Are Drawer Dishwashers Worth It?
Drawer dishwashers are a revolution in cleaning appliance technology that are finding their way into kitchens crafted by award-winning designers like the Brownstone Boys. Read on to learn all the pros and cons of these appliances.
Drawer dishwashers are a modern and versatile solution for modern kitchen designs, offering a convenient combination of flexible washing options and sleek designs. Unlike traditional dishwashers, these units feature independently operated drawers, allowing for efficient small-load cycles, which save both water and energy.
As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best drawer dishwashers for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of dishwashers like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about drawer dishwashers before checking out what some of our top picks have to offer.
What is a Drawer Dishwasher?
A drawer dishwasher differs from a standard dishwasher unit in that it pulls out on a telescopic drawer mechanism and takes up roughly half the vertical cabinet height of a traditional drop-down door. Telescopic drawers often come with soft-close mechanisms that prevent slamming, protecting these appliances from damage even when fully loaded. Dishwasher drawers also load from the top, so if you prefer to pre-rinse dishes, you can transfer them from the sink to the dishwasher without bending over once. From a user experience perspective, their pull-out designs make them extremely convenient for galley kitchens and other tight workspaces which do not have enough room for a drop-down door to fully open.
Pros and Cons of Drawer Dishwashers
Before you determine whether a drawer dishwasher is a worthwhile investment for your home, let’s go through some of their primary benefits and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision:
Pros of Drawer Dishwashers:
True Half Load – Thanks to their compact tub designs, drawer dishwashers save more water and electricity when running a half load cycle since water is sprayed over a smaller area. This is a major contributing factor to their ENERGY STAR certification.
Single or Double Drawer Options – You have your choice of a single drawer dishwasher or a double drawer dishwasher depending on your daily washing needs.
Simultaneous Cycles – A major advantage of dual drawer dishwashers over full-size dishwashers is that you can run two cycles simultaneously. This ensures you can gently rinse delicate glassware in one tub while a heavy-duty cycle sprays down pots in the other.
Save Cabinet Space – If you don’t need a full-size dishwasher, a single drawer dishwasher is a great way to preserve cabinet space for other home essentials like cookware.
Luxury Designs – Drawer dishwashers are built-in units which are constructed with high-end components and advanced washing features, making them stunning additions to any kitchen suite.
Smart Features – Many dishwasher drawers come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to remotely operate and monitor them from a smartphone.
Panel-Ready Integration – Select drawer dishwashers can be fitted with custom cabinet panels, allowing them to blend seamlessly into your kitchen for a minimalist aesthetic.
Accessibility – Since drawer dishwashers can be loaded from a standing position, they are easier to use for people that need ADA-compliant appliances.
Cons of Drawer Dishwashers:
High Price – Being luxury-grade appliances, drawer dishwashers have a high initial price point. However, their high-end components ensure they last longer and save more energy than more affordable counterparts, offsetting the extra cost over time.
More Maintenance Required for Double Drawers – Dual drawer dishwasher units have separate tubs, so you’ll have to scrub down a greater surface area when cleaning them. There is also a higher chance of random maintenance issues occurring due to the greater complexity of their hardware. For example, you’ll have to unclog two filters, unclog more drainpipes, and repair two separate sets of telescopic racks if they are damaged.
Limited Brand Availability – Currently, only two brands offer single and two drawer dishwasher units: Fisher & Paykel and Café. This limits their ability to mix and match with stainless steel appliances from other brands. However, the panel-ready finishes available from Fisher & Paykel can conceal them from view behind cabinetry, preserving your desired kitchen aesthetic.
