Fisher & Paykel Drawer Dishwashers: Specs to Compare

Place settings and capacity class

Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwashers split the wash space into one or two pull-out drawers that work independently. When you compare specifications, the first number to look at is the place setting count, because it determines what class of machine you are dealing with. ENERGY STAR defines standard capacity as eight place settings plus six serving pieces, and compact capacity as anything below that level. Many drawer models sit in the compact class, since each drawer is built to handle a smaller daily load rather than a full kitchen's worth of dishes at once.

The place setting count matters for a different reason in a drawer machine than it does in a full-width built-in. With a single drawer you wash whatever fits in that one drawer, then move on to the second drawer if you have more. That changes the way you plan your loads. If your household tends to generate one or two full drawer loads per day, a double drawer unit gives you the flexibility; if you almost never fill a second drawer, a single drawer may be enough. Read more about how place settings are measured to understand what the number really means.

Single drawer vs double drawer

Both single drawer and double drawer Fisher & Paykel units use the same drawer concept, but the spec sheet will list the capacity separately for each drawer. Some buyers prefer a double drawer because you can run the top drawer on a short cycle while the bottom drawer stays unused. Others use the bottom drawer for pots and the top drawer for glassware. Look at the place setting figure for each drawer, not just the total for the unit. For a deeper look at how these configurations differ, see the single drawer vs double drawer comparison.

For small households, a single drawer unit reduces the amount of space devoted to dishwashing. For larger families, a double drawer unit can replace a standard built-in, but check the overall capacity before buying. If your daily volume exceeds what the drawers can hold, a standard-width model may serve you better. The drawer vs built-in explanation covers how drawer capacity stacks up against a conventional tub.

Energy and water use

ENERGY STAR publishes two tiers of requirements for dishwasher energy and water use. For the standard capacity class, a certified model must use no more than 240 kWh per year and 3.2 gallons per cycle. For compact models, the limits are 155 kWh per year and 2.0 gallons per cycle. These figures come from the current ENERGY STAR specification, which took effect on July 19, 2023.

When you compare two Fisher & Paykel drawer models, check the energy use figures on the EnergyGuide label as well as the ENERGY STAR certification. A drawer unit in the compact class may use less water per cycle than a standard machine simply because it has a smaller interior. That does not mean it is more efficient overall, since you may need more cycles to wash the same amount of dishes. See the ENERGY STAR dishwasher picks for models that meet the current criteria, and learn how to read the EnergyGuide label before you compare numbers.

Wash cycles and features

ENERGY STAR points to soil sensors, improved water filtration, more efficient jets and better rack designs as the innovations that reduce energy and water in modern dishwashers. When you compare drawer models, look for a soil sensor. A soil sensor monitors how dirty the recirculated water is and adjusts the cycle length so the machine does not run longer than necessary.

Also check the cycle list. An energy-saving wash cycle, a quick cycle for lightly soiled loads, and the option to turn off heated dry all help you manage day to day use. In a drawer unit, the ability to run a short cycle on one drawer while leaving the other drawer empty is one of the main practical advantages over a single big tub. The soil sensor explainer covers how this feature works, and the dishwasher cycles article walks through the common cycle options you will see on a spec sheet.

Noise and build quality

Noise is usually listed in decibels (dB) on the spec sheet. Lower numbers are quieter. There is no single standard that says a drawer dishwasher is quieter than a built-in model, so compare the dB figure directly between models you are considering. Placement in the kitchen can change how noticeable the sound is, so also think about where the unit will sit relative to living spaces. The decibel comparison helps you put those numbers in context, and the quiet dishwasher guide lists models with low dB ratings.

Fisher & Paykel has built appliances since 1934 and designs its products in New Zealand, according to the company's site. The brand emphasizes human-centred design, quality materials and finishes, and appliances that are built to last. For drawer dishwashers, look at how smoothly the drawers slide, how the door seals when closed, and whether the interior finish resists stains and scratches. These details show up in daily use more than most numbers on the spec sheet.

Size and installation fit

Drawer dishwashers are designed to fit under a standard countertop opening, but you should verify the measurements against your cabinet before buying. Measure the width, height and depth of the opening. Compare those numbers with the unit's installation dimensions, including the clearance needed for the door to open fully. The standard dishwasher dimensions article gives the typical ranges you are working with.

If you are replacing a standard built-in dishwasher, check whether the drawer unit's height matches your opening or whether an adjustment kit is needed. If you are adding a dishwasher to a kitchen that never had one, confirm that you have space for the supply line and drain connection. The same utility hookups that serve a standard model will usually work, but confirm with the installation sheet before ordering. The measuring guide walks through the process, and the drawer dishwasher buyers checklist pulls together the key points to verify.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Are Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwashers compact or standard capacity?

It depends on the place setting count for each drawer. ENERGY STAR classifies models with eight place settings plus six serving pieces as standard capacity, and anything below that as compact. Most drawer designs fall into the compact class because each drawer is sized for a smaller load.

How many place settings does a Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwasher hold?

The spec sheet lists place settings for each individual drawer. Fisher & Paykel does not publish a single number for all drawer models, so the figure varies. Use the ENERGY STAR definition as a reference point: standard is at least eight place settings plus six serving pieces, and compact is below that level.

Do drawer dishwashers use less water than standard dishwashers?

ENERGY STAR sets a compact limit of 2.0 gallons per cycle and a standard limit of 3.2 gallons per cycle. A compact drawer model may use less water per cycle, but you may need to run more cycles to wash the same amount of dishes.

Do I need ENERGY STAR certification on a Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwasher?

ENERGY STAR certification is voluntary, not required. It tells you the model meets the efficiency levels in the current specification. If energy and water use matter to you, look for the label and check the numbers on the EnergyGuide sheet before buying.

Can a drawer dishwasher replace a standard built-in dishwasher?

In most cases yes, if the opening and utility connections match. Compare the unit's height, width and depth against your cabinet. Also compare capacities. A drawer unit handles smaller loads per cycle, so think about whether that fits your household's routine. See the drawer vs built-in comparison for more.