What Size Dishwasher Do I Need?
Dishwashers come in three main widths and vary in their internal capacity (measured in place settings). Choosing the right size upfront prevents the common mistake of buying too small — or paying more than you need to for capacity you'll never use. This guide walks you through how to choose the right size for your household and kitchen.
Standard Dishwasher Sizes in Australia
| Size | Width | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slimline | 45cm | 9–10 place settings | Singles, couples, small kitchens, apartments |
| Standard | 60cm | 13–15 place settings | Families of 3–5, most households |
| Large / Extra-Wide | 60cm+ | 15–16 place settings | Large families, heavy cooking households |
What Is a Place Setting?
A place setting (also called a place cover or cover) represents the dishes, glasses and cutlery needed for one person at one meal: typically a dinner plate, side plate, bowl, two glasses, a cup and saucer, and cutlery. 13 place settings means the dishwasher can hold dishes for 13 people in one load.
How Many Place Settings Do I Need?
A rough guide:
- 1–2 people — 9–10 place settings (slimline 45cm) is usually sufficient. Some couples prefer a standard 60cm for flexibility.
- 3–4 people — 13 place settings (standard 60cm) is ideal. This is the most popular size in Australia.
- 5–6 people — 15 place settings (larger 60cm models). Look for models with adjustable racks and third drawer for cutlery.
- 6+ people or heavy cookers — 15–16 place settings with the best internal flexibility. Some families run two loads daily at 13 place settings rather than waiting.
Measuring Your Kitchen Space
Before buying, measure the space carefully:
- Width: Measure the cabinet opening. Standard dishwasher spaces are 60cm wide; slimline spaces are 45cm. If yours is 60cm, don't buy a slimline — you'll have a 15cm gap on the side.
- Height: Most dishwashers are 82–84cm tall, designed to sit under a standard 90cm bench. Some models are adjustable to fit different bench heights.
- Depth: Standard depth is 55–60cm. Measure your bench depth and ensure the door can open fully without hitting an island or wall opposite.
Freestanding vs Integrated
- Freestanding — finished on all sides, can be placed anywhere with a water connection. The most common type. Easier to move and replace.
- Integrated (built-in) — fitted behind a matching cabinet door to blend into your kitchen. More expensive. Requires exact cabinet dimensions.
- Semi-integrated — control panel visible at the top; door panel matches your cabinets.
What About the Third Rack?
Many mid-range and premium dishwashers now include a shallow third rack above the main racks, designed for cutlery and utensils. This frees up space in the lower basket and is very useful for large households. It's worth paying for if you do a lot of cooking.
Our Recommendation for Most Households
For the majority of Australian households (3–5 people), a standard 60cm dishwasher with 13–15 place settings is the right choice. The price difference between a 13 and 15 place-setting model is usually small enough to justify going larger if you have the budget.
Find Your Dishwasher at Oceania Appliances
We regularly stock freestanding dishwashers across all sizes from Bosch, Electrolux, Samsung and other brands as ex-display and graded stock — often at 30–50% below retail. Free delivery across Sydney. Contact us to see today's stock.