5 Things You Need to Know About Double Drawer Dishwashers

For quite some time only dishwashers that have doors that drop down for loading were available to consumers. Now consumers have what are known as double-drawer dishwashers to choose from. Unlike standard dishwashers double drawer dishwashers are opened for loading by pulling out the dishwasher’s drawers horizontally from its cabinetry. There is a growing demand for this type of dishwasher.

If you are thinking of getting a double-drawer dishwasher for your home or office here are some important information you should know to guide you in making the right choice.

1. Double-drawer dishwashers allow flexibility.

A double-drawer dishwasher allows you to have the option of using just one drawer if you just have a small load of dishes to wash or two drawers if you have a huge pile of dishes to wash. Having independent controls you can operate the two drawers simultaneously at different settings too. One drawer can do dishes that require heavy wash on a longer cycle while one can do pieces that only need light washing. This feature can help you save on energy and money. Fisher and Paykel’s DishDrawer has another special feature which allows its user greater flexibility. This dishwasher’s drawers can be put in two different locations in the kitchen if stacking the drawers on top of each other is not possible in the available space.

2. Double-drawer dishwashers are convenient and easy to use.

Most double-drawer dishwasher brands have adjustable racks and a lot of flatware slots. Many also have fold-down tines like standard models that let you accommodate odd-shaped dishes. There are double-drawer dishwasher brands with a large load capacity. For example Fisher and Paykel’s DD24DT Dish Drawer Tall Series can accommodate up to 7 place settings on each of its drawers with the upper drawer able to hold dishes measuring to up to 13” inches in diameter while the bottom drawer able to accommodate dishes of up to 11 ½ inches in diameter.

When double-drawer dishwashers are installed at the right height you will be spared from bending down to load and unload your dishwasher, as one would normally do with standard dishwashers. This is added convenience especially for the elderly and those with back problems.

3. Double-drawer dishwashers do not have all the fine features of standard dishwashers.

While there are double-drawer dishwashers that have many of the features and benefits of standard dishwashers most double-drawer dishwashers however do not have important time and energy saving features of standard dishwashers. Pre-rinsing which consumes time and water is a process you can do away with when using most standard dishwashers.

With most double-drawer dishwashers however like the Kenmore Elite 24” and the Fisher and Paykel DD24DT Dish Drawer Tall Series pre-rinsing is required. It should be noted that both the Kenmore and Fisher and Paykel models that were mentioned have some of the special features of standard dishwashers. The dishwasher from Fisher and Paykel for example has special features of standard dishwashers like concealed wash cycle controls, a remote control to start and pause the dishwasher, and a 12-hour start delay feature yet soiled dishes have to be pre-rinsed to ensure optimum cleaning efficiency.

4. Double-drawer dishwashers require almost the same amount of energy as standard dishwashers.

Despite the fact that their drawers can be used one at a time for small loads energy consumption is still like that of standard built-in models. For example a Maytag built-in model which operates with an electric water heater uses 302 kwh per year costing the user $ 32. On the other hand a double-drawer model of the same brand being used with an electric water heater uses 339 kwh per year amounting to $ 37.

5. Double-drawer dishwashers have repair issues.

The magazine, Consumer Reports revealed that models from Fisher and Paykel the appliance manufacturer who first introduced double-drawer dishwashers to the US market have been repair-prone. GALT Home’s dishwasher buying guide has also stated that double-drawer dishwashers, even the best rated ones with innovative designs and features like the Fisher and Paykel DishDrawer require more repair than standard dishwashers.

The important information just discussed together with added information from independent consumer review sites will help you make a wise choice. Choosing the right dishwasher might just seem to be a small decision to make for some but for many making the right choice is vital for it means saving money and energy. It would not only help our own pockets but Mother Earth as well.