How to Level A Built-In Dishwasher?

18 minutes read

To level a built-in dishwasher, you will first need to access the leveling legs located at the bottom of the appliance. Use a wrench or pliers to turn the legs until the dishwasher is level from front to back and side to side. You can check for levelness by placing a bubble level on the top edge of the dishwasher door or by simply opening and closing the door to see if it sits evenly. Once the dishwasher is level, secure the legs in place to ensure that it remains stable and balanced during operation.

Best Built-In Dishwashers in 2024

1
SAMSUNG Smart 44dBA Dishwasher w/ StormWash+, AutoRelease Door, Quiet Operation, 3 Dish Racks, Pre Blast Cycle, Energy Star Certified, DW80B6060UG/AA, Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Black

Rating is 5 out of 5

SAMSUNG Smart 44dBA Dishwasher w/ StormWash+, AutoRelease Door, Quiet Operation, 3 Dish Racks, Pre Blast Cycle, Energy Star Certified, DW80B6060UG/AA, Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Black

  • AUTORELEASE DOOR DRY: At the end of a wash cycle, the door automatically opens to circulate air, which significantly improves drying performance
  • WHISPER QUIET 44dBA: So quiet you don’t even know it’s on with Whisper Quiet 44dBA operation
  • FIT MORE DISHES: A convenient 3rd rack provides extra space to load small mugs, utensils and silverware; Frees up to 30% more space for other items to help you load all you need
  • PRE BLAST CYCLE: Removes the time-consuming task of washing dishes prior to loading them in the dishwasher; Simply push the Pre Blast button at the beginning of any cycle and pre-rinsing begins
  • TIME DISPLAY: The display shows how long a cycle normally takes to complete; As the cycle progresses, the estimated hours and minutes left will continuously update
2
SHARP Slide-In Dishwasher, Stainless Steel Finish, 24" Wide, Soil Sensors, Premium White LED Interior Lighting, Smooth Glide Rails, Heated Dry Option, Responsive Wash Cycles, Power Wash Zone

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

SHARP Slide-In Dishwasher, Stainless Steel Finish, 24" Wide, Soil Sensors, Premium White LED Interior Lighting, Smooth Glide Rails, Heated Dry Option, Responsive Wash Cycles, Power Wash Zone

  • Soil Sensors Automatically Optimize Your Washing Cycles, Making Cleaning a Breeze
  • More Dependable Than Condensation Drying, Our Heated Dry Option is Fast and Efficient
  • Premium White LED Interior Lighting, For Better Visibility into Your Dishwasher
  • Premium Smooth Glide Rails Provide Quality with the Slightest Touch
  • Allows The Freedom to Wash Smaller Loads with Our Half-Load Feature
3
Midea MDF18A1ABB Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star, Black

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Midea MDF18A1ABB Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star, Black

  • 【Slimline Design with Large Capacity】The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
  • 【8 Place Settings Dishwasher】With dimensions of 24.41"D x 17.72"W x 33.27"H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
  • 【6 programs+3 functions】The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
  • 【Heated Dry】Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
  • 【HI TEMP】The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
4
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star

  • 【Slimline Design with Large Capacity】The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
  • 【8 Place Settings Dishwasher】With dimensions of 24.41"D x 17.72"W x 33.27"H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
  • 【6 programs+3 functions】The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
  • 【Heated Dry】Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
  • 【HI TEMP】The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
5
LG 24-Inch Front Control Dishwasher with SenseClean in Stainless Steel - LDFC2423V

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

LG 24-Inch Front Control Dishwasher with SenseClean in Stainless Steel - LDFC2423V

  • NeveRust Stainless Steel Tub
  • SenseClean Wash System
  • Dynamic Dry
  • LoDecibel Quiet Operation
  • Control Lock
6
Kenmore 24" Built-In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with SmartWash, UltraWash, SmartDry Plus, MoreSpace Adjustable Rack and Leak Detect, Energy Star Certified, Black

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Kenmore 24" Built-In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with SmartWash, UltraWash, SmartDry Plus, MoreSpace Adjustable Rack and Leak Detect, Energy Star Certified, Black

  • 24" BUILT-IN DISHWASHER: Ensures the right wash for your load every time with SmartWash Cycle, which adjusts the temperature, amount of water, and duration for the best cleaning results for each unique load
  • INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS: UltraWash system uses 2 spray arms while constantly filtering the wash water through the wash cycle, while SmartDry uses hot water to promote the condensation of moisture in the tub for ready-to-use dishes
  • CUSTOMIZABLE CAPACITY: Add flexibility to your dishwashing routine with the MoreSpace Adjustable Rack, which allows you to lift, lower, or remove the rack to accommodate large items
  • FUNCTIONAL AND ATTRACTIVE: Stainless steel tub resists food stains and retains heat for an optimal drying performance each cycle while also making for a stylish addition to any home kitchen
  • SERENE KITCHEN ENVIRONMENT: Operates at 51 dBA for a quiet wash that makes it easy to enjoy after-dinner chats
7
West Bend WB120BDWVSS Dishwasher 24-Inch Built in with 3 Wash Options and Automatic Cycles, Stainless Steel Construction with Electronic Control LED Display, Low Noise Rating, Metallic

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

West Bend WB120BDWVSS Dishwasher 24-Inch Built in with 3 Wash Options and Automatic Cycles, Stainless Steel Construction with Electronic Control LED Display, Low Noise Rating, Metallic

  • MAXIMUM CAPACITY: Dishwasher holds up to 12 standard place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray
  • AUTOMATIC CYCLES: Three automatic cycles (Regular, Automatic, Super), delayed start, and three additional wash options (Hi Temp Wash, Sanitize, Extra Dry) ensure the right clean for your dishes
  • LOADED WITH FEATURES: Electronic control panel with LED display & cycle status indicators, quiet 57dB operation, rinse aid dispenser, eco - half load mode, nylon coated upper and lower racks
  • BUILT-IN DESIGN: This stainless steel built-in dishwasher is ADA-compliant
8
Kenmore 24" Built-In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with EasyFlex 3rd Rack, SmartWash, UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, MoreSpace Adjustable Rack, Energy Star Certified, Black

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Kenmore 24" Built-In Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with EasyFlex 3rd Rack, SmartWash, UltraWash Plus, TurboDry, MoreSpace Adjustable Rack, Energy Star Certified, Black

  • 24" BUILT-IN DISHWASHER: Ensures the right wash for your load every time with SmartWash Cycle, which adjusts the temperature, amount of water, and duration for the best cleaning results for each unique load
  • INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS: UltraWash Plus system uses 3 spray arms while constantly filtering the wash water through the wash cycle, while TurboDry uses hot water and a fan to promote the condensation of moisture in the tub for ready-to-use dishes
  • ERGONOMIC FEATURES: AccelaWash Option delivers clean dishes in less time, and MoreSpace Adjustable Rack allows you to lift, lower, or remove the upper rack to accommodate large items
  • FUNCTIONAL AND ATTRACTIVE: Stainless steel tub resists food stains and retains heat for an optimal drying performance each cycle while also making for a stylish addition to any home kitchen
  • SERENE KITCHEN ENVIRONMENT: Operates at 49 dBA for ultra-quiet cycles that make it easy to enjoy after-dinner chats and the Quiet Wash Option provides additional noise reduction
9
RCA RZ0842 Front Control-Built in FULLSIZE Dishwasher, 57 DBA, Stainless Steel, 24” WIDE, Stainless

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

RCA RZ0842 Front Control-Built in FULLSIZE Dishwasher, 57 DBA, Stainless Steel, 24” WIDE, Stainless

  • Ready-select electronic controls on a slim front panel allow you to easily select options with the touch of a button
  • Ultra Quiet sound package (57 dBA) keeps the noise from your dishwasher to a minimum
  • Tall-Tub design with large capacity fits up to 8 place settings so you can wash more at once
  • 6 easy-to-use wash cycle options meet all of your cleaning needs, including Energy Saver, pots and pans, rinse only, and light wash
  • Additional options include sanitize, high temperature wash and high heat/no heat dry to ensure your dishes are thoroughly cleaned at the end of your wash cycle
10
EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In Dishwasher

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In Dishwasher

  • Accommodates up to eight (8) place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray
  • Six (6) Wash Cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse; Three (3) Options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, Heated Dry
  • At only 17.75 inches wide, using this unit to replace an older appliance such as a trash compactor is a great option.
  • Leakage sensor automatically shuts off water flow when a leak is detected to protect your home from water damage
  • Quiet 52dB operation keeps the disturbance to a minimum; Dimensions 32.5" H x 17.6" W x 22.4" D; Weight: 52.9 lbs


How to measure the height of the dishwasher?

To measure the height of a dishwasher, follow these steps:

  1. Open the dishwasher door fully and locate the top edge of the dishwasher tub.
  2. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance from the floor to the top edge of the dishwasher tub.
  3. Make sure to measure from the highest point of the dishwasher, which is typically the top of the control panel or the top of the door handle.
  4. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters.
  5. If you need the height of the entire dishwasher unit, including the control panel and the leveling legs, measure from the floor to the highest point of the dishwasher.
  6. If you are measuring for a built-in dishwasher, ensure there is enough space above the appliance for proper installation and ventilation.


What are the signs of an unlevel dishwasher?

  1. The dishwasher door does not close properly or sweeps against the floor when opening and closing.
  2. Water leaks out from the bottom of the dishwasher during a cycle.
  3. The dishes inside the dishwasher are not clean or are not drying properly.
  4. The dishwasher makes loud noises or vibrations during operation.
  5. The dishwasher does not drain properly after a cycle.
  6. The dishwasher displays error codes or malfunctions frequently.


What is the benefit of preventing dishwasher movement during a cycle?

Preventing dishwasher movement during a cycle can benefit in several ways:

  1. Noise reduction: Restraining the dishwasher from moving can help reduce noise and vibrations, making the appliance operate quietly and efficiently.
  2. Protecting delicate items: By preventing movement, there is less likelihood of delicate items such as glassware, dishes, and cookware shifting and potentially breaking during the wash cycle.
  3. Preventing damage: Restraining the dishwasher from moving can also prevent damage to the appliance itself, such as leaks or malfunctions caused by excessive movement.
  4. Improved cleaning performance: Keeping the dishwasher stable during a cycle can ensure that water and detergent are distributed evenly, resulting in better cleaning performance.
  5. Energy efficiency: By preventing movement, the dishwasher can operate more efficiently, saving energy and reducing water consumption.


Overall, preventing dishwasher movement during a cycle can help prolong the life of the appliance, protect delicate items, and improve its overall performance.


What can happen if a dishwasher is not properly leveled?

If a dishwasher is not properly leveled, several potential issues can occur:

  1. Improper drainage: If the dishwasher is tilted or off-balance, it may not drain properly, leading to standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher and potential leaks.
  2. Inefficient cleaning: A level dishwasher is able to distribute water evenly and effectively clean dishes. If it is not properly leveled, some dishes may not be cleaned properly, leading to a need for rewashing.
  3. Damage to the dishwasher: A dishwasher that is not level can put additional strain on the internal components, such as the pump and motor, leading to premature wear and potential damage.
  4. Noise and vibrations: An unlevel dishwasher may produce excessive noise and vibrations during operation, which can be disruptive and indicate potential internal issues.
  5. Potential leaks: If a dishwasher is not properly leveled, it may not seal properly and could lead to leaks, potentially causing water damage to surrounding cabinets and flooring.


Overall, it is important to ensure that a dishwasher is properly leveled to prevent these issues and ensure its optimal performance and longevity.

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