Can you remove the third rack in a dishwasher?

Never having had one, I can see some benefits - mostly the ability to put serving utensils and such there. But the idea of having to lay out every piece of flatware into grooves makes me shutter. Tell me your thoughts please...

Most dishwashers have the ability to remove the upper rack. This is beneficial if you want to wash large stock pots, or tall items like vases or platters. The information below shows how to remove the most common type of upper rack. Check the Owner's Manual for your specific model for more information.

To remove the rack: 

The removable top rack allows you to wash larger items such as stock pots, roasters, and cookie sheets in the bottom rack.

The dishwasher upper rack is not removable on all models. Models with a removable upper rack will have instructions for removing the rack listed in the owner's manual. Although it is not recommended to do this on a regular basis unless listed in the owner's manual, the upper rack can be removed on some models.

Prior to 1993:

The upper rack is installed onto top rack rails. The top rack rails have an end cap that can be pried off by bending metal tabs at the end of the rail. The rack will then pull out while the rails remain in the dishwasher. If repeated often, bending of the rail tabs will break them and the entire rail must be replaced.

1993 to Current:

Plastic and Hybrid tub models:

• Models listed as having a "Removable" Upper Rack: Check the owner's manual for directions on how to remove the upper rack.

• Models not listed as having a "Removable" Upper Rack: There is a tab on the front end caps. To remove the front end cap, stick a screwdriver behind the last peg behind the tab, push back towards the dishwasher wall and then turn the tab inward carefully. Be gentle, the tabs may break. The tabs snap back in place the same way.

View a short video on end cap removal/installation:

Stainless tub models:

• Models listed as having "Removable, Adjustable" Upper Racks: Check the owner's manual for directions. These models have easily removable upper racks that are designed to be removed when washing large items in the lower rack.

• Models listed as having "Adjustable" or "Height Adjustable" Upper Racks: These height adjustable upper racks are not designed to be removed except by a technician.

  Once you open the door, modern dishwashers don’t look much like the one your parents or grandparents had. Not many new models still have an exposed heating rod, or a (very noisy) food disposal unit that older ones used.

  But the biggest design change in 21st century dishwashers is the addition of a third rack. These extra racks make good use of available space, and provide a convenient place to stash silverware and cooking utensils.

  

  Credit: KitchenAid

  Longer and oddly-shaped items that never had a good place in most dishwashers fit well in a third rack.

  Not all dishwashers have third racks, but they’re moving from the priciest models to more affordable machines. And third racks have evolved from flat trays to deeper trays, meaning that many of them now have room for small bowls, big spatulas, deep soup ladles, and long, flat kitchen utensils.

  If you’ve been wondering what a third rack does or why you would want one, here’s some info to help you decide.

  Third rack basics

  A third rack is a sliding tray, usually located at the top of the tub, that adds to the useable space and versatility of your dishwasher.

  

  Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger

  There's plenty of room for your cutlery and utensils in this third rack.

  Some third racks are adjustable, folding up or sliding to the side to accommodate tall items in the middle rack. And, even if your third rack doesn’t adjust, most are easily removeable for times when they get in the way of tall items on the second rack.

  More to love

  Your third rack can help you make better use of your dishwasher. • Your silverware may come out cleaner, because it doesn’t “nest” in the third rack the way it can in the basket. • Putting your flatware in the third rack enables you to remove that big silverware basket taking up space in the lower rack, making more room for cookie sheets and serving platters without obstructing the water jets. • Small ramekins, measuring spoons, and Tupperware lids finally have a good place to go.

  

  Credit: Reviewed.com / Jackson Ruckar

  If you organize silverware by type, it's quick and easy to unload it from the third rack

  What to watch out for

  Before you commit to a third rack dishwasher, think about these minor disadvantages. • If you’re not used to having a third rack, you may forget to empty it. • Some dishwashers come with a flat tray third rack that might not be as useful. • Silverware could take you more time to load, if you’re used to dropping handfuls of it in the basket. Unloading from the third rack can be faster, though, especially if you organize your cutlery by type. • The third rack takes up some space near the top of the dishwasher’s tub, so you may have to lower the middle rack (if it’s adjustable) to load tall items.

  Although third racks are standard on an increasing number of dishwashers, you might end up spending a bit more for one. You may not have to, though. Third rack models have become so popular that some brands are adding them to every dishwasher they make.

  Which dishwashers have a third rack?

  When you read our dishwasher reviews, you can filter the results to show only models with third racks.

  Some recommendations:

  • Bosch SHPM98W75N • KitchenAid KDTM354DSS • Miele Futura Lumen EcoFlex G6885SCVi • Samsung DW80K7050US • Whirlpool WDT970SAHV

  Do you need a third rack in a dishwasher?

  Benefits of a Third Rack Dishwasher Maximizes space: A third rack has 30 percent more loading area, providing more room for hard-to-place items like long kitchen utensils and silverware. It also eliminates the need for a cutlery basket, making more room for plates and cookware on the bottom rack.

  Can you remove the third rack on an LG dishwasher?

  Yes, you can.