Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Review — Are They Worth It?

Fisher & Paykel is New Zealand's most famous appliance brand and has a strong following in Australia. Their DishDrawer — a dishwasher that opens like a drawer rather than a traditional front door — is a genuinely unique product. But how do Fisher & Paykel dishwashers stack up overall? Here's an honest review.

The DishDrawer — Fisher & Paykel's Unique Innovation

The DishDrawer is F&P's hero product and their biggest point of differentiation. Instead of one large tub with a door, the DishDrawer consists of one or two independent drawers, each running its own wash cycle.

Advantages of the DishDrawer:

• Ergonomic: No bending down to load the bottom rack — drawers sit at a comfortable working height
• Flexible: Run one drawer for a small load; run both for large loads
• Efficient: Smaller water and energy use per drawer
• Space-saving option: Single drawers fit into spaces where a standard 60cm dishwasher won't

Disadvantages:

• Price: Significantly more expensive than comparable conventional dishwashers ($1,500–$2,500 for a double drawer)
• Smaller capacity per drawer: Can't wash large pots or oversized items as easily
• Repair complexity: More moving parts than a conventional dishwasher

Standard Dishwashers (DD60 and Similar)

F&P also makes conventional front-opening dishwashers (the DD60 series). These compete directly with Bosch, Miele, and AEG in the $900–$1,500 range. Performance is solid — CHOICE rates F&P conventional dishwashers as good-to-very good.

Cleaning Performance

Both DishDrawer and conventional F&P models clean well on everyday loads. For heavily soiled pots and baking trays, they're slightly behind Miele and Bosch on independent test results, but the difference is minor for typical household use.

Noise

F&P dishwashers are reasonably quiet but typically slightly louder than top-tier Bosch or Miele models. The DishDrawer, with its smaller water volume per cycle, can sometimes sound different to what people expect from a conventional dishwasher.

Reliability

F&P has a good reliability record in Australia, backed by their local manufacturing heritage and service presence. DishDrawers, being mechanically more complex, have a higher repair rate than conventional dishwashers, but are generally still reliable.

Service and Spare Parts

F&P (now owned by Haier) has good service coverage in Australia with authorised repairers in all major cities including Sydney. Spare parts availability for older models is generally good.

Who Should Buy a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer?

• People with back problems who struggle with bending to load a conventional dishwasher
• Households that often run small loads (a couple, or someone who cooks daily but not in large volumes)
• Kitchens where the drawer aesthetic fits the design
• Anyone looking for a genuinely different and innovative dishwasher

Who Should Consider Bosch or Miele Instead?

• Large families who need maximum capacity per wash
• Buyers who prioritise the quietest possible operation
• Those who want the absolute best cleaning performance
• Budget-conscious buyers (Bosch offers similar quality for less)

Find a Dishwasher at Oceania Appliances

We stock quality used dishwashers from leading brands including Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, Miele, Smeg, and more. All are tested and carry a 3–6 month warranty. Prices from $250. Free delivery across Sydney.

Call 0481 243 211 or browse our online store. Showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10am to 8pm.