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The Best Third Rack Dishwashers Credit: Reviewed.com / Jackson Ruckar

The Best Third-rack Dishwashers of 2024

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The Best Third Rack Dishwashers Credit: Reviewed.com / Jackson Ruckar

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

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1
Editor's Choice Product image of Bosch SHP78CM5N
Best Overall

Bosch SHP78CM5N

4.7
Check Price at Best Buy

The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N is a near-perfect dishwasher. It scrubbed out every stain we threw at it, in record time, and has great smart features. Read More

Pros

  • It cleans even stubborn stains completely
  • Fast cycle times
  • It dries dishes

Cons

  • Controls can be finicky
  • Some options only available on app
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Bosch SGX78B55UC
ADA Compliant Pick

Bosch SGX78B55UC

4.8
Check Price at Best Buy

This Bosch is one of the best dishwashers we've ever tested. It gets dishes clean and dry, quickly, and is ADA-compliant. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent cleaning power
  • Gets dishes dry
  • Tons of features

Cons

  • Minor issues with redeposit
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Miele G 7566 SCVi SF

Miele G 7566 SCVi SF

4.7
Check Price at AJ Madison

The Miele G 7566 SCVi SF is a marvel of German engineering. It combines robust power with a subtle touch of convenience. Read More

Pros

  • Powerful cleaning
  • Automatic detergent dispenser
  • Efficient

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Niche interior
4
Editor's Choice Product image of Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP

Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP

4.7
Check Price at Abt

The G 5266 blows most other dishwashers out of the water. If your budget can accommodate its premium price, it's one of the best models you can buy. Read More

Pros

  • Impressive cleaning power
  • Third rack and adjustable upper rack

Cons

  • Nothing significant that we could find
5
Editor's Choice Product image of Bosch SHPM88Z75N

Bosch SHPM88Z75N

4.6
Check Price at Appliances Connection

This high-end Bosch dishwasher can remove tough stains and get all of your dishes (including plasticware) completely dry. Read More

Pros

  • Dries plastics
  • Stellar stain removal
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • Nothing significant that we could find
  • Best Overall Bosch SHP78CM5N
  • ADA Compliant Pick Bosch SGX78B55UC
  • Other Third-Rack Dishwashers We Tested
  • How We Tested Third-Rack Dishwashers
  • What You Should Know About Dishwashers With Third Racks
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

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 Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N (available at Best Buy for $1,299.99) was our favorite. Not only is it our favorite third rack dishwasher, it's also one of the best dishwashers we've ever tested.

Editor's Note: Appliances purchases are a large investment of both money and time. We’ve not only compiled lists of the best dishwashers to shop, but also the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now and the best times of year to buy appliances to take advantage of sales and new releases.


A person holding a clear wine glass outside the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan
Best Overall
Bosch SHP78CM5N
  • Finishes: Stainless steel
  • Special features: PrecisionWash with PowerControl, stainless-steel wash tub, EasyGlide racks, CrystalDry with zeolite

The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N isn't just our favorite third-rack dishwasher, it's currently our favorite dishwasher in general.

Higher-end Bosch models have unique third racks. The edges of the racks can be lowered, creating a deeper channel that's excellent for storing bowls or other objects too large for a typical third rack.

This Bosch is just an excellent dishwasher even without its third rack. Its cleaning power blasted away tough stains, thanks in part to its PrecisionWash system. Its middle rack can be adjusted up and down to make room for larger items. Both its middle and lower racks also feature foldable tines. On top of it all, you'll get access to additional features on the HomeConnect smart platform.

Read our full review of the Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N dishwasher

Pros

  • It cleans even stubborn stains completely

  • Fast cycle times

  • It dries dishes

Cons

  • Controls can be finicky

  • Some options only available on app

$1,299.99 from Best Buy
The Bosch SGX78B55UC dishwasher installed into a set of modern kitchen cabinets.
Credit: Bosch
ADA Compliant Pick
Bosch SGX78B55UC
  • Finishes: Stainless steel
  • Special features: ADA compliant, CrystalDry technology, third rack, Wi-Fi enabled, AquaStop Plus, delayed start

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.

Read our full review of the Bosch 800 Series SGX78B55UC/13 dishwasher

Pros

  • Excellent cleaning power

  • Gets dishes dry

  • Tons of features

Cons

  • Minor issues with redeposit

$799.99 from Best Buy

Other Third-Rack Dishwashers We Tested

Product image of Miele G 7566 SCVi SF
Miele G 7566 SCVi SF
  • Finishes: Stainless steel
  • Special features: Stainless steel tub, third rack, AutoOpen drying, ExtraClean & ExtraDry, delayed start

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.

Read our full review of the Miele G 5266 SCVi SF dishwasher

Pros

  • Powerful cleaning

  • Automatic detergent dispenser

  • Efficient

Cons

  • Expensive

  • Niche interior

Buy now at AJ Madison
Product image of Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP
Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP
  • Finishes: Clean touch steel
  • Special features: AutoDos automatic detergent dispenser, stainless steel tub

The ** Miele G 7566 SCVi SF** is expensive, and it's worth every penny.

You'll also interact with this dishwasher's third rack more so than others on this list—it lacks a cutlery basket, so your utensils all need to be slotted up there.

In terms of performance, this Miele is no slouch. Not only is it more than capable of scouring away stubborn stains, it's also economical with its use of water and electricity.

There's also plenty of excellent extras, like SaniWash, adjustable racks, and an automatic detergent dispenser. If you can afford the upgrade, the Miele G 7566 SCVi SF is one of the best.

Read our full review of the Miele G 7566 SCVi SF dishwasher

Pros

  • Impressive cleaning power

  • Third rack and adjustable upper rack

Cons

  • Nothing significant that we could find

$1,749.00 from Abt
Product image of Bosch SHPM88Z75N
Bosch SHPM88Z75N
  • Finishes: Stainless steel
  • Special features: Stainless steel tub, extra dry option, sanitize option, CrystalDry technology, adjustable upper rack, delayed start

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.

Read our full review of the Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N dishwasher

Pros

  • Dries plastics

  • Stellar stain removal

  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • Nothing significant that we could find

Buy now at Appliances Connection
Product image of Samsung DW80R9950UT
Samsung DW80R9950UT
  • Finishes: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, black stainless steel, navy steel, Tuscan steel
  • Special features: Flexible third rack, Wi-Fi connectivity, AutoRelease door, stainless steel tub, top controls, delayed start

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.

Read our full review of the Samsung DW80R9950UT dishwasher

Pros

  • Short cycles

  • Third rack

  • Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish

Cons

  • None that we could find

$67,761,299.00 from Samsung
Product image of Café CDT875M5NS5
Café CDT875M5NS5
  • Finishes: PrintProof stainless steel, black PrintProof stainless steel ($50 extra)
  • Special features: QuadWash Pro, TrueSteam, Dynamic Heat Dry

The LG LDTH7972S dishwasher excels at most of what it does. We love its spacious third rack, as well as the foldable tines on the bottom and middle racks, and the ability to adjust the height of the middle rack.

Its performance was also great (barring one cycle), scrubbing away tough stains with ease. Cycles did run a bit long, but they also ended with completely dry dishes.

Like any LG appliance, the LDTH7972S really shines in terms of customer satisfaction: LG's warranty covers it for up to 10 years.

Read our full review of the LG LDTH7972S dishwasher

Pros

  • High-end aesthetics

  • Third rack, bottle jets, and smart features

Cons

  • Inconsistent cleaning

  • Not the best value at its current price

$1,709.99 from Best Buy

How We Tested Third-Rack Dishwashers

Two white bowls covered in pureed spinach sit in the top rack of a dishwasher
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

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

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

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

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