Dishwashers are an essential part of a modern kitchen. When considering all the appliances you need in your kitchen, you must include a dishwasher. This not only completes the kitchen but also makes cleaning much more manageable.
The best way to find the right size dishwasher for your home is to take measurements. The three main types of in-built dishwashers vary in size. This means you have to measure the height, width, and depth of the cabinet opening in your kitchen to find the right one.
Generally, a compact 18-inch dishwasher is enough for a small 3-person family, a standard 24-inch dishwasher is suitable for larger 5-6 person families, and an oversized 30-42 inch dishwasher is good for families of more than 7 people.
This article looks at the different dishwashers you’ll come across. Each is suited for a specific type of kitchen setting. Read through and take some measurements to see which is the best for you.
How Do You Know What Size Dishwasher You Need?
When it’s time to buy a new dishwasher, it’s prudent to know which size you need before you go and get one. Three significant factors determine dishwasher sizes, that is:
- Your Budget
- Your Kitchen Size
- Size of the Cabinet Opening
- Your Family Size
You must consider these three factors as you plan on purchasing a new unit for your home. Typically, dishwasher sizes are determined by the unit’s width but not the depth. Many units have a similar height, so you need to consider the width.
The average width of a dishwasher ranges from 18 inches to 42 inches. But, the standard size for most families is the 24-inch dishwasher. It’s a unit with 14 place settings and suits a family of three to four members. But, you have to find out if this size will fit into the opening in your kitchen.
Still, this is simply an average for the family. If it’s possible to get a more extensive and more efficient dishwasher, that’s okay. Consider the budget and size of your kitchen when you go shopping for the dishwasher. There are even compact dishwashers with a width of 18 inches that suit a small kitchen.
On the other hand, you can always get a portable dishwasher that frees you from the need to measure the cabinet opening. A portable dishwasher can stand anywhere in the kitchen where you have enough space to set it up. All you need is the proper hookup, and you’re good to go.
Another option is a budget-friendly countertop dishwasher. This dishwasher suits a small kitchen, possibly in a studio apartment where you don’t have lots of space. The smaller dishwasher fits nicely on a countertop and is quite budget-friendly.
Different Dishwasher Sizes and Who They’re Suitable For
| Dishwasher Size | Load Capacity | Family Size |
| Compact | 6 to 8 place settings | 3 people |
| Standard | 12 to 14 place settings | 5 to 6 people |
| Oversized | 15 place settings | More than 7 people |
As mentioned above, there’s no limit to which dishwasher you can get. But, you have to consider factors like the cabinet size, the kitchen’s overall size, and the amount you have to spend.
While there are other options like the countertop and portable dishwashers, let’s focus on built-in dishwashers.
There’s always a space between the cabinets in a general kitchen where different appliances will go. One of these appliances is a built-in dishwasher. The dishwasher size that you need to get depends on the width of the cabinet opening.
Often, many kitchens setups leave space for a 24 inches deep dishwasher. This is the standard depth of many dishwashers, so the width is the determining factor.
Dishwashers vary in terms of width and can be categorized into three main sizes:
1. Compact Dishwashers
These are dishwashers with a width of 18 inches.
2. Standard Dishwashers
These are dishwashers with a width of 24 inches.
3. Oversized Dishwashers
These are dishwashers with a width ranging from 30 to 42 inches.
The sizes are similar to the width of the cabinet space left open for a dishwasher. Typically, the actual unit is a few inches smaller to allow easy movement. If the dishwasher fits perfectly, it might be hard to install or remove it when it needs repair.
In many kitchens, you’ll come across the standard dishwasher, the most common. This is what you find in a house that you buy or an apartment you rent. But, if you ever need to replace the existing unit, it’s better to take measurements of the cabinet opening before buying another unit.
While these are the primary measurements to consider when getting a new dishwasher, there are other factors you should consider. The depth of the dishwasher is also crucial. Some units are quite long and require a deeper depth to fit.
If the depth in the cabinet opening is smaller, the dishwasher will protrude outward. The best thing to do is also measure the depth of the dishwasher opening before you buy a unit. That way, you can know if to expect a protruding unit or not when you get a new one.
In addition, other features like towel bars and handlebars are crucial to consider. This is important, especially in a smaller kitchen where you have to squeeze in and out. In such cases, you might want to opt for a dishwasher with a top control so that you have a clear exterior.
How to Measure a Dishwasher for Proper Installation
When you want to purchase a new dishwasher, you have to get the right measurements. That way, you won’t come home with a bigger or smaller unit than the cabinet space. It helps you find a suitable dishwasher.
Start by measuring the width of the cabinet opening where the dishwasher will go. Place a tape measure on one end and stretch it to the other end of the space. Measure the width opening at the top and repeat the same at the bottom.
Next, measure the height of the cabinet opening. Place a tape measure at the top of the space and stretch it to the bottom. Make sure you measure the cabinet opening height on the right and left sides and note the readings you get.
Lastly, measure the depth of the cabinet opening where the dishwasher will enter. Place a tape measure at the beginning of the space and stretch it to the back. Do the same for the top and bottom of the opening on the right and left sides.
When you have written down all the measurements, note the smallest. This is in terms of width, height, and depth. The measurements you come up with will determine the right size dishwasher to get for your home.
What Dishwasher Capacity Do I Need?
Dishwasher measurements matter when you consider the exterior as well as the interior. When you finalize the exterior measurements, consider the load capacity you need. A typical dishwasher has racks and layouts where you place your dishes.
In addition, there are other features to consider when choosing the right unit for your home. Each dishwasher will have a clear indication of the place settings. This is what you use to consider the capacity.
On average, the standard dishwasher, the most popular, holds 10 to 12 place settings.
But, what is a place setting?
The place setting is a huge determining factor in understanding dishwasher capacity. On average, one dishwasher place setting comprises of:
- 1 Knife
- 2 Teaspoons
- 1 Large dinner plate
- 1 Dinner fork
- 1 Bread and butter plate
- 1 Salad fork
- 1 Saucer
- 1 Drinking glass
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Coffee cup
While place setting determines the dishwasher capacity, consider how you load it. You have to arrange the dishes correctly for the dishwasher to handle the load capacity. It’s best to master how to load a dishwasher if you want to use it efficiently.
Certain features work to your advantage in terms of loading capacity. They include:
1. Adjustable Tines and Racks
It can handle more items with adjustable tines and racks in your dishwasher. This works well when you clean items that don’t have the normal shape. You can fit this item in the dishwasher and other items by adjusting the tines.
The tines are easy to pull out or fold when you need to do so. The same also applies when you need to clean smaller than average items.
2. Third Racks
The standard dishwasher has two racks. But, some come with a third rack that works to your advantage. This rack will make loading more items into the unit per cycle easier. Check out which third rack model suits the dishwasher you want to buy.
For instance, you can opt for a slimmer third rack for your dishwasher. Often, this is the best rack to hold more items that you use to serve together with pots and pans. As for larger thirds racks, you can use them to fit in more plates and cups. Thirds racks are perfect if you have a large family.
3. Longer Racks
When you check the standard dishwasher, you’ll notice a difference in rack height. At the top is a shorter rack that suits cups, plates, and similar items. At the bottom is a longer rack for pots, pans, and bigger dishes.
It’s better to find a dishwasher with a top rack that’s longer if you have more pots, pans, and big dishes.
Conclusion
The average kitchen goes for a standard dishwasher. But, you can always get a bigger or smaller one. All you need to do is note the measurements of the cabinet opening before you make a purchase.
Also, consider if you want an in-built unit, a countertop, or a portable on