Dishwasher Racks & Accessories

Dishwasher Rack Buying Guide

1. Match the rack to what you wash most

Start with the items that move through your dish room every day. Glass racks and cup racks are best for tumblers, mugs, and drinkware. Peg racks work well for plates, trays, and upright items. Flat racks are a versatile choice for bowls, containers, prep tools, and larger pieces. Flatware baskets keep utensils separated and easier to sort after washing.

2. Choose the right compartment count

Compartment racks help protect glassware and cups by keeping each piece in its own section. Higher compartment counts are suited for smaller glasses, while lower compartment counts give larger mugs, bowls, and oversized drinkware more room. Common options include 9, 16, 20, 25, 36, and 49 compartment layouts.

3. Check rack size and dishwasher compatibility

Before ordering, confirm the rack dimensions against your commercial dishwasher, dishtable, storage area, and rack dolly. Many foodservice racks are full-size designs around 19 to 20 inches wide and deep, but exact dimensions vary by model. Matching the rack size to your machine helps the rack move smoothly through the wash cycle.

4. Add extenders for taller items

Rack extenders increase usable height and give taller glassware, mugs, bowls, and cups more protection during washing and drying. Use open extenders for flexible height support, or choose compartment extenders that match the base rack layout for organized glass and cup washing.

5. Consider drying, drainage, and airflow

Open-wall and open-bottom rack designs allow water, detergent, and air to move around each item. Better flow supports cleaner results, faster drainage, and more efficient drying between cycles. Textured surfaces and reinforced handles can also improve handling in busy dish rooms.

6. Build a rack system for your workflow

A complete warewashing setup usually includes several rack types: divided racks for glassware, peg or flat racks for dishes and cookware, open racks for large items, extenders for taller pieces, and flatware baskets for utensils. Stocking the right mix helps staff load faster, reduce breakage, and keep clean wares organized from sink to storage.