Imagine this: you’ve just finished a big family dinner, and the sink is piled high with plates, bowls, and a mountain of silverware. You sigh, knowing the tedious chore of washing it all by hand awaits. But what if there was a way to make that cleanup a little easier, a little faster, and a lot more organized? That’s where the magic of a dishwasher with a third rack comes in.
Choosing a new dishwasher can feel overwhelming. You want one that cleans well, saves energy, and fits your budget. But the “third rack” feature adds another layer of decision-making. Is it worth the extra space? Will it actually make a difference in how much you can wash? Many people wonder if this extra shelf is just a fancy gimmick or a genuine game-changer for kitchen cleanup.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dishwashers with a third rack. We’ll explore how they work, what kind of items they’re best for, and the real benefits they offer. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether a third rack is the right addition to your kitchen, helping you choose a dishwasher that truly makes your life easier.
Our Top 5 Dishwasher With Third Rack Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dishwasher With Third Rack Detailed Reviews
1. Sharp SDW6506JS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 8.9/10
The Sharp SDW6506JS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher is a game-changer for any kitchen. It quietly tackles your dirty dishes, leaving them sparkling clean. This dishwasher is designed to make your life easier with its smart features and spacious interior.
What We Like:
- Whisper Quiet: It runs so quietly, you’ll forget it’s even on. The 49 dB noise level is like a library, so it won’t disturb your family or your favorite show.
- Versatile Capacity: You can fit a lot of dishes in here! It holds 12 place settings. Plus, the special third rack is perfect for silverware and even small cooking tools.
- Flexible Loading: The upper rack can be moved up or down. This lets you fit tall pots or glasses. The half load option is great for saving water when you don’t have a full load.
- Efficient Cleaning: It cleans dishes really well. Three sprayers reach every corner. The hybrid tub is built to last and helps with cleaning.
- Convenient Controls: The front touch controls are easy to use. A child lock keeps little hands from changing settings by accident. The heated dry option makes sure your dishes are ready to put away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the hybrid tub is durable, some users might prefer a fully stainless steel interior for aesthetic reasons.
- The 12-place setting capacity is generous, but for very large families or frequent entertainers, a slightly larger model might be considered.
This Sharp dishwasher offers a great combination of quiet operation, flexible capacity, and effective cleaning. It’s a smart addition that makes kitchen chores a breeze.
2. Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 9.5/10
The Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher is a smart choice for any kitchen. It offers a sleek stainless steel look and plenty of helpful features. This dishwasher is designed to make your life easier by cleaning your dishes effectively and quietly.
What We Like:
- The adjustable third rack is super handy. It slides side to side, giving you more room for all your silverware and cooking tools.
- It’s really quiet! The Library Quiet technology means you can run it without being bothered. It’s only 47 dBA, which is like a whisper.
- Wash Zones let you clean just one rack for smaller loads. This saves water and energy, which is good for the planet and your bills.
- The Power Wash Sprayer tackles tough messes. It blasts away baked-on food from pots and pans.
- It has a stainless steel tub for durability. The top-touch controls are easy to use. You get 6 wash cycles and 7 options, plus heated dry for perfectly dry dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the third rack is adjustable, some users might find it takes a little practice to get the spacing just right for very bulky items.
- The “Library Quiet” is great, but for those who are extremely sensitive to noise, even 47 dBA might be noticeable in a completely silent room.
This Sharp dishwasher combines smart design with powerful cleaning. It’s a great addition for busy households that value both efficiency and peace.
3. Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Rating: 9.3/10
The Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It tackles dirty dishes with its impressive features, all while keeping your home peaceful. This dishwasher is designed for busy families and anyone who appreciates a quiet, clean home.
What We Like:
- The “Library Quiet” technology is amazing. It’s so quiet, you can run it while watching TV or having a conversation without any disturbance.
- The adjustable third rack is a game-changer. It holds all our silverware and small utensils, freeing up space on the other racks.
- The Power Wash sprayer really works. It blasts away tough food grime, so we don’t have to pre-rinse as much.
- Smart sensors make cleaning easy. The dishwasher figures out the best way to clean your dishes, saving water and energy.
- It holds a lot of dishes, 12 place settings, and has different wash cycles to choose from. The front touch controls are simple to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s very quiet, some users might prefer even more customization in the wash cycles.
- The stainless steel finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints easily.
This Sharp dishwasher offers a great blend of quiet operation and powerful cleaning. It’s a smart choice for a cleaner kitchen and a more peaceful home.
4. Kenmore 24″ Built-in Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher EasyFlex 3rd
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready for a sparkling clean kitchen with the Kenmore 24″ Built-in Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher. This dishwasher is packed with smart features to make your life easier, from cleaning tough messes to drying dishes perfectly. Its sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: Three spray arms blast away dirt from all angles. It uses fresh, filtered water for a better clean. The Accela Wash speeds things up when you’re in a rush. The Sani Rinse option makes sure your dishes are super clean.
- SmartWash Technology: Sensors figure out how dirty your dishes are. The dishwasher then automatically sets the best water temperature, pressure, and time. It gives you a great clean every time, no matter the mess.
- EasyFlex Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: The removable third rack adds 35% more room for your silverware and large kitchen tools. You can also lift or lower the main rack to fit tall pots and pans easily.
- TurboDry for Dry Dishes: A fan and a heating element work together to dry your dishes completely. Even plastic items come out dry and without spots. You can skip the towel!
- Quiet Operation + Leak Protection: This dishwasher runs very quietly at just 45 dBA. The QuietWash option makes it even more silent. It also has a built-in leak detector that stops water damage before it can happen.
- Energy Star Certified: It’s good for your wallet and the planet.
- Fingerprint Resistant: Keeps your dishwasher looking clean and smudge-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup slightly complex due to the many features.
- While quiet, the “whisper quiet” cycle might not be silent enough for extremely sensitive environments.
This Kenmore dishwasher offers a powerful and convenient way to handle your dishes. It’s a smart choice for a cleaner, drier, and quieter kitchen.
5. Empava 24” Built-in Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub 15 Place Settings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Empava 24” Built-in Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a spacious interior that can hold up to 15 place settings, making it ideal for families or those who entertain often. Its sleek stainless steel design and hidden controls give your kitchen a modern, clean look. Plus, it’s designed to be super quiet, so you won’t even know it’s running!
What We Like:
- It cleans a lot of dishes at once – 15 place settings fit inside!
- It has a special third rack just for your silverware and small utensils.
- The Smart Spray System uses 28 jets and 3 spray arms to make sure every dish gets clean.
- You can pick from 8 different wash cycles and even add special options like sanitizing your dishes or delaying the start time.
- It runs very quietly at only 49 dB, so it won’t disturb you.
- The Auto Door Dry feature helps your dishes dry better and reduces water spots by letting out steam.
- It’s very energy efficient, using only 3.2 gallons of water per load and meeting ENERGY STAR standards.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and looks great.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation might require some technical know-how for some users.
- While it has many features, understanding all 8 wash cycles and 6 modifiers might take a little time.
This Empava dishwasher is a powerful and smart choice for keeping your dishes sparkling clean while saving energy.
Dishwasher with Third Rack: Your Guide to Sparkling Dishes
Tired of struggling to fit all your dishes in the dishwasher? A dishwasher with a third rack might be the solution you’ve been searching for! This extra shelf offers more space and better organization for smaller items. Let’s dive into what makes these dishwashers a great addition to your kitchen.
Why a Third Rack?
The third rack is a shallow, pull-out shelf located at the very top of the dishwasher. It’s perfect for silverware, small utensils, lids, and even delicate glasses. This frees up space in the lower racks, allowing you to wash more at once. It also helps prevent taller items on the second rack from blocking the spray arm.
Key Features to Look For
Adjustable Third Rack
Some third racks can be adjusted in height. This is super helpful if you have larger items on the second rack. You can lower the third rack to make more room. You can also raise it to fit taller glasses.
Third Rack Design
Look at how the third rack is designed. Some have dedicated slots for silverware. Others have a flat surface. A flat surface is good for wider items. Slots keep silverware from nesting together. Nesting means they don’t get clean.
Spray Jets
Some dishwashers have special spray jets that aim directly at the third rack. These jets help ensure that even small items get a thorough cleaning. This is a big plus for getting everything sparkling.
Third Rack Material
The third rack is usually made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and can handle higher temperatures. Plastic racks are lighter and often less expensive.
Important Materials
Stainless Steel Interior
A stainless steel interior tub is a great feature. It’s more durable than plastic. It also resists stains and odors better. This can make your dishwasher last longer.
Durable Racks and Tines
Check the material of the main racks and the tines that hold your dishes. Sturdy metal or strong plastic is important. You want them to hold up to heavy loads. You also want them to last a long time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Noise Level (Decibels)
Dishwashers are measured in decibels (dB). A lower dB rating means a quieter dishwasher. If your kitchen is open to your living area, a quiet dishwasher is a big plus. Look for models under 50 dB.
Drying Performance
How well does the dishwasher dry your dishes? Some use heated drying. Others use condensation drying. Condensation drying is more energy-efficient. It uses the heat from the wash cycle to evaporate water. Some models have extra drying options.
Wash Cycles and Options
More wash cycles mean more flexibility. Look for options like a quick wash for lightly soiled dishes. A heavy-duty cycle is good for baked-on food. Sanitize cycles kill more germs.
Build Quality and Durability
Solid construction and good materials indicate a quality dishwasher. Read reviews to see what other users say about durability. A well-built dishwasher will serve you for years.
User Experience and Use Cases
A third rack dishwasher makes loading and unloading much easier. You can fit more in each load. This means fewer loads of laundry. It saves you time and energy. Families with kids will love the extra space for sippy cup lids and small bowls. People who entertain often will appreciate the ability to wash more dishes at once.
Common Use Cases
- Washing silverware and small utensils.
- Cleaning lids for pots and containers.
- Washing delicate glasses and wine glasses.
- Storing and cleaning small kitchen gadgets.
- Maximizing space for larger loads.
Choosing a dishwasher with a third rack can significantly improve your kitchen routine. It offers convenience, better organization, and more washing capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a third rack on a dishwasher?
A: A third rack is an extra, shallow shelf at the top of the dishwasher. It holds small items like silverware and utensils.
Q: Are dishwashers with third racks worth the extra cost?
A: For many people, yes. They offer more space and better organization, which can save time.
Q: Can I fit my large pots on the bottom rack if I have a third rack?
A: Yes, the third rack often creates more space on the lower racks. You can usually fit larger items better.
Q: How do I clean the third rack?
A: Most third racks can be pulled out completely. You can then wash them with soap and water, just like other dishwasher parts.
Q: Does a third rack affect how well the dishwasher cleans the rest of the dishes?
A: No, a well-designed third rack should not negatively impact cleaning. Some models have special spray jets for the third rack.
Q: What kind of items should I put on the third rack?
A: Silverware, small utensils, lids, measuring cups, and delicate glasses are great for the third rack.
Q: Will a third rack dishwasher be louder than a regular one?
A: Not necessarily. Noise level depends on the model, not just the presence of a third rack. Look for low decibel ratings.
Q: How do I know if a third rack will fit my needs?
A: Think about what small items you wash most often. If you have many of them, a third rack will be very useful.
Q: Are third racks difficult to load and unload?
A: Most third racks slide out smoothly. They are designed to be easy to use.
Q: Can I remove the third rack if I don’t want to use it?
A: Some models allow you to remove the third rack. Check the product specifications before buying.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!