DishDrawer Dishwashers

Reinventing traditional dishwashing, a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer is a convenient and space-saving kitchen appliance, which can take up less space in your cabinetry when compared to a traditional freestanding dishwasher. Available in single Dishdrawer Dishwasher and Double DishDrawer variants, you can discover and pick-up a dishwasher which best suits your home.

Operating much like a standard dishwasher, a single DishDrawer takes up less space in your kitchen cabinetry and opens smoothly, much like a bench height kitchen drawer, without having the hindrance of a large door. Single drawers can be integrated into your cabinets as a top drawer, minimising bending.

With foldable cup racks, fold-down tines, child locks, cutlery baskets, and a variety of different programs, a DishDrawer is an optimal choice for your cleaning needs.

While a single DishDrawer dishwasher may be a great choice for a household that doesn't create too many dirty dishes, a Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer may be ideal if you need a little more space.

A Double DishDrawer basically increases the number of place settings with the double drawer design, able to fit into the same space as a standard freestanding dishwasher.

While they may be integrated, a Fisher & Paykel Double Dishdrawer Dishwasher features two drawers which can be set to different wash cycles for ease of use.

With an assortment of wash programs, including quick wash and half load, a Fisher and Paykel DishDrawer allows you to tailor your dishwasher to your individual cleaning needs.

At Appliances Online, we stock a wide range of dishwashers, including Underbench, Freestanding, Fully Integrated and Slimline. 

If you need some assistance finding the right model for your needs, feel free to read through our Dishwasher Buying Guide. 

A DishDrawer dishwasher is exactly what it sounds like: a dishwasher in a drawer form. Instead of a flip-down door and pull-out racks, the DishDrawer slides out horizontally like a kitchen drawer. Fisher & Paykel introduced this innovative design to make loading and unloading easier and to allow more flexible installation options. Double DishDrawer models have two drawers (one above the other) in the space of a standard dishwasher, each acting as a separate washer. Single DishDrawer models have one drawer - roughly half the height of a standard dishwasher - which can be ideal for small kitchens or as a secondary dishwasher. In either case, each drawer is a self-contained wash compartment with its own spray arm, filters, and controls.

One big advantage of the DishDrawer concept is ergonomics. These drawers can be installed at bench height or distributed on either side of a sink, so users don’t have to bend down as much to load dishes. The design is particularly convenient for older users or those with back problems, since accessing the top drawer (or a single drawer unit) requires minimal bending. Another benefit is that you can run half-loads efficiently - each drawer is essentially a “true half load” that holds about 6-7 place settings, letting you wash a small load without wasting water or energy. In a double DishDrawer, you can even run one drawer while the other is empty or still being loaded, which adds real-life flexibility in a busy kitchen.

Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawer has become synonymous with drawer-style dishwashers and in Australia Fisher & Paykel is the brand known for this style. F&P invented the DishDrawer and has continued to refine it over multiple product generations, so it’s a flagship product for them.

A single DishDrawer is one drawer dishwasher, typically fitting 7 place settings per load. A double DishDrawer has two drawers and roughly doubles that capacity (around 14 place settings total, equivalent to a full-size 12-14 setting dishwasher). The double drawer gives you the same total capacity as a standard dishwasher, just split into two compartments. This is great for flexibility - e.g. you can run a small wash in the top drawer daily and occasionally use both drawers for larger loads or dinner parties. Single DishDrawers are useful for small households or tight spaces, and they can even be installed side-by-side or separately in a kitchen (some designers put one drawer on either side of a sink, for example). Keep in mind a double DishDrawer unit occupies the same space as a normal 24″ dishwasher (it just has two drawer fronts), whereas a single DishDrawer is half the height - freeing up cabinet space below or allowing installation in compact areas.

Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawers are categorised into Series (often Series 5, 7, 9, 11). Higher series generally add more features or premium touches. For example, the Series 7 models introduced conveniences like Wi-Fi connectivity (to monitor cycles via an app) and internal improvements like built-in water softener options. Stepping up, Series 9 models add features such as Knock to Pause (you can knock on the front to pause the cycle - handy if you forgot a dish) and additional wash modifiers like a delicate glassware cycle and a faster “quick” wash setting. The top-end Series 11 models include a stainless steel interior (metal tub and spray arm for durability) and even more advanced leak protection and wash programs. All series clean dishes effectively; the differences are in bells and whistles, styling, and materials - so be sure to know what you are after when shopping for your new dishwasher.

Using a DishDrawer is very straightforward and not much different from a normal dishwasher. First, load your dishes into the drawer, making sure large items are secure and nothing blocks the spray arm (you can remove the cutlery basket or adjust racks as needed). Next, add dishwasher detergent to the dispenser inside the drawer - F&P recommends powdered detergent in the dispenser, or if you use a tablet, see the next question on placement. Check that the rinse aid dispenser is filled (rinse aid helps with drying). Close the drawer and press the Power button (DishDrawers usually power on automatically when you slide them open, indicated by lights or an LCD). Then select your wash program using the touch controls or buttons - options typically include Heavy, Normal, Eco, Fast, Delicate, etc. You can also choose modifiers like Eco mode or Sanitize if available. Finally, press Start (often the play/pause button) and ensure the drawer is closed firmly. The DishDrawer will start the cycle and run just like any dishwasher (you’ll hear water spraying but it’s pretty quiet). It will beep or indicate when finished, usually after drying. One tip: if you have a double DishDrawer, you control each drawer separately - you need to set the program and start button for each drawer you want to run. You can run one drawer at a time or both concurrently. Always ensure you use the lock or child lock feature if you want to prevent accidental starts or stops (useful if you have kids who might pull drawers). Fisher & Paykel provides quick-start guides in the manual; typically the steps are load dishes, add detergent, check rinse aid, choose cycle, and start. It’s that simple. After the cycle, just open the drawer and unload as you would normally, starting with lower drawer (if both ran) to avoid any drips from the top drawer.