Dishwasher Drawers – Pros, Cons & Options Explored
Have a small kitchen, but still need a space-saving way to get dishes clean? Looking for a more accessible and ergonomically designed dishwasher? Then a dishwasher drawer could be just the ticket.
Since their arrival on the home appliance scene in the early to mid-2000s, these dishwashers have gained popularity among savvy homeowners. Their compact size and impressive versatility make them a fantastic option for any kitchen remodel.
In this post, I’ll explain what makes a dishwasher drawer so unique and go over the ones you’ll find on the market today.
Armed with this knowledge you’ll know if a dishwasher drawer is the right choice for you and your kitchen.
Let’s go!
In a hurry? Check out my top picks table below:
BEST OVERALL | BEST BUDGET | BEST PREMIUM |
 |  |  |
FISHER & PAYKEL DD60DCHX9 | FISHER & PAYKEL DD60SHI9 | FISHER & PAYKEL DD60DDFHB9 |
Place settings: 12 Energy rating: A++ Noise level: 45dB Key features: Load Sensor / Fan Assisted Drying | Place settings: 6 Energy rating: A+ Noise level: 46dB Key features: Knock-to-pause / Flexible Rack | Place settings: 12 Energy rating: A++ Noise level: 45dB Key features: Half Load Washing / Fan Assisted Drying |
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What Is A Dishwasher Drawer (Dishdrawer)?
A dishwasher drawer, often referred to as a DishDrawer, is a type of dishwasher that resembles a kitchen drawer, offering a more compact and convenient design compared to traditional dishwashers.
They do away with the large drop-down doors found on standard dishwashers in favour of more compact drawer openings. This means you get greater access and you don’t block pathways or other cabinets as much when you load and unload dishes.
Dishdrawers are all about saving kitchen space, giving greater wash flexibility and allowing better access to your dishes. This design is especially beneficial for small kitchens or for people looking for a more ergonomic solution, as it doesn’t require bending down as much.
Each model is designed to fit where a standard kitchen cabinet would go and like standard dishwashers, they are available freestanding or integrated.
There are two common sizes of dishwasher drawers. Single Drawer or Double Drawer.
These configurations, allow users to run smaller loads more efficiently or to separate different types of washes (e.g., delicate glassware in one drawer, pots and pans in another).
This can lead to water and energy savings, as you don’t need to wait for a full load to run the dishwasher.
Single-drawer models are perfect for smaller households or where space is at a premium as you retain the extra cabinet space underneath the unit.
Double-drawer models maximise the load capacity and give more flexibility. You can also operate each drawer independently, perfect if you only have a small load. Allowing you to save energy and water.
Advantages of Dishwasher Drawers
- Energy Efficiency: Dishwasher drawers are designed to be more energy-efficient compared to traditional dishwashers. This is partly because you can run smaller loads without wasting water and energy. The ability to operate just one drawer for a few dishes instead of a full-size dishwasher helps conserve resources, making them an eco-friendly option.
- Ease of Loading and Unloading: The drawer format allows for easier loading and unloading compared to traditional dishwashers. Since the drawer slides out, it reduces the need to bend over, making it more accessible for users of all ages and mobility levels.
- Versatility: The drawers offer impressive versatility not only in terms of load size but also in how they can be used independently or together. For example, you can wash delicate glassware in one drawer on a gentle cycle while running a more intense cycle for pots and pans in another. This flexibility also extends to the types of items you can wash, as the modular design can accommodate various dish sizes more easily than a standard dishwasher.
- Quiet Operation: Dishwasher drawers are known for their quiet operation. This makes them ideal for open-plan homes or households where noise is a concern, allowing you to run the dishwasher at any time without disruption.
- Compact Design: The compact design of dishwasher drawers is a significant advantage, particularly for small kitchens or spaces where every inch counts. This design allows for more efficient use of space, and in some cases, drawers can be installed in areas where a traditional dishwasher might not fit.
Disadvantages of Dishwasher Drawers
- Less Capacity: One of the most notable drawbacks of dishwasher drawers is their reduced capacity compared to full-size dishwashers. This means you might have to run more cycles if you have a lot of dishes, which could be less convenient for larger households or after hosting events.
- Fewer Choices on the Market: Dishwasher drawers are less common than traditional dishwashers, resulting in fewer models and brands to choose from. This limitation can make it harder to find a unit that fits specific needs or preferences, and there may be fewer features available compared to the wide variety offered by standard dishwashers.
- Typically More Expensive: On average, dishwasher drawers tend to be more expensive upfront than their standard counterparts. The higher cost can be attributed to their innovative design, compact technology, and the convenience features they offer.
- Repair and Maintenance: When dishwasher drawers require repair, it might be more challenging to find service technicians familiar with their specific mechanisms or to source parts, especially for less common brands.
- Complex Installation: The installation of dishwasher drawers can be more complex and potentially more costly than that of traditional dishwashers. This is especially true if custom cabinetry work is required to accommodate the drawers or if plumbing needs significant adjustments to fit the new setup.
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The Best Dishwasher Drawers
If you haven’t noticed already, all of these come from Fisher Paykel, which helped pioneer these unique appliances and trademarked the name ‘Dishdrawer‘.
They are currently the only manufacturer supplying the market with built-in dishwasher drawers. Although it looks like Haier may be entering the space soon. I’ll keep you posted! 👍
1. Fisher Paykel DD60DCHX9 Double Dishdrawer
Dimensions: (H)820-880 x (W)599 x (D)570mm
No. Place settings: 12
Noise level: 45 dB
Energy rating: A++
Key features: Six wash programs, intelligent load sensing, fan-assisted drying
There’s a lot to love about this model, from its whisper-quiet operation courtesy of the advanced Smart Drive motor to its six versatile wash programmes.
The innovative load-sensing system offers the best possible washing performance. It’s also quite fetching to look at thanks to its stainless steel finish and sleek integrated handles that fit flush with the unit and your cabinetry.
A perfect balance of features, performance and price. That’s why this model gets my ‘best overall‘ pick!
Check out the price and availability on:
Appliance City
2. Fisher Paykel DD60SHI9 81665 Designer Series Integrated Single Dishdrawer
Dimensions: (H)410 x (W)599 x (D)571mm
No. Place settings: 6
Noise level: 46 dB
Energy rating: A+
Key features: Flexible racking, knock-to-pause function, front panel customization
At less than £800, this integrated dishwasher drawer option is the least expensive one on the list.
However, this budget-minded dishdrawer is surprisingly rich in features, including a convenient “knock-to-pause” function that lets you pause washing if you happen to skip a dish.
The racking system is also fully adjustable, letting you accommodate oversized dishes when the need arises. Other features include Quick, Sanitise and Extra Dry options for better and more tailored washing results.
Overall, this is one potential purchase your wallet will thank you for. Getting my ‘best budget’ pick!
Check out the price and availability on:
Appliance City
3. Fisher Paykel DD60DDFHB9 Designer Series Flat Twin Dishdrawer
Dimensions: (H)820-880 x (W)599 x (D)570mm
No. Place settings: 12
Noise level: 45 dB
Energy rating: A++
Key features: Adjustable racks, nine wash programmes, half-load washing, fan-assisted drying
The black steel finish and long, slim handles give this dishdrawer a gorgeous premium look.
Fortunately, it also has all of the premium features you’d expect, including multiple wash load options and a fully adjustable racking system.
This unit can also operate on a single drawer – perfect for those times when you only have half a load. The Extra Dry feature takes advantage of the whisper-quiet fan to dry plastics and other stubborn dishes.
Best of all, you can pair this dishwasher drawer with a matching kitchen appliance set from Fisher & Paykel for the ultimate aesthetics.
When you want a premium dishdrawer that performs as well as it looks, this is the one to add to your own shortlist. Making it my ‘best premium‘ pick!
Check out the price and availability on:
Appliance City
4. Fisher Paykel DD60SDFHX9 Designer Series Flat Single Dishdrawer
Dimensions: (H)410 x (W)599 x (D)573mm
No. Place settings: 6
Noise level: 45 dB
Energy rating: A++
Key features: Compact design, additional wash options, flexible racking, cutlery basket
If maximizing kitchen space is your number one priority, consider this single-drawer model.
Able to accommodate six place settings, this compact dishdrawer also features a folding rack to make more room for taller dishes. It even comes with a handy cutlery basket to keep your knives, forks and other utensils in one place.
The additional Quick, Sanitise and Extra Dry functions are a welcome plus, especially if you want to quickly wash, eliminate germs and take care of hard-to-dry dishes. Like the above model, you can also pair this one with other appliances in the Fisher Paykel family for a unified appearance.
Overall, this model lets you enjoy more of your kitchen and not have to sacrifice space for clean dishes.
Check out the price and availability on:
Appliance City
5. Fisher Paykel DD60DHI9 81234 Designer Series Integrated Twin Dishdrawer
Dimensions: (H)820-880 x (W)599 x (D)571mm
No. Place settings: 12
Noise level: 45 dB
Energy rating: A++
Key features: Seamless integration, independent drawer operation, knock-to-pause function,
Sometimes you want a dishwasher drawer that’s so well integrated that you forget it’s even there.
Luckily, this particular model has you covered thanks to its seamless and unobtrusive design. You can use your own cabinet doors to integrate and blend your dishwasher drawer with the surrounding cabinetry or opt for one of Fisher Paykel’s lovely stainless steel panels.
Aside from the sheer creative potential, this dishdrawer also delivers when it comes to features.
The knock-to-pause function lets you toss in that one forgotten dish, plus you can select separate wash programmes for each drawer and operate them independently – perfect for when you have pots and pans to deal with but want a gentler touch for your fine glass.
Overall, this double dishdrawer is the perfect choice for that seamless, sleek integrated look.
Check out the price and availability on:
Appliance City
Final Thoughts…
There you have it!
Everything you need to know about dishwasher drawers and the best dishdrawer options on the market.
My best overall pick has to be the DD60DCHX9 Double Dishdrawer. A perfect balance of features, performance and price.
If you’re on a tighter budget or have a small kitchen then you can’t go wrong with the DD60SDFHX9 Single Dishdrawer. It may be compact in size but there’s nothing little about its performance.
And, if you want the best of the best then I’d recommend the DD60DHI9 81234 Designer Integrated Twin Dishdrawer. It’s packed full of fantastic features and can be integrated using your kitchen cabinet doors to create the perfect sleek modern kitchen.
What do you think? Will you go for dishwasher drawers in your next kitchen?
DISCOVER MORE
- Can You Fit A Dishwasher Under A Kitchen Sink? – (Maybe!)
- Should You Have Two Dishwashers In Your Kitchen?
- What Is An XXL Dishwasher? – (And How Much Bigger Is It?)
Author
Michael is a kitchen designer from the UK. He's been designing and project managing new kitchen installations for over 10 years. Before that, he was an electrician and part of a team that fitted kitchens. He created Kitchinsider in early 2019 to help give people advice when it comes to getting a new kitchen.
