Your Guide to the 5 Best 3Rd Rack Dishwashers

Tired of playing Tetris with your silverware after every meal? Does that overflowing utensil basket leave you wishing for more space in your dishwasher? You are not alone! Modern kitchens demand smart solutions, and the third rack dishwasher promises just that—extra room and better cleaning for all your small items. But navigating the market, with its confusing features and price tags, can feel overwhelming. How do you know which model truly delivers on its promise of extra capacity and sparkling results?

Choosing the right dishwasher with a third rack is a big decision. You want efficiency, quiet operation, and, most importantly, that coveted extra loading zone. This post cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a third rack useful, what features to look for, and how to match the perfect machine to your family’s needs without breaking the bank.

Keep reading to discover the secrets to maximizing your dishwashing power and finally ending the utensil-basket battle for good!

Top Dishwasher With 3Rd Rack Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher, 47 dB Library Quiet, Third Rack, Power Wash Sprayer, 12 Place Settings,

QUIET OPERATION: Library Quiet technology delivers peaceful dishwashing at just 47 dB noise level, perfect for open-concept homes
FLEXIBLE STORAGE: Adjustable third rack provides dedicated space for flatware and serving utensils, maximizing loading capacity
POWERFUL CLEANING: Three-sprayer system with specialized Power Wash sprayer delivers enhanced scrubbing for heavily soiled dishes
SMART SENSORS: Built-in soil sensors automatically adjust wash cycles for optimal cleaning performance and efficiency
CONVENIENCE FEATURES: 12 place setting capacity, 5 wash cycles, 4 options, and front touch controls for easy operation

Bestseller No. 2

Equator 24″ Built-In Dishwasher with 3rd Rack – Top Control, 15 Place Settings, 8 Wash Cycles, Energy Star, Quiet 51 dB in Silver

Effortless Cleanup- The dishwasher handles plates, glasses, and utensils - an all-in-one cleanup act. Perfect for 4 -6 person families.
Eight Versatile Wash Programs- Includes Auto Sensor, Light, Rinse, Fast 50, Normal, Delicate, Pots & Pans, and Heavy—tailored for every type of mess.
Large 15-Place Setting Capacity + Third Rack- Room for everything, even the carving knife, with a bonus top rack for flatware and odd-sized tools.
Ultra-Quiet Operation- The dishwasher runs at just 51 dB—it does its work without interrupting yours.
Dishwasher Connectable + Overflow Protection- Designed to integrate effortlessly and prevent leaks or backflow with built-in safety measures.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Kenmore 22-14605 24" Built-In Dishwasher - UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, SmartWash & EasyFlex Third Rack - 15 Place Settings - 45 DBA - ENERGY STAR Certified - 24" - Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel

UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: 3 pressurized spray arms clean dishes from every angle using fresh, filtered water. Accela Wash cleans fast when you're in a hurry. Sani Rinse option gets dishes seriously clean
SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. A dishwasher that gives the best clean for every load
EasyFlex Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: The removable EasyFlex third rack adds 35% more space for utensils and large tools. The MoreSpace Adjustable Rack lifts or lowers to make room for pots, pans, and tall items with ease
TurboDry for Dry Dishes: A built-in fan pulls moisture and warm air out of the dishwasher while a heating element boosts drying power. Even plastics come out dry and spot-free. Ditch the dish towel
Quiet Wash + Leak Protection: This dishwasher runs at just 45 dBA, with a QuietWash option for a whisper quiet cycle. Built-in Leak Detection senses and drains excess water to help stop damage before it starts

SaleBestseller No. 4

Sharp SDW6736MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher, Third Rack, Library Quiet 47 dB, Power Wash Sprayer

ADJUSTABLE THIRD RACK: Features a versatile top rack that slides right to left, creating extra space for flatware, serving utensils, and cooking tools
QUIET OPERATION: Library Quiet technology delivers peaceful dishwashing at just 47 dBA - perfect for open-concept homes and evening cleaning
WASH ZONES: Efficiently clean smaller loads using either rack while reducing water and energy usage for more sustainable operation
POWER WASH SPRAYER: Specialized third sprayer provides enhanced cleaning power for heavily soiled pots and pans
PREMIUM FEATURES: Includes stainless steel tub, top-touch controls, 6 wash cycles, 7 options, and heated dry capability for superior drying results

Bestseller No. 5

Kenmore 22-14632 24" Built-In Dishwasher - UltraWash Plus, SmartWash, Accela Wash, Sanitize Rinse, TurboDry, and Removable Third Rack - 15 Place Settings - 49 DBA - ENERGY STAR Certified - 24" - White

UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: 3 pressurized spray arms clean dishes from every angle using fresh, filtered water. SmartWash adjusts to the mess, while Sani Rinse option gets dishes seriously clean
Clean Dishes Faster: Accela Wash cycle in this dish washer cleans heavily soiled dishes quickly. Need an even faster clean? The Express Cycle gets a full load of dishes clean in just 50 minutes - great for back to back entertaining
TurboDry for Dry Dishes: A built-in fan pulls moisture and warm air out of the dish washer while a heating element boosts drying power. Even plastics come out dry and spot-free. Ditch the dish towel
Roomy Interior & Adjustable, Removable Rack: Fit up to 15 place settings or just a few items using the Half Load option. The MoreSpace Adjustable Upper Rack raises or lowers to make room for pots or stemware. Removable top-level 3rd rack for utensils
Quiet Wash + Leak Detection: This dishwasher runs at an ultra-quiet 49 dBA for minimal noise while running. Built-in Leak Detection senses and drains excess water to prevent damage before it starts

SaleBestseller No. 6

Kenmore Elite 24" Built-In Dishwasher - UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, QuietWash, SmartWash & TurboFlex Third Rack - 15 Place Settings - 42 DBA - ENERGY STAR Certified - Stainless Steel

UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: 3 pressurized spray arms clean dishes from every angle using fresh, filtered water. Accela Wash option cleans dishes if you're in a hurry. Sani Rinse option gets dishes seriously clean
SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. A dishwasher that gives the best clean for every load
TurboFlex Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: Get 35% more loading space for large utensils with the removable TurboFlex third rack. Need more height? Slide the trays aside to fit tall items in the middle rack. MoreSpace Plus Upper Rack adjusts to 3 heights
TurboDry for Dry Dishes: A built-in fan pulls moisture and warm air out of the dishwasher while a heating element boosts drying power. Even plastics come out dry and spot-free. Ditch the dish towel
Whisper-Quiet Wash + Smart Features: This elite dishwasher runs at just 42 dBA with a QuietWash option for a whisper quiet cycle. LED floor light tells you when it's running. Hidden touch controls and a sleek bar handle offer a streamlined look

SaleBestseller No. 7

Kenmore 24" Built-In Dishwasher - UltraWash Plus, EasyFlex Third Rack, TurboDry, SmartWash & Reach-Thru Handle - 15 Place Settings - 45 DBA - ENERGY STAR Certified - Stainless Steel

UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: 3 pressurized spray arms clean dishes from every angle using fresh, filtered water. Accela Wash option cleans dishes if you're in a hurry. Sani Rinse option gets dishes seriously clean
SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. Built in Leak Detection prevents damage before it starts
Flexible Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: The removable EasyFlex Third Rack adds 35% more loading space for large utensils, spatulas, and kitchen tools. Easily remove trays when you need more space below. Paired with the MoreSpace Adjustable Rack, its flexible loading made simple
TurboDry for Dry Dishes: A built-in fan pulls moisture and warm air out of the dishwasher while a heating element boosts drying power. Even plastics come out dry and spot-free. Ditch the dish towel
Whisper-Quiet Wash + Smart Features: This dishwasher runs at just 45 dBA, with a QuietWash option for a whisper quiet cycle. LED floor light tells you when cycle is running. Hidden touch controls & a sleek bar handle offer a modern, streamlined look

Bestseller No. 8

Kenmore 22-14699 Elite 24" Built-In Dishwasher - UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, QuietWash, SmartWash & TurboFlex Third Rack - 15 Place Settings - 42 DBA - ENERGY STAR Certified - 24" - Black

UltraWash Plus Power Cleaning: 3 pressurized spray arms clean dishes from every angle using fresh, filtered water. Accela Wash option cleans dishes if you're in a hurry. Sani Rinse option gets dishes seriously clean
SmartWash Adjusts to the Mess: Sensor technology detects soil levels and automatically adjusts the water temperature, pressure, and cycle time. A dishwasher that gives the best clean for every load
TurboFlex Third Rack + Adjustable Interior: Get 35% more loading space for large utensils with the removable TurboFlex third rack. Need more height? Slide the trays aside to fit tall items in the middle rack. MoreSpace Plus Upper Rack adjusts to 3 heights
TurboDry for Dry Dishes: A built-in fan pulls moisture and warm air out of the dishwasher while a heating element boosts drying power. Even plastics come out dry and spot-free. Ditch the dish towel
Whisper-Quiet Wash + Smart Features: This elite dishwasher runs at just 42 dBA with a QuietWash option for a whisper quiet cycle. LED floor light tells you when it's running. Hidden touch controls and a sleek bar handle offer a streamlined look

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Dishwashers with a Third Rack

A dishwasher with a third rack is a fantastic upgrade for your kitchen. This extra, shallow drawer sits at the very top. It gives you more room for silverware, small bowls, and even oddly shaped cooking tools. Choosing the right one means easier dishwashing for years. Let’s explore what makes a great third-rack dishwasher.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop, focus on these important features to get the best value and performance.

Adjustable Third Rack

Height Adjustment: Some racks move up or down. This lets you make space for tall items like wine glasses in the middle rack.
Dedicated Cutlery Slots: Look for flexible dividers. They keep your forks and spoons separated so water cleans them better.

Cleaning Power and Efficiency

Spray Arms: More spray arms mean better cleaning. A third rack often needs its own dedicated spray arm underneath it to clean the items well.
Soil Sensors: These sensors check how dirty your dishes are. They adjust water usage and temperature automatically. This saves water and energy.

Drying Technology

Heat Dry vs. Condensation Dry: Heated dry uses an element, which is fast but uses more energy. Condensation drying uses the heat from the wash cycle to evaporate water. It saves energy but might leave plastic slightly wet.

Important Materials Matter

The materials inside the dishwasher affect how long it lasts and how quiet it runs.

Tub Material

Stainless Steel Tub: This material is the best choice. It resists stains, handles high heat well, and helps keep the dishwasher quieter.
Plastic Tub: These are cheaper upfront. However, they do not retain heat as well for drying and can stain over time.

Racks and Baskets

Nylon or Vinyl Coating: Ensure the metal racks have a thick, smooth coating. This protects your dishes from scratches and rust.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Small details often separate a good dishwasher from a great one.

Noise Level (dB)

Lower is Better: Dishwashers are measured in decibels (dB). Look for models under 45 dB if you have an open-plan living area. Quieter operation usually means better insulation and stronger construction materials were used.

Third Rack Design and Usability

Ease of Loading: Pull the third rack out fully. Can you easily place items on it? If the rack feels flimsy or hard to slide, it will frustrate you daily.
Cutlery Basket Inclusion: Some models skip the traditional cutlery basket entirely, relying only on the third rack. Decide if you need both options available.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you use your kitchen every day. The third rack shines in specific situations.

Everyday Use

It handles the daily pile of spatulas, whisks, and measuring cups perfectly. You free up space in the main silverware basket for just knives and forks.

Entertaining

When hosting parties, you use many small appetizer plates or dessert bowls. These fit perfectly on the third rack, leaving the middle rack open for dinner plates.

Loading Flexibility

If you have many tall items, like mixing bowls, you can often fold down sections of the middle rack. Then, you use the third rack for flat items like coasters or lids. This flexibility improves capacity greatly.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Third-Rack Dishwashers

Q: Is a third rack worth the extra cost?

A: Yes, generally it is. It adds significant loading flexibility and capacity, especially for small, awkward items.

Q: Does the third rack clean silverware well?

A: Most modern models include a dedicated spray nozzle aimed directly at the third rack. If it has this feature, cleaning performance is usually excellent.

Q: How much height do I lose on the middle rack?

A: You lose a little height, usually about 2-3 inches near the top. Check the manual or specs for exact measurements if you often wash tall stemware.

Q: Can I still use a silverware basket if I have a third rack?

A: Many brands allow you to remove the traditional lower silverware basket if you prefer using the third rack for all utensils.

Q: Are third-rack dishwashers louder?

A: Not necessarily. Noise level depends on insulation and construction quality, not the presence of the third rack itself. Check the dB rating.

Q: What is the best material for the interior tub?

A: Stainless steel is considered the highest quality material for the tub.

Q: Do third racks always slide out easily?

A: High-quality models use smooth ball-bearing wheels that glide easily, even when the rack is loaded heavily.

Q: What should I do if my plastic items are still wet?

A: Plastic rarely dries well with condensation drying. Switch to a model with a dedicated fan assist or use a rinse aid to help water sheet off the plastic.

Q: Are third racks hard to clean?

A: No. You usually remove the entire rack and clean it by hand in the sink if needed, just like the other racks.

Q: Does the third rack take up too much space?

A: It takes up the space of one row of dishes. However, it replaces the need for a large silverware basket, often balancing out the space loss.