A third rack provides additional space for hard-to-fit items. Fortunately, some dishwashers can accommodate this valuable accessory.
Yes, you can add a third rack to a dishwasher. However, its design must be able to accommodate a third rack. Check the product manual for specific instructions to install one on your dishwasher. Some dishwashers come with a third rack while others may need to have one installed.
Keep reading if you’re wondering what a third rack is or why you might need one. We will help you find out if you can add a third rack to your dishwasher.
We’ll also look at how to install one in a compatible dishwasher.
How Do You Install a Third Rack In a Dishwasher?
Adding a third rack to your dishwasher is relatively easy. You can DIY or hire a professional to handle the task.
Follow this general step-by-step guide on how to install one in your dishwasher.
- Begin by detaching the upper rack and any cup holders. To do this, drag it out to full extension and lift once the rear wheels reach the rail’s front-end hooks.
But if you have a water wall type dishwasher, pull the upper rack out of the tub until you stretch it fully.
Then, extend the holder rails on the sides and drag the upper rack to the end of the holder rail to detach it. - Remove the upper rack rails by undoing the caps at the rear of the rail. Do so on both sides.
- Locate the tub slots and install the rack mounts. Secure them in place with the provided screws and a screwdriver.
Never use power tools. Do the same on the opposite side. - Slide the rails into the rackmount rollers and fix the caps at the back end. Ensure you don’t mix up the right and left rails.
- Pull both rails outwards.
- To attach the third rack, lift it upwards and fix the rear wheels behind the hooks on the front end of the rails.
Slide it inwards until the front roller is behind the hook on both sides. - Re-install the upper rack in a lower position if you’d like more space between the cutlery/ silverware tray and the top rack.
Ensure you fix the upper rack correctly. Otherwise, the door might not close all the way, causing the machine not to work.
Choosing not to return it may offer larger vertical space, but it may cause your appliance to work improperly.
The dishes and pots may bang against each other, producing unnecessary noise. You also run the risk of breakage.
The same procedure can help you remove the cutlery rack if you need more space on the upper rack for larger items.
Do You Lose or Gain Space With a Third Dishwasher Rack?
It may seem like the contrary, but a third rack actually increases the space in a dishwasher. But it comes down to how you arrange the racks within the tub.
Most third racks are designed so that users can adjust the middle rack to get greater loading flexibility with three different height levels.
Moving the upper rack up or down creates space in the middle and lower compartments for large bowls, pots, and serving dishes. Plastic lids, long-handled cutlery, tray ware, and oddly-shaped utensils can go on this extra tray.
However, doing away with the silverware basket will leave you with extra space for large or taller items such as tumblers and deep pots.
What’s the Purpose of the Third Dishwasher Rack?
A third rack allows you to maximize every zone in a dishwasher. This customizable addition provides extra space to place small utensils, cutlery, trays, and silverware.
Other than this, the third rack:
Provides More Space
A third rack is useful in supporting unconventional loads such as flatware, cutlery, and measuring cups.
It provides extra space for items that you would normally struggle to find a suitable place to put in a two-rack dishwasher.
Offers Greater Loading Capacity
The third rack provides increased loading capacity, relieving the bottom racks of overcrowding. It leaves more room for bigger dishes in the bottom compartments.
Longer and oddly-shaped items finally have a place of their own in the dishwasher.
Increases Convenience
Dishwashers with only two tiers are limited in what they can accommodate.
A third rack allows you to load more dishes without compromising cleanliness.
You don’t have to run multiple cycles just to clean trays, large plates, and serving spoons. A third rack saves you energy and time. It also reduces water use, which is good for the environment.
What Dishwasher Brands Can You Add a Third Rack To?
Manufacturers design their dishwashers complete with all slots that facilitate customization of the racks.
Unfortunately, this means if you need a third level, you must purchase a brand and model designed to support this extra tray. Some come already fixed in the dishwasher, but you have to purchase it as a separate accessory in others.
Then you install the third dishwasher rack by yourself. Check the product manual for specific installation instructions if you opt to DIY.
Continue reading to find out if your particular brand gets a notable mention below.
Can You Add a Third Rack to a Bosch Dishwasher?
Yes, you can. The third rack feature is available in most of Bosch’s dishwashers. It is included in the 100, 300, 500, 800 Series, and Benchmark lineup models.
Often referred to as the “MyWay Third Rack,” this removable silverware tray is available in three options.
Each design can hold versatile kitchenware, from long-stemmed wine glasses to whisks and even large utensils.
The 800 Series has the largest third rack in the market.
Can You Add a Third Rack to a Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Well, it depends on the model you own. The Whirlpool big-capacity dishwashers come with a third rack.
It has fantastic features to support the three levels without sacrificing the cleaning action.
These include:
- The second rack has simple, easy-to-find adjustments that allow you to move up and down, offering extra vertical room for tall items like the blender jug.
- They have a triple wash spray that adds more wash action to the load within.
Can You Add a Third Rack to a GE Dishwasher?
You certainly can. The third rack is an optional kit for some plastic and stainless tub models manufactured after 2018.
It provides an optional additional compartment to hold cooking utensils, cutlery, silverware, and other flat items.
Check your product handbook to see whether your model can accommodate a third rack. If the specs state “GPF3RACK” or “Cutlery Tray – Optional 3rd Rack,” it is compatible.
GE recommends fitting the upper rack in the lower position. The position guarantees more room between it and the installed third rack.
Can You Add a Third Rack to a Miele Dishwasher
Only G 7000 models have features that support the addition of a third rack. The customizable tray is highly flexible—you can adjust it in various ways to accommodate bowls and spoons.
The interior design of this lineup is unique in how it enhances capacity and functionality.
It removes all food deposits and dries the silverware thoroughly thanks to a 3D Multiflex tray that serves as a third rack.
Miele suggests the following steps for the best efficiency with a third rack installed:
- Adjust the upper rack’s height to accommodate large pots and serving dishes at the bottom.
- Remove the utensil basket from the bottom rack to make extra room. Instead, utilize the shallow upper rack specifically built for silverware.
Miele makes some of the quietest dishwashers in the market today, making it a popular choice for people willing to invest in their appliances.
Can You Add a Third Rack to a KitchenAid Dishwasher
KitchenAid has two model lines with third rack design features: The FreeFlex Third Rack dishwasher and Third Level Utensil Rack dishwashers.
All third racks are designed with a deep angle depression to hold small bowls, coffee mugs, and 6″ glasses.
To compensate for the extra load at the top, KitchenAid’s third rack models have rotating wash jets and an Advanced Clean Water Wash System.
They collaboratively circulate clean water to dishes in all three racks ensuring a thorough clean.
Can You Add a Third Rack to a Samsung Dishwasher
Unfortunately, not all Samsung dishwashers enable the addition of a third rack. On the other hand, those that do, offer a practical method of creating usable space in the dishwasher.
The third top rack is ideal for cooking spoons, small dishes, everyday cutlery, silverware, and more delicate and lighter dishware.
Can You Add a Third Rack to an LG Dishwasher
You can add a third rack to an LG dishwasher. In fact, most LG dishwashers include the third rack during purchase.
The height-adjustable rack is removable if extra height space on the second level of your LG dishwasher is required.
The rotating four spray arms guarantee that the dishes on all three levels get cleaned thoroughly, saving you time and resources that you would otherwise spend washing numerous loads.