Is a Tall Tub Dishwasher Right For You?

Tall tub dishwashers have grown in popularity over the years. Many large families have come to rely on them to get them through the mess caused by a dinner party or a large holiday gathering. 

Tall tub dishwashers have one distinct difference from standard dishwashers. They feature a large capacity, which can handle more dishes and cookware than their standard counterparts. Most standard-sized dishwashers can fit about 12 place settings whereas a large capacity, tall tub model can handle about 12 to 15 place settings. A larger tub helps provide greater convenience to load more items and run fewer cycles while keeping the space in your kitchen intact.  

A tall tub dishwasher provides more ample dish loading space courtesy of wider tines, a different motor, unique washing arm configurations and the absence of a kick plate. These combine to create a more spacious bottom rack so you can load large items like baking sheets and casserole pans with the goal of washing them all in one cycle. Standard-sized dishwashers usually have a larger motor, a washing arm on the bottom of the interior tub and a kick plate. 

Tall tub models have a flatter motor configuration in addition to a top-placed washing arm, allowing you to utilize the entire bottom rack for loading items. Without a kick plate situated at the bottom of the appliance, you don’t have to give up any usable space. Additionally, there are some tall tub dishwashers with a third level rack, giving owners even more space to work with. 

WHICH IS TALLER: A TALL TUB DISHWASHER OR A STANDARD DISHWASHER?

A tall tub dishwasher boasts a greater capacity for bigger loads while maintaining the same height as a standard dishwasher (roughly 35 inches tall). You shouldn’t have any concerns about installation or placement with your countertops. 

THE STANDARD DIMENSIONS OF A TALL TUB DISHWASHER 

The standard dimensions of a tall tub dishwasher are approximately the following: 

• 24 inches wide
• 35 inches tall
• 24 inches deep, excluding handles

These are the same dimensions that can be found in this Maytag dishwasher. 

If you are searching for a wider appliance, certain large capacity dishwashers are oversized with widths that range from 30 to 42 inches.

DO I NEED MORE SPACE OR HIGHER COUNTERTOPS TO INSTALL A TALL TUB DISHWASHER?

Tall tub dishwashers feature exterior dimensions that are similar to standard models. This means that you do not need additional exterior space or higher countertops for installation. 

Learn more about dimensions and dishwasher sizes.

Tall tub dishwashers are versatile kitchen appliances that can help simplify clean up and give you the gift of time.

With a tall tub dishwasher, you can reap these benefits:

• Certain models come with an adjustable third rack, providing flexibility for loading hard-to-fit items like bowls, mugs and more.
• An adjustable second rack for tall items like blender jars and reusable water bottles.
• Standard-sized exterior dimensions for easy installation.
• A large capacity bottom rack is perfect for items like baking sheets and casserole dishes. 
• You can run fewer cycles with larger loads.
• Some models have a stainless steel finish.

This Maytag^® dishwasher with the Third Level Rack has a specialized wash zone, providing more loading space and cleaning ability.

To decide if a tall tub dishwasher will suit your life, you should think about your needs. If the ability to load cookware directly onto the lower racks, rather than letting them sit in the sink, appeals to you then a tall tub is a good option. Furthermore, do you want adjustable second and third racks to also load leftover utensils and hard-to-fit items? If so, then maybe it’s time to add a tall tub dishwasher to your kitchen.

Here’s the kicker: If you hate having a counter full of dishes and running too many cycles, a tall tub dishwasher can help solve both of those issues.