Tub
The outer water-holding compartment of a washer or dishwasher, surrounding the rotating drum or rack assembly.
Definition
The tub is the outer water-holding compartment of a washer or dishwasher. In a washer, the inner perforated drum spins inside the outer tub, which contains the wash water. In a dishwasher, the tub is the entire wash chamber, holding the racks and spray arms. Tub material varies by tier: budget units use plastic tubs (lighter, quieter, but can warp under heat); premium units use stainless steel tubs (more durable, hygienic, slightly noisier without insulation). Tub failures are rare and usually catastrophic (cracks leading to floor damage) — a leaking tub usually means appliance replacement.
Where this term appears
Tub comes up in product spec sheets, service reports, and troubleshooting documentation across most major appliance brands. If you encountered it in a manual or a service description and want context for how it fits into the larger picture, the related articles in the sidebar drill into the practical details. The glossary as a whole is intended as a quick lookup reference; for a deep dive on any specific topic, jump to the related buying guide or troubleshooting article.