If your silverware comes out spotty, tangled, or only half-clean, a dishwasher with a cutlery tray is exactly what you need.
These five top-rated models give you a dedicated top-level tray that keeps knives, forks, spoons, and utensils spread flat — so every piece gets fully exposed to water spray and comes out sparkling clean.
1. Samsung Bespoke Smart 42 dBA Dishwasher with Cutlery Tray and StormWash+
The Samsung Bespoke Smart Dishwasher is a premium, Wi-Fi connected machine that takes the frustration out of everyday dishwashing with its powerful StormWash+ system and a built-in cutlery tray that keeps your silverware perfectly organized.
The cutlery tray sits at the top of the dishwasher, laying knives, forks, and spoons flat so water reaches every surface — no more tangled silverware or spoons nested together blocking the spray.
StormWash+ combines dual wash arms and a rotating spray jet to deliver intense, multi-angle cleaning that powers through baked-on food without any pre-rinsing needed.
Features:
- Dedicated cutlery tray for organized silverware loading
- StormWash+ with dual wash arms and rotating spray jet
- AutoRelease Door for improved drying performance
- 42 dBA whisper-quiet operation
- Wi-Fi connected via SmartThings app
- FlexLoad rack system with adjustable middle rack
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior
- ENERGY STAR certified
Pros:
- Cutlery tray keeps silverware perfectly separated for a thorough clean
- StormWash+ cleans even the dirtiest dishes without pre-rinsing
- AutoRelease Door circulates fresh air for noticeably drier dishes
- SmartThings app lets you start, stop, and monitor cycles remotely
Cons:
- SmartThings setup required to unlock all smart features
- Premium price point compared to basic models
Why You Should Use It:
The Samsung Bespoke is the best choice if you want powerful cleaning performance combined with smart home connectivity and a well-designed cutlery tray that actually works.
The flat cutlery tray layout means your forks and spoons are never nested together, so every piece comes out clean on the first cycle — no re-washing needed.
It’s the kind of smart, dependable kitchen upgrade that saves you time daily — similar to how a great set of bathtub and shower faucet combos makes your bathroom routine effortless every single morning.
2. LG LDTS5552S Top Control Dishwasher with QuadWash, TrueSteam & Cutlery Tray
The LG LDTS5552S is a feature-packed dishwasher that pairs a practical adjustable cutlery tray with the cleaning muscle of QuadWash technology and the spot-eliminating power of TrueSteam.
QuadWash uses four multi-directional spray arms to clean dishes from every angle simultaneously, making sure nothing in the cutlery tray or on any rack gets missed — even tricky items like ladles, tongs, and narrow espresso spoons.
TrueSteam reduces water spots by up to 60% on glassware and delicate items, so your silverware and cutlery come out looking polished and table-ready without any extra wiping.
Features:
- Adjustable cutlery tray / 3rd rack for flexible silverware loading
- QuadWash with 4 multi-directional spray arms
- TrueSteam technology for up to 60% fewer water spots
- Dynamic Dry with Auto Air for efficient drying
- EasyRack Plus system with adjustable upper rack
- 46 dBA quiet operation
- PrintProof stainless steel finish
- 9 wash cycles including Turbo and Night Dry
- LG ThinQ Wi-Fi connectivity
Pros:
- Adjustable cutlery tray height fits long utensils and small espresso cups
- QuadWash ensures thorough cleaning at every rack level including the tray
- TrueSteam leaves silverware spot-free and ready for the table
- EasyRack Plus makes loading around the cutlery tray easy and flexible
Cons:
- 46 dBA is slightly louder than the quietest models on this list
- TrueSteam cycle adds a small amount of time to each wash
Why You Should Use It:
If you want the best combination of cutlery tray convenience and top-tier cleaning performance, the LG LDTS5552S delivers on both fronts without compromise.
The adjustable tray height is a practical detail that most people overlook until they try to fit a long-handled spoon or an espresso cup — and the LG handles both with ease.
This is a dishwasher built for households that cook frequently and need a machine that keeps up with a full range of cookware, utensils, and cutlery every single day.
Just like choosing the right weatherproof outdoor furniture means you never have to worry about the elements again, this LG means you never have to worry about spotty silverware again.
3. Bosch SHE53B75UC 300 Series 24 Inch Smart Built-In Dishwasher with Cutlery Tray
The Bosch 300 Series SHE53B75UC is one of the most trusted mid-range dishwashers available, and its standard cutlery tray is a major reason why families who switch to it never look back.
The V-shaped cutlery tray adds 30% more loading area compared to a two-rack system, and its unique design leaves room below for taller items like stemware and wine glasses — so you’re not sacrificing one convenience for another.
PrecisionWash technology uses intelligent sensors to continuously monitor each cycle, adjusting spray intensity and timing so every item on every rack — including the cutlery tray — comes out perfectly clean without any guesswork.
Features:
- Standard cutlery tray (3rd rack) with V-shape design adds 30% more loading space
- PrecisionWash with intelligent sensors and targeted spray arms
- Home Connect Wi-Fi for remote monitoring and smart cycle control
- Speed60 full wash cycle in just 60 minutes
- PureDry for reliable drying results
- Built-in water softener for spot-free results even in hard water areas
- AquaStop Plus 24/7 leak protection
- 46 dBA quiet operation
Pros:
- V-shaped cutlery tray leaves room for tall stemware in the rack below
- Built-in water softener ensures spot-free cutlery even with hard tap water
- PrecisionWash delivers consistent, reliable cleaning cycle after cycle
- Home Connect app allows smart scheduling and remote cycle control
Cons:
- Front console controls are visible — some prefer hidden top controls
- Drying performance on plastics is not as strong as higher-tier Bosch models
Why You Should Use It:
The Bosch 300 Series is the smartest choice if you want premium Bosch engineering, a well-designed cutlery tray, and a built-in water softener — all at a mid-range price.
The water softener alone is a feature most dishwashers at this price simply don’t offer, and it makes a real difference in how clean and spot-free your cutlery looks after every wash.
Speed60 means you can run a complete wash cycle in an hour flat — perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need the cutlery clean and back in the drawer fast.
It’s the type of reliable home investment that works quietly every day — just like picking the best beverage refrigerators for home use to keep your kitchen running smoothly without a second thought.
4. Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N 24 in. Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Flexible Cutlery Tray
The Bosch Benchmark Series SHP9PCM5N is the most advanced and quietest dishwasher on this list, and it takes the cutlery tray concept further than any other model with its Flexible 3rd Rack design.
Unlike standard flat cutlery trays, the Flexible 3rd Rack on the Benchmark features expandable fold-down wings that lower to accommodate deeper items — meaning you can use it for ramekins, small mugs, and larger utensils that would never fit in a traditional cutlery slot.
At just 38 dBA, this is the quietest dishwasher Bosch makes, and CrystalDry technology uses zeolite minerals to transform moisture into heat — delivering up to 60% better drying on plastics compared to standard heated dry systems.
Features:
- Flexible cutlery tray with expandable fold-down wings for deeper items
- CrystalDry with zeolite technology — 60% better drying on plastics
- PrecisionWash with PowerControl spray arm for targeted deep cleaning
- 38 dBA — the quietest residential dishwasher Bosch offers
- RackMatic adjustable middle rack with 9 height positions
- Wi-Fi Home Connect with Smart Cycle, Alexa, and Google voice control
- Interior LED lighting for easier loading in any light
- AquaStop Plus 24/7 leak protection
Pros:
- Flexible cutlery tray expands to fit ramekins, mugs, and deep utensils
- CrystalDry is the best residential drying system available for plastics
- At 38 dBA, it runs virtually silently — ideal for open-plan kitchens
- PowerControl spray arm targets the bottom rack for a deeper clean
Cons:
- Premium flagship price — this is a significant kitchen investment
- Panel-ready design may require additional cost for a custom front panel
Why You Should Use It:
If you want the absolute best dishwasher with a cutlery tray that goes beyond storing just flatware, the Bosch Benchmark is in a class of its own.
The Flexible 3rd Rack’s fold-down wings turn what would be a narrow silverware slot into a genuinely versatile space — wide enough for mugs, ramekins, and deep-handled spatulas alongside your everyday cutlery.
CrystalDry means your plastic storage lids, water bottle caps, and food containers that normally stay wet actually come out dry — a genuine daily quality-of-life improvement you’ll appreciate after every single cycle.
Choosing this dishwasher is like investing in the best patio umbrella for windy locations — it costs more upfront, but it’s built to perform perfectly in every condition, every time.
5. Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N 24 in. Top Control Smart Dishwasher with Cutlery Tray
The Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N is the sweet-spot pick on this list — sitting perfectly between the 300 Series and Benchmark in price and features, while adding two genuinely useful upgrades: Zone Wash and AutoAir drying.
The standard V-shaped cutlery tray provides the same 30% loading increase you get on the 300 Series, but Zone Wash adds a powerful dedicated cleaning zone in the lower rack — perfect for targeting your dirtiest pots, pans, and baking dishes in the same cycle as your delicate cutlery above.
AutoAir automatically opens the dishwasher door at the end of each cycle, letting fresh air circulate inside the tub — resulting in noticeably drier dishes and cutlery without using additional energy for a heated dry element.
Features:
- Standard V-shaped cutlery tray with 30% more loading area
- Zone Wash for deep cleaning targeted areas in the lower rack
- AutoAir automatic door opening for better, more energy-efficient drying
- PrecisionWash with intelligent sensor-based spray adjustment
- RackMatic middle rack adjustable to 9 different height positions
- 44 dBA ultra-quiet operation
- Wi-Fi Home Connect with Smart Cycle and Alexa/Google voice support
- InfoLight floor beam shows when dishwasher is running
Pros:
- Zone Wash lets you tackle baked-on cookware without a separate heavy cycle
- AutoAir drying means cutlery and dishes come out genuinely dry every time
- PrecisionWash auto-adjusts to deliver the right clean for each load
- InfoLight is a clever, practical feature for knowing the cycle status at a glance
Cons:
- No CrystalDry technology — that’s exclusive to the Benchmark Series
- Standard cutlery tray lacks the fold-down flexibility of the Benchmark model
Why You Should Use It:
The Bosch 500 Series is the right choice if you want the core cutlery tray benefits plus Zone Wash and AutoAir — two upgrades that make a real, noticeable difference in everyday use.
Zone Wash is ideal for households that cook a lot, because you can clean heavily soiled pots and casserole dishes in the lower zone while the cutlery tray above handles your delicate silverware in the same cycle.
AutoAir means you open the dishwasher and your cutlery is already dry and ready to put away — no more sitting in a humid dishwasher waiting for it to air dry on the counter.
It’s a smart, efficient daily workhorse — the same way having the best beverage refrigerators for office use makes every workday a little bit smoother without you having to think about it.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dishwasher With a Cutlery Tray
A good cutlery tray should be wide enough for your silverware to lay flat without overlapping, adjustable in height for longer utensils, and positioned to allow full water coverage from the spray arms. Look for models with at least 44 dBA noise levels, smart Wi-Fi features, and reliable drying systems like AutoAir or CrystalDry for cutlery that comes out table-ready every time.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Dishwasher’s Cutlery Tray
Lay cutlery flat and spread it out. The whole point of a cutlery tray is to stop silverware from nesting together and blocking water flow — so spread items out and avoid overlapping pieces for the best clean.
Use the tray for hard-to-place small items. Beyond spoons and forks, the cutlery tray is perfect for measuring spoons, small lids, garlic presses, and peelers that tend to fall through standard racks.
Don’t overload the tray. A full but not overcrowded tray performs best — if pieces are too tightly packed, water spray can’t reach every surface effectively.
Run rinse aid consistently. Rinse aid is especially important for cutlery and flatware, as it prevents water spots from forming on metal surfaces during the drying cycle.
Match cycle to load type. Use Speed or Quick cycles when the cutlery tray is only lightly soiled, and save Heavy or Auto cycles for loads where the lower racks contain baked-on pots and pans.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Samsung Bespoke Dishwasher | LG QuadWash Dishwasher | Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher | Bosch Benchmark Dishwasher | Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | 42 dBA | 46 dBA | 46 dBA | 38 dBA | 44 dBA |
| Third Rack Type | Standard Rack | Adjustable Rack | Standard V-Rack | Flexible Rack | Standard V-Rack |
| Key Highlight | StormWash+ Cleaning | QuadWash + TrueSteam | Built-In Water Softener | CrystalDry Technology | Zone Wash |
| Smart Features | SmartThings Wi-Fi | ThinQ Wi-Fi | Home Connect Wi-Fi | Home Connect Wi-Fi | Home Connect Wi-Fi |
| Best For | Smart Homes | Superior Drying | Hard Water Areas | Premium Kitchens | Everyday Families |
FAQ
What is a cutlery tray in a dishwasher? A cutlery tray is a slim, flat rack positioned at the very top of the dishwasher interior. It’s designed to hold knives, forks, spoons, and small utensils lying flat, so each piece receives direct water spray for a more thorough clean. It replaces or supplements the traditional silverware basket in the lower rack.
Is a cutlery tray the same as a 3rd rack? Yes, in most modern dishwashers they refer to the same feature. The term “cutlery tray” is used more commonly in the UK and Australia, while “3rd rack” is the standard US term. Both describe the additional flat rack at the top of the dishwasher dedicated to silverware and utensils.
Does a cutlery tray clean silverware better than a basket? Generally yes. When cutlery is laid flat in a tray, each piece is individually exposed to water spray from above and below. In a basket, items tend to nest together and block water flow, which can leave some pieces with food residue still attached.
Which dishwasher on this list has the most versatile cutlery tray? The Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N has the most versatile cutlery tray by far. Its Flexible 3rd Rack features fold-down wings that expand to accommodate ramekins, small mugs, and deep-handled utensils — far more flexible than the standard V-shape trays found on other models.
Can I put sharp knives in a cutlery tray? Yes, and it’s actually safer than a basket — knives lie flat in a tray with the blade down, which is both safer to handle when loading and unloading and results in better cleaning coverage on the blade and handle.
Do dishwashers with cutlery trays cost more? They used to, but cutlery trays are now available across a wide price range. The Samsung Bespoke and Bosch 300 Series on this list offer cutlery trays at much more accessible price points than they once were, making this feature available to most budgets.
How do I clean the cutlery tray itself? Most cutlery trays are removable and can be rinsed under warm water to clear food debris and detergent residue. Do this once a month or whenever you notice buildup to keep the tray performing at its best.
Conclusion
A dishwasher with a cutlery tray is a genuine upgrade over models that rely solely on a lower-rack basket — your silverware comes out cleaner, better organized, and ready to use with no extra effort from you.
For smart home connectivity and powerful StormWash+ cleaning, the Samsung Bespoke DW80B7070US is the top all-around pick.
If you want the best combination of cutlery tray flexibility and four-arm QuadWash cleaning power, the LG LDTS5552S with TrueSteam delivers exceptional results every cycle.
For Bosch reliability with a built-in water softener at a mid-range price, the Bosch 300 Series SHE53B75UC is hard to beat — especially if you live in a hard water area.
The Bosch Benchmark SHP9PCM5N is the right choice if you want the most advanced, whisper-quiet dishwasher with a Flexible cutlery tray that goes beyond just holding flatware.
And for the best mid-tier Bosch value with Zone Wash and AutoAir drying, the Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N delivers premium performance without the flagship price tag.
Any of these five will transform the way you load, wash, and unload silverware — pick the one that fits your kitchen and start enjoying cleaner cutlery from day one.