At a Glance
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.
Quick answer: A drawer dishwasher is worth it if you want extra flexibility for small loads, added kitchen style, or a dishwasher that fits somewhere a standard 24-inch model can’t — expect to pay $899 to $2,599 depending on brand and configuration. If raw capacity and a lower upfront cost matter more than flexibility, a standard dishwasher is the simpler, cheaper choice.
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 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
Browse Built-In DishwashersDrawer 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.
Drawer Dishwasher vs. Standard Dishwasher: How Do They Compare?
| Drawer Dishwasher | Standard Dishwasher | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $899–$2,599 | Typically lower for a comparable brand and cycle count |
| Capacity | 6–8 place settings (single); up to 14 (double) | Up to 14 place settings in one tub |
| Wash Zones | 1–2 independently operable compartments | 1 single compartment |
| Water & Energy Use | Can use less per wash by running only the filled compartment | Uses a full cycle’s worth of water even for a small load |
| Install Flexibility | Single drawer fits under islands, wet bars, and pantry walls | Requires a full 24-inch, ~34–36-inch-tall cabinet opening |
A standard dishwasher washes everything in one 24-inch tub at a fixed height, so a single small load still takes up the same space and runs the same length as a full one. A drawer dishwasher splits that same footprint into one or two independently operable compartments, letting you run a handful of glasses on their own cycle without waiting to fill an entire tub.
Standard dishwashers still win on cost for a comparable brand and cycle count, while a double drawer model can match a standard dishwasher’s total place-setting capacity by running both drawers together. As covered above, the real tradeoff comes down to price and how often you’re washing full loads versus small ones.
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.
Which Brands Make Drawer Dishwashers?
Fisher & Paykel remains the brand most associated with drawer dishwashers, since it pioneered the category and still offers the widest range of single and double drawer models. Café, GE’s upscale brand, and KitchenAid both build drawer dishwashers as well, and between the three of them you’ll find nearly every finish and configuration covered above.
Bosch doesn’t currently sell a standalone drawer-style dishwasher the way Fisher & Paykel does — the “Bosch dishwasher drawer” people often search for is actually a third-rack accessory that fits inside a regular Bosch dishwasher, not a separate appliance. If a true drawer-style dishwasher is what you’re after, Fisher & Paykel, Café, and KitchenAid are the three brands worth cross-shopping.
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
Are Drawer Dishwashers Water and Energy Efficient?
Because a drawer dishwasher lets you run only the compartment you’ve actually filled, it can use less water and energy per wash than running a half-empty standard dishwasher on a full cycle. The Café drawer dishwasher featured below takes this further with ENERGY STAR certification, meeting federal efficiency guidelines while still offering a small-load setting that trims water use even more on lighter washes.
Not every drawer dishwasher on the market is ENERGY STAR certified, so it’s worth checking the yellow EnergyGuide label on any model you’re considering — our breakdown of what an ENERGY STAR dishwasher actually saves over a standard model applies just as well to drawer units.
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!"
Drawer Dishwasher Installation: What to Know Before You Buy
Most single and double drawer dishwashers, including the three models featured above, share a standard 23.56-inch width, so they fit the same 24-inch cabinet opening as a typical built-in dishwasher. Height is where they differ: a single drawer unit like the Fisher & Paykel Series 9 needs only about 16 inches of vertical clearance, while a double drawer model needs roughly 34 to 36 inches — close to the opening a standard dishwasher would use.
That shorter single-drawer height is exactly what makes drawer dishwashers so popular for spots a standard dishwasher can’t reach: under a kitchen island counter, in a wet bar, or built into a pantry wall. Whichever configuration you choose, finish the installation with the right dishwasher installation accessories for a clean, built-in look.
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!
Drawer Dishwasher FAQs
A drawer dishwasher splits the same footprint into one or two independently operable compartments, so you can run a small load without waiting to fill an entire tub, while a standard dishwasher washes everything together in one 24-inch tub. Standard dishwashers cost less upfront for a comparable brand and cycle count, but a double drawer model can match a standard dishwasher’s total capacity when both drawers run together.
Not typically. Drawer dishwashers install the same way a standard built-in dishwasher does — in a dedicated 24-inch cabinet opening with its own water and drain lines — rather than sharing space under a sink basin. A single drawer unit’s shorter height does make it a good fit for spots a full-size dishwasher can’t reach, like under an island counter or in a wet bar.
Most single and double drawer dishwashers are about 23.56 inches wide, matching a standard 24-inch cabinet opening. A single drawer unit needs roughly 16 inches of height, while a double drawer model needs about 34 to 36 inches — close to the height a standard dishwasher would use.
They can, since running only the compartment you’ve actually filled avoids wasting water on a half-empty full-size cycle. Look for ENERGY STAR certification specifically, since not every drawer dishwasher model qualifies, and it’s the clearest sign a given unit is genuinely water- and energy-efficient.
Not a standalone one. What’s often labeled a “Bosch dishwasher drawer” is actually a third-rack accessory that fits inside a regular Bosch dishwasher rather than a separate drawer-style appliance. Fisher & Paykel, Café, and KitchenAid are the main brands currently selling true drawer-style dishwashers.
Drawer dishwashers are built and marketed as luxury appliances, with prices typically running $899 to $2,599 depending on the brand and features. Much of that premium comes from the more complex dual-compartment engineering, especially on double drawer models, and from the smaller pool of brands that manufacture them.
Yes, in terms of raw capacity — a double drawer dishwasher can hold up to 14 place settings when both drawers run together, about the same as a full-size dishwasher. The real difference is flexibility: you get two independently operable wash zones instead of one, at a higher price point.
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