Dishwasher Sizes

Dishwasher Dimensions

• The width of a standard built-in dishwasher is 24 inches. Smaller models for apartments and RVs are 18 inches wide, while models up to 30 inches wide are available from some manufacturers. Built-in dishwashers are typically about 25 inches deep and 34 inches high to fit snugly between standard size kitchen cabinets.

Dishwasher Capacities

• Standard size dishwashers with 24-inch widths can hold 12 place settings of dishes and are recommended for four-person households. Apartment-size or RV style dishwashers hold eight place settings and adequately serve the needs of singles, couples and small families. The larger models have extra room for pots, pans and additional dishes used by large families.

Built-In Vs. Portable

• Most kitchens have built-in dishwashers installed under sinks or under adjacent countertops. They're hooked up to the sink's plumbing, attached to the garbage disposal and are not easily movable. Full-size portable dishwashers have casters on the bottom so they can easily be moved in and out of the kitchen as needed. Portable models can plug into standard electrical outlets and get their water supply through hoses attached to the kitchen sink's faucet. This style is practical for cramped kitchen spaces with limited lower cabinet space. Compact portable dishwashers sit on top of counters and have similar hookups but only hold one or two place settings. An even smaller dishwasher fits inside standard size kitchen sinks and attaches to the faucet. Its main use is to quickly clean small loads of glasses or coffee cups needed during social gatherings.

Other Size Considerations

• Older homes with new flooring installed over old surfaces may have dishwasher openings less than 34 inches high. To prevent the dishwasher from protruding above the surrounding cabinets, some of the flooring material should be removed prior to installation. Alternatively, you can install a dishwasher with a “short tub,” or one that complies with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards.

Drawer Options

• Many dishwasher models have special drawers. If you wash a lot of tall pots and pans, single drawers are available to accommodate them. Side-by-side drawers typically hold wine glasses more securely than stacked drawers. Extra drawers are easy to switch in and out as dishwashing needs vary.