What Is a Double Drawer Dishwasher and Who Is It Good For?

The double drawer dishwasher is a uniquely New Zealand invention that's found a loyal following across Australia. If you've seen them in kitchen showrooms and wondered whether they're right for you, here's a thorough explanation.

What Is a Double Drawer Dishwasher?

A double drawer dishwasher (also called a DishDrawer, a term trademarked by Fisher & Paykel) uses two independent drawer compartments that pull out like filing drawers, rather than a single door that swings open on a conventional dishwasher.

Each drawer operates independently. You can run them together, run just one, or run them on different cycles simultaneously.

How Do They Work?

Like a conventional dishwasher, DishDrawers use spray arms, detergent and water to clean dishes. Each drawer has its own spray system, water connection and drain. When you need to load or unload, you pull the drawer out towards you rather than opening a door.

Advantages of Double Drawer Dishwashers

• Ergonomic loading — You load dishes at a comfortable height rather than bending to the bottom rack of a conventional machine. This is a significant benefit for people with back problems or mobility issues.
• Half-load flexibility — Run one drawer for small loads and save water and energy. For small households, this is a practical advantage over running a half-full conventional machine.
• Simultaneous different cycles — Run delicate crystal in one drawer while running a hot heavy cycle in the other. Useful for households that mix different types of dishes.
• Great for smaller households or galley kitchens — A single-drawer model uses approximately half the water of a full conventional dishwasher.

Disadvantages

• Price premium — DishDrawers cost significantly more than conventional dishwashers of comparable capacity. They typically start at $1,500 to $2,000.
• Less total capacity — A double drawer holds fewer place settings than a full-size conventional dishwasher. For large families, a conventional 15-place-setting dishwasher may serve better.
• Taller items don't fit — Tall pots, long utensils and large baking trays that fit easily in a conventional dishwasher can be a challenge in the drawer format.
• Primarily one brand — Fisher & Paykel dominates this category. Limited competition means limited choice.

Who Is a DishDrawer Best For?

DishDrawers suit small households (1 to 2 people), people with back or mobility issues, households that want maximum loading flexibility, and those who value the design aesthetic. They're a popular choice in Sydney apartments and in modern kitchen renovations.

For large families producing high volumes of dishes, a conventional full-size dishwasher is usually more practical.

Oceania Appliances occasionally stocks DishDrawers in graded condition at significant savings. Contact us to check current availability in Sydney.