At a Glance:
Pros and Cons of Drawer Dishwashers
3 Top Rated Dishwasher Drawers
Is a Drawer Dishwasher for You?
Whether it’s a bar dishwasher for glasses, an RV dishwasher, or a place to wash small dishes while the main dishwashing machine is occupied, a drawer dishwasher is a handy tool that can be installed in more places than a standard unit. That’s why these appliances are growing in popularity, and while they were once available only to luxury shoppers, more brands are manufacturing models.
So, how do you know if one of these dishwashers is useful for you? By following our guide! We’ve done the work for you and compared drawer dishwasher vs regular dishwasher models to see when they work best, and when they’re just a splurge. Learn more as we give you the details and spotlight three models we recommend.
Guide to Drawer Dishwashers
Drawer dishwashers are a new, innovative way to save space in your kitchen while still having the convenience of a dishwasher. They are typically installed within cabinets and are regularly used in custom kitchen island ideas . They are made to be a little more compact than your run-of-the-mill dishwasher to help you save space in your kitchen.
Drawer dishwashers may not be for everyone, however, for those with a smaller kitchen—or who simply want more space in their kitchen for other items—drawer dishwashers can be highly convenient. They also add a nice aesthetic to your kitchen. When it comes to luxury kitchen ideas and custom kitchen ideas, drawer dishwashers are right there.
Discover Drawer Dishwasher Deals
Too see how a drawer dishwasher can give your kitchen, bar, or pantry a high-end look, explore our selection at Friedmans Appliance
Shop NowDrawer Dishwasher Price
Because drawer dishwashers are considered luxury appliances, they do tend to be a bit more pricey than your typical dishwasher. However, many people find the price worth it as they are incredibly convenient and fit well into your kitchen, as well as offering many features other dishwashers do not.
The typical range of prices for drawer dishwashers is anywhere from $899–$2,599. The price depends on the features offered as well as the luxury brand it is sold by. Brands that sell drawer dishwashers include Fisher & Paykel, Cafe, and KitchenAid, among others—in other words, high-end brands run this category.
Drawer Dishwasher Capacity
It is true that drawer dishwashers are typically smaller than standard dishwashers. However, double drawer dishwashers, such as models Fisher & Paykel make, allow similar load sizes to be washed to that of a standard-sized dishwasher.
Dishwasher drawers easily accommodate standard-sized dishware, and many models come with adjustable racks that enable you to fit whatever dish size you want to wash. As a result, you are not very limited when it comes to a dishwasher drawer since they are still able to clean large loads of dishware at a time. Overall, you can expect a single drawer dishwasher to have between six and eight place settings, while double drawer dishwashers can have up to 14 place settings, about equal to a full-size dishwashing machine.
Drawer Dishwasher Configurations
There are a few different configurations of dishwasher drawers to choose from. For a smaller option, the single drawer configuration is a great choice, as it allows you to wash small loads if you want to wash smaller loads more frequently.
A double drawer dishwasher configuration is another option that is most similar to a standard-sized dishwasher. It includes two drawers that can wash together or independently of one another, giving you the option to wash large or small loads as you need.
Cafe vs KitchenAid Drawer Dishwasher
Cafe and KitchenAid each make a drawer dishwasher, both of which are rated highly by consumers. One of the greatest differences between the two is the appearance of their dishwashers. While the KitchenAid drawer dishwasher fall under the classic stainless steel look, the GE Café dishwasher drawer line has three different finishes to choose from matte black, matte white, or stainless steel, with the ability to custom design the hardware as you like.
They are both economically efficient, as each offers the option to run a single-drawer small load or a double-drawer large load. They each boast six different wash cycle options as well. However, unlike KitchenAid, the Cafe drawer dishwasher is ENERGY STAR certified, an extra incentive for those who are environmentally minded.
Fisher & Paykel vs Café Drawer Dishwasher
Fisher & Paykel and Cafe are probably the two most popular brands of dishwasher drawers on the market. After all, Fisher & Paykel was once the only brand manufacturing this style of dishwasher, so they’ve had time to perfect their design. Each brand offers multiple cycles and extra features like adjustable racks and independent drawer cycles. However, Fisher Paykel has far more model options than Cafe does, so if you are looking to shop around with various models, Fisher and Paykel is a better brand for you from that standpoint.
Both brands have excellent ratings, and their drawer dishwasher models are certainly luxury appliances. Fisher and Paykel are more well-known for their drawer dishwasher simply because they have more options on the market. However, each brand is also known to be economically conscious and user-friendly.
Drawer Dishwasher Pros and Cons
While they’re convenient and pretty fun to look at, dishwasher drawers come with a few setbacks. Take a look at the positives and negatives below.
Pros
✅ Save space in the kitchen
✅ Economically efficient
✅ Aesthetically appealing
Cons
❌ Expensive
❌ Fewer options available
3 Top Rated Drawer Dishwashers
Below, we’ve provided drawer dishwasher reviews for a few top-rated built-in dishwashers that will upgrade any kitchen space. See how they compare.
Fisher & Paykel Series 9 24" Panel Ready Single DishDrawer™ Dishwasher
Shop This Fisher Paykel Dishwasher Drawer
This drawer dishwasher from Fisher & Paykel is a great option for anyone who wants additional space in their kitchen while still possessing the ease of a dishwasher. This dishwasher drawer is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also compact, meaning it will save space in your kitchen for other necessities. It also includes incredible features like knock-to-pause, sanitize, quick dry, extra dry options, and flexible racking so you can fit all sizes of dishware inside. This dishwasher drawer is easy to use and integrates perfectly into any kitchen, whether as a bar dishwasher drawer or in an appliance garage, making it a top choice in kitchen appliances.
Featured Fisher & Paykel DD24SI9 N review: “Never thought I needed a dishwasher in our motorhome, but I love it. It's so quiet and being the drawer model it blends in with the cabinets. It also serves as safe storage for the glass coffee carafe when we are traveling down the road .”
Fisher & Paykel Series 7 24" Stainless Steel Double DishDrawer™ Dishwasher
Shop This Fisher & Paykel Double Drawer Dishwasher
One of Fisher & Paykel’s largest dishwasher drawers, this Fisher Paykel dishwasher drawer is highly efficient and effective. This 2 drawer dishwasher contains separate wash zones that can be run together or independently of one another, allowing you to wash small loads or large loads at any given time. Created with flexible racking, this Fisher Paykel double drawer dishwasher allows you to adjust the racks inside so you can wash even your largest dishware items. It runs smoothly and quietly so that you are not disturbed when it is running, and comes in three different finishes so you can be sure it will fit beautifully into your kitchen.
Café™ 24" Matte Black Built-In Drawer Dishwasher
Shop This Cafe Double Dishwasher Drawer
This Cafe drawer dishwasher is both energy-efficient and packed full of incredible features, making this a highly desirable dishwasher drawer. The small load setting allows you to wash fewer dishes without wasting water, and its six wash cycles allow you to choose the type of wash you want each load to experience. It is also customizable, so you can have a part in designing some of the appearance aspects of this dishwasher drawer, ensuring it fits the look of your kitchen to your liking. With an ENERGY STAR® certification and high ratings from consumers, this dishwasher drawer is a must-have for your kitchen.
Featured Cafe CDD420P3TD1 review: “We love the cafe dishwasher! This one features 2 drawers that can wash at separate times which is nice because we don't always have full loads to wash. This dishwasher is extremely quiet and seems more efficient. There is a feature to stop the washing cycle mid cycle by knocking on the door twice which signals for the cycle to stop running so you can add another time to get washed. Easy to use…Super pleased!”
Is a Drawer Dishwasher for You?
Dishwasher drawers are a remarkable luxury to have in your kitchen. However, you may wonder if you want a dishwasher drawer, or if it is the right choice for you and your home. If you are wondering whether a drawer dishwasher is an investment you should make, consider these benefits.
Dishwasher drawers help save space in your kitchen, so you have room for other appliances or miscellaneous equipment you might want to make room for. Also, most models allow you to wash either large or small loads, allowing you to be economically conscious while still washing your dishes, regardless of the amount, whenever you need to. Dishwasher drawers are also designed to be stylish and elegant looking, so they are a great option if you are looking to spruce up the appearance of your kitchen.
If you are shopping for the best drawer dishwasher in the Bay Area, Friedmans Appliance is where you want to start shopping. Friedmans is known for their great customer service, as well as their vast knowledge of all types of appliances. We will be able to assist you with any questions you might have when it comes to making a purchase. With a plethora of brands in their inventory, Friedmans has any and every appliance you may desire, with the best prices you can find anywhere. Shop at Friedmans Appliance when you go to purchase your drawer dishwasher—you will not be disappointed!
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Dishwasher Drawers at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop dishwashers online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you learn more about the drawer dishwasher world, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
Learn More: Our Top 5 Refrigerator Drawers on the Market