What Is The Standard Dishwasher Size?
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Nowadays, you can expect to find a dishwasher in most modern kitchens, adding convenience, easy cleanup, and value. Although dishwashers come in a variety of brands, styles, and showcase different features, most standard dishwashers are the same size. Having a common size makes it easier to fit most new dishwashers you choose into a standard rough opening.
A standard dishwasher is 24 inches deep, 24 inches wide, and roughly 35 inches tall. These measurements coincide with standard openings for dishwashers, which are 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 34 to 36 inches tall. Of course, depending on your situation, you can also find smaller dishwashers as well as portable and drawer varieties.
Standard measurements make it easier to find the proper fit for your appliances. Of course, you should always play it safe and measure your opening before you buy. But, if you have a standard size opening, then you can pretty much be sure a standard dishwasher will fit.
Measuring For A Standard Size Dishwasher
Before you go shopping for your perfect dishwasher, it’s always wise to take some measurements. Although your dishwasher’s rough opening is more than likely a standard size, it’s best to check. You don’t want to learn it’s slightly larger, or worse–smaller, after you’ve already bought your new appliance.
Remember, there are options for smaller and larger spaces, so if you have an unusual opening, you can still find a match. But first, grab a tape measure and something to make a note of your measurements.
Also, keep in mind the actual dishwasher measurements are typically slightly less than the opening. For example, a standard dishwasher that claims to be 24 inches wide is more likely about 23.75 inches. This is just to ensure you can slide the dishwasher into place easily.
Measuring The Available Width For A Dishwasher
Place one end of your tape measure on one side of the cabinet or opening where your dishwasher will go. Pull it taut across the space to determine the width.
It should be slightly larger than the dishwasher you choose, but no more than 0.5 inches at most. While you want some wiggle room, you still want your dishwasher to fit snugly in the space.
If you plan to place your dishwasher in a corner, you need to consider space for the door to open. Pay attention to the clearance along the cabinet or wall closest to the door. There should be a minimum of 2 inches between the open dishwasher door and the adjacent wall or cabinet.
Measuring The Available Depth For A Dishwasher
Dishwasher depths include the door when it is closed. So, you’ll have slightly less than 24 inches of depth inside your standard dishwasher.
When you measure the rough opening, measure from the back to the front of the cabinets. A standard cabinet or opening will be 24 inches. However, some modern kitchens might have deeper countertops, meaning deeper base cabinets.
If this is the case, you could add a filler or some boards to the back area of the cabinet. This will keep the dishwasher from sliding backward. However, this is trickier if your base cabinets are shallower than standard, which is not uncommon for older homes.
Instead of trying to make it work, it’s best to search around more and find a dishwasher that is slightly less deep. You won’t have as many options, but they do exist. Some older homes (pre-dishwasher era) feature base cabinets that are 23 inches deep.
In addition to the depth of the dishwasher, also remember the depth of space you need in front of your dishwasher. You want to allow at least 27 inches of clearance for opening the dishwasher door.
Measuring The Available Height For A Dishwasher
A standard dishwasher’s height has slightly more variance than the depth and width. It can range from 33 to 35 inches, and the standard rough opening is usually about 34 to 36 inches.
Measuring the height can be a bit trickier since things like uneven flooring or raised flooring can affect it. So, make sure you measure from the highest point of the floor to the lowest part of the counter.
Don’t be surprised to find a little bit of a gap between your dishwasher and countertop. Although, ideally, you will select a dishwasher that will fit as snugly as possible. Many dishwashers feature feet that you can adjust to help make up some of that open space.
If the flooring is making the space too short for your dishwasher, be prepared to remove the flooring in that area.
Other Dishwasher Sizes
If you find that a standard dishwasher won’t work upon measuring your rough opening, you have some other options. In some cases, you might seek out an alternative because of your lifestyle or any particular circumstances.
1. Compact Dishwashers
Slimline dishwashers are an excellent way to get the convenience of a built-in dishwasher in a tiny place. They’re great for tiny houses, small apartments, or small kitchens. They are typically the same depth and height as a standard dishwasher but slimmer at about 18 inches wide.
2. Portable And Countertop Dishwashers
Another option for tiny living is a portable dishwasher. These are also great if you don’t want to deal with installation or can’t fit a dishwasher in your existing cabinet area. Some portable dishwashers are freestanding on the floor with wheels for easy movability.
These types of dishwashers are usually about 18 inches wide, 37 inches tall, and 24 inches deep. You can also find portable dishwashers that you can place on a countertop.
Countertop dishwashers come in various sizes, with width, height, and depth all ranging from 18 to 22 inches. For example, the Faberware Professional Countertop Dishwasher measures 19.7 inches wide, 17.2 inches tall, and 21.7 inches deep with the handle.
When you open the door, the total depth is 29 inches. It has a 6-place setting capacity, which makes it a perfect fit for small households and tiny spaces.
3. Dishwasher Drawers
Depending on the design of your kitchen, you might prefer the look of drawers instead of cabinets. Also, dishwasher drawers can also save space if you opt for a single drawer.
Dishwasher drawers usually feature standard widths and depths of 24 inches. However, a single drawer will only take up about 17 inches of height. If you opt for a double-drawer dishwasher setup, then you would need the full 35-inch height of the standard rough opening.
What If You Need A Larger Dishwasher?
Around 2010, Dacor attempted a 30-inch dishwasher, but due to design issues, they tended to leak. Now, if you check out Dacor’s website, you’ll see 24-inch dishwashers and no sign of a 30-inch. The conclusion was people were better off maxing out at 24-inch-wide dishwashers.
But, if you have a large family or just wash a lot of dishes, you can still get creative. You can opt for two dishwashers or try a combination of different types. Perhaps you could use a standard dishwasher and a slimline style in your kitchen.
Or, maybe you get a portable dishwasher that you use along with your standard one when you have large dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a standard dishwasher?
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is about 10 years, but some can last more or less than this. You can help extend the life of your dishwasher by taking care of it. Clean the filter, don’t overfill your dishwasher, and address any problems quickly, so they don’t get worse.
Some of the most reliable dishwasher manufacturers are Whirlpool, Miele, GE, and LG. Other popular brands that tend to do well are Bosch and Thermador. A great place to check out the reliability of various appliance models when you’re shopping around is Consumer Reports.
How much does a new dishwasher cost?
Including installation, you can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $975 on average for a new dishwasher. Of course, depending on what brand and style of dishwasher you get, this number can climb drastically to well over a few thousand dollars.
If you have any exceptional installation needs, like rerouting or adding plumbing or electric, you’ll pay even more. For the dishwasher itself, a standard averages between $300 and $1,000. A compact model costs about $400 to $800, while a dishwasher drawer (single) costs about $275 to $1,300.
The least expensive options are portable dishwashers, ranging from $400 to $700, and countertop models, costing about $200 to $400.
How much can a standard dishwasher wash?
The typical capacity of a standard dishwasher is about 12 to 14 place settings. Compact models typically hold about 6 to 8 place settings.
When choosing your dishwasher, pay attention to the amenities inside, like the number of racks, utensil baskets, and other features. Think about what types of items you wash most often to determine the best dishwasher style for you.
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