Dishwashing may be the same job it always has been, but modern dishwashers have changed how we get that job done, and that alone makes dishwashers one of the most useful appliances in the home. Through the years, dishwashers have undergone several new developments, but the addition of a third rack has become one of the most valuable add-ons, providing greater dish loading flexibility for the ability to run larger loads in a single cycle. For you, that means better energy efficiency, fewer loads to wash, and the versatility to rearrange dishes according to the type of cookware, dinnerware, and utensils needed for cleaning.
But is a third-rack dishwasher a necessity in the 21st century kitchen? Learn more about the benefits these products provide in this quick buying guide on dishwasher third racks.
Unlock Pro Tips: Grand Appliance’s Complete Dishwasher Buying Guide
How Many Dishes Can a Dishwasher Fit?
First, let’s break down the anatomy of a dishwasher. Every dishwasher has a place setting number that can range from a modest eight place settings on compact dishwashers and anywhere between 12–16 place settings on full-size built-in dishwasher models. Simply put, a single place setting is comprised of all the dishware, cutlery, and glasses required for a single person to enjoy a three-course meal.
A single place setting includes a:
- Large dinner plate
- Smaller plate
- Bowl and saucer
- Mug
- Drinking glass
- 4-piece cutlery set
The Benefits of a Third Rack
With that in mind, it’s important to be able to use every zone in a dishwasher to its maximum. In the case of a standard dishwasher, the addition of a silverware basket located on the bottom rack that can take up valuable space for larger platters. However, with a third rack instead, users are able to utilize every inch of bottom rack space while also getting a superior clean for silverware (which can be notoriously hard to clean).
But a third rack isn’t limited to just cutlery. Depending on the model and price range (we’ll discuss that more in the following point!), third-rack dishwashers can even provide supplementary room to fit shallow bowls, lids, awkward-shaped utensils, and miscellaneous kitchen tools. The flat profile also means sharp objects lie flat, not upward, providing an overall safer user experience.
Types of Third Racks
When innovation is a success, variations on the design are sure to follow. In the case of a dishwasher third rack, shoppers will find a variety of design options from simple to state-of-the-art.
Flat Racks – This is the dishwasher third rack prototype which has a completely flat profile and non-adjustable tines. This is the most affordable third-rack dishwasher design and can be found readily throughout the Frigidaire, GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool dishwasher catalog.
Adjustable Third Rack – The upgrade to an adjustable dishwasher third rack means accessing even more ways to arrange dishes for a single cycle. Depending on the brand and model, functions may include height adjustment, fold-down tines, and expandable panels. These high-end features are can be found on select dishwashers from brands like LG, Bosch, KitchenAid, and Miele.
Take a look at the freedom that premium adjustable third racks provide with these two dishwasher models from the makers at Bosch and KitchenAid.
Compare Before You Buy: Bosch vs. KitchenAid Dishwasher Review
Bosch appliances showcase the power of German engineering, and shoppers can experience that high-end craftsmanship with three unique third rack designs. Across the lineup, exclusives such Bosch’s RackMatic adjustable middle rack and FlexSpace tines accommodate more dishes on the main racks. Additional space is created with the addition of a flexible 3rd Rack with fold-down tines, while Bosch’s MyWay Rack system provides the largest third rack space from the brand with enough capacity to comfortably hold cereal bowls without compromising space on the main racks.
Only KitchenAid has the industry’s largest third rack system, FreeFlex, with 30 percent more loading room to hold six-inch glasses, mugs, and meal prep bowls. The extra capacity makes it even easier to wash larger items below, including pans, pots, and even blender jars. KitchenAid’s FreeFlex also uses a series of local spray jets to ensure items placed above receive the same premium dish care as those washed below.
Final Takeaway
Third-rack dishwashers are versatile cleaning appliances that help streamline meal cleanup with greater efficiency. While higher-end models loaded with features may cost more, there are still plenty of affordable dishwashers that offer the benefits of a third rack to shoppers of every budget. To explore your options, make sure to shop Grand Appliance and TV, the Upper Midwest’s top independent appliance supplier in Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Illinois, and Iowa.
Discover more online, by phone at (888)-396-8165, or at an appliance showroom near you, including locations in Milwaukee, Green Bay Indianapolis, and Chicago.
Learn More:
- The Benefits of a Stainless-Steel Dishwasher Tub
- Explore These Dishwasher Brands that Dry Best
- Discover More on KitchenAid FreeFlex Rack