Standard Dishwasher Sizes & Dimensions Guide
Finding the perfect dishwasher size for you requires careful measuring, understanding capacities and choosing the features you’ll use most. This guide will explore standard dishwasher sizes and help you find the right dishwasher dimensions to fit both your kitchen and your culinary pursuits.
WHAT IS THE STANDARD DISHWASHER SIZE?
The standard dishwasher size is typically 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches tall. Cabinet openings in many home kitchens today are built to fit this standard dishwasher size. Tall tub dishwashers typically have the same external dimensions as standard dishwashers.
KitchenAid brand offers a wide selection of standard-sized dishwashers, including high-end dishwashers, with a range of load capacities and features designed to help you fit the dishes you use the most.
Many retailers list dishwasher dimensions by the cabinet opening needed for installation. For example, a dishwasher that is 23-½ inches wide may be listed as a 24-inch dishwasher because that is the size opening it requires. When shopping for a KitchenAid® dishwasher, you can find the specific dishwasher dimensions in the product details section. Make sure to check the product dimensions against your available space before purchasing a new dishwasher.
ARE ALL DISHWASHERS THE SAME SIZE?
The vast majority of dishwashers are standard-sized and fit typical kitchen cabinet openings. If you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, this is most likely what you need. However, there are smaller and larger dishwasher sizes available for non-standard spaces.
WHAT ARE NON-STANDARD DISHWASHER SIZES?
Alternatives to standard-sized dishwashers include oversized dishwashers that often feature increased capacity and small dishwashers that will fit a more compact living space. If you are a renter and can’t install an appliance, you may even consider a portable dishwasher you can take with you.
OVERSIZED DISHWASHER DIMENSIONS
Oversized dishwasher dimensions usually run anywhere from 30 inches to 42 inches wide. Their depths and heights are often consistent with those of standard-sized dishwashers, which are 24 inches deep and 35 inches high.
APARTMENT OR SMALL SPACE DISHWASHER DIMENSIONS
Compact dishwashers usually run from 17⅝ inches to 18 inches wide, and share the height and depth dimensions, 24 inches deep and 35 inches high, of standard-sized dishwashers.
PORTABLE DISHWASHER DIMENSIONS
Unlike their built-in counterparts, portable dishwashers are freestanding and can glide around the kitchen on four wheels. These dishwashers attach to the kitchen sink faucet when in use. Dimensions vary greatly, ranging from 18 to 24 inches wide, 36 to 37 inches tall and 26 to 30 inches deep.
HOW TO MEASURE FOR A DISHWASHER OPENING IN 3 STEPS
Once installed, dishwashers must be completely enclosed on all sides including the top. While you will want to choose a dishwasher size that most closely fits your cabinet opening, a unit that is too snug may not slide in all the way. It’s better to have a little extra space that can be covered with additional trim if needed. Follow these standard dishwasher dimensions instructions to get started finding the right size dishwasher for your kitchen.
MEASUREMENT TIP:
Utility connections vary by dishwasher model so make note of the connection location within your cabinet opening to plan ahead when shopping for a new dishwasher.
1. MEASURE DISHWASHER WIDTH
Start by measuring the distance between your cabinets to determine what size dishwasher you’ll need. If the measurements at the top and bottom of the dishwasher opening differ, write down the smaller of the two.
Measure the distance between the cabinets in your rough opening.
To ensure accuracy, first measure near the top of the opening, and again near the bottom. If there is any difference, always go with the smaller of the two measurements.
2. MEASURE DISHWASHER HEIGHT
Next, measure the distance between the lowest point of your countertops and the floor. Measure the farthest point near the back of the opening and the front of the opening. Keep in mind that many dishwashers come with adjustable feet that can help level your new appliance.
Measure the distance between the floor and the lowest point of your countertop.
Even if the underside of the countertop appears even, take two measurements to account for any minor sloping that could affect clearance. First, measure near the back of the opening and then measure again near the front.
Most dishwashers have adjustable feet to add a little height where needed and to level the unit.
Note: Always measure an empty opening rather than trying to estimate this distance with an existing dishwasher in place. If new flooring has ever been placed in your kitchen, it may not have been installed underneath the dishwasher. This means the floor under your dishwasher could be lower than the rest of your kitchen.
3. MEASURE DISHWASHER DEPTH
Finally, determine the depth of your dishwasher by measuring from the back of the opening to the front lip of your cabinets. Remember to factor in the length of the dishwasher door during measurements to help guarantee it can fully open post-installation. Usually, dishwasher doors extend at least 27 inches when open.
Measure the distance from the back of the dishwasher opening to the front edge of your cabinets.
It’s best to measure along the sides of each cabinet to account for any variations between them.
Keep the dishwasher door clearance in mind when deciding where to install your dishwasher or what size dishwasher to buy. You’ll want the ability to fully open your dishwasher door and slide out the racks while still freely moving around your kitchen as you create and clean. A minimum of 27 inches beyond your cabinets is usually required.
Note: If you are buying a KitchenAid® dishwasher with custom panels, the overall depth may vary depending on the panel.
When planning your kitchen, keep features such as protruding handles and dishwasher control placement in mind for your new dishwasher. While these features won’t affect the rough opening requirements, they will change the way you interact with your new appliance. KitchenAid® front control dishwashers keep settings and cycles within view and flush with the dishwasher door. Fully integrated dishwashers, or top control dishwashers, keep controls hidden away for an extra sleek look. KitchenAid® dishwashers with handles can add a convenient space to hang towels, but if your dishwasher is installed in a high-traffic area, dishwashers with pocket handles help keep the exterior flush with cabinets.
SHOP STANDARD DISHWASHER SIZE MODELS FROM KITCHENAID BRAND
HOW IS DISHWASHER CAPACITY MEASURED?
Dishwasher capacity is measured by how many place settings the model can hold with most standard-sized dishwashers handling between 10 and 12 place settings. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers considers one place setting to include the following:
1 large dinner plate
1 small snack plate
1 saucer
1 bowl
1 coffee cup
1 drinking glass
1 knife
2 teaspoons
1 dinner fork
1 salad fork
Dishwasher dimensions and dishwasher capacity are not the same thing. Larger dimensions do not necessarily mean you can fit more dishes inside. This is because every dishwasher interior is designed differently, including the number of racks, the placement of tines and the available features that can help handle more dishes within the same dimensions. Once you’ve determined which dishwasher dimensions will fit your space, consider capacity and available features to find a dishwasher made for the way you create.
WHAT IS A THIRD RACK DISHWASHER?
Innovations such as KitchenAid® dishwashers with a third rack give you extra rack space up top. Third racks can range from slim spaces for kitchen utensils to larger racks that fit dishes such as cups or bowls. The KitchenAid® 39 dBA Dishwasher in PrintShield™ Finish with a Third Level Utensil Rack holds silverware, serving utensils and spatulas, while an adjustable middle rack adds flexibility to fit tall items. KitchenAid® 360º Max Jets™ Third Rack Dishwashers feature the largest third rack available1 with a deep, angled design that fits 6" glasses, mugs and bowls without compromising space in the rack below. With a capacity of 16 place settings, this line of KitchenAid® dishwashers lets you clean more so you can create more.
Shop KITCHENAID® 360º Max Jets™ THIRD RACK DISHWASHERS
WHAT DISHWASHER FEATURES CAN OPTIMIZE CAPACITY?
Beyond load-size capacity, shopping by dishwasher features can help you find a model that feels customized to you. If you often use larger or uniquely shaped dishware like tagines, woks, and blender jars, look for interior features that can comfortably accommodate them. Adjustable or specialized features like the ones below increase the kind of loading flexibility the creative cook is looking for.
Fold Down Rows and Tines: These rows and tines can be adjusted in one of three positions so water can clean inside deep or wide dishes, and can be found on this KitchenAid® dishwasher model.
- Adjustable Middle Rack: Fit tall items like a stand mixer bowl with an adjustable middle rack, a feature found in the KitchenAid® 44 dBA Dishwasher in PrintShield™ Finish with 360º Max Jets™ Third Rack. Lower the rack to place large dishes inside or raise it to make room for platters, pitchers, blender jars and more in the rack below.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH SIZE DISHWASHER TO BUY?
To choose the right dishwasher size for you, first determine the dimensions you need to fit your space—from standard dishwasher sizes to compact and oversized models. Then look for a capacity that makes sense for you with features that fit the dishes you use the most. Fearlessly create more and turn cleanup into an afterthought with a dishwasher size that’s perfect for your kitchen—and the dishes you create.
Ready to install? For KitchenAid® models, find the dishwasher parts and dishwasher accessories you need to get started.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® DISHWASHERS
With various features on select models like Third Level Utensil Racks, an Adjustable Middle Rack and the largest third rack available1, KitchenAid® dishwashers are designed to keep up with your creativity. If you’re looking for a dishwasher that’s ideal for you, explore the different types of dishwashers and their corresponding features to find what makes the most sense for your kitchen.
1. Among leading brands based on usable volume.
