Best Dishwashers with Adjustable Racks: Top Picks 2026

Dishwashers with adjustable racks are useful when one load holds everyday plates and the next includes tall glasses, serving bowls, or bulky cookware. The right rack system gives you clearance where you need it without blocking the spray arms.

Kenmore 22-14675 is the strongest all-around pick here, with a 15-place-setting capacity, a two-level adjustable rack, and a removable third rack. BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS is the simpler traditional-rack alternative, while Fisher & Paykel adds independent drawer loading.

We checked the current Amazon listings, manufacturer specifications and manuals, major-retailer details, and recall records. We did not add hands-on claims or unsupported owner trends.

Dishwashers with Adjustable Racks Compared

Product	Image	Best for	Capacity	Noise	Loading flexibility
Kenmore 22-14675 Mid-range Check Price on Amazon		Best overall	15 place settings	45 dBA	Two-level adjustable rack + removable third rack
Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9N Premium Check Price on Amazon		Premium drawer loading	14 place settings	43 dBA, standard top drawer	Two independent drawers + fold-down tines
BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS Mid-range Check Price on Amazon		Simple rack flexibility	12 place settings	54 dB	Two-position upper rack + fold-down lower tines

Dishwashers with Adjustable Racks: Our Top Picks

1. Kenmore 22-14675

Bottom line: Kenmore 22-14675 is the best fit here for households that want a traditional full-size dishwasher with several ways to create loading space. It combines an adjustable rack, removable third rack, 15-place-setting capacity, and 45 dBA operation.

• Capacity: 15 place settings, useful for larger mixed loads
• Noise: 45 dBA, quieter than the BLACK+DECKER here
• Loading flexibility: Two-level adjustable rack plus removable third rack
• Efficiency: ENERGY STAR certified, designed for efficient operation

The removable EasyFlex third rack gives utensils and flat items their own space. Kenmore also lists a two-level MoreSpace adjustable rack, so you can change clearance when tall glasses or bulky dishes do not fit a fixed layout.

SmartWash uses sensors to adjust the cycle to the load, while UltraWash Plus uses three pressurized spray arms and filtration. TurboDry adds fan-assisted drying. Those features make this the most complete conventional dishwasher in this three-model group without relying on a drawer-style format.

2. Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9N

Bottom line: Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9N is the premium choice for buyers who prefer two independently operated drawers instead of a single tall tub. It is flexible because you can separate loads, not because it has a traditional height-adjustable upper rack.

• Capacity: 14 place settings, seven in each drawer
• Noise: 43 dBA on standard top-drawer cycle
• Loading flexibility: Two independent drawers plus fold-down tines
• Efficiency: 265 kWh/year listed energy use

Each drawer can run independently with its own wash program. That lets you clean a smaller load in one drawer or use both drawers for different dish types at the same time. Fisher & Paykel lists six wash programs, from Delicate to Heavy.

The drawers sit higher than the lower rack of many standard dishwashers, which can reduce bending during routine loading. Fold-down tines help with varied shapes, and each drawer accommodates round plates up to 11 inches. The trade-off is a premium price tier and a less conventional loading layout.

3. BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS

Bottom line: BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS is the straightforward option for buyers who want a conventional dishwasher with a two-position upper rack and fold-down lower tines. Its feature set is simpler than the Kenmore’s and easier to compare at a glance.

• Capacity: 12 place settings, sized for everyday family loads
• Noise: 54 dB, louder than the other two here
• Loading flexibility: Two-position upper rack plus fold-down lower tines
• Efficiency: ENERGY STAR qualified, with five wash programs

The upper rack can move between two positions, with about two inches of adjustment according to the manual. Raising it creates more room below, while lowering it gives tall glasses and similar items more space above. The lower rack also has fold-down tines for larger cookware and serving pieces.

BLACK+DECKER lists five wash programs, heated dry, sanitize, delay start, and a child lock. The official product information describes a stainless steel interior tub with a plastic base, so it should not be treated as an all-stainless interior. At 54 dB, it is also the least quiet model in this comparison.

Kenmore 22-14675 vs BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS: Which Fits Better?

Both use a conventional 24-inch layout, but the Kenmore gives you more capacity and a third rack, while the BLACK+DECKER keeps the rack system simpler. Current pricing can change, so the better fit depends on which loading features you will actually use.

• Capacity: Kenmore lists 15 place settings; BLACK+DECKER lists 12.
• Noise: Kenmore is listed at 45 dBA; BLACK+DECKER at 54 dB.
• Rack system: Kenmore adds a removable third rack; BLACK+DECKER uses a two-position upper rack and fold-down lower tines.
• Interior: Kenmore lists a stainless steel tub; BLACK+DECKER specifies a stainless interior tub with a plastic base.

Which Dishwasher with Adjustable Racks Should You Buy?

• Most flexible conventional layout: get the Kenmore 22-14675.
• Separate small loads: get the Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9N.
• Simple height adjustment: get the BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS.
• Quieter listed operation: compare the Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9N and Kenmore 22-14675.
• Third-rack storage: get the Kenmore 22-14675.

How We Chose

• Rack flexibility: We prioritized adjustable rack heights, fold-down tines, third racks, and independent drawers that solve real loading problems.
• Capacity and noise: We compared manufacturer-listed place settings and sound levels where available.
• Primary sources: We checked manufacturer product pages, manuals, and current Amazon listings, then used major retailers for cross-checks.
• Safety: We searched current recall records for the exact brands and models and found no evidence requiring a recall flag for these three products.
• Owner feedback: We did not add an owner-trend box because we did not find a clear two-source pattern that met the article’s verification standard.

Buying Guide for Dishwashers with Adjustable Racks

Adjustable Upper-Rack Range

An adjustable upper rack matters when you switch between tall glasses above and large plates or cookware below. Check how many positions the rack has and whether the manual tells you to empty it before adjustment. The BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS uses a two-position upper rack, while the Kenmore adds a more feature-rich rack system.

Third Rack vs Fold-Down Tines

A third rack is useful for flatware, utensils, and small flat items. Fold-down tines help make room for bowls, pots, and odd shapes in the main racks. If you want both an adjustable conventional layout and dedicated third-level storage, the Kenmore 22-14675 is the clearest match in this group.

Capacity

Place-setting capacity is a useful comparison point, but your own dishes matter more than the headline number. Large dinner plates, wide bowls, water bottles, and stockpots can use space quickly. Compare rack dimensions and tine layout, then think about a typical dinner load rather than buying only by the highest capacity figure.

Noise Level

Lower dBA figures generally matter more in open kitchens, small homes, or when you run the dishwasher at night. In this group, Fisher & Paykel lists 43 dBA for the standard top-drawer cycle, Kenmore lists 45 dBA, and BLACK+DECKER lists 54 dB. Compare sound ratings only when they refer to the same operating conditions.

Drawer vs Traditional Built-In Layout

Drawer dishwashers solve a different problem from adjustable upper racks. The Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9N lets each drawer run independently, making partial loads easier to separate. A traditional model such as the Kenmore or BLACK+DECKER may feel more familiar if you often load tall cookware into one large tub.

Installation and Cabinet Fit

Measure cabinet width, height, depth, toe-kick space, door clearance, and nearby plumbing before ordering. A nominal 24-inch dishwasher still has model-specific dimensions and mounting needs. Drawer models also have their own installation details. Use the current installation guide for the exact model rather than assuming an older dishwasher’s opening is automatically compatible.

Wash and Dry Features

Extra programs matter only when they match how you clean. Delicate cycles can help with fragile loads, quick cycles shorten light-duty cleanup, and heated or fan-assisted drying can reduce water left on dishes. Compare the cycles you will use regularly instead of treating a longer feature list as automatically better.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Dishwasher

• Ignoring rack movement: Confirm what adjusts, how far it moves, and whether dishes must be removed first.
• Buying by capacity alone: Make sure your largest plates, glasses, and cookware fit the actual rack layout.
• Forgetting door clearance: Measure the open-door path as well as the cabinet cutout.
• Assuming every flexible system is the same: Drawer loading, a third rack, and an adjustable upper rack solve different problems.
• Skipping the current manual: Verify installation, electrical, plumbing, and loading instructions for the exact model before purchase.

FAQs

What Should I Consider When Buying a Dishwasher with Adjustable Racks?

Focus on how the rack actually changes, not just how many racks the dishwasher has. Check upper-rack height positions, fold-down tines, third-rack storage, capacity, noise, drying features, and installation size. Your best choice should fit the dishes you wash most often without blocking spray arms or making everyday loading harder.

How Do I Properly Load a Dishwasher with Adjustable Racks?

Put larger plates, pots, and pans on the lower rack and glasses, mugs, and smaller bowls above. Raise or lower the adjustable rack only as the manual allows. Keep spray arms clear, avoid nesting dishes, and use the third rack or cutlery basket for utensils and small tools so water can reach each surface.

Are Dishwashers with Adjustable Racks Worth the Investment?

They can be worthwhile when your loads change often. An adjustable upper rack, fold-down tines, or a third rack can create useful clearance for tall glasses, large plates, bowls, and cookware. The benefit matters most if fixed racks regularly force you to handwash awkward items or rearrange a full load several times.

Is a Third Rack the Same as an Adjustable Rack?

No. A third rack is usually a shallow upper tray for flatware, utensils, lids, or small items. An adjustable rack changes height or position to create clearance elsewhere in the tub. Some dishwashers, including the Kenmore in this guide, combine both features, which gives you more ways to organize mixed loads.

Should I Choose a Drawer Dishwasher or a Standard Built-In Dishwasher?

Choose a drawer dishwasher if independent smaller loads and higher loading access matter most. Choose a standard built-in model if you prefer one large tub and a familiar rack layout. The Fisher & Paykel runs its two drawers independently, while the Kenmore and BLACK+DECKER use conventional full-width doors and racks.

Can an Adjustable Upper Rack Make Room for Tall Plates and Glasses?

Yes, if the rack’s adjustment range matches the items you need to fit. Lowering the upper rack can create more room for tall glasses above, while raising it can increase clearance for large plates or cookware below. Always check spray-arm clearance after moving the rack and follow the model’s loading instructions.

Should I Adjust a Dishwasher Rack While It Is Fully Loaded?

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model. Some rack systems are easier or safer to reposition when lightly loaded or empty, and the BLACK+DECKER manual directs users to adjust rack height without dishes in it. For any dishwasher, support the rack evenly and confirm it is seated correctly before starting a cycle.

Final Verdict: Best Dishwasher with Adjustable Racks

The Kenmore 22-14675 is the strongest all-around choice here because it combines an adjustable conventional rack system, removable third rack, 15-place-setting capacity, and 45 dBA operation. The other two make more sense when drawer loading or a simpler two-rack layout is your priority.

For independent drawers, see the Fisher & Paykel DD24DAX9N. For simpler conventional rack adjustment, see the BLACK+DECKER BDW100MS.