How Much Does a Standard vs a Tall Tub Dishwasher Cost?

Last Updated on October 15, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

When upgrading kitchen appliances, choosing between a standard tub or taller tub dishwasher is a major decision impacting both budgets and efficiency. What exactly is the difference between them, and how much more can you expect to pay for a tall tub model?

While standard tub dishwashers suit the needs of smaller families well from a budget perspective, tall tub dishwashers truly excel at handling larger volumes of dishes and cookware efficiently.

Taking time to thoroughly compare sizes, pricing, capacities, features, installation considerations, and overall value helps homeowners make the optimal choice balancing affordability and utility. Invest wisely upfront and the benefits last for years.

How Much Does a Standard vs a Tall Tub Dishwasher Cost?

On average, the cost for a quality standard tub dishwasher from leading brands spans from $400 to $800, while taller tub dishwashers range from $700 up to $1500+ depending on capacity, features, and overall quality.

The extra tub height accommodates larger loads and more versatility, but also demands a higher price driven by increased materials, advanced technology investments, installation complexity, and longevity. When comparing pricing across equivalent dishwasher models:

• Quality standard tub dishwashers range $400 to $800depending on features.
• Tall tub dishwashers with equivalent features run $700 to $1500+.

Expect around a $300 to $500 price premium for a tall tub upgrade.

According to Angi, a standard dishwasher typically costs between $250 and $3,500, with an average price around $970. This range reflects the diversity in features, brands, and installation requirements.    

In contrast, tall tub dishwashers, which offer increased interior capacity while maintaining the same exterior dimensions, are generally priced higher. For example, a tall tub model may start around $600 and can go up to $1,500 or more, depending on the brand and additional features.

According to KitchenAid, these models can accommodate 12 to 15 place settings, making them ideal for larger households.

Another source, Whirlpool, notes that while standard dishwashers fit roughly 12 place settings, tall tub dishwashers provide more loading space without increasing the appliance’s footprint. This added capacity often justifies the higher price point for families or those who entertain frequently.

According to an article on Consumer Reports, the price for a tall tub dishwasher can range from about $600 to $1,200, depending on features like adjustable racks and noise levels. This pricing reflects the demand for more versatile and efficient dishwashing solutions.

Overview of Standard Tub Dishwashers

Traditional standard tub dishwashers offer:

• Compact 24-inch width fitting most under-counter kitchen spaces. Easy to swap existing models.
• 10–12-inch tub depth able to hold 8-12 place settings per normal cycle depending on rack configurations.
• Entry-level budget models starting around $400.
• Mid-range models with additional cycles and improved hardware running $500 to $700.
• High-efficiency models start around $650.
• Stainless steel model upgrades for longevity cost $750+.

The conveniently sized standard tub contains essential cleaning features to tackle daily dishes at an affordable price point. Perfect for smaller families.

What are Tall Tub Dishwashers?

Tall tub dishwashers feature:

• Same 24-inch exterior width but with extra interior tub depth of 14-16 inches.
• Height provides flexibility to load 12-16+ place settings per normal cycle.
• Mid-range models run $700 to $1000depending on brand and hardware sophistication.
• High-end models with premium materials and innovation exceed $1200+.
• Top-tier quiet professional models run $1500+.
• Higher annual energy and water cost savings than standard tubs.

The extra tub height fits dramatically larger dish loads per cycle but also boosts pricing considerably. An excellent investment for larger families.

Standard vs Tall Tubs

Several factors justify the higher pricing commanded by quality tall tub dishwashers compared to standard models:

Premium Materials – Tall tub interiors often utilize higher-grade stainless steel rather than plastics, which resist stains, rust, and dents over decades of use.

Larger Capacity – Washing far more dishes, pots, pans, and utensils per load requires heavier-duty construction and increased costs for substantially more materials.

Advanced Features – Tall tubs include upgraded hardware like high-pressure jets, sensor drying, ultra-quiet operation, specialty cycles, and rack adjustability. Costs scale up proportionally.

Complex Installation – The larger size sometimes necessitates cabinet modifications, custom countertop coordination, and added structural supports during installation, increasing project costs. Careful kitchen planning is advised.

For homeowners who routinely wash large loads, the benefits match the understandably higher pricing of quality tall tub dishwashers compared to standard models in the long run.

Installation Cost Comparison

Proper installation is essential to maximizing performance and should be part of upfront budgeting:

• Standard tub – Basic installation costs range $100 to $300 in most straightforward cases with adequate existing cabinetry space.
• Tall tub – Potential structural kitchen modifications can add $200 to $800 or more depending on the complexity of reconfiguring countertops, cabinetry, shelving, electrical, cabinet reinforcement, and layouts. Existing kitchens often require adjustments.
• Bundled pricing – Occasional free installation promotions are offered during seasonal sales events at major retailers, making upgrades more palatable.

Carefully measuring your existing available space and coordinating required modifications during planning helps avoid costly change orders mid-project. Verify all dimensions.

Energy Efficiency Affects Lifetime Costs

You might also like our articles about the cost of dishwasher installation, dryer motor replacement, or laundry detergent.

While energy-efficient models cost slightly more upfront, they save substantially over time through:

• Reduced water usage per cycle.
• Lower electricity costs.
• Ability to wash fuller loads means running fewer cycles overall.

The benefits outweigh the small initial premium.

Best Brands

Based on extensive professional appliance testing and reviews, our top-rated dishwasher brand picks across budget levels include:

Reliable Standard Tub Brands

• Whirlpool – $500 to $650 range
• Frigidaire – $400 to $600 range
• GE – $450 to $650 range
• Kenmore – $400 to $600 range

Highly Rated Tall Tub Brands

• Bosch – $1250 range
• Miele – $1500+ range
• KitchenAid – $900 to $1200 range
• Thermador – $1500+ range

Choosing durable brands aligned with your household budget allows smart investments in lasting performance combined with the right load capacity based on family size or entertaining frequency.

Where to Find the Best Deals

To maximize potential savings opportunities, we recommend:

• Checking home improvement warehouse stores for seasonal sales events, bundled pricing when combining appliance packages, and possible free installation promotions. Negotiate additional discounts on any cosmetic floor models.
• Monitoring weekly circulars from big box retailers for periodic dishwasher sales. Pair with coupons for maximized value.
• Tracking prices using online tools for online retailers. Set price drop alerts and buy when sales hit.
• Asking local kitchen and bath specialty showrooms about upcoming holiday sales. They offer robust selections and size guidance.

Taking advantage of periodic sales opportunities, buying at peak discount times, pursuing bundled pricing, and negotiating added savings ensures affordable upgrade investments. Avoid overpaying with a bit of digital diligence.

Final Words

While quality standard tub dishwashers average $400 to $800 depending on features, tall tub dishwashers range from $700 up to $1500 reflecting their substantially increased load capacity and cycle versatility. Overall, expect around a $300 to $500 premium when upgrading to a tall tub model with similar core hardware and efficiency ratings.

Weigh the long-term value of fitting over 50% more dishes per load against moderate price premiums. Bundling installations into broader kitchen refresh projects also keeps upgrade costs reasonable. For larger families or avid entertainers, the small extra price brings exponential long-term savings. Carefully determine which size and features fit your lifestyle and space best, and the right dishwasher keeps your kitchen sparkling with minimal effort for years on end.

Answers to Common Questions

What is the difference between tall tub dishwasher and standard?

The difference is tub depth. Standard tubs average 10-12 inches deep while tall tubs are 14-16 inches deep. This added height accommodates larger and more dish loads per wash cycle. Width remains standard at 24 inches.

What is the tub height of a dishwasher?

Most standard tub dishwashers have an interior wash tub measuring approximately 10-12 inches deep. This allows loading of 8-12 place settings in a standard cycle. The widths are a uniform 24 inches wide to fit standard under-counter spaces.

How much can a dishwasher hold?

Standard tub dishwashers hold 8-12 place settings per load. Tall tub models exponentially increase capacity to 12-16 place settings to wash more dishes, pots, pans, and utensils per cycle. Choose capacity based on household size.