When getting a new dishwasher, It is very important to know its dimensions. The space available in the home will also determine which size and dimensions of the dishwasher to go for.
The sizes of a built-in dishwasher are quite different from the size and dimensions of the countertop dishwasher; thus, it is important to be familiar with the sizes and dimensions of dishwashers before getting a new one delivered to your home.
Standard Dishwasher Dimensions
Unlike other home appliances like refrigerators and stoves, in order to reduce the problem of getting the wrong size of appliances, most companies in the appliance industry have created a standard size for appliances, including the dishwasher.
This has made the dishwasher have only one major size category, and most dishwashers come in this size. The standard built-in dishwasher size is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches tall. This means that most dishwasher models are available in these standard measurements.
To fully open the door, you’ll need to have a clearance of 27.75 inches from the front of the dishwasher. However, some come with adjustable-height legs designed to accommodate various cabinets and countertops.
This standard dishwasher size should fit in the space of most newer homes. Dishwashers of this size should also be enough to handle the needs of an average family. If you’re the type of owner who would regularly wash large loads of dishes, then this is the right size dishwasher for you.
The standard size dishwasher also comes with standard features like a drop-down door. Its front is typically made of stainless steel. You may also opt to have a leaf of your cabinetry attached to the dishwasher front so that it would blend well with your kitchen. Check out our guide on the dishwasher parts to understand further about the standard dishwasher anatomy.
Generally speaking, the standard-sized dishwasher would need around 2.4 gallons of water for every load. It’s also highly recommended if you are concerned about your electric bills as it is the most energy-efficient among the three dishwasher options.
It’s also a common practice for retailers to list their dishwasher dimensions by the cabinet opening required for installation. For instance, a dishwasher that’s 23.5 inches wide may be advertised as 24-inches because of the size opening it needs. Therefore, it’s recommended that you check the product details section, especially if you are shopping online.
Standard Compact Sized Dishwasher Dimensions
Also known as space-saving dishwashers, compact-sized dishwashers are ideal for smaller kitchens. A compact dishwasher measures 18 inches wide, or six inches less the width of a standard-sized dishwasher. The typical height of a compact dishwasher is 32.5 inches, and the typical depth is 22.5 inches.
Although smaller than its standard-sized counterparts, a compact dishwasher operates in the same manner as other dishwashers. Of course, given its size, a compact dishwasher can hold slightly fewer dishes compared to standard dishwashers.
As mentioned earlier, a compact dishwasher is ideal for small kitchens as well as those who live in condominiums and apartments. Some people even get one for their secondary kitchens placed in their pool areas. Some brands offer compact dishwashers with premium features.
Like their 24-inch counterparts, compact dishwashers are available in different styles. Some have visible controls, while others have hidden panels. Other models have towel bar fronts, while many have seamless profiles. Most models come in stainless steel finish, although you can also get black and white finishes.
While compact and functional, small dishwashers also have their weaknesses. Compact dishwashers usually remain with the house; therefore, this may not be the best option if you’re just renting your apartment or house.
Standard Slimline Dishwasher Dimensions
This type of dishwasher is a blend between a full-sized and a compact dishwasher. It tends to be higher but narrower than a compact dishwasher. But compared to a standard dishwasher, it has the same height but is much slimmer. So it can wash more items than a compact dishwasher but much fewer than a standard one.
A standard slimline dishwasher size is measured at 17.7 inches (45 cm) wide, 35 inches (89cm) high, and 24 inches (61 cm) deep.
Convertible Built-In Dishwasher Dimensions
If you’re looking for a compact dishwasher that you can still use if you move into another house, then the convertible built-in dishwasher is your best option. It’s the dishwasher size that gives you the best of both worlds, so to speak. It is freestanding and portable. It’s space-saving, too. And you can convert it to a built-in dishwasher in the future should you move to another house or remodel your kitchen.
The width of the convertible built-in dishwasher is 24 inches, with its height around 34 inches and depth at 23.75 inches. For the door clearance, you’ll need to have a space of 24.75 inches.
Portable Dishwasher Dimensions
If you’re on a tight budget or you have a small family, then a portable dishwasher is the most practical option for you.
There are two variations of portable dishwashers– wheeled and countertop.
Portable Wheeled Dishwasher
A portable wheeled dishwasher can be positioned in a dishwasher opening much like a built-in dishwasher, as long as you have enough clearance for it. You will also need to have a permanent water source if you are to have a wheeled portable dishwasher. The dimension of this type of portable dishwasher is around 24 inches wide, 20.75 inches deep, and around 34 inches tall.
Portable Countertop Dishwasher
On the other hand, a portable countertop or tabletop dishwasher is positioned on the countertop. While it is small, it will take up significant space on your counter. You can also move it when not in use.
For it to work, you should have an outlet. The dishwasher, meanwhile, should be hooked up to the sink faucet. As such, you can’t use water from the sink when the dishwasher is operating.
This type of dishwasher can also be considered a space-saving option because you can move it out of the way when it is not in operation. However, compared to the standard-sized dishwasher, it has less capacity. Still, it is a good option for small families or those who have limited space. It is also ideal if you are on a tight budget as this is relatively cheaper compared to the standard-sized dishwasher.
The portable countertop dishwasher has dimensions of 20 to 25 inches in width, depth of 22 inches, and height of 25 to 28 inches in height. To open the door, you will need 45.5 inches of clearance.
Custom Dishwasher Size
The size of any dishwasher that is vastly different from the standard size can be termed as a custom-size dishwasher. For example, if a person is in need of a big dishwasher, the person should go for a custom oversized dishwasher size that is 30 inches or 42 inches wide. The person should be ready to add to the cabinet size for installation.
For someone who is trying to conserve space and needs a small portable dishwasher, then it is advisable for such an individual to go for a compact or countertop dishwasher, which is about 18 or 22 inches wide.
Other Dishwasher Types and Their Sizes
The built-in 18
This dishwasher is one that is perfect for a small apartment. The dimensions of the dishwasher are 18 inches wide, 34 inches tall (height), and 24 inches deep. These dimensions help to make adequate use of the available space in the apartment.
The built-in 24
the dimensions for this built-in dishwasher are 24 inches wide, 34 inches high, 23 inches deep. The size of this dishwasher is the standard size of a built-in dishwasher, and it is produced in large quantities due to its demands. It is more suitable for a home that houses a family, although some of the cabinet space will be used. When getting this dishwasher, you will need to get a clearance of 24-25 inches wide, 33 7/8 -35 inches high, and 24 5/8 -25 inches deep. A door clearance of 49 7/8 inches in total is also needed to be able to fully open the door of the dishwasher.
Custom panel dishwasher
This type of dishwasher allows the installation of a panel that matches your cabinet on it. This allows the dishwasher to blend in with the cabinet. To get this dishwasher, you will need a dimension clearance of 34 1/8- 36 inches for height, 24-24 1/4 inches for the width, and 21 ¼ – 24 inches for depth.
Convertible portable dishwasher
This dishwasher can be used in two ways, it can be used as a countertop or freestanding dishwasher, and it can also be used as a built-in dishwasher. The dimension of this dishwasher is 36 1/8 height, 24 ¾ width, and 27 depth. The clearance required is about 24 ¾ inches to allow door opening
Fully integrated dishwasher
This dishwasher is like a custom panel dishwasher. It will blend completely with the kitchen’s cabinet, thereby giving it a flawless look. The control panel of this dishwasher is completely hidden and will only be noticed when the dishwasher is opened. This dishwasher will complement a modern home. A clearance of 23 5/8 width, 22 7/17 depth, and a 32 1/16 – 34 5/8 height.
Semi-integrated dishwasher
This dishwasher is just like the fully integrated dishwasher, but the only difference is that the control panel of a semi-integrated dishwasher has its control panel at the top front of the dishwasher, which makes it less flawless when compared to the fully integrated dishwasher.
Although this dishwasher does not look as flawless as the fully integrated dishwasher, it is relatively cheaper when compared to the cost of the fully integrated dishwasher. The dimensions for the semi-integrated dishwasher are 32 1/16 inches in height, 23 9/16 inches in width, and a depth of 22 7/16. The clearance required is 32 5/16-34 inches in height, 22 13/16 inches in depth, 24 inches in width, and 25 ¼ inches in space for the door to open.
How to Measure Your Kitchen for a Dishwasher
Now that you have an idea of the dimensions of dishwashers, it’s time to learn how to measure your kitchen for a dishwasher.
You’ll need a tape measure, preferably a contractor’s tape, to measure a dishwasher. Also, get a notebook and pen to record your measurements. You may even take a photo of the measurements so that you won’t forget the dimensions of your kitchen when it’s time to purchase a dishwasher. Don’t worry, as measuring the kitchen size for your dishwasher is relatively easy.
First, you’ll need to measure the space for the dishwasher width. You can do this by measuring from cabinet to cabinet, ensuring that the sides of the dishwasher will be enclosed completely once installed. It’s better that you have breathing space on each side than to have the dishwasher in a tight fit or space. You may install a close-to-wall dishwasher on one side as long as you allow a minimum of two inches between it and the side of the door.
Next up is to measure the dishwasher depth. Start by measuring from the back of the opening up to the front of the dishwasher. Make sure that there are at least 27 inches in front of the dishwasher so you can comfortably load and unload dishes. Also, enough room means you can move around between the opening of the door and any islands and counters you may have in the kitchen.
Finally, you’ll measure the dishwasher height. To do so, place the tape measure on the floor of the opening in which the dishwasher will be placed to the bottom point of the countertop.
Remember that a standard-sized dishwasher has a height of 35 inches, so you’ll need at least 36 inches of space to accommodate a dishwasher. Also, keep in mind that extra layers of flooring in the kitchen will impact the installation of the dishwasher.
Notes:
There are other things to be put into consideration. One of which is that the corners need a minimum of 2-inch space between the cabinet and the side of the dishwasher. Another thing to be considered is the motor. The motor of the dishwasher must never have contact with the floor as this might cause malfunction of the dishwasher. It is important to check for obstructions such as uneven or loose tiles that may cause the motor of the dishwasher to touch the floor.
It is also important to get the right layout. This is the part where you decide if you want a dishwasher with a top control or front control. It is also important to decide what you want the interior of your dishwasher to be like. Most dishwashers have an interior with 2 racks, but it will be nice to have a dishwasher with 3 racks that will give more room for items that are difficult to fit in.
Also note that when measuring your dishwasher, the measurements of the width and height are expected to be the same on both sides, but if, due to some reason, your measurement is different, you can just take the smaller measurement with you when you are going to get a new dishwasher.
Other Considerations in Buying a Dishwasher
Aside from ensuring that you have enough space in the kitchen for the dishwasher type you’re interested in, there are other things or factors to consider in buying a dishwasher.
One important factor to consider is the features or functions offered by the dishwasher. And one function you may want to have is the hard food disposal function. With this feature, you won’t have to scrape, pre-wash and rinse the dishes before loading them into the appliance. This function also eliminates food grime and residue during the rinse cycle.
You should also take a look at the wash cycles available in the dishwasher. The most important cycles are a light wash, regular wash, and economy settings. You’ll also want a dishwasher with a heavy wash for washing pots and pans. Enhanced cycles like quick wash and sanitize wash are nice to have, but you’ll likely shell out more bucks in the process.
Keep these things in mind, along with the dishwasher dimensions and space in your kitchen, the next time you shop for a dishwasher.
