be beneficial for some consumers.
This Equator dishwasher offers a comprehensive cleaning solution with its smart features and durable design. It’s an excellent choice for keeping your kitchen spotless and your family happy.
4. Kenmore Elite 24″ Built-In Dishwasher – UltraWash Plus
Rating: 8.8/10
The Kenmore Elite 24″ Built-In Dishwasher is a high-tech helper for your kitchen. It cleans dishes thoroughly and dries them well. This dishwasher is also very quiet while it works. Its smart features make it easy to use and get the best results for any load of dishes.
What We Like:
- UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: Three spray arms blast away dirt from all sides. Fresh, filtered water makes sure your dishes sparkle. The Accela Wash option quickly cleans dishes when you’re in a rush. Sani Rinse option makes your dishes extra clean.
- SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensors figure out how dirty your dishes are. The dishwasher automatically changes the water temperature, pressure, and how long it washes. This means every load gets the best clean.
- TurboFlex Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: You get 35% more room for big utensils with the removable TurboFlex third rack. Need more height? You can slide trays to fit tall items. The upper rack also adjusts to three different heights.
- TurboDry for Dry Dishes: A fan pulls out moisture and warm air. A heating element helps dry dishes even more. Plastics come out dry and without spots. You can skip the towel drying!
- Whisper-Quiet Wash + Smart Features: It runs at a very low 42 dBA, making it super quiet. The QuietWash option makes it even softer. An LED light on the floor shows you when it’s running. Hidden controls and a sleek handle give it a modern look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price point might be a bit high for some budgets.
- The smart features, while helpful, might take a little time for some users to fully understand and utilize.
This Kenmore Elite dishwasher offers powerful cleaning and impressive drying. It’s a great choice for busy households that want sparkling clean dishes with minimal noise.
5. Sharp SDW6506JS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 9.5/10
The Sharp SDW6506JS is a 24-inch stainless steel dishwasher that brings quiet efficiency and smart design to your kitchen. It’s built to handle your family’s dishes with ease, offering a generous capacity and thoughtful features that make cleanup a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super quiet, like a library! You won’t even know it’s running at just 49 dB, so your home stays peaceful.
- It fits a lot! With three racks, including a special one for silverware, it can wash up to 12 place settings.
- Loading is flexible. The top rack can move up or down to fit tall pots and pans. Plus, there’s a half-load option to save water when you don’t have a full load.
- It cleans really well. Three sprayers and a special tub design help get your dishes sparkling clean.
- The controls are easy to use and are on the front. A child lock feature keeps little fingers from accidentally starting it.
- Dishes come out dry thanks to the heated dry option.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a third rack, some might find it takes up a bit of space from the rack below if very large items are loaded there.
- The touch controls, while convenient, might require a quick read of the manual for some users to understand all the options.
This Sharp dishwasher is a solid choice for anyone seeking a quiet and capable appliance. It balances powerful cleaning with user-friendly features to make kitchen chores simpler.
Finding the Best Dishwasher with a Third Rack
A dishwasher with a third rack makes life easier. It gives you extra space for small items. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.
Why a Third Rack?
A third rack is a slim tray at the very top of the dishwasher. It holds cutlery, spatulas, and other small kitchen tools. This frees up space in the lower racks. It also helps these items get cleaner.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a dishwasher with a third rack, consider these important features:
Adjustable Third Rack
Some third racks slide or lift. This lets you fit taller items below them. It’s great for wine glasses or large bowls.
Rack Design
Look at how the racks are made. Do they pull out smoothly? Are there enough dividers for your silverware? Some racks have adjustable tines. These let you customize the space.
Drying Performance
How well does the dishwasher dry your dishes? Look for features like a fan or heated dry. Some models use condensation drying. This uses the heat from the wash cycle to dry dishes.
Noise Level
Dishwashers can be loud. Check the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean a quieter machine. Many people prefer dishwashers below 50 dB.
Soil Sensors
These sensors detect how dirty your dishes are. The dishwasher then adjusts the wash cycle. This saves water and energy. It also ensures a better clean.
Smart Features
Some dishwashers connect to your phone. You can start cycles or check progress remotely. This adds convenience.
Important Materials
The materials used in a dishwasher affect its durability and performance.
Stainless Steel Tub
A stainless steel tub is a top choice. It resists stains and odors. It also helps with drying. Plastic tubs are less expensive. They can sometimes hold onto smells.
Racks and Tines
Look for sturdy racks. They should be coated to prevent rust. Nylon or vinyl coatings are common. They protect your dishes from scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a dishwasher better or worse.
Build Quality
A well-built dishwasher feels solid. The doors should close smoothly. The racks should glide easily. Higher quality models often use better materials.
Wash Cycles and Options
More wash cycles offer flexibility. Think about what you wash most often. Do you need a delicate cycle? Is a heavy-duty cycle important?
Energy Efficiency
Look for ENERGY STAR certification. These dishwashers use less water and electricity. This saves you money on bills. It’s also better for the environment.
Third Rack Cleaning Power
Some third racks have their own spray jets. These jets help clean silverware better. They make sure every piece gets clean.
User Experience and Use Cases
A dishwasher with a third rack is useful for many people.
For Busy Families
Families often have many dishes. A third rack gives you more room for everything. It helps you get the dishes done faster.
For People Who Entertain
If you host parties, you’ll have lots of dishes. The extra space on the third rack is a lifesaver. It helps you manage large loads.
For Efficient Kitchens
This type of dishwasher helps keep your kitchen tidy. Small utensils are out of sight. They get cleaned without taking up main rack space.
For Delicate Items
The third rack is perfect for delicate items. Spatulas, whisks, and baby bottle nipples can go there. They get cleaned gently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is a third rack really worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you often have lots of small items or want more overall capacity, a third rack is very helpful.
Q: Do third racks clean silverware as well as the lower basket?
A: Many third racks have excellent spray coverage. Some even have dedicated jets for better cleaning.
Q: Can I fit larger items on the lower racks if I have a third rack?
A: Yes, by moving cutlery to the third rack, you often free up space on the lower racks for larger pots and pans.
Q: Are dishwashers with third racks louder?
A: Not necessarily. Noise level depends on the overall build quality and insulation, not just the presence of a third rack.
Q: What kind of items should I put on the third rack?
A: Silverware, knives, spatulas, ladles, small lids, and other small utensils work best.
Q: Do all third racks adjust?
A: No, some are fixed. Adjustable racks offer more flexibility for fitting different items above and below.
Q: How do I clean the third rack itself?
A: You can usually pull the third rack out. Then, you can wash it with soap and water or wipe it down.
Q: What if my dishwasher doesn’t have a third rack but I have a lot of silverware?
A: You can buy a separate silverware basket that fits in the lower rack. Some dishwashers come with two baskets.
Q: Are there dishwashers with three racks instead of two?
A: Yes, some high-end models offer three full-sized racks, but a third rack usually refers to the slim cutlery tray.
Q: How can I ensure my dishwasher is energy efficient?
A: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. Also, check the water usage per cycle.
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 Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!