How to Choose the Right Dishwasher Size and Capacity

A built-in dishwasher must be completely enclosed on all sides and on its top once installed. In choosing a dishwasher size, you will want to select a unit that will fit into your cabinet opening, but one that fits too snugly may not slide in all the way. It's better to leave a little extra space that can be covered by additional trim if necessary. Follow the dishwasher measuring guide below to select the right size for your kitchen.

Note: If you are buying a Dishwasher with custom panels, the overall depth may vary depending on the panel.

You should also consider how the placement of handles, towel bars, and dishwasher controls will affect the dimensions and space your new dishwasher will take up in your kitchen. These features won't affect the requirements for rough opening, but they will impact the way you interact with your new appliance. Front control dishwashers provide easy access to the settings and cycles and keep them within reach. Fully integrated dishwashers, or top control dishwashers, hide the controls for an extra sleek appearance. Dishwashers with handles can add a premium touch to your kitchen design but if your dishwasher is installed in a high-traffic area, dishwashers with pocket handles can save space.

Dishwasher dimensions are different from dishwasher capacity. Larger dimensions do not necessarily equate to more dishes fitting inside. Due to the different interior designs of dishwashers, whether it is the number of racks, placement of tines or features that can help handle more dishes within the same dimensions, each machine has its own set of characteristics. When you have determined the dimensions of your dishwasher, look at the capacity and available features of the dishwasher to find one that suits your needs.

Dishwasher dimensions are different from dishwasher capacity. Larger dimensions do not necessarily equate to more dishes fitting inside. Due to the different interior designs of dishwashers, whether it is the number of racks, placement of tines or features that can help handle more dishes within the same dimensions, each machine has its own set of characteristics. When you have determined the dimensions of your dishwasher, look at the capacity and available features of the dishwasher to find one that suits your needs. 

The capacity of a dishwasher is measured by its ability to handle a certain number of dishes. The average dishwasher can accommodate between 10 and 12 place settings. As defined by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a single place setting consists of the following items:

Innovations such as dishwashers with a third rack give you extra rack space up top. There are many types of third racks, ranging from those that hold small kitchen utensils to ones that can fit larger bowls or cups. The KitchenAid® 39 dBA Dishwasher in PrintShield™ Finish with a Third Level Utensil Rack holds silverware, serving utensils and spatulas, while an adjustable middle rack adds flexibility to fit tall items. KitchenAid® FreeFlex™ Rack Dishwashers feature the largest third rack available with a deep, angled design that fits 6" glasses, mugs and bowls. Featuring a 16-place setting capacity, this line of KitchenAid® Dishwashers lets you clean more so you can create more.

Besides capacity, looking at dishwasher features can help you select a model that feels tailored to your preferences. If you frequently use large or uniquely shaped dishes like tagines, woks, or blender jars, look for options with interiors that are spacious enough to accommodate them. The KitchenAid® 44 dBA Dishwasher with Panel-Ready Design features fold down rows and tines in the lower rack. Three different positions can be adjusted to allow water to clean inside deep or wide dishes.  An adjustable middle rack on the KitchenAid® 44 dBA Dishwasher in PrintShield™ Finish with FreeFlex™ Third Rack adds flexibility to fit tall items like a stand mixer bowl. Whether you need to place large dishes inside the rack, or make room for platters, pitchers, blender jars, and other dishes below, the rack can be lowered to suit your needs. This type of flexibility increases the ease of loading for creative cooks.

Decide on the right size dishwasher first by determining what size fits your space-from standard dishwashers to compact and oversized models. 

Next, choose a capacity that matches your needs with features that are most applicable to your dishes. Regardless of the size of your kitchen and the dishes you prepare, you can fearlessly create more and turn cleanup into an afterthought with a dishwasher sized to suit your needs.