Dishwashers 3 racks: 8 Best Third-rack Dishwashers of 2023

Jul 17, 2023 alexxlab

8 Best Third-rack Dishwashers of 2023

Written by Mark Brezinski, Jonathan Chan, and Julia MacDougall

Updated November 16, 2022

The best third-rack dishwashers vastly improve the cleaning experience by better using the limited real estate inside dishwashers.

These sliding trays are mainly for silverware and larger utensils, such as ladles and spatulas, but some third racks can also fit smaller bowls and ramekins. Using a third rack also frees up space on the bottom rack by reducing or eliminating the need for a bulky cutlery basket.

In the nearly 15 years we’ve been testing dishwashers here at Reviewed, we’ve found that one of the most important factors in the best dishwashers is usability, something that a third rack adds.

After testing the best third-rack dishwashers on the market, the Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP
(available at Abt for $1,749.00)

was our favorite because it can fit both utensils and larger items on its top rack, which also can be minimized so you can wash taller items on the second rack.

While the G 5266 is expensive, our list also has third-rack dishwashers that will fit most other budgets. Here are our the best third-rack dishwashers we tested:

Credit:
Miele

Best Overall

Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP

The Miele G 5266 SCVi SF dishwasher’s third rack can accommodate both utensils and larger items, such as ladles. Additionally, it can slide its left half under itself, making more room for taller dishes on the upper rack, which is also adjustable. The upper rack can be tilted at an angle to help with loading and unloading, as well.

As far as cleaning, this dishwasher delivered nearly spotless dishes during testing, with no redeposit. Its Normal cycle also is nearly 30 minutes faster than average.

Except for its premium price, there’s a lot to love about the G 5266, a great high-end dishwasher that does an excellent job cleaning, has a sleek design, and great functionality.

Other Third-Rack Dishwashers We Tested

Bosch SGX78B55UC

The Bosch 800 Series SGX78B55UC/13 has the extras you expect in a high-end dishwasher, including a traditional third rack that fits oversized utensils.

The SGX78B55UC/13, which has strong cleaning abilities, is ADA-compliant, meaning that it has enhanced accessibility features. It is a bit smaller, which is something to be aware of if your kitchen cabinetry is designed for a standard-sized dishwasher.

Overall, this is an excellent dishwasher that adds ADA accessibility features without sacrificing performance found in other Bosch 800 series models, including the CrystalDry technology, which left dishes perfectly dry during testing.

Bosch SHPM88Z75N

The Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N features a MyWay third rack, which fits utensils, ladles, and small bowls. This dishwasher’s upper rack also adds versatility—it can be adjusted to three heights and even can accommodate vases without issue.

This dishwasher excels at washing dishes. Also, like other models in the 800 series, the SHPM88Z75N features Bosch’s CrystalDry technology, which uses zeolite to dry your dishes.

With a sound rating of 40 dBA, the SHPM88Z75N is what we expect from a Bosch dishwasher: quiet, efficient, and stylish.

Samsung DW80R9950UT

The Samsung DW80R9950UT has it all, including a customizable third rack and adjustable tines on the upper and lower racks so you can fit oddly-shaped dishes in the dishwasher.

In addition to adjustable height, this dishwasher’s third rack has a column at its center that can be lowered for oversized utensils. While we like the third rack’s overall build quality, we didn’t like that it could wobble while sliding on its rails.

This dishwasher has top-notch cleaning abilities, with Normal, Quick, and Heavy cycle options all able to remove more than 97% of food stains during our testing. The DW80R9950UT also has minimal redeposit and near-perfect drying.

If you’re looking for a user-friendly dishwasher loaded with features, it’s worth considering the DW80R9950UT.

Bosch SHPM65Z55N

The Bosch 500 series SHPM65Z55N dishwasher’s third rack is designed so that the bottom edges of its sides can be lowered to make space for deeper bowls.

This dishwasher’s other racks also add functionality—both have tines that can flip down, and the middle rack has wine glass holders that can be reoriented—so you’ll be able to wash many different sizes and types of dishes. And you’ll be able to hold on a conversation while this dishwasher is running, because the SHPM65Z55N is whisper-quiet.

While this Bosch’s cycles are on the longer side, the cleaning results are worth the wait. It blasted through our test food stains during the Normal cycle and removed nearly all of them on Heavy. The Auto Air function, which opens the dishwasher door after a cycle has ended, also is effective at drying dishes.

If you want a Bosch dishwasher but don’t have the budget for a dishwasher in the 800 series, the Bosch 500 series SHPM65Z55N is a great option.

Bosch SHSM63W55N

The Bosch 300 Series SHSM63W55N dishwasher has a third rack, adjustable upper rack, and foldable tines, and it delivers the cleaning prowess, design, and quiet operation the brand is known for.

During testing, the SHSM63W55N removed nearly all of our food stains during testing of its Heavy cycle, and while this 300 Series dishwasher isn’t as quiet as some other models, it’s worth every cent.

KitchenAid KDTM404KPS

The KitchenAid KDTM404KPS dishwasher’s third rack is one of the deepest we’ve ever tested. In addition to a divot that can hold small bowls, cups, and mugs, it also has rotating spray jets to make sure everything gets clean.

In part because of the third rack, this dishwasher can fit more up to 16 place settings, making it a great option for big families. The KDTM404KPS does an excellent job cleaning dishes on its Normal and Tough cycles, and it’s quiet too, with a sound rating of 44 dBA.

Cons

Slow cycles

Café CDT875M5NS5

The GE Café CDT875M5NS5, a beautiful high-end dishwasher, has a third rack that will fit oversized utensils and silverware.

There’s a lot to love about this dishwasher, including overall cleaning ability, but the CDT875M5NS5 did struggle with the most stubborn stains during testing. Given its price, the inconsistency is a concern.

The CDT875M5NS5 is beautifully designed, does a good job drying dishes, and has the features you’d expect in a high-end dishwasher.

How We Tested Third-Rack Dishwashers

Credit:
Reviewed

We test a dishwasher’s Quick, Heavy, and Normal cycles by challenging them to clean dishes with baked-on food stains—milk, spinach, egg, oatmeal, meat, and more.

There are three major parts of the dishwasher experience—performance, features, and usability. During our testing, we focus on those factors to find which dishwashers offer good value and which should be avoided.

Performance factors include stain removal, redeposit, cycle length, and drying. To assess stain removal powers, we test each dishwasher on three cycles—Normal, Quick, and Heavy—to see how they clean dishes with food baked on. When testing, we don’t pre-rinse dishes, either.

Dishwashers need to be able to wash and dry dishes, which is why penalize models when any dish comes out wet. We also take note of redeposit, when food debris from one dish gets stuck on another, and how long wash cycles take.

Features and usability go hand-in-hand. A third rack offers you the advantage of having somewhere to stow serving spoons, long knives, skewers, and other kitchen utensils that don’t fit in a dishwasher’s cutlery basket or can potentially fall out of the upper rack—no one wants a chef’s knife impaling their foot. It should slide smoothly and allow for an optimum wash.

What You Should Know About Dishwashers With Third Racks

What is the Third Rack in a Dishwasher for?

Third racks allow people to more efficiently use the vertical space in their dishwashers by fitting items above the upper rack, including silverware and oversized utensils.

Most third racks also can accommodate smaller bowls and ramekins. By washing utensils in the third rack, you can create more usable space on the bottom rack for dishwasher-safe pots and pans, as the third rack often reduces the need for a cutlery basket.

In general, third racks are not best for heavily soiled dishes, as they typically don’t have spray jets and rely on water from the washing arms at the bottom of the appliance.

How to Load a Third Rack Dishwasher

Most of the dishwashers with third racks that we reviewed have dedicated spots for silverware that prevent “nesting.”

When loading your dishwasher, oversized utensils, such as mixing spoons, spatulas, and ladles, can be placed in a single layer on flat portions of a third rack.

If your third rack has tines for cups and small bowls, be sure to not overload the tray.

Is a Third Rack in a Dishwasher Worth it?

Until recently, a third rack was a premium feature only available on high-end dishwashers. Now, they’re more frequently seen in less expensive models. Third racks make good use of a dishwasher’s space.

Although third racks are more common, you may have to pay more money for a dishwasher that has one.

Meet the testers

Mark Brezinski

Senior Writer

@markbrezinski

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

See all of Mark Brezinski’s reviews

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it’s likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company’s efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he’s a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he’s plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

See all of Jonathan Chan’s reviews

Julia MacDougall

Senior Scientist

@reviewed

Julia is the Senior Scientist at Reviewed, which means that she oversees (and continually updates) the testing of products in Reviewed’s core categories such as televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, and more. She also determines the testing methods and standards for Reviewed’s “The Best Right Now” articles.

See all of Julia MacDougall’s reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you’re confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we’ll compare notes.

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3rd Rack Dishwashers – Large Capacity Dishwashers With 3 Racks

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Model: WDTA80SAK

Models: WDT750SAK, WDTA50SAK

Drinking glasses
and snack bowls

Blender jar
for smoothies

Baking sheets
for nachos

Breakfast bowls
and mugs

Tall water
bottles

Dinner plates and
serving dishes

Measuring spoons
and spatulas

Medium mixing bowl and
large measuring cup

Cooling racks and
large mixing bowl

3rd Rack

Easy loading for hard-to-fit utensils like tongs or even measuring cups and spoons.

3rd Rack with Extra Wash Action

This rack provides targeted cleaning for bowls, mugs and utensils that you’d normally load in the lower racks, making extra space for the rest of the day’s dishes.

Triple Wash Spray

With wash sprays covering every rack, each dish gets the clean it needs.

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How to choose a dishwasher?

June 11, 2018

Dishwasher

Today we will try to clarify your ideas about dishwashers and after reading this article, you can consider yourself, if not a professional, then at least an expert in this matter.

To begin with, a few terms that we will use in the course of the article:
PMM – dishwasher
SET OF DISHES forks.

What are dishwashers like?

In the field of household appliances, all washing machines are conditionally divided into 2 categories:

Free-standing – (we call them SOLO appliances). These are devices that are externally designed in such a way that they do not require installation in any cabinet, they do not need (and it is not possible) to hang furniture facades on them. You just put them in any place convenient for you and use.

Built-in – these are devices designed for “hidden” installation in furniture. They do not have a top cover (it is completely unnecessary, the device is closed from above by a countertop), and the outer side of the door has technological holes for attaching facades. In 95%, manufacturers produce fully built-in PMM (the control panel is hidden at the end of the door, it can only be seen by opening the machine), but partially built-in PMM are rare (the control panel is located on the front of the door). Be careful! The second option assumes that the furniture facade, which will be attached to the PMM, should be smaller by the size of the control panel.

Freestanding, partially built-in and built-in dishwashers.

What are the dishwasher sizes?

Everything is simple here. There are only three of them, regardless of the essence (solo or built-in).

Compact (desktop) – they, in turn, are solo or built-in. Solo models are designed for 2 – 4 – 6 sets of dishes and have dimensions in parameters (W * D * H) 42 * 43 * 43 cm or 55 * 50 * 44 cm. parameters (W*D*H) 60*50*60 cm. ATTENTION!!! Sizes may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Compact 2 and 6 place dishwashers.

Narrow – 45 cm wide, usually designed for 9 – 10 place settings. Suitable for a family of 1-3 people, which is not disposed to frequent gatherings with friends. They have dimensions (W*D*H) 45*60*82 or 85 cm.

Wide – 60 cm wide, usually designed for 12 – 13 place settings. Designed for large families from 4 people, and also suitable for those who like to cook and receive guests. In addition, you can easily place multiple pots, pans and baking sheets in this machine than in a 45 cm appliance. And the water consumption, with an unequal load (when compared with 45 cm machines) will be the same. They have dimensions (W*D*H) 60*60*82 or 85 cm.

What colors are the dishwashers?

99% of the dishwashers produced are white. You rarely come across free-standing PMMs in silver or other colors (for example, the Smeg color RETRO line).

Freestanding dishwashers lime / sky blue / pink / red.

What should I look for when choosing a dishwasher?

1. The number of sets that holds PMM

It is believed that for a family of 2 people a small model with a capacity of 5 – 6 sets will be enough, for a family of 4 people a device with a capacity of 8 – 10 sets will be required.

Practice shows, if possible, take more. Still not enough. Start washing pots, pans, pans and other “grains”. Places will always be sorely lacking.

2. Number of baskets in PMM and their mobility

Standard equipment – 2 baskets for dishes and 1 tray for cutlery. There are machines with 3 baskets (2 for dishes, 1 topmost for cutlery). There are options with a large number of baskets (but this is the exception rather than the rule).

Built-in dishwashers with two, term and four levels.

How many baskets to choose is up to you. It is important in this case that the baskets must be mobile. Fully retractable, removable, height-adjustable (top basket), dividers inside for cups, glasses, etc., which can be folded and adjusted to suit your needs.

3. The number of programs and their “quality” just for you
On average, most manufacturers produce PMM with a program range of 3 to 8 programs. In addition, you can choose not only the program, but also the temperature regime (creating your own parameters for each wash).

Let’s put it this way from our practice…. Important, the presence of the express program (sometimes you just need to rinse the dishes, but there is no time for a long program), the presence of the delicate washing program (if you wash fragile items, such as glasses, porcelain) or at least the ability to program the water temperature yourself , as well as the presence of programs for heavily soiled dishes . All other programs – economy, pre-soak, hygiene, etc. – it’s all up to you.

4. Possibility to use 3B1 (dishwasher tablets)

Now almost all dishwashers have this option, but it is better to check this item before purchasing. There are surprises.

5. Number of water supply zones

Based on the general rules that manufacturers use, there are 2 such zones. Some models have 3 zones. There are manufacturers with 7 – 11 water supply zones, but this is extremely rare. Why is it important? Yes, simply because the more feeding zones, the cleaner the dishes at the exit.

Asko dishwashers have 7 to 11 water zones. Therefore, the result of washing is always obvious!

6. Availability of the “Beam on the floor” function

A good option for fully built-in PMM. It works simply – after starting the program, a red beam is projected onto the floor (this means that the machine has started the program). After the end of the program, the beam either goes out or turns green. You can always (without listening to the PMM) understand whether the machine is running or has finished its work.

A red beam is projected onto the floor during operation of the dishwasher. Rarely, the rays come in other colors – blue, green or red (such rays indicate different stages of the device). It is also possible to project not just a beam, but a timer.

7. Availability of forced drying or automatic door opening at the end of the program

In principle, one way or another, all machines dry dishes. The only question is how well and quickly it happens. The bulk of the PMM have condensation drying. With it, the dishes are doused with hot water at the end of the cycle. Moisture simply evaporates from the surface of clean dishes, then condenses on the walls of the chamber, and then flows down the drain. This process is not fast and not always with a good result. If you hesitated and did not open the door in time, you are guaranteed drops on the dishes.

In addition to condensation drying, there is an intensive drying. In this case, ordinary air is pumped into the dish chamber. Moisture condenses and then goes to the bottom of the chamber. Fans may not be used, then holes are made on the machine body for the passage of air. Due to the difference in temperature inside and outside the chamber, air circulates, accelerating the drying of dishes.

Well, the top of progress is turbo drying. The chamber contains a heating element, which is blown by a fan. As a result, the chamber is filled with hot air, which quickly dries the dishes.

And a new feature for 2020 – automatic door opening at the end of the program. The door will open 10-15 cm at the end of the washing program – this will allow hot air to escape and prevent condensation.

8. Delay start function

What can this give us? First of all, energy savings. Nightly rates for kWh are cheaper, and it’s not interesting for anyone to wait all evening for the “X” hour to turn on the PMM. With this function, you load the car, set the timer and go to watch football or your favorite series, you can sleep, go to a night party … .. yes, you never know how to spend the evening.

9. Water and electricity consumption

This is relevant in our time. Tariffs bite. Class A, A +, A ++ cars are considered super economical in terms of water and electricity consumption. On average, they spend from 9 to 12 liters per wash. Class B and C machines allow up to 15 liters, D and E up to 20 liters.

10. Noise level

Recall that the noise level of 20 – 30 dB is harmless to humans, 40 dB – corresponds to the hygienic standard, from 80 dB – is the maximum permissible.

11. Pleasant little things – protection against leaks

All manufacturers can call it differently, the main thing is that it be.

Does the country of assembly of dishwashers matter?

This question is up to you to decide. The fact is that the current economic situation in our country (since 2014) is forcing manufacturers to reduce production costs so that the devices are available to the consumer. One of the important points of cost reduction is the country of production. Therefore, at the moment, more than 50% of all PMM are produced in China, another 40% in Poland, Turkey, Slovenia, and only a small% are other European countries. In any case, the manufacturer (also striving to reduce costs) is not ready to spend money on repairs and warranty service of devices, therefore he is “forced” to monitor the quality.

What other rules are there for dishwashers?

We think that many of those who have already used this miracle device will boldly give their recommendations. BUT, we still decided to voice some of them.

Before loading the PMM, clean the dishes from food residues. (Unless you have an Asko dishwasher with SCS+ self-cleaning function).

Try to load as little plastic as possible. Firstly, not all plastic can “endure” high temperatures. Secondly, be prepared that the quality of drying will decrease significantly. Drops on dishes are guaranteed. (Unless your dishwasher has a program for washing plastic, like Asko dishwashers models DFI633B.P, DFI644G.P, DFI655G.P).

Crystal glasses are NOT washed in PMM, vases, salad bowls (subject to thick walls) are possible, but carefully and at low temperatures. Crystal does not like hot water. There are a number of manufacturers that have solved this problem, but they are few (for example, Asko).

Tableware with a decorative pattern, gold or silver piping is NOT recommended to be washed in PMM. Over time, the pattern may fade and generally “evaporate” from the dishes.

No aluminum. Aluminum is a fairly active metal that reacts with many substances and even with water, under certain conditions. Such conditions are created inside the dishwasher. On the surface of this metal there is a dense oxide film, which dissolves well with alkalis. Many dishwasher detergents contain alkalis, thanks to which the dishes are washed without physical impact. So, under the action of alkali in hot water, an oxide film is removed from the surface of aluminum dishes. As a result, aluminum gets the opportunity to react with water, which leads to the destruction of the aluminum itself and the appearance of a dark coating on its surface. If the dishes are exposed to such an effect for a long time, then it will not only be dark, but will also begin to collapse. Some note that after washing the dishes at 35 degrees, nothing happened at all, but we warn you again, after several such washes, the dishes will still darken and possibly forever.

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Dishwasher
DFI676GXXL/1

Loading: 17 pcs.

Number of baskets: 4

Upper basket type: Exclusive: nylon coated steel basket, foldable holders, split/foldable wine glass holders, Light Lock™ 9 plastic dish holders0025
Size: XXL, height 860 mm

Turbo Combi Drying

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Fully recessed

Design line: Style

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MSRP: $187,900.00

*The indicated price is not a fixed or minimum price

Dishwasher
DFI645MB/1

Loading: 14 pcs.

Number of baskets: 3

Upper basket type: Exclusive: nylon coated steel basket, foldable holders, split/foldable wine glass holders, Light Lock™ 9 plastic dish holders0025
Size: XL, 820 mm

Turbo Combi Drying

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Fully recessed

Design line: Style

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MSRP: $159,900. 00

*The indicated price is not a fixed or minimum price

Dishwasher
DFI444B/1

Loading: 14 pcs.

Number of baskets: 3

Top basket type: Premium: nylon coated steel basket, fixed holders and foldable wine glass holders

Size: XL, 820 mm

Turbo Combi Drying

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Fully recessed

Design line: Logic

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MSRP: $109,900.00

*The indicated price is not a fixed or minimum price

Dishwasher
DFI433B/1

Loading: 13 pcs.

Number of baskets: 2

Top basket type: Premium: nylon coated steel basket, fixed holders and foldable wine glass holders

Size: XL, 820 mm

Turbo Combi Drying

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Fully recessed

Design line: Logic

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MSRP: $99,900.00

*The indicated price is not a fixed or minimum price

Dishwasher
DSD644B/1

Loading: 14 pcs.

Number of baskets: 3

Top basket type: Premium: nylon coated steel basket, fixed holders and foldable wine glass holders

Size: XL, 820 mm

Residual heat

Auto Door Open Drying™

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Fully recessed

Design line: Style

Compare

Save

MSRP: $129,900. 00

*The indicated price is not a fixed or minimum price

Dishwasher
DFI644B/1

Loading: 14 pcs.

Number of baskets: 3

Top basket type: Premium: nylon coated steel basket, fixed holders and foldable wine glass holders

Size: XL, 820 mm

Turbo Combi Drying

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Fully recessed

Design line: Style

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MSRP: $129,900.00

*The indicated price is not a fixed or minimum price

Dishwasher
DSD433B/1

Loading: 13 pcs.

Number of baskets: 2

Top basket type: Premium: nylon coated steel basket, fixed holders and foldable wine glass holders

Size: XL, 820 mm

Residual heat

Auto Door Open Drying™

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Fully recessed

Design line: Logic

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MSRP: $99,900.00

*The indicated price is not a fixed or minimum price

Dishwasher
DFS244IB.S/1

Loading: 14 pcs.

Number of baskets: 3

Top basket type: Premium: nylon coated steel basket, fixed holders and foldable wine glass holders

Turbo Combi Drying

Automatic Detergent Dosing System (ADS): No

Installation: Free standing unit

Design line: Classic

Colour: Silver

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MSRP: $106,900.