Dishwasher Sizes and Noise Ratings
Most dishwashers are 24 or 18 inches wide, and the dBA number is how loud they run; Bosch calls 48 dBA or lower quiet, and lower is quieter.
By Liam McCabeContributing writer.
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The short answer
- Width: built-in dishwashers come in two common widths, 24 inches (full size) and 18 inches (compact). Countertop models sit on the counter and need no cabinet space.
- Capacity: ENERGY STAR calls a dishwasher standard if it holds more than eight place settings and six serving pieces, and compact if it holds less.
- Noise: the dBA rating is the sound level while it runs. Lower is quieter.
Standard dishwasher size
The width is the number that has to match your kitchen, because a built-in dishwasher slides into a gap between cabinets. Of the 189 dishwashers on Wiki Shopping that state a width, 137 list 24 inches and 52 list 18 inches. Bosch, for example, describes its 24-inch models as full size.
Measure the opening, not the old machine: width at the front and back, height from the floor to the underside of the counter, and depth to the wall. Leave room for the door to swing open past nearby drawers or an island.
18 inch vs 24 inch dishwasher
| 24-inch | 18-inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in dishwashers on Wiki Shopping | 68 | 12 |
| Portable dishwashers on Wiki Shopping | 2 | 10 |
| Best for | Families, daily loads | Small kitchens, one or two people |
An 18-inch model fits where a 24-inch will not, but it holds less, so you run it more often. ENERGY STAR notes that because of their smaller capacity, compact models may use more energy than standard ones over time. If you have the space, a 24-inch machine is usually the better buy.
Place settings tell you capacity more directly: on Wiki Shopping, 39 dishwashers list 9 or more place settings, 17 list 7 to 8 and 12 list up to 6.
What does dBA mean on a dishwasher
dBA stands for A-weighted decibels, a sound level adjusted to match how the human ear hears. The number on the spec sheet is the sound level while the dishwasher runs. A few points make a real difference, since the decibel scale is logarithmic rather than linear.
Makers do not agree on one cutoff for "quiet". Bosch counts any model at 48 dBA or lower as quiet, and its buying advice points to models under 45 dBA. Bosch also says its quietest dishwashers run between 38 and 48 dBA.
On Wiki Shopping, dishwashers that state a noise level split like this:
| Noise level | Dishwashers | 24-inch | 18-inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 44 dBA | 35 | 18 | 2 |
| 45 to 49 dBA | 39 | 31 | 2 |
| 50 dBA and up | 63 | 33 | 25 |
Quiet ratings are far more common among 24-inch machines. If your kitchen opens onto the living room, aim for 44 dBA or lower.
How we count
Width, type, place settings and noise level are read from each dishwasher's store listing. Dishwashers whose listing does not state a value are left out of that count, so rows do not always add up to the totals. The counts change as listings are added or removed.
Shop by spec
Dishwashers
- Top Load 2-in-1 Design: Single compact appliance works as both a portable dishwasher and a produce washer, and the top-opening tub means no bending down to load or unload a full rack of dishes
- HydroJet Cavitation Cleaning: High-pressure water circulation generates cavitation bubbles that lift stubborn food residue, grease and stains from dishes, cookware, fruit, vegetables and seafood
- 15 Minute Fast Wash: 4 cycle modes cover everyday dishes plus dedicated fruit and vegetable washing, while Eco Mode draws as little as 1.6 gallons of water per cycle
- Triple Drying System: Hot air drying from the PTC element plus automatic air circulation keep dishes dry and odor-free for up to 96 hours, reducing moisture buildup inside a closed tub
- Small Kitchen Fit: Freestanding countertop footprint suits an apartment, condo, RV or other compact living space, and a built-in child lock adds peace of mind in homes with children
Built-in, 24 inch
- Open Dry: Enhances air circulation for effective and even drying, ensuring dishes are dry and free from residual moisture.
- Height-Adjustable Upper Basket: The upper basket can be adjusted to different heights, allowing you to create space for larger or taller items in the lower rack.
- 7 Wash Cycles with 5 Options: Choose from 7 wash cycles and 5 options to tackle everything from delicate glassware to heavily soiled pots, delivering efficient, customized cleaning for any load.
- Quiet Operation at 47 dBA: So quiet you can run it anytime-perfect for open-concept kitchens, entertaining, or mealtime cleanups.
- Status Indicator Light: Displays a clear visual indication of the dishwasher’s progress, allowing you to easily monitor the current wash cycle without needing to open the door.
- Wine Glass Bracket: Designed to securely hold delicate glassware, ensuring wine glasses and other fragile items are spotless and intact after each wash.
- Third Layer Cutlery Rack: Maximize space and organization with a dedicated third rack for utensils, knives, and small items-keeping them secure and separate for a thorough, gentle clean.
Up to 44 dB
- SMART DRY WITH AUTORELEASE DOOR: The Smart Dry with AutoRelease Door system circulates warm air to deliver 2.5x better drying performance¹ without damaging plastic ware. It intelligently senses and adjusts drying temperature and time to avoid wasting energy.
- STORMWASH+: Clean the dirtiest dishes quickly and most efficiently without pre-rinsing using the StormWash+ system. With dual wash arms and a rotating spray jet it delivers more intense cleaning performance and cleans at every angle to cover 1.5x more space.¹
- WHISPER QUIET 42dBA: So quiet you don’t even know it’s on with Whisper Quiet 42dBA operation.
- Wi-Fi CONNECTED: Wi-Fi connected so you can remotely start, stop or delay dishwashing cycles, and save time and energy right from your smartphone with the SmartThings App.
- 3RD RACK: A convenient 3rd rack provides extra space to load small mugs, utensils and silverware. Frees up to 30% more space for other items to help you load all you need.
Built-in, 24 inch, 45 to 49 dB
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE CLEANING PERFORMANCE: Equipped with six specialized wash programs, this dishwasher provides the versatility to handle a wide range of cleanup needs. From delicate crystal and glassware to heavily soiled pots and pans, you can select the precise intensity required to ensure your dishes are thoroughly cleaned in every cycle.
- ADVANCED 3-RACK LOADING CAPACITY: Maximize your kitchen efficiency with a robust three-rack design. The system includes a dedicated third rack for easy utensil organization and a height-adjustable upper rack, giving you the flexibility to accommodate oversized mixing bowls, tall wine glasses, and large serving platters without rearranging your entire load.
- DOUBLE DRYING TECHNOLOGY: Say goodbye to the need for manual drying. This unit utilizes a sophisticated dual-action system that combines powerful heat drying with active fan-assisted circulation. This process ensures that your dishes are bone-dry, spotless, and ready for immediate storage as soon as the cycle finishes.
- WHISPER-QUIET KITCHEN ENVIRONMENT: Enjoy the perfect balance of cleaning power and home tranquility. Operating at an impressively low 49 dBA, this dishwasher performs its heavy-duty cycles quietly, allowing you to carry on conversations, watch television, or enjoy your home without the disruption of loud appliance noise.
- INNOVATIVE INTERIOR FRESHNESS SYSTEM: Maintain a pristine and pleasant appliance interior between washes. The integrated air exchange system automatically cycles fresh air through the unit every six hours, effectively preventing stagnant air and ensuring the inside of your dishwasher remains fresh and odor-free, even if it is not run daily.
- INTUITIVE CONTROLS AND DURABILITY: Manage your cycles effortlessly with user-friendly electronic touch controls and a clear LED interface. The front-facing cycle progress indicator allows you to monitor remaining time at a glance. Built for long-term reliability, the interior of this white unit features a durable, tall stainless steel tub that is highly resistant to heat, stains, and corrosion.