All conventional under-counter dishwashers are about the same size because they’re made to fit under a standard-height counter in a 24-inch-wide space. If you’re considering a European model, double-check its capacity to be sure it isn’t sized smaller than its American counterpart.

With racks, flexibility is the name of the game. When shopping for a dishwasher, match the rack style to the types of things you wash—if your dishes are unusual in size or shape, you may want to take one along to the store with you.

Covered baskets can be helpful for containing small items. Beyond that, watch for options that offer flexibility: terraced racks, fold-down trays, and adjustable or removable tines.