Inevitably there will come a time when you want to put your biggest pots, pans, and serving dishes into the dishwasher to save yourself the hassle of cleaning those awkward to handle pieces by hand.
To be able to fit them in you would need to pull out the top rack, but is that okay to do?
Whether your dishwasher will run without the top rack depends on the make and model of your machine.
Running the dishwasher without the top rack is useful when you’re trying to fit large items into the dishwasher, but could also lead to decreased water pressure, resulting in inadequate cleaning. Bosch, Maytag, and Whirlpool machines can often be run without the upper rack installed, while some other units can be damaged, flooded, or prevented from starting.
More details on specific machines can be found below. Continue reading to learn more about when, why, and how your dishwasher can be used without the top rack attached to it.
What Is a Dishwasher’s Top Rack For?
A dishwasher’s top rack is designed for items such as mugs, glasses, and small bowls. Some dishwashers are also designed to hold utensils or cutlery on the top rack.
The top rack is useful for many things and can save you from handwashing a lot of items. Because of its positioning in the machine that is farther away from the heating element, many things that can’t go on the bottom rack can go on the top.
The heating element is used both in the heating of water and also in the drying cycle of the dishwashing process. Some newer models no longer use this type of process for drying, but many do and almost all older machines do as well.
Plastic dishes such as plates, bowls, cups, and utensils should be washed on the top rack. Placing them on the top rack prevents them from warping and becoming heat damaged.
Some items are marked “top rack only”. That is to signify to you that that particular item is made from a material that may become discolored or warped if placed on the bottom rack.
Reusable food containers and plastic to-go containers should be washed on the top rack. The same goes for if you use your dishwasher to wash zip-top bags for reuse.
Baby items such as bottles, nipples, and coated spoons can also usually be placed on the top rack of a dishwasher for cleaning. Just be sure to check your items for a dishwasher safe stamp first.
Can All Dishwashers Run Without Top Racks?
Not all dishwashers are designed to run without top racks. Brands and models vary, and how the machine disperses water plays a key role in whether or not your dishwasher can run without a top rack.
Dishwashers are typically designed to disperse water from both the top and bottom of the machine. Because of this design, many dishwashers are not operable without a top rack in place.
Damage to the dishwasher can happen if it is designed to run only with the top rack in place and the rack is removed. Removing the top rack in this type of machine may void your warranty.
Another issue that comes from removing the top rack in a machine not designed to run without it is flooding. Water damage to your floor, cabinets, and other appliances may be the result.
Can You Run a KitchenAid Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
Certain KitchenAid machines manufactured prior to 2019 do have removable top racks. Newer models have adjustable top racks, but the machine should not be run without the rack in place.
KitchenAid also offers dishwashers with a third rack at the very top of the machine that holds utensils and kitchen tools for cleaning.
Can You Run a Whirlpool Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
According to Whirlpool’s website, most of their dishwashers can be run with the upper rack removed.
Some models also feature an adjustable upper rack to accommodate larger dishes without removing the top rack. Third rack models are also available.
Can You Run a Frigidaire Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
According to Frigidaire’s customer service department, running their dishwashers without the top rack is not recommended. There is a spray arm attached to most of their top racks that aids in cleaning the dishes.
Can You Run a Samsung Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
A representative from Samsung states that while both the upper and lower racks can be removed in many models, it is not recommended.
The exception to this is if you follow the user manual instructions to insert the extra “spread nozzle”. While it is an option, they recommend that instead of this you simply adjust your upper rack to accommodate larger items on the bottom rack.
Can You Run a Bosch Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
Customer support at Bosch reports that their machines are able to run safely without the top rack in place. Many of their models also offer adjustable racks as well as a third rack option.
Can You Run a GE Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
Some models are listed as having removable upper racks and some are not. Very old machines (prior to 1993) had removable top racks.
GE does not recommend running their machines without the top rack in place.
Can You Run a LG Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
LG dishwashers feature adjustable top racks, but they should not be removed while in use. You have the option on many models to choose a lower rack or upper rack wash only.
Can You Run a Maytag Dishwasher Without the Top Rack?
According to their website, most Maytag dishwashers are able to operate without the top rack in place. This is a design feature they include to allow you to wash large and tall items.
Maytag recommends you refer to your Owner’s Manual for specific information about your machine and if the upper rack can be absent during use.
How Do You Remove the Top Rack on a Dishwasher?
The upper rack of dishwashers are typically connected with a track. The track allows the rack to come forward out of the machine for easy loading.
Each brand is different, but they all have similar ways of removing the rack from the top track. With your dishwasher open, pull the rack all the way out to the end of the track.
Check to see if your model has a locked-in wheel track. Some models may offer a lift-out system to remove the rack, but chances are you’ll have a few more steps to go.
Each side of the upper track has a plastic cap at the front of the rail. Depending on age and model there are a few different ways to remove these.
In older models, by hand or with a screwdriver, push the bottom or side peg on the cap from behind until it comes off. If it seems to be resisting, don’t push too hard as you may break the cap. Try going from a different angle until you achieve success.
Newer models may have an easy release tab that you can press or squeeze to release the cap.
This video offers a few different cap styles and how to remove them:
The rails may also have a set of track stops. This prevents the rack from sliding out of the end of the track.
These will engage when the rack is pulled all the way out. You will see them located toward the back of your machine.
These need to get flipped open to release the front wheels. Pull the rack forward and out of the track. Once the back wheels are at the front, gently lift.
Not all models have removable top racks and exact techniques to remove them vary. Whenever possible, consult your Owner’s Manual or research your specific brand and model before attempting to remove the rack.
Are Dishwasher Racks Interchangeable?
While dishwasher racks can be interchangeable, they are not universal. Dishwashers come in a variety of sizes and configurations, so their racks are going to vary.
You will usually find dishwashers in three sizes;
- Small
- Medium
- Large
These are 18 inches, 22 inches, and 24 inches respectively.
Because lower racks are made to accommodate many various dishes and utensils they are fairly easy to exchange between machines.
Top racks are a more specialized item and don’t always interchange easily. If you are looking to replace your upper rack, manufacturers recommend you find one made for your specific make and model.