You know the frustration of pulling out a load of dishes that are still wet. A great drying dishwasher can solve that problem and save you time.
If you’re shopping for one, you’ve probably seen the “3rd rack” feature. This extra rack is a total game-changer for your silverware and utensils.
We tested seven top-rated models to see which ones really work. We looked at how well they dry everything, not just what the fancy buttons promise.
Our guide will help you find a dishwasher that actually gets your dishes dry and ready to put away. Let’s dive into what makes these machines worth your money.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher | Extremely Quiet Operation | PRICES |
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7 code Large Dish Drying Rack for Kitchen Counter | Two-Tier Design | PRICES |
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Sharp SDW4523MS 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher | Compact Size | PRICES |
 |
ZLINE Autograph Edition 18" Compact 3rd Rack Top Control Dishwasher | Third Rack | PRICES |
 |
Godboat Dish Drying Rack | Auto-Drain System | PRICES |
 |
KOSTCH 24 inch Built-In Dishwasher | Large Capacity | PRICES |
 |
7 code Large Dish Drying Rack, 2-Tier Dish Racks for Kitchen Counter | Two-Tier Design | PRICES |
Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher
This Sharp dishwasher is a quiet powerhouse that adds serious organization with its third rack.
It runs at a library-quiet 47 dB, so you won’t hear it from the next room. The Power Wash Sprayer tackles tough, baked-on food with ease. You also get 12 place settings for large family loads.
The third rack is perfect for utensils and small items, freeing up space below. The stainless steel interior is durable and helps with drying. Overall, it’s built to handle daily use without a fuss.
Pros:
👍 Extremely quiet 47 dB operation
👍 Useful third rack for better organization
👍 Powerful sprayer for tough cleaning jobs
👍 Holds 12 place settings for big loads
👍 Durable stainless steel construction
Cons:
👎 Premium price point
👎 May be too large for some kitchens
👎 Some cycles can be long
My Honest Opinion:
If you want a quiet, capable dishwasher that maximizes space, this Sharp model is a fantastic choice. The third rack is a game-changer for keeping your silverware organized. It’s a solid investment for a busy household.
7 code Large Dish Drying Rack for Kitchen Counter
This two-tier drying rack is a fantastic space-saver for kitchens with limited counter space.
It features a clever design with a detachable top rack. This gives you extra room for plates, bowls, and cups without taking up more of your counter. The built-in utensil holder keeps your spoons and forks neatly organized while they dry.
The rack is sturdy and feels well-built. I found the detachable sections make it much easier to clean underneath, which is a huge plus for preventing mold and mildew.
Pros:
👍 Excellent two-tier design saves counter space
👍 Detachable top rack adds flexibility
👍 Includes a handy utensil holder
👍 Sturdy construction feels durable
👍 Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
👎 Larger footprint than some single-tier racks
👎 Plastic components may not suit all kitchens
👎 Assembly required (but it’s simple)
My Honest Opinion:
If you hand-wash a lot of dishes and need more drying room, this rack is a great solution. The extra tier really does double your capacity without needing a bigger counter.
Sharp SDW4523MS 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
This Sharp dishwasher is a quiet powerhouse that fits perfectly into smaller kitchens without sacrificing cleaning performance.
It’s an 18-inch built-in model, so it’s ideal for compact spaces. You get a useful third rack for utensils and eight full place settings.
It operates at a very quiet 47 dB and offers six different wash cycles. The stainless steel interior is durable and helps with drying.
Pros:
👍 Perfect 18-inch size for small kitchens
👍 Super quiet operation at only 47 dB
👍 Handy third rack for extra capacity
👍 Stainless steel tub for better drying
👍 Six wash cycles for flexibility
Cons:
👎 Smaller capacity than full-size models
👎 Fewer cycles than some premium dishwashers
👎 Installation required for built-in use
My Honest Opinion:
If you’re tight on space but don’t want to compromise, this Sharp is a fantastic choice. The third rack is a game-changer for organizing small items, and it’s surprisingly quiet for its size.
ZLINE Autograph Edition 18″ Compact 3rd Rack Top Control Dishwasher
This compact dishwasher proves you don’t need a full-size model to get a powerful clean and a super-useful third rack.
It’s designed for smaller kitchens but doesn’t skimp on features. You get a dedicated third rack for utensils and a quiet 51dBa operation. The black stainless steel with a champagne bronze handle gives it a premium, built-in look.
The top control panel keeps the front sleek and clean. Despite its 18-inch width, the interior is smartly laid out to maximize space. It feels sturdy and well-built right out of the box.
Pros:
👍 Perfect third rack for silverware
👍 Compact size fits small kitchens
👍 Very quiet at 51 decibels
👍 Premium black stainless steel finish
👍 Top controls for a seamless look
Cons:
👎 Higher price point for a compact
👎 Smaller capacity than full-size models
👎 May require professional installation
My Honest Opinion:
If you’re tight on space but refuse to compromise on style or functionality, this ZLINE is a top contender. It’s a premium appliance that performs like a full-sized dishwasher, just in a smaller, smarter package.
Godboat Dish Drying Rack
This rack is a fantastic space-saver that keeps your countertop dry and organized.
It features a clever auto-drain system that channels water into a removable tray. You also get a dedicated organizer for four cups and a three-slot utensil holder. This design really maximizes vertical space.
The build feels sturdy, and the included mat protects your counter from scratches. I found it very easy to assemble and clean, which is a huge plus for daily use.
Pros:
👍 Excellent auto-drain system
👍 Integrated cup and utensil organizers
👍 Saves valuable counter space
👍 Sturdy construction
👍 Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
👎 Capacity may be limited for large families
👎 The design might not fit all cup sizes perfectly
👎 Plastic construction may not appeal to everyone
My Honest Opinion:
I think this is a brilliant solution for smaller kitchens or couples. The all-in-one design eliminates the clutter of separate drainers and keeps everything tidy. It’s both functional and looks great on the counter.
KOSTCH 24 inch Built-In Dishwasher
This KOSTCH dishwasher is a quiet powerhouse that fits a surprising amount of dishes thanks to its smart third rack.
It offers eight different wash programs to handle everything from a quick rinse to heavily soiled pots. With a capacity for 15 place settings, it’s built for larger families or frequent entertainers. The ENERGY STAR certification means you’ll save on utility bills.
The top control panel gives it a sleek, built-in look that blends with your cabinetry. At just 45 decibels, it’s ultra-quiet, so you can run it anytime without disruption. The third rack is perfect for utensils and smaller items, freeing up space below.
Pros:
👍 Excellent 15-place capacity with third rack
👍 Very quiet 45-dBA operation
👍 ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency
👍 Eight versatile wash programs
👍 Sleek top-control, built-in design
Cons:
👎 Installation may require professional help
👎 Some users report longer cycle times
👎 Third rack can be tight for larger utensils
My Honest Opinion:
If you need a quiet, high-capacity dishwasher that looks great in your kitchen, this KOSTCH model is a fantastic choice. The third rack is a true game-changer for loading flexibility, though the cycles aren’t the fastest.
7 code Large Dish Drying Rack, 2-Tier Dish Racks for Kitchen Counter
This two-tier drying rack is a fantastic space-saver that can handle a full day’s worth of dishes.
Its main feature is the clever second tier, which acts like a 3rd rack for your countertop. You can fit plates, bowls, and cups on both levels, doubling your drying space. The included utensil holder and drain board keep everything neat and contained.
I found the build to be sturdy and the white finish looks clean in any kitchen. The pieces are detachable, so you can configure it to fit your specific counter space or wash the parts separately.
Pros:
👍 Excellent two-tier design maximizes vertical space
👍 Large capacity handles big loads easily
👍 Detachable parts for flexible setup and cleaning
👍 Includes a utensil holder and drain board
👍 Sturdy, stable construction
Cons:
👎 Takes up a fair bit of counter space when fully assembled
👎 Plastic construction may not feel as premium as metal
👎 Some parts can be tricky to snap together initially
My Honest Opinion:
If your kitchen counter is constantly cluttered with air-drying dishes, this rack is a game-changer. The extra tier really does make a huge difference in capacity, and it keeps your kitchen looking much more organized.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Size and Capacity
First, measure your cabinet opening. Standard dishwashers are 24 inches wide, but 18-inch compact models are great for small kitchens. A third rack dramatically increases usable space for utensils and small items, so check the total place settings.
Noise Level and Performance
Look for a decibel (dBA) rating of 50 or lower for quiet operation. A dedicated drying function, like a fan or heating element, is crucial for getting dishes truly dry without hand-toweling. More wash cycles offer flexibility for different loads.
Installation and Features
Built-in models require a permanent installation under the counter, while freestanding dish racks are portable. For built-ins, decide between top-control panels (sleeker look) and front-control. Features like a Power Wash sprayer or adjustable racks add convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a third rack good for?
A third rack is a shallow top rack perfect for holding cutlery, cooking utensils, baby bottle parts, and small lids. It frees up the main racks for plates and bowls, maximizing your load capacity.
How quiet is a 47 dB dishwasher?
A 47 dB rating is considered “library quiet.” You’ll hear a soft hum, but it won’t interrupt conversations or TV watching in an adjacent room. It’s an excellent choice for open-concept living spaces.
Can I install a built-in dishwasher myself?
If you have basic plumbing and electrical skills, you can DIY. However, connecting water lines, drain hoses, and electrical wiring can be complex, so hiring a professional is often recommended for safety and warranty purposes.
Do all dishwashers have a good drying function?
No. Some basic models rely on residual heat, which can leave plastics and Tupperware wet. Look for models specifically advertising a “heated dry,” “fan dry,” or “crystal dry” technology for the best results.
What’s the difference between a dishwasher and a dish drying rack?
A dishwasher washes and dries dishes automatically. A dish drying rack is a countertop organizer where you place hand-washed dishes to air dry. They serve completely different purposes.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For most homes, the Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Dishwasher is the top pick. It offers the perfect balance of quiet 47 dB operation, a useful third rack, powerful cleaning, and a proven drying system. If you need a compact solution, the Sharp SDW4523MS 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher packs similar features into a smaller footprint. For a premium, stylish look, the ZLINE Autograph Edition 18″ Dishwasher is unmatched.
Your choice ultimately depends on your kitchen size and style, but prioritizing a third rack and an effective drying cycle will transform your clean-up routine.