Last Updated on March 14, 2022 by
You can replace a dishwasher rack but an upper or lower rack costs even more than a new dishwasher. So, why are dishwasher racks so expensive?
Dishwasher racks are so expensive because stocking them is costly for the manufacturers, and racks consume significant space. While some manufacturers guarantee to stock the racks for dishwasher models up to 10 years, others guarantee a shorter time – 3-5 years.
Think of the various old parts the company has to store, and you would realize it is no minuscule task. The storage space, storage personnel, parts retrieval, and stock tracking system at the various locations cost money.
Why are replacement dishwasher racks so expensive?
Popular dishwasher models tend to have cheaper racks due to parts availability or with non-OEM parts available in the market.
Rare or upmarket dishwasher rack models are typically more expensive because they are harder to find. Older dishwashers may have fewer parts stock available.
The manufacturer is your last resort for sourcing racks for your dishwasher due to the high cost.
Meanwhile, some manufacturers are excellent at stocking replacement racks, including GE, Frigidaire, and LG, and you will get the rack you want. You have to pay a premium price, which covers the storage and transportation cost.
Some manufacturers use an algorithm based on time to determine prices. As a rule of thumb, older dishwasher models have higher stock part replacement costs since they take up space for a longer time.
Smaller dishwasher parts, including timers, switches, knobs, etc., take up less space and can be stored in bins. Racks are quite large and bulky, take up storage space, and the manufacturer charges you for it.
How much is it to replace dishwasher racks?
There is no consistent price for replacement dishwasher racks. New dishwasher racks will cost $80 to $150, and you have to replace them when the tines break and lose the protective coating that causes rust.
You could also fix your dishwasher rack within an hour instead of paying a few hundred dollars to replace it. Go to your local tool supply or Walmart or store for coating materials you can use to coat the racks.
Buy a plastic/rubber liquid to spray or brush through the dishwasher racks. You want to do more internet searches to find the spray can in a color you prefer to coat the rack. Your local store may also sell them, so look out too.
Before you coat your dishwasher rack, remove the loose rust using a wire brush. Trim the loose plastic coating before getting rid of the rust.
Finally, turn the dishwasher rack upside down while coating it to form a thicker coat at the ends of the prongs or wires on the dishwasher rack. You need a couple of can sprays for this fix, which is cheaper than a new rack.
When the racks get too bad for the coating, you can easily replace them without a second thought about the cheap coating material.
Can I use any dishwasher rack?
You may be able to use any dishwasher rack for your dishwasher. According to GE Appliances, bottom dishwasher racks are sometimes interchangeable.
You can interchange the plastic tub model bottom racks with each other, including the dishwasher racks on stainless steel tub models.
You can also interchange short door plastic tub dishwasher models with each other, including the dishwasher racks on tall tub plastic dishwasher models.
However, you cannot interchange:
- An older model dishwasher rack with a new dishwasher model.
- Stainless steel tub bottom racks with plastic tub racks.
Dishwasher racks are usually available in 20-inch squares in various heights to fit into different dishwashers.
Cheap replacement dishwasher racks
Dishwasher racks are the baskets for washing silverware or flatware in a dishwasher. When your dishwasher rack is damaged, it may be time to invest a few hundred dollars in new/replacement racks. Otherwise, you have to buy a new dishwasher.
Some affordable dishwasher racks to buy include the following:
Frigidaire 5304475624 dishwasher lower dishrack assembly
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00YH2YNP0″ locale=”US” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rykzleL0S._SL500_.jpg” tag=”realkal-20″ width=”500″]
You need this Frigidaire replacement dishwasher rack if your dishwasher starts to move as dishes are being washed.
Frigidaire is a replacement dishrack for dishwashers designed to fit your bowls and plates while they stay in place during the washing cycle.
This replacement rack also revives your old or recent dishwasher and gets it to work to handle your glasses better. If you have a Frigidaire, Electrolux, or any supported dishwasher, here is your perfect replacement rack.
Where to use
Frigidaire recommends using this replacement dishwasher rack for your lower dishrack assembly. It will not fit into the upper assembly.
Part number
5304475624 is the part number. You could always ask the manufacturer if it fits your brand or line of the dishwasher as a replacement.
Compatibility
This replacement dishwasher rack part is designed to be compatible with many dishwashers from Electrolux, Frigidaire, and more. Ensure to question the vendor about being accommodated in your dishwasher before you purchase it.
Installation
The installation is made easy, so you do not need professional assistance. Just follow the installation instructions from the product manufacturer to properly install it in your dishwasher.
Make sure not to force this rack into your dishwasher. [easyazon_link identifier=”B00YH2YNP0″ locale=”US” tag=”realkal-20″]Click here to see on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
Frigidaire 154319706 rack assembly for dishwasher
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”332″ identifier=”B005459Y6W” locale=”US” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51w8iCfHOaL._SL500_.jpg” tag=”realkal-20″ width=”500″]
Frigidaire 154319706 is a dishwasher rack assembly that specifically works for Frigidaire models 2-1063-23-04, 12-1063-00-04, 12-1063-45-04, 12-1063-66-04 and 2-1063-57-04. This is a genuine part for your money.
Compatibility
This replacement dishwasher rack part is built for many dishwashers from Electrolux, Frigidaire, and more. Question the vendor about compatibility with your dishwasher before purchasing it.
If you have a KitchenAid dishwasher, you may be able to also use this rack.
Installation
The installation is easy, and you do not need professional assistance. Follow the installation instructions from the product manufacturer to properly install it in your dishwasher.
Do not force this rack into your dishwasher.
Coating
This dishwasher rack is coated and not stainless steel. If the coat goes off, you would be better off coating it back yourself in the future. [easyazon_link identifier=”B005459Y6W” locale=”US” tag=”realkal-20″]Click here to see on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
LG 3751DD1001J dishwasher dishrack assembly, lower
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B07QQZVD49″ locale=”US” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417olCSG88L._SL500_.jpg” tag=”realkal-20″ width=”500″]
This dishwasher rack replacement is built for lower assembly. It is a manufacturer substitution that works for most LG dishwashing machines and many other brands and lines.
The rack may differ in appearance but will work for models such as 3751DD1001B, 3751DD1001C, 3750DD1007A, and 3751DD1006A.
Pricing
This dishwasher rack costs $78 only. The price may differ depending on your vendor.
Installation
The installation is easy, and you do not need professional assistance. Follow the installation instructions from the product manufacturer to properly install it in your dishwasher.
Do not force this rack into your dishwasher.
Coating
This dishwasher rack is coated and not stainless steel. If the coat goes off, you would be better off coating it back yourself in the future.
Compatibility
This is a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) dishwasher rack compatible with LG brands of dishwashers. Also suitable for most other brands.
The dimension is just what your old LG dishwasher rack is.
Note that this dishwasher rack is for the lower assembly.
Tines
Tines are included. All connectors and wheels are also in place.
This dishwasher rack assembly may include multiple parts, so ask the vendor for a list of parts that arrive with it. [easyazon_link identifier=”B07QQZVD49″ locale=”US” tag=”realkal-20″]Click here to see on Amazon[/easyazon_link]
General Electric WD28X10210 upper dishrack assembly
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00MNORZKO” locale=”US” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31OLPDFTocL._SL500_.jpg” tag=”realkal-20″ width=”480″]
The WD28X10210 from General Electric (GENF0) is a genuine replacement dishwasher rack. The package dimensions = 24.5″ L x 22.0″ W x 9.2″ H.
Installation
The installation is easy, and you do not need professional assistance. Follow the installation instructions from the product manufacturer to properly install it in your dishwasher.
Do not force this rack into your dishwasher.
Coating
This dishwasher rack is coated and not stainless steel. If the coat goes off, you would be better off coating it back yourself in the future. Click here to see on Aazon
Dishwasher rack buying guide
Getting a dishwasher rack is not as difficult as getting a new dishwasher. Look for the following;
Compatibility
You need to know the dishwasher compatibility of the dishwasher rack before purchasing it.
It must also be a genuine part that supports multiple brands. Note that some brand-specific models also work for your different brands.
Another thing you want to look for is the assembly. If you need a lower assembly rack, then do not buy an upper assembly rack, they may not fit.
The vendor should be able to assist with checking if the rack you are buying is compatible with your dishwasher rack.
Warranty
Get a dishwasher rack that you can request a warranty on when you spot damage. Otherwise, you may just have to spend another hundred dollars on a new rack.
Installation
Get a rack that is easy to install. Most compatible racks are easy to install, and you must not forcefully install a rack. If a rack will not install with a gentle force, return it for another one.
Adjustability
Some dishwasher racks may be adjustable, making it easier to raise or lower the racks.
Coating
Invest in a replacement dishwasher rack with a high-quality coating. Otherwise, you would have to replace the rack sooner than you should.
How long should a dishwasher rack last?
How long a dishwasher rack should last depends on how often you use it and personal maintenance. Your dishwasher rack should generally last for about 5 years.
Rust will form on the rack when the metal is exposed to water. When the vinyl coating loosens, ensure to get it back in place immediately. You may use coating sprays for this. 90% of the time, dishwasher racks rust when the vinyl coating is nicked.
If your dishwasher rack is high-quality stainless steel, it may not rust easily. High-quality stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures (more than polymer coating) and resist the buildup of deposits and stains.
Is it safe to wash dishes in a rusted dishwasher rack?
It is not safe to wash dishes in a rusted dishwasher rack. Your dishes may come out with noticeable rust, and you have to rinse the dishes well before eating off them.
The major problem is with the dishwasher rack itself. Rust on the metal causes the rack to degrade faster.
Moreover, rust can spread between metal utensils. You have to protect your metalware by getting rid of the rusting rack. Food traces on the rusty rack will gradually cause corrosion.
Use citric acid treatment to get rid of the rust stains on your rack. Perform the treatment using citric acid crystals filled 3-4 ounces in an enclosed detergent cup.
What is the difference between the top rack and bottom rack on a dishwasher?
The top rack of your dishwasher is where you place plastics safe for the dishwasher to prevent warping. The upper rack can also hold your mugs, cup, stemware, and glasses.
At the bottom rack, you place your plates and platters, other eating utensils such as your cutlery basket. Heins Appliance confirms that the bottom rack is where you want to put your large and heavier dishware, including bowls, plates, or other items.
At the bottom rack, you can also place your pots and pans. The bottom generally takes your largest items, including dishwasher-safe cutting board, serving platters, and other oversized pieces.
If your kitchen utensil is marked “top rack only”, it is only safe for the top rack of the dishwasher. The dishwasher heating element sits at the bottom, which comparatively means the top rack is cooler than the bottom. If marked for the bottom, then it goes in the bottom rack.
Final thoughts on Why are Dishwasher Racks so Expensive?
Perhaps, manufacturers are not to blame for the high cost of replacement dishwasher racks since they help to store and transport them when needed.
Consider that the materials for the older model parts could have been moved to making newer models. The manufacturer chooses to retain them, especially to fix damaged racks under warranty.
Invest in an entirely new dishwasher if yours has aged too long.
