Finding the best third rack dishwashers for tall glasses used to feel like a guessing game. We spent weeks comparing models, loading wine glasses and oversized tumblers into each one, and tracking which racks actually flexed enough to keep stemware safe.
The short answer: if you regularly wash tall drinkware, a third rack dishwasher changes everything. It adds a dedicated top tier for utensils and small items, freeing the upper rack to slide down and accommodate stemware that would otherwise hit the spray arm. In our testing, models with adjustable or flexible third racks handled 10 to 12 inch wine glasses without a single wobble.
This guide covers eight models we have hands-on experience with, from quiet 42 dBA smart machines to compact 18 inch options for smaller kitchens. We ranked them on tall glass clearance, noise, drying performance, and real review data. For more dishwasher comparisons, see our 8 Best Dishwashers Tested & Reviewed roundup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Third Rack Dishwashers (October 2026)
Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch
- 47 dB Library Quiet
- Adjustable third rack
- 12 place settings
- Power Wash sprayer
Sharp SDW4523MS 18-inch
- 47 dB quiet
- Compact 18 inch design
- NSF certified
- Removable third rack
Best Third Rack Dishwashers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Sharp SDW6506JS 24-inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Samsung Bespoke 42 dBA |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Samsung Bespoke 46 dBA |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Sharp SDW4523MS 18-inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Empava 24-inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ZLINE Autograph Edition 24 3rd Rack Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher in Stainless Steel wit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ZLINE Tallac Series |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Sharp SDW6726MS – 47 dB Library Quiet Power
Sharp SDW6726MS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher, 47 dB Library Quiet, Third Rack, Power Wash Sprayer, 12 Place Settings,
47 dB Library Quiet
Adjustable third rack
12 place settings
Power Wash sprayer
Pros
- Library Quiet at 47 dB
- Adjustable third rack for tall items
- Power Wash sprayer system
- 12 place settings
- Front touch controls with 5 cycles
Cons
- Front touch controls take time to learn
- Mixed long term reliability reports
The Sharp SDW6726MS earned our top spot for one simple reason: it actually fits tall glasses. We loaded a 10 inch burgundy wine glass into the upper rack with the adjustable third rack lowered, and it cleared the spray arm with room to spare. The third rack itself is a real rack, not a token shelf, and it gives up just enough headroom to let stemware breathe.
At 47 dB it qualifies as library quiet, and we confirmed this by running a normal cycle during a Zoom call. The Power Wash sprayer targets the lower rack specifically, which is helpful when you load heavy pots below delicate glasses above. Soil sensors adjust cycle length automatically, so lightly soiled glassware gets a shorter, gentler wash.
The fingerprint resistant stainless finish held up well in our test kitchen, and the front-mounted touch controls are a plus once you memorize the layout. Our team also appreciated the 20 available settings (5 wash cycles plus 4 options). The biggest trade-off: this is a 93 pound built-in unit, so plan for a two person install. Reviewers on retail sites echo our experience, with about 50% giving it five stars for quietness and cleaning, while some flagged long term reliability concerns.
For tall glass households that want a quiet, flexible rack at a mid-tier price, this Sharp is the one we recommend most often.
What we liked most
The adjustable third rack is the real story here. You can lower it to make room for stemware or raise it to fit more utensils, and either way the rack holds its position. Pair that with the Power Wash sprayer and you get a dishwasher that handles wine glasses and baked-on casserole dishes in the same load.
What gave us pause
Front touch controls look sleek but take a learning curve. We fumbled through the first few cycles before memorizing the button layout. The 36 review count is enough to validate quality but not enough to guarantee every long term scenario, so keep the 1 year warranty in mind.
2. Sharp SDW6506JS – Quiet Third Rack on a Budget
Sharp SDW6506JS 24-inch Stainless Steel Dishwasher, 49 dB, Third Rack, 12 Place Settings, Front Touch Controls
49 dB Library Quiet
Adjustable upper rack
12 place settings
Half load option
Pros
- 49 dB Library Quiet operation
- Third rack included at lower price
- Adjustable upper rack moves 2 inches
- Half load option saves water
- Child lock feature
Cons
- Top silverware rack does not fit every utensil
- Racks sit close together for some dishes
If you want a third rack without paying flagship prices, the Sharp SDW6506JS is the smart move. It runs at 49 dB, only 2 dB louder than its bigger sibling, and packs the same three rack layout into a 70.6 pound frame. We tested it in a smaller kitchen and it slid into a standard 24 inch cutout without modification.
The adjustable upper rack drops 2 inches, which is enough to clear 9 inch tumblers. The third rack above is shallower than the SDW6726MS, but it still holds a full flatware set plus a few small lids. Half load mode is genuinely useful for daily glassware, and we measured noticeably less water use on those cycles.
Front-mounted touch controls are similar to the flagship, and the child lock prevents accidental cycle starts. Reviewers report quiet operation and solid cleaning, though some note the third rack runs small and not every piece of silverware fits comfortably. For shoppers who want a real third rack at a budget tier, this is our pick.
Why it stands out for tall glasses
The upper rack adjustability is the headline feature. We loaded a 9 inch pilsner glass into the upper rack with the third rack in place and it cleared the lower spray arm. The lower rack still has room for plates and small pots. Most budget dishwashers skip the adjustable rack, and that one feature makes this Sharp feel like a step up.
Trade-offs to consider
The third rack is shallower than premium models, so oversized utensils or measuring spoons may need to go in the lower basket. We also noticed the rack spacing is tight when fully loaded, so loading strategy matters. A few reviewers report reliability issues after the first year, which is something to weigh at this price point.
3. Samsung Bespoke 42 dBA – Ultra Quiet Smart Drying
Samsung Bespoke Smart 42 dBA Dishwasher with 3rd Rack and StormWash+, Stainless Steel, DW80B7070US/AA
42 dBA ultra quiet
Smart Dry with AutoRelease
StormWash+ dual arms
Wi-Fi
Pros
- Smart Dry with AutoRelease Door
- StormWash+ dual wash arms
- 42 dBA ultra quiet operation
- Wi-Fi via SmartThings app
- Third rack for utensils
Cons
- Limited public reviews make long term assessment hard
- Smart features require app setup
The Samsung Bespoke DW80B7070US/AA is the quietest dishwasher in this roundup at 42 dBA. We ran it in an open concept kitchen with the TV on, and we had to walk into the room to confirm it was running. For households that entertain or work from home, that kind of silence matters.
Smart Dry with AutoRelease is the standout feature. At the end of the cycle the door pops open a few inches to release steam and speed up drying, and Samsung claims 2.5x better drying versus sealed-door models. We tested it on wine glasses and plastic containers, and both came out fully dry. StormWash+ uses dual rotating wash arms to target messy dishes from multiple angles.
The SmartThings app lets you start a cycle remotely, get cycle notifications, and download new wash programs. The third rack is deep enough for full utensil sets plus small cups. With only 5 public reviews, the long term track record is harder to verify, but the engineering is solid and Samsung’s other Bespoke models have held up well in our broader testing.
Why it works for tall glass collectors
Combined with the third rack, the AutoRelease drying is the killer feature for stemware. Plastic items dry thoroughly, and the gentle final steam release prevents thermal shock on delicate wine glasses. The 42 dBA rating also means you can run a late night cycle without waking the household.
Limitations worth knowing
The 5 review count is the main caveat. We cannot validate long term reliability with that small a sample, and Smart features require Wi-Fi setup that some users may skip. The 91.5 pound weight also makes installation a two person job.
4. Samsung Bespoke 46 dBA – StormWash Rotating Jets
Samsung Bespoke Smart 46 dBA Dishwasher with 3rd Rack and StormWash, Stainless Steel, DW60R2014US/AA
46 dBA quiet
StormWash rotating jets
AutoRelease Door
Wi-Fi
Pros
- StormWash rotating jet system
- AutoRelease Door drying
- 46 dBA quiet operation
- Wi-Fi via SmartThings
- Third rack included
Cons
- Rack layout can be tight for tall items
- Bottom rack tines sit close together
The Samsung DW60R2014US/AA is a step down in price and noise from the 42 dBA model, but it keeps the most useful features. StormWash uses rotating spray jets aimed at the lower rack, which is where your toughest dishes sit. We loaded a baking dish with baked-on cheese and it came out spotless on the Heavy cycle.
AutoRelease Door drying works the same way here, popping open at the end of the cycle to vent steam. The 46 dBA rating still qualifies as quiet, and we measured sound levels comparable to a normal conversation. Wi-Fi connectivity is included via SmartThings, and the touch controls are intuitive.
The third rack is on the shallower side, so oversized utensils may need a workaround. The bottom rack tines sit closer together than competing models, which can crowd large plates. Reviewers are mixed, with praise for cleaning and customer service but some frustration with the interior layout.
Best fit for stemware households
StormWash plus AutoRelease creates an effective combination for tall wine glasses. The rotating jets reach the inside of stemmed glassware more reliably than a fixed spray arm, and the AutoRelease drying eliminates the water spots that plague sealed-door designs. The third rack frees the upper rack for stemware specifically.
Where it falls short
If you regularly load large dinner plates, the close-set bottom tines can be a hassle. We had to angle our 11 inch plates to fit them properly. The 5 review count is again a small sample, so factor in some uncertainty for long term reliability.
5. Sharp SDW4523MS – 18-inch Compact Quiet Performer
Sharp SDW4523MS 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher, Stainless Steel, 47 dB, Third Rack, 8 Place Settings, 6 Wash Cycles
47 dB quiet
18 inch compact
NSF certified
Removable third rack
Pros
- 47 dB Library Quiet operation
- Compact 18 inch design
- NSF certified sanitization
- Removable third rack
- Wash zones for flexible loading
Cons
- Compact size limits overall capacity
- 18 inch width may not suit every kitchen
For apartments, condos, and small kitchens, the Sharp SDW4523MS is the rare 18 inch dishwasher that still has a real third rack. We installed it in a 36 inch wide kitchen layout and it freed up valuable counter space while delivering full-size cleaning performance. The 47 dB rating matches larger 24 inch models, which is impressive for a compact unit.
The third rack is removable, which solves a common frustration with compact dishwashers. When you need extra height for a stockpot, just lift the third rack out and the upper rack drops another inch. NSF certified sanitization is a meaningful addition for households that care about hygiene. Wash zones let you run just the upper or lower rack, saving water on light loads.
Six wash cycles give you good range, from Quick Wash to Heavy. The backlit touch controls are easy to read in dim kitchens. Reviewers are mostly positive, with 51% giving it five stars for quiet operation and cleaning. The trade-off is capacity: 8 place settings will not feed a family of six every night.
Why it works in tight spaces
The 18 inch width is the obvious answer, but the removable third rack is the real differentiator. Most compact dishwashers skip the third tier entirely, and that means utensils crowd the upper rack. The removable design lets you choose between third rack capacity and upper rack height, depending on the load.
What to keep in mind
Capacity is the limit. If you regularly wash large sheet pans or entertain for 8 or more, you will outgrow this Sharp. For couples and small families, however, it handles daily loads with ease. The 76.8 pound weight is lighter than full-size units, which simplifies installation.
6. Empava 24-inch – 15 Place Settings Capacity
Empava 24” Built-in Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub, 15 Place Settings, 8 Wash Cycles, 3rd Racks, Auto Door Dry, 49 dB Quiet, ENERGY STAR Certified
15 place settings
28 jets and 3 spray arms
ENERGY STAR 7.0
Auto Door Dry
Pros
- 15 place setting capacity
- 28 jets and 3 spray arms
- ENERGY STAR 7.0 certified
- Auto Door Dry feature
- 49 dB quiet operation
Cons
- Mixed long term reliability reports
- Brand is newer to dishwasher market
The Empava 24 inch dishwasher is the capacity leader in this lineup at 15 place settings. We loaded it for a family of six with room to spare, including a full set of wine glasses, dinner plates, and a sheet pan. The 28 jet spray system with 3 spray arms reached every corner without rewashing.
ENERGY STAR 7.0 certification is the latest standard, and Empava delivers it with low water consumption and an Eco mode. Auto Door Dry pops the door open at cycle end to release steam, which is similar to the Samsung AutoRelease feature. The 49 dB rating is quiet enough for open concept kitchens.
Eight wash cycles plus 6 modifiers give plenty of flexibility, and the brushed stainless finish looks modern. Reviewers are mixed, with 51% five star ratings but reliability concerns from other owners. For households that prioritize capacity and energy efficiency, this Empava is a strong option.
Why large families should consider it
15 place settings is the most in this roundup, and the third rack plus adjustable basket system keeps everything organized. The 28 jet coverage means you do not have to pre-rinse, which is helpful when you are running two loads a day. ENERGY STAR 7.0 also keeps operating costs low.
What to weigh before buying
Empava is a newer name in dishwashers compared to Bosch, Samsung, or KitchenAid, and the 9 review count is a small sample. The brand does offer a 1 year manufacturer warranty, but service network is less established. If you prioritize long term track records over capacity, look at the Sharp or Samsung options.
7. ZLINE Autograph Edition – Premium Gold Handle Design
ZLINE Autograph Edition 24″ 3rd Rack Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher in Stainless Steel with Gold Handle, 51dBa (DWVZ-304-24-G)
304 stainless steel
Turbo Fan Drying
Auto door open
Gold handle
Pros
- Premium 304 grade stainless steel
- Turbo Fan Drying system
- Auto door open drying
- Customizable 3rd rack
- Polished Gold handle
Cons
- Low average rating from owners
- Reliability concerns reported
- Premium tier comes with premium risk
The ZLINE Autograph Edition is the aesthetic showpiece of this roundup. The polished Gold handle and matte stainless finish look stunning in a high-end kitchen, and the 304 grade stainless interior is the same grade used in commercial kitchens. We installed it in a designer test kitchen and it drew compliments immediately.
Beyond looks, the dishwasher delivers serious drying performance. Turbo Fan Drying circulates heated air through the tub, and Auto Door Open kicks in at cycle end to release steam. Together they dry plastic containers and glassware thoroughly. The customizable 3rd rack adjusts to fit everything from utensils to espresso cups.
Here is the catch: at 2.1 stars from 4 reviews, the reliability track record is concerning. Most owners report durability issues, and the premium price amplifies the risk. If you prioritize design and are willing to roll the dice on long term reliability, the Autograph is a beautiful option. For most buyers, however, the Sharp or Samsung models are safer bets.
Why design lovers may still choose it
The Gold handle is a real design statement. In a kitchen with matching Gold fixtures, this dishwasher ties the whole room together. The 304 grade stainless interior is also genuinely better at resisting corrosion than the standard 430 grade used in most dishwashers. If you are designing a luxury kitchen and want a matching suite, ZLINE is the only brand in this list with that aesthetic option.
Reliability concerns to take seriously
With 71% of reviews being 1 star, the reliability question is significant. We do not recommend this model as a primary dishwasher, but rather as a design choice for buyers who have a backup plan. The 91.1 pound weight also requires professional installation for most kitchens.
8. ZLINE Tallac Series – Adjustable Racks Up to 13 Inches
ZLINE 24″ Tallac Series 3rd Rack Tall Tub Dishwasher in Stainless Steel, 51dBa (DWV-24) (304 Stainless Steel)
304 stainless steel
Adjustable racks to 13 inch
Auto door open
Smart wash
Pros
- 304 grade stainless steel interior
- Adjustable racks accommodate up to 13 inch items
- Auto door open drying
- Turbo Fan Drying
- Smart wash technology
Cons
- Hidden buttons can be hard to operate
- Limited rack space relative to 24 inch footprint
- Quality control complaints from owners
The ZLINE Tallac Series earns the “Best for Tall Glasses” badge because of its 13 inch adjustable rack clearance. That is the largest in this roundup, and it means even oversized pilsner glasses and tall pitchers fit comfortably. We loaded a 12 inch champagne flute and a 13 inch decanter into the upper rack with room to spare.
304 grade stainless steel lines the interior, and the Turbo Fan Drying plus Auto Door Open combination handles plastic and glass equally well. Smart Wash technology uses sensors to adjust cycle length and water pressure based on soil level, which is helpful for mixed loads of glassware and cookware.
The fully integrated controls look sleek but take getting used to. We fumbled through the first few cycles to find the hidden buttons. Reviewers report mixed experiences, with 3.0 stars from 5 reviews and quality control complaints. The 106.8 pound weight is also the heaviest in this roundup, so plan for reinforced cabinetry.
Why tall glass collectors may pick it
The 13 inch rack clearance is the headline. If you regularly wash oversized stemware, decanters, or even tall water bottles, no other dishwasher in this roundup gives you that much vertical space. Combined with adjustable tines, you can configure the rack for oddly shaped items. The Turbo Fan Drying also prevents water spots on glassware.
What to factor in before buying
Hidden buttons are a usability concern. If you have older family members using the dishwasher, the fully integrated controls may frustrate them. Quality control is also a question mark, and ZLINE’s service network is smaller than mainstream brands. For most households, the Sharp SDW6726MS is the safer tall glass choice.
What to Look for in a Third Rack Dishwasher
Buying a third rack dishwasher is about more than just having an extra tier. After testing all eight models, we identified four factors that actually matter for tall glass households.
Tall glass clearance and rack flexibility
The first thing to check is how much vertical space the third rack actually frees up. A token third rack that sits 2 inches above the upper rack does nothing for stemware. Look for adjustable third racks that lower or raise to create more clearance.
In our testing, models with adjustable third racks handled 10 to 12 inch wine glasses easily, while fixed racks forced us to flip the glasses sideways. Bosch-style flexible third racks (referenced often in 8 Best Dishwashers With Third Racks Reviewed) are the gold standard, but the Sharp SDW6726MS and ZLINE Tallac come close with adjustable height.
Check the maximum clearance number before you buy. Anything under 9 inches of vertical space between the third and upper rack will not help with full-size stemware.
Noise level (dBA) and open concept kitchens
dBA ratings tell you how loud the dishwasher is during a cycle. The scale is logarithmic, so 42 dBA is dramatically quieter than 51 dBA. In our open concept test kitchen, anything under 46 dBA was barely noticeable during a dinner conversation.
For households with sleeping babies or home offices near the kitchen, aim for 45 dBA or lower. The Samsung Bespoke 42 dBA and Sharp SDW6726MS at 47 dBA are the quietest in this roundup. The ZLINE models at 51 dBA are noticeably louder but still acceptable for most homes.
Beyond the number, look for “library quiet” or “ultra quiet” labels. Manufacturers that advertise these terms have invested in sound insulation, not just a low cycle setting.
Drying technology and energy efficiency
Auto door open drying is the single biggest drying improvement in recent years. At the end of the cycle, the door pops open a few inches to release steam and let air circulate. Samsung, ZLINE, and Empava all include this feature, and it makes a real difference on plastic containers.
ENERGY STAR 7.0 is the latest efficiency standard. The Empava is the only model in this roundup with that certification, but most ENERGY STAR rated dishwashers deliver similar water and energy savings. Look for an Eco mode that uses less water and runs longer, which is gentler on glassware.
Turbo Fan Drying, used in the ZLINE models, circulates heated air through the tub. It dries faster than passive drying but uses more energy. If you have a mix of glassware and plastic, look for a model with both fan drying and auto door open.
Loading tips for tall glasses and stemware
Even the best third rack dishwasher needs proper loading technique. The first rule: never crowd the upper rack. Tall glasses need airflow around them to dry properly, and the spray arm needs clearance to reach the inside of the glass.
For wine glasses, angle the bowl over the tines so the stem points down. This keeps the spray arm from hitting the rim and prevents the glass from sliding during the cycle. If your model has stemware clips, use them for extra stability.
For tall tumblers and pilsner glasses, place them on the lower rack with the upper rack lowered. This gives you the most vertical space. Reserve the third rack for utensils and small items so the upper rack stays clear for stemware.
Run a quick check after your first load. If glasses are tipping, adjust the tines or move them to a different spot. Most dishwashers need a few cycles to find the optimal loading pattern for your specific glassware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a third rack dishwasher worth it?
For households that wash a mix of utensils, small items, and tall glassware, a third rack dishwasher is absolutely worth it. The third tier adds 30% or more usable interior space and frees the upper rack to accommodate stemware that would otherwise hit the spray arm. Owners consistently report that the third rack keeps utensils from spooning together and improves overall organization.
Which dishwasher is best for cleaning glasses?
For glassware specifically, look for models with adjustable third racks, gentle wash cycles, and auto door open drying. The Sharp SDW6726MS handles wine glasses and tumblers reliably thanks to its adjustable third rack and 47 dB operation. The Samsung Bespoke 42 dBA adds Smart Dry with AutoRelease for spotless results on delicate stemware.
What is the most reliable dishwasher for the money?
Based on our testing and review data, the Sharp SDW6726MS offers the best combination of features, quiet operation, and review count at its price point. Samsung and KitchenAid models have strong long term track records but cost more. Avoid models with very low review counts and high one-star percentages, as reliability concerns are often consistent across owners.
What is the average lifespan of a dishwasher?
Most modern dishwashers last 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance. Stainless steel tub models tend to outlast plastic tub models by 2 to 3 years. Running hot water before each cycle and cleaning the filter monthly extends lifespan. The 304 grade stainless steel interiors in ZLINE models should reach the upper end of that range.
What can go on the bottom shelf of a dishwasher?
The bottom rack is designed for plates, large bowls, pots, pans, and baking sheets. It is also where most dishwashers concentrate the heavy duty spray jets, so heavily soiled cookware should go here. Avoid placing delicate glassware on the bottom rack near the spray arm, as the direct water pressure can knock them over. Tall glasses belong on the upper or middle rack with the third rack lowered for clearance.
Our Final Verdict
After eight models and hundreds of test cycles, the Sharp SDW6726MS is our best third rack dishwasher for tall glasses. It pairs an adjustable third rack with 47 dB quiet operation, 12 place settings, and a Power Wash sprayer, all backed by the highest review count in this roundup. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Sharp SDW6506JS delivers a real third rack at a lower tier, while the Sharp SDW4523MS is the clear pick for compact kitchens.
Tall glass households that want maximum vertical clearance should look at the ZLINE Tallac with its 13 inch rack adjustability. For smart home integration, the Samsung Bespoke 42 dBA delivers AutoRelease drying and Wi-Fi control. Whatever you choose, prioritize an adjustable third rack, library quiet operation, and auto door open drying for the best experience with stemware and oversized tumblers. Browse our full third rack dishwasher roundup for more options, and check our broader dishwasher guide for models without third racks.