The most important measurements to consider when buying a dishwasher are the height, width, and depth of the cabinet opening where you plan to install it. These dimensions will determine the size and type of dishwasher that will fit in your kitchen. You also need to measure the distance from the cabinet opening to the nearest water and electrical connections, as well as the clearance for the door to open and close. In this article, we will explain how to measure for a dishwasher, what are the standard and specialty dishwasher sizes, and what other factors to consider when choosing a dishwasher.
Before you start shopping for a dishwasher, measure the space you’ve reserved for it to make sure it’ll fit. Grab your tape measure and note down the height, width and depth of the space. Then add an extra 5-7cm to the depth – because that’s where the piping will need to live.
The height of the space can vary depending on whether the floor and the countertop are level. To get an accurate measure of the cabinet opening height for your new dishwasher, take three measurements. The first measurement will be on the inside left of the opening. Using a tape measure, start at the floor and measure to the bottom of the counter over the space. Write this measurement down. Repeat the process for the middle of the cabinet opening and the right side of the cabinet.
Using a tape or ruler, measure from left to right, inside edge to inside edge, of the cabinet opening. Take the width measurement at the top and at the bottom of the cabinet to take into account any variations. Write down the measurements. Use the smaller measurement for your width.
Most dishwashers have adjustable legs to bring the appliance level with countertops. You can adjust the height of the dishwasher by a few centimeters, but you need to make sure that the dishwasher will fit under the countertop without leaving a gap or hitting the cabinets above.
You also need to measure the distance from the cabinet opening to the nearest water and electrical connections. You want to make sure that the hoses and cords of the dishwasher will be long enough to reach them without stretching or bending too much. Ideally, the water and electrical connections should be on the same side as the dishwasher, but if they are not, you may need to buy extension hoses or cords.
Another measurement to consider is the clearance for the door to open and close. You need to make sure that there is enough space in front of the dishwasher for the door to fully extend without hitting anything. You also need to check that the door will not block the access to any drawers, cabinets, or appliances when it is open. If you have a small kitchen, you might want to look for a dishwasher with a sliding or fold-down door that takes up less space.
Standard and Specialty Dishwasher Sizes
Manufacturers base the standard measurements for built-in dishwashers on the size of the cabinet opening. Most standard dishwashers will fit a cabinet opening that is 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 35 inches high. Some manufacturers offer dishwashers in multiple widths, and there can be slight variations in the depth and height. Measuring before you buy lets you feel confident that your new appliance will fit.
Standard dishwashers can accommodate 12 to 16 place settings per wash, depending on the model and the layout of the racks. A place setting consists of a dinner plate, a dessert plate, a bowl, a cup, a saucer, a glass, a knife, a fork, a spoon, and a teaspoon.
In addition to standard dishwasher sizes, there are specialty options, including:
Oversize dishwashers: Also called large-capacity, these dishwashers hold bigger loads and take up more space. They are usually still 24 inches deep by 35 inches high, but their widths are more than 24 inches. They can accommodate up to 20 place settings per wash, making them ideal for large families or frequent entertainers.
Compact dishwashers: Also called small-space and space-saving, these dishwashers have a smaller footprint. Like standard built-ins, they’re usually 24 inches deep by 35 inches high but are narrower at around 18 inches wide. They can accommodate eight to 10 place settings per wash, making them suitable for small kitchens or couples.
Portable dishwashers: These dishwashers don’t fit into cabinetry. Instead, they roll into place on wheels and connect to your faucet with a hose. Although sizes vary, most are 24 inches wide by 27 inches deep by 37 inches high. They can accommodate eight to 12 place settings per wash, making them convenient for renters, RVers, and people living in smaller spaces.
Countertop dishwashers: These dishwashers are designed to sit on a counter. These machines typically measure between 20 to 24 inches wide, 22 to 24 inches deep and 25 to 28 inches high. These machines use a water intake hose connected to the kitchen sink faucet, a drain hose that releases the dirty water into the sink and need a nearby electrical outlet to provide power. Countertop units can accommodate between six and eight place settings per wash, making them perfect for apartments, dorms, or offices.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dishwasher
Besides the size and type of dishwasher, there are other factors to consider when choosing a dishwasher, such as:
Exterior finish: Dishwashers are available in white, black, slate, stainless, brushed, black stainless and even in color. Some finishes, such as brush stainless steel, are more fingerprint-resistant than other finishes. You may want to choose a finish that matches your other appliances and your kitchen decor.
Cleaning power: Dishwashers vary in their cleaning performance, depending on the number and type of wash cycles, the water temperature, the spray intensity, the filter system, and the detergent dispenser. Some dishwashers have sensors that adjust the cycle according to the soil level of the dishes. Some dishwashers have special features, such as steam, sanitize, or hard food disposer, that enhance the cleaning power. You may want to look for a dishwasher that has a good balance of cleaning power and energy efficiency.
Noise level: Dishwashers differ in their noise level, depending on the insulation, the motor, the pump, and the water jets. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB), and the lower the number, the quieter the dishwasher. Most dishwashers range from 40 to 60 dB, which is equivalent to a quiet conversation to a normal conversation. If you want a whisper-quiet model, expect to pay a premium. You may want to consider the location of your dishwasher and your personal preference when choosing a noise level.
Capacity and flexibility: Dishwashers vary in their capacity and flexibility, depending on the size and layout of the racks, the number and type of tines, the presence and position of cutlery baskets or trays, and the availability of adjustable or foldable features. Some dishwashers have third racks that can hold small items, such as utensils, lids, or cups. Some dishwashers have adjustable or removable racks that can accommodate large or odd-shaped items, such as pots, pans, or platters. You may want to look for a dishwasher that has enough capacity and flexibility for your dishwashing needs.
Features and options: Dishwashers offer a variety of features and options that can enhance the convenience, functionality, and performance of the appliance. Some common features and options are:
Delay start: This feature allows you to set the dishwasher to start at a later time, such as during off-peak hours or when you are away from home.
Child lock: This feature prevents the dishwasher from being opened or operated by children or pets.
Control panel: This feature determines the appearance and ease of use of the dishwasher. Control panels can be visible or hidden, buttons or touch, digital or analog. Some dishwashers have indicator lights or sounds that show the status of the cycle or the rinse aid level.
Smart features: Some dishwashers have smart features that allow you to control and monitor the appliance remotely via an app on your smartphone or tablet. Some dishwashers can also connect to voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, for hands-free operation. Some dishwashers can also order detergent automatically when they run low, via Amazon Dash Replenishment or other services.
Buying a dishwasher can be a daunting task, but with some research and planning, you can find the best dishwasher for your kitchen and your budget. The most important measurements to consider when buying a dishwasher are the height, width, and depth of the cabinet opening where you plan to install it. You also need to measure the distance from the cabinet opening to the nearest water and electrical connections, as well as the clearance for the door to open and close. You can choose from standard and specialty dishwasher sizes, depending on your space and your dishwashing needs. You can also compare different dishwashers based on their exterior finish, cleaning power, noise level, capacity and flexibility, and features and options. We hope this article has helped you to measure for a dishwasher and to make an informed choice when picking a dishwasher.
