Dishwasher drawers aren't as well known as typical dishwashers, and that's a shame because they have a lot to offer the consumer. Single and double dishdrawers give the homeowner a great deal of flexibility in terms of both installation and water usage. If you're curious to learn more about the advantages of these appliances, read on for our expert rundown on the basics.
Convenient, Compact Design

One of the greatest advantages of drawer dishwashers is their compact design, which makes them ideal for the smaller kitchens found in apartments or homes without a lot of square footage. Single dishwasher drawers often sit in a cabinet space that's only 24 or 36 in. wide and 19 in. tall.
The design of a dishwasher drawer is especially convenient for anyone who struggles to open the door of a full-sized dishwasher, whether because they don't have room in their kitchen to fully extend it or because they have a disability that prevents them from doing so. In fact, many dishwasher drawers are considered ADA-compliant because they allow the user to load and unload dishes without bending over.
One manufacturer particularly known for its drawer dishwashers is Fisher & Paykel, which first introduced the Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwasher well over a decade ago.
Double Drawers for Larger Loads

What's great about dishwasher drawers is that you can use them as a single or double unit. Double dishwasher drawers give you space for your dishes that's basically equal to that offered by traditional dishwashers, but thanks to their compact construction, they don't take up nearly as much room in your kitchen.
Even better, when you have two drawer dishwasher units, you can run them on different cycles simultaneously, such as one for glassware and another for large pots, to help your dishes last as long as possible. Double drawer units also make it possible to save water by using only one at a time when you want to wash a smaller load.
Fisher & Paykel's Double DishDrawer™, for example, makes for a great option for anyone looking for flexibility along with their space-savings.
Same Performance as Full-Size Units

Some people might assume from their name that drawer dishwashers don't have the same performance and capabilities as full-size units, but nothing could be further from the truth. Drawer dishwashers get your dishes just as clean as traditional full-size units and come with many of the same modern features.
For example, many Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwashers come with features such as flexible racking, multiple wash cycles, and quiet operation. They also offer energy-saving delay start options, child locks for safety, and fan-assisted drying.
These features are similar to what you could find, for example, in a full-size Café™ dishwasher. Café units are also known for their loading flexibility, premium drying systems, adjustable racks, and multiple wash cycles to choose from, among other features.
Related Questions
Do dishwasher drawers work?
Yes, dishwasher drawers work remarkably well--just as well as full-size units, in fact. Dishwasher drawers can be counted on to get your dishes clean and dry with no more hassle than what you would experience with a traditional dishwasher. Homeowners also appreciate the space savings and flexibility that they offer.
Can you put a drawer dishwasher under a sink?
You can place a drawer dishwasher near your sink, in a spot often reserved for a cabinet drawer. One of the great things about drawer dishwashers is the flexibility in placement that they offer. For example, if you have sufficient space in your kitchen, you could consider a traditional or two-drawer dishwasher near your sink and range, along with a single drawer on an island.