Choosing a new dishwasher isn’t only about cleaning power. Size and fit are just as important for your kitchen’s layout and functionality.
From full-size built-ins to compact and drawer-style models, there’s more variety than most shoppers expect.
In this guide, we’ll cover standard dishwasher sizes, space-saving alternatives, and how to choose the best dishwashers to fit your kitchen layout.
Understanding dishwasher dimensions upfront will help you avoid installation issues and ensure your new appliance blends seamlessly into your kitchen.
➜ Learn More: 6 Café Dishwasher Models Compared
Why Getting the Right Dishwasher Size Is Essential
Size plays a crucial role in your dishwasher’s function and how well it integrates with your kitchen.
A unit that’s too large won’t install properly, and one that’s too small may leave you doing more loads than necessary. From installation challenges to design aesthetics, dishwasher sizes affect both performance and kitchen harmony.
Whether you live in a compact city apartment or a large suburban home, choosing the right size means tailoring your appliance to your lifestyle. Smaller homes and apartments often benefit from space-saving models, while larger households with frequent entertaining may need full-size capacity.
Beyond simple dimensions, dishwasher sizes influence everything from how your dishes fit to how easily you can open the door without hitting cabinetry.
Understanding Standard Dishwasher Measurements
Let’s start with the most common format: the standard built-in dishwasher. A typical standard dishwasher size measures approximately 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 34-35 inches high.
This has become the industry norm because it fits neatly under most countertops and offers sufficient capacity for families or frequent entertainers.
The interior tub usually accommodates 10 to 16 place settings, which translates to 100 to 160 items of varying shapes and sizes, making it a good fit for daily use in full-size kitchens. Despite minor brand-to-brand variations, this dishwasher standard size is designed for under-counter installations with at least 34 inches of clearance in height.
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Compact and Apartment-Size Dishwashers
Compact dishwashers are the go-to solution for small kitchens, studio apartments, or secondary kitchenettes. These models usually measure around 18 inches wide, 22-24 inches deep, and 32-34 inches high, depending on the brand and design.
Often referred to in searches for apartment-size dishwasher dimensions, these units are ideal for 1-2 person households, bar areas, or mother-in-law suites.
While they generally accommodate about 6 to 8 place settings, they still offer many of the same cleaning cycles and drying technologies as their full-size counterparts.
Here’s a quick comparison chart to illustrate the difference:
| Dishwasher Type | Width | Height | Depth | Place Settings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Dishwasher | 24 inches | 34–35 in | 24 in | 12–16 |
| Compact Dishwasher | 18 inches | 32–34 in | 22–24 in | 6–8 |
| Drawer Dishwasher | 23.5 inches (single) | 17–19 in (per drawer) | 22–24 in | 6–7 (per drawer) |
Compact models offer more flexible installation options and are often a top choice when you're tight on space but still want a built-in solution.
What Is a Drawer Dishwasher, and How Does It Work?
Drawer dishwashers are a modern, space-savvy option that adds ergonomic benefits to the mix. The rising demand for space-saving and energy-efficient kitchen appliances is fueling the drawer dishwashers.
These units come in single or double-drawer configurations and typically measure 23-24 inches wide and 16-17 inches high per drawer. Double-drawer models are about the same height as a standard dishwasher but allow for independent drawer operation.
This is where the comparison of drawer dishwasher vs standard dishwasher size becomes interesting. While they occupy similar widths, drawer models offer more versatility—you can run one drawer for a small load or both when needed, saving energy and water. They’re also easier to load because of their waist-high access, which reduces bending.
Drawer dishwashers are ideal for open-plan kitchens, accessible living setups, or households that like to run smaller loads more frequently. They fit seamlessly into sleek, modern kitchen designs and are growing in popularity for their convenience and visual appeal.
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Which Dishwasher Size Is Right for Your Kitchen Setup?
Choosing the right dishwasher dimensions starts with accurate measuring. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Measure width: Use a tape measure to determine the space between your cabinets. Standard openings are usually 24 inches, but older or custom homes may vary.
- Measure height: Check the clearance from the floor to the underside of your counter. Most counters accommodate about 34-35 inches.
- Measure depth: Make sure your space allows for 24 inches of depth without obstructing walkways or doors.
- Check plumbing and electrical: Ensure there's access to water, a drain line, and an appropriate electrical outlet nearby.
- Account for the door swing: Make sure the dishwasher door can open fully without hitting other cabinetry or appliances.
Still wondering what sizes dishwashers come in or which one fits your unique layout? Our appliance experts are here to help guide you through every detail, from measuring to model recommendations.
Best Dishwashers You Can Buy in 2025
Keep reading for our top six ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher picks in standard, compact, and drawer sizes.
Standard Dishwashers That Get the Job Done:
Standard dishwashers offer the ideal balance of capacity, power, and performance—perfect for families or anyone who needs reliable, everyday cleaning without compromise.
GE 24” Black Built In Dishwasher
Shop GE 24” Black Built In Dishwasher
Need a reliable dishwasher that can keep up with your household? This GE 24” dishwasher delivers strong cleaning and generous capacity for everyday use.
Its Dry Boost technology ensures dishes come out bone-dry, even plasticware, and the Steam + Sani cycle makes it easy to skip pre-rinsing while still achieving a deep, hygienic clean. With a quiet 55 dBA operation and space for up to 14 place settings, it’s ideal for medium to large households that run frequent loads.
Built with durability in mind and made in America, it offers peace of mind with leak protection and consistent results for years to come.
Top Features
- Dry Boost for 7x better drying performance
Steam + Sani cycle for deep cleaning and sanitization - Active Flood Protect with water leak sensor
Bosch 800 Series 24” Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop Bosch 800 Series 24” Top Control Built In Dishwasher
This Bosch 800 Series dishwasher is an outstanding choice for larger households, tech-savvy users, or anyone who demands top-tier performance and ultra-quiet operation.
With its advanced PrecisionWash with PowerControl, even your dirtiest dishes come out spotless—no scrubbing or pre-rinsing required. The EasyGlide rack system and RackMatic design make it a dream to load, while smart Wi-Fi connectivity through Home Connect helps you select and save the best cycles for your needs.
At just 42 dBA, it’s whisper-quiet, and with ENERGY STAR certification and a 10-year rust-through warranty, it’s a durable, efficient, and smart addition to any modern kitchen.
Top Features
- PrecisionWash with PowerControl for powerful, targeted cleaning
Home Connect Wi-Fi enabled smart controls with Smart Cycle - RackMatic adjustable rack system with nine positions for flexible loading
Space-Saving Compact Dishwashers
Compact dishwashers are perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, or secondary spaces—offering efficient cleaning power in a slim design that fits where full-size models can’t.
Frigidaire 18” Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop Frigidaire 18” Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
The Frigidaire 18” dishwasher is a space-saving solution that delivers powerful performance, perfect for apartments, condos, or any kitchen with limited room.
Despite its slim footprint, it delivers strong cleaning performance with a dual spray arm system that ensures dishes come out sparkling every time. With room for up to eight place settings and multiple cycle options, it offers the flexibility and efficiency of a full-size dishwasher in a space-saving design.
Added conveniences like a 24-hour delay start and clear cycle status indicators make it a practical, user-friendly addition to any home.
Top Features
- Dual spray arm system for a thorough clean on both racks
- Fits up to eight place settings in one cycle
- 24-hour delay start for convenient, scheduled operation
⭐Featured Frigidaire Compact Dishwasher Review:
"My old dishwasher (another brand) started leaking and I had to replace it with this dishwasher. I love the layout of the bottom rack, and I'm impressed it cleans my dishes properly on the regular cycle where I had to run my old dishwasher on the highest settings all the time. It's also appreciated that it counts down the minutes in the last hour when I use the "delay start" feature so I know if I have time to throw an extra dish in. It is very quiet and the completed beep is not obnoxious either."
Bertazzoni 18” Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop Bertazzoni 18” Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Combining compact efficiency with elegant Italian craftsmanship, the Bertazzoni 18” dishwasher is ideal for upscale kitchens where space and style both matter.
Its seamless integration with Bertazzoni’s Professional and Master Series suites ensures a cohesive, high-end look, while ENERGY STAR efficiency and NSF-certified sanitation deliver reliable, hygienic results.
With up to eight wash cycles and deep-cleaning technologies like DirectWash, it handles everything from delicate glassware to heavily soiled pots with ease. Quiet, efficient, and elegantly crafted, this dishwasher brings both beauty and function to the modern kitchen.
Top Features
- Elegant Italian design with seamless suite integration
- Deep cleaning technology with up to eight cycles and DirectWash
- NSF-certified to eliminate 99.99% of common household bacteria
Best Drawer Dishwashers
Drawer dishwashers offer flexible loading and sleek design, making them a top choice for modern kitchens. Ideal for smaller loads, they combine convenience, style, and efficient performance in one compact unit.
Fisher & Paykel Series 11 24” Panel Ready Double Drawer Dishwasher
Shop Fisher & Paykel 24” Double Drawer Dishwasher
Want a dishwasher that looks as good as it performs? The panel-ready Fisher & Paykel double-drawer model is a sleek, space-smart option for high-end modern kitchens.
Its double-drawer configuration allows for true half-load flexibility, letting you run two different cycles simultaneously or save energy by using just one drawer at a time.
The panel-ready exterior integrates seamlessly into custom cabinetry, while soft-close drawers and touch-sensitive controls enhance ease of use. With quiet operation, smart connectivity, and ENERGY STAR efficiency, this dishwasher is as intelligent as it is stylish.
Top Features
- Double-drawer design for true half-load flexibility and simultaneous cycles
- Panel-ready exterior with internal controls for a seamless, built-in look
- Wi-Fi capability with SmartHQ app for remote control and notifications
⭐Featured Frigidaire Drawer Dishwasher Review:
"We really like this dishwasher. It's great for just the two of us when we only need to run one drawer at a time. It's also great for a party. You can start one drawer when full and then continue to fill up the other. It is very functional for our lifestyle. It's also very quiet, so you hardly hear it running."
Café 24” Matte Black Built-In Drawer Dishwasher
Shop Café 24” Matte Black Built-In Drawer Dishwasher
This Café double-drawer dishwasher offers a winning combination of high-performance cleaning and personalized design, perfect for style-conscious households with busy kitchen routines.
Its double-drawer configuration allows you to run separate wash cycles simultaneously, making it easy to clean delicate glassware and heavily soiled cookware at the same time.
You can customize the finish and hardware to tailor the look to your kitchen, while features like the Small Load setting and knock-to-pause add smart convenience. With room for 14 place settings and ergonomic drawer placement, it’s as practical as it is beautiful.
Top Features
- Double-drawer design with independent cycles for flexible washing
- Customizable finish and hardware to match your kitchen style
- Energy-efficient Small Load and Eco-Cycle settings for resource savings
➜ Learn More: A Buyer’s Guide to 24 Inch Dishwashers and Features
Find the Perfect Fit: Shop Dishwashers with Confidence
At the end of the day, dishwasher sizes are about more than numbers—they’re about how comfortably your appliance fits into your space and your lifestyle.
From full-size layouts to compact condos, understanding how standard, compact, and drawer dishwashers differ helps you pick the best model for your space and lifestyle.
Ready to find your perfect dishwasher? Explore our collection online or stop by Texas Appliance to get hands-on with today’s top models. Our expert team is here to help you measure, compare features, and choose with confidence so you never second-guess your dishwasher purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dishwashers come in a range of sizes. While 24-inch standard models are the most common, compact and drawer models offer alternative dimensions for smaller or more customized spaces.
A standard under-counter opening typically fits a 24-inch wide dishwasher that’s 34-35 inches high. Be sure to measure your opening carefully to ensure the correct fit.
Measure the width, height, and depth of the space between your cabinets and beneath your countertop. Also, check plumbing, electrical access, and door clearance to avoid installation issues.
Drawer dishwashers have one or two pull-out drawers that operate independently, while standard dishwashers have a single door and full interior cavity. Drawer models offer more flexibility and ergonomic benefits.
Yes, but you may need a trim kit or custom cabinetry adjustments to fill the gap. Compact dishwashers are 18 inches wide, so a 24-inch opening will leave extra space unless modified
Why Trust Texas Appliance?
With roots back to the 1950s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated, residential major appliance retailer serving both residential and builders’ needs. Our 4 locations allow us to offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet your every need. With over 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built-in and free–standing appliances in the state of Texas.
We will be the best appliance dealer in our markets by exceeding our customers’ expectations in every way. We will treat our customers, vendors, and fellow employees with respect, honesty, integrity, and appreciation. The difference between a “Good” company and a “Great” company lies in its employees’ determination.
Shop Standard, Compact, and Drawer Dishwashers at Texas Appliance
Stop by Texas Appliance’s Fort Worth Store and Outlet locations to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop appliances online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best dishwashers in Texas — whether you call us at 817-299-2800, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.