What Is a Drawer Dishwasher?

What is a drawer dishwasher?

A drawer dishwasher is a dishwasher that loads from the front through one or two pull-out drawers rather than through a hinged door. The drawer slides out horizontally, you place dishes on the rack inside, and you push it shut to start a cycle. The most common configuration is a double-drawer model with two independent drawers stacked vertically, each with its own controls, so you can run a small load in one drawer while the other stays idle.

Drawer dishwashers have been around since the late 1980s, when Fisher & Paykel introduced the concept. The design remains most closely associated with that brand, though a few other manufacturers offer similar products. The key advantage is flexibility: you can wash a small load in half the space, or run both drawers together when you have a larger load.

Single drawer vs double drawer

Drawer dishwashers come in two basic types: single drawer and double drawer. A single-drawer model has one drawer that slides out, typically 18 inches wide with a capacity of about 7 to 8 place settings. A double-drawer model stacks two drawers vertically, usually in a 24-inch-wide cabinet space, with a combined capacity of roughly 14 place settings.

The trade-off is capacity versus flexibility. A single drawer takes less floor space but holds less, while a double drawer gives you two independent wash zones that you can use separately or together. If you cook a lot and regularly fill a standard dishwasher, a double drawer may feel limiting. If you live alone or cook small meals, a single drawer could be all you need.

For a deeper comparison of the two layouts, see single drawer vs double drawer dishwashers.

Typical widths and place settings

The two standard widths for drawer dishwashers follow the same pattern as conventional dishwashers: 18 inches and 24 inches. An 18-inch single-drawer model fits a narrow cabinet opening and typically holds about 7 to 8 place settings, which is comparable to a compact countertop or portable unit. A 24-inch double-drawer model fits a standard cabinet opening and provides around 14 place settings total, roughly 7 per drawer.

By comparison, ENERGY STAR defines a standard-capacity dishwasher as one that holds more than eight place settings and six serving pieces, and a compact model as one that holds less than that. Most 24-inch drawer dishwashers fall into the standard-capacity category when both drawers are used, while 18-inch models are compact. If you want to understand how place settings are counted, see how dishwasher place settings are measured.

How a drawer dishwasher fits in a kitchen

Drawer dishwashers install under a countertop in the same location you would put a standard built-in dishwasher. A 24-inch double-drawer model fits the same 24-inch-wide opening as a conventional built-in, while an 18-inch single drawer fits a narrower opening, often near a sink or in an island. Both require a water supply line, a drain connection, and a 120-volt electrical outlet or hardwired connection, just like a conventional model.

The drawer design changes how you interact with the appliance. Because the drawer pulls out at a comfortable height, you do not have to bend down to load the bottom rack of a tall tub. That makes drawer dishwashers an option for kitchens designed with accessibility in mind or for anyone who finds bending difficult.

If you are deciding between a drawer model and a standard front-load dishwasher, compare the trade-offs in drawer vs built-in dishwashers.

What a drawer dishwasher does well

The main advantages of a drawer dishwasher are flexibility, accessibility, and independent wash zones. With two drawers, you can run a light load of glasses in the top drawer while saving the bottom drawer for a later load of pots and pans. Each drawer has its own controls, so you can choose a different cycle for each load or run only one drawer when the other is empty.

The pull-out design also makes loading and unloading easier. Because the drawer slides fully out, you can reach the back of the rack without reaching past a door. This is helpful for people with back or knee issues and for anyone who finds a standard dishwasher's low bottom rack awkward.

Drawer dishwashers also tend to be quieter than portable or countertop models because they are built into the cabinetry and use the same insulation and motor technology as standard built-in units. If noise is a concern, see quiet dishwasher buying guide.

What to consider before buying one

The main drawbacks of drawer dishwashers are capacity and price. A 24-inch double-drawer holds roughly 14 place settings total, which is less than a full-size 24-inch dishwasher that holds 16 or more. If you regularly host large gatherings or cook multiple meals a day, you may find yourself running both drawers often, which uses more energy and water per load.

Drawer dishwashers also cost more than comparable standard built-in models with the same capacity. The engineering required for two independent wash zones and drawer mechanisms adds to the price. You are paying for flexibility and convenience rather than raw capacity.

One more thing to consider is cycle time. Drawer dishwashers often have longer cycle times than standard models because they use less water and rely on sensors to detect soil levels. If you are used to a standard dishwasher that finishes in under two hours, a drawer model may feel slow.

For a comparison of cycle times, see drawer dishwasher cycle time vs standard.

Who a drawer dishwasher suits

A drawer dishwasher makes the most sense for households that regularly wash small loads and want to avoid running a full-size dishwasher half empty. It is also a good fit for kitchens with a narrow space that will not take a 24-inch built-in, or for a second dishwasher location such as an island or a wet bar.

Drawer dishwashers are also a practical choice for accessibility-conscious kitchens. The pull-out drawer at waist height eliminates the need to bend down to load and unload. This is a genuine advantage over standard dishwashers for people with limited mobility.

If you live alone or as a couple and rarely fill a full-size dishwasher, a single 18-inch drawer could be all you need. If you have a family but want the flexibility of two independent wash zones, a 24-inch double drawer is the option to look at.

For a detailed checklist of what to look for, see the drawer dishwasher buyers checklist.

How to choose a drawer dishwasher

Start by measuring the cabinet opening where the dishwasher will go. A 24-inch double drawer needs the same 24-inch width as a standard built-in, while an 18-inch single drawer fits a narrower space. Check the height and depth of the opening too; drawer dishwashers typically install under a standard 36-inch countertop, but confirm the dimensions of the model you are considering against your opening.

Next, decide on capacity. If you want to wash a full load at once, a 24-inch double drawer is the better choice. If you only need to wash a few place settings at a time, an 18-inch single drawer may be enough. Compare the place settings of the models you are looking at, and remember that a drawer's place-setting rating is based on how many standard place settings fit in one drawer.

Then look at the controls and cycles. Some drawer dishwashers have a soil sensor that adjusts the cycle to the load, as ENERGY STAR recommends for efficient cleaning. Look for models with multiple cycle options, such as a light cycle for lightly soiled dishes and an energy-saving cycle for everyday loads.

Finally, check the noise rating and the energy label. Drawer dishwashers are available with sound ratings as low as 44 dB, which is comparable to a quiet standard dishwasher. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure the model meets current efficiency criteria, and compare the estimated annual energy use on the EnergyGuide label.

For current recommendations, see the best drawer dishwashers and best Fisher & Paykel drawer models.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What sizes do drawer dishwashers come in?

Drawer dishwashers come in two standard widths: 18 inches for a single drawer and 24 inches for a double drawer. The 18-inch model holds about 7 to 8 place settings, while the 24-inch double drawer holds around 14 place settings total.

Is a single drawer dishwasher enough for a household?

A single 18-inch drawer can handle the daily dishes for one or two people. For a family, a single drawer will likely be too small, and you would be better off with a 24-inch double drawer or a standard built-in dishwasher.

Can a drawer dishwasher fit in the same space as a standard dishwasher?

A 24-inch double-drawer dishwasher fits a standard 24-inch-wide cabinet opening, so it can replace a conventional built-in dishwasher. An 18-inch single drawer is narrower and fits a space that will not take a standard 24-inch model.

Does a drawer dishwasher need special plumbing or electrical hookups?

No. Drawer dishwashers use the same water supply, drain, and 120-volt electrical connection as a standard built-in dishwasher. If you are replacing an existing dishwasher, the hookups are already in place.

Are drawer dishwashers quiet?

Yes, most drawer dishwashers are comparable to standard built-in models in noise. Look for a sound rating of 44 to 49 dB if quiet operation matters to you.

Why are drawer dishwashers more expensive than standard models?

Drawer dishwashers use two independent wash systems and drawer mechanisms, which are more complex than a single front door and one wash tub. That engineering adds to the cost, and the market is smaller, so prices are higher than comparable standard built-in models.