5 Best Drawer Dishwashers: Convenient Cabinet Solution For Limited Spaces

Dishwashers can feature many different designs so they can fit every kitchen style, as well as meet all your needs and preferences. Due to that, it’s time to be innovative but also consider 2 factors – saving space and bills.

With all that in mind, the market has drawer dishwashers to offer. For details, functions, features, pros, and cons, keep on reading and see if this specific model can be your new kitchen match.

The Rundown

What Is A Drawer Dishwasher?

Drawer dishwashing models are installed like the drawers you find in the kitchen. They open horizontally. These dishwashing machines can have a single or double unit.

Drawer Info

Here are the details on 2 key factors you can expect to find in a drawer model regarding size and capacity.

• Size. These dishwashers are about 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep, which is quite similar to the standard under-counter dishwashers. Single drawers are only between 16 and 17 inches high, while double-drawer units are about 33 inches high.
• Capacity. This is an important factor of these models. Single-drawer dishwashers can hold up to 7 place settings, while double-drawer units can hold up to 14 place settings.

How Do Dishwashe Drawers Work?

As any drawer and as any dishwasher. That means you can open it as a cabinet drawer, upload it as a dishwasher rack, close it and press the buttons as in any dishwasher.

Are These Models Actually Built-In Dishwashers?

Well, drawer models are built-in but they are nothing like classic built-in dishwashers. The main difference is in the design. Drawer models are built-in horizontally and they are drawn out to be loaded. Built-in dishwashers have front doors that are lowered down when you’re opening the dishwasher. Besides that, built-in models can hold up to 20 place settings and feature an 18-inch unit too. The drawer dishwashing type can hold only about 14 place settings and feature only a 24-inch unit.

Does Drawer-Designed Dishwasher Spend Less Water & Energy?

The water and energy consumption actually depends on the model. Some of them can be specially designed to be more eco-friendly and use under 2 gallons of water and 1.4 kWh of energy per load. For example, a double drawer unit is an economical dishwasher since you can individually use each drawer and that means less water and energy.

Can You Put A Drawer Model Under A Sink?

No, as it would need to be placed really low due to the sink plumbing. Also, if a dishwasher doesn’t have a label that features a special design suitable for under-the-sink placement, then you shouldn’t put it there. However, a drawer dishwashing machine can be installed near the kitchen sink so you can use the same plumbing, plus, it is convenient to place it nearby.

Are Drawer Appliances More Efficient?

If you get a double-drawer model, then yes, it definitely is more efficient because each drawer operates on its own. Thanks to that, you can wash small loads as economically as larger ones.

Drawer Dishwashing Brands

There are only a couple of brands that produce this type of dishwasher. Those are Fisher & Paykel, KitchenAid, DCS, Kenmore, and Maytag.

Price Range

This dishwasher type is expensive. The price goes from $800 to $2,000. The final price depends on the model, however, not on whether you want a single or double model, but on the design of the model and its features and functions.

Is A Drawer Dishwasher Worth It?

Yes. Such a model allows you much more flexibility when it comes to space and energy. Here are more details on our pros and cons of buying a drawer appliance.

Pros:

• Space-saving model. You don’t need additional space in your kitchen nor do you need to remodel your entire cabinetry to place this dishwasher. You just need to use a small part of your cabinetry where you would normally place a standard drawer. And that’s it.
• Compact size. Speaking of space-saving factors, this dishwasher model comes in a compact size, so no, you really don’t need additional space for it. And yes, you can fit it in both standard-sized kitchens and apartments with limited space.
• Ease of use. With a user-friendly design, you won’t have any problem with the usage of this dishwasher. Plus, the drawer opens up like a regular drawer. As easy as a breeze.



• More frequent dish loads. If you go for a double-drawer model, you can use both drawers at the same time or individually. But thanks to that, you will be able to more frequently wash loads of dishes.
• Reduced noise. Most of these dishwashing models come with a really low decibel level. We’re talking about noise levels between 38 and 48 dB which is ultra-quiet.

Cons:

• Reduced load capacity. A single drawer can’t hold the same amount of the dishes as a standard dishwasher can. So, you may not fit large plates or cookware inside of it. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of drawer dishwashing models.
• Easy to break. These models are prone to damage. Even though the manufacturers are stepping up in the terms of design and technology, the dishwashers still aren’t at the level of standard models.
• Expensive. They might be space-saving but they certainly aren’t budget-friendly.

What To Consider Before Purchase

Now, let’s talk about all other specifications and functions these dishwasher models can offer you such as construction, interior details, cleaning cycles, and more.

Material Of The Construction

Stainless steel is the most preferred material of the making in the terms of dishwashers. This material is the best on the market. Not only that it is strong and durable, but it is also resistant to high temperatures, stains, and odors, and it contributes to better cleaning and drying results.

Interior Details

A single-drawer unit has one well-designed rack with enough space and compartments for mugs, bowls, plates, and glasses. A double-drawer unit has that doubled up so, in each of the drawers, you can expect one well-designed rack.

Can I Get Adjustable Racks?

Yes, but that depends on the model. It isn’t that usual to have adjustable racks when the dishwasher is designed in single or double drawer units, however, some models do feature this option. Thanks to the adjustable racks, you are able to customize the entire interior of the dishwasher. You can do that by rearranging the racks, baskets, and compartments.

What About Third Rack?

No. That feature is present only in standard-sized dishwashers. The drawer model is too small and compact to feature an additional flatware drawer.

Multiple Cleaning Cycles

Most of these drawer models have between 4 and 9 cleaning cycles. Some of them are normal, heavy, light, and quick washes, ECO mode, and rinse only.

Drying Options

At the end of the cycle, the dishwasher dries the dishes. It can feature 2 different drying functions. Here are more details on each of them.

• The air-dry function uses room temperature air to dry the dishes. This is an eco-friendly option that is more and more popular in the terms of dishwashers.
• Heated drying uses a fan or some other heated element to dry the dishes. This option uses 15% more energy than the air-dry function.

5 Best Drawer Dishwashers

Fisher Paykel DD24DAX9N Dishwasher

Sleek Steel Design
With its modern design and stainless steel construction, this double-drawer dishwashing machine is an ideal match for every kitchen style. Its silver coloring with black details will surely enhance the entire kitchen space.

Individual Usage
Thanks to its double-unit design, you can individually use each of the drawers and save both water and energy by using only one of them. The dishwasher comes with 6 cleaning cycles which will ensure great cleaning results.

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Fisher Paykel DD24DV2T9N Dishwasher

Shiny & Matte Combo
This silver-colored dishwasher features a beautiful and sleek design. It combines a matte unit with shiny silver handles. Thanks to its modern design, it is a great match for elegant kitchens. It can even be a good fit for industrial spaces.

Adjustable Interior
Due to its spacious capacity, this dishwasher model is ideal for large families and households. It can fit up to 14 place settings. It also has flexible racking, so you can customize its interior to fit different cookware.

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KitchenAid KUDD03DTSS Dishwasher

Top Control Design
This dishwashing model comes with a top control panel. That means that the panel is visible only when the doors are open. This is very convenient as you can’t accidentally disturb the cleaning cycle in operation.

6 Standard Cycles
The 2-drawer dishwasher comes with 6 cleaning cycles. That includes heavy-duty, normal wash, light/china, sensor wash, quick cleanup, and rinse only. These cycle options are all you need for good cleaning results.

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DCS DD24DUT7 Dishwasher

Double Drawer With Spacious Capacity
This model features 2 individual drawers. Each of them can hold up to 7 place settings and has its own individual control panel. The panel is digital so it can easily be used by both beginners and professionals.

Steel Strenght
The dishwasher comes with stainless steel construction. This material of the making ensures strength and durability. It is also resistant to high temperatures as the dishwasher uses up to 167 Fahrenheit degrees for sanitizing performance.

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Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9 Dishwasher

Single-Drawer With Limited Capacity
This dishwasher features a single-drawer design. Due to that, it comes with a bit of limited interior capacity as it can hold only 7 place settings at the same time. However, this model is ideal for smaller families and apartments.

This is an ADA-compliant dishwasher which means that it has a design that is accessible to those with disabilities. This model also comes with an Energy Star certification for energy-efficient performance.

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How To Clean A Dishwasher With Drawers?

The cleaning process for this type of dishwasher is super simple. Here are all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Scrub The Filter

Once a week, you need to clean the filter to avoid clogging and other bacteria built-ups. Remove the filter and clean it under the running water by using a toothbrush and some mild detergent.

Clean The Spray Arm

Lift the arm out and thoroughly clean it off. Rinse it out under the running water and make sure that the little holes on the spray arm aren’t clogged. Do this about twice a month.

Sanitize The Dishwasher

Of course, you need to deep clean the dishwasher once a week. To do that, place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with white vinegar into the middle of the dishwasher. Run a normal cycle without any detergent, the vinegar will do its job at the deep cleaning of the dishwasher’s interior.

How Do I Install A Drawer Dishwashing Machine?

The best way to do it is to call a professional to do it for you. Installing a dishwasher, especially a drawer model, is a complex operation. In case you wish to do it by yourself, make sure to follow the safety and warning information in the installation instructions that come with a dishwasher, as well as detailed step-by-step guidance.