When you’re trying to decide whether or not to purchase a Fisher and Paykel 2 drawer dishwasher, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Here’s everything you need to know in order to make the best decision for your home.
Although two drawer dishwashers are less common than single drawer dishwashers, that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering! Did you know, Fisher and Paykel is the only company that manufactures 2-drawer dishwashers because they own the patent.
Consequently, the lack of competition in the market drives up the price of these dishwashers. Here is a list of pros and cons to help you make the best decision:
Pros of Fisher Paykel 2 Drawer Dishwashers
Flexibility to run smaller loads
Each drawer has half the capacity of a regular dishwasher, meaning that together they make up one full load. However, you can also run a half load by only using one drawer at a time.
This is beneficial in smaller homes or households that would like to run the washer more frequently throughout the day but doesn’t want to waste the amount of water it would take to run a half empty dishwasher.
This means that instead of waiting until the end of the day to run the dishwasher, you could run a half load in the morning and a half load at night using the same amount of water or less depending on which brand you compare it to.
Energy Saving
The ability to wash small loads in one drawer at a time can save you money and energy on a regular basis. For some households, waiting until the dishwasher is full can take some time, many families find themselves putting on a load of dishes that isn’t full which can waste water.
Using one drawer for smaller loads means that you don’t need to run a full load for a half load of dishes so the machine will use less energy and help reduce your utility bills.
Space saving for small kitchens: Having two pull out drawers instead of one big door that opens up, can also save space for households with a small kitchen.
This is because to access the draws you don’t need to open the draws the entire way. For a single door washer, you need to open the door fully to move the drawers inside which can take up a lot of extra room especially if there is more than one person in the kitchen.
They can run simultaneously and independently from each other
This means that if you want more delicate items such as glassware and plates to be washed on a different setting to your pots and pans, you can run each draw separately to ensure you get the best results.
Alternatively, you can also run both draws together on the same setting like a regular dishwasher. It also allows you to do a sanitising setting which kills 99% of bacteria, great for washing and sterilise things such as baby bottles.
Hard stopper at top of draws
This feature prevents your dishes from getting damaged if you accidentally close the door if you have accidentally stacked it too full.
Easier to load
Some people can find it harder to lean over to stack a regular dishwasher, if they have an injury, or disability or are elderly this can be a challenge at times.
Being able to pull out the top draw means they can use this draw and easily stack and unload without much bending forward allowing for more comfort and independence. Fisher Paykel also has a single drawer dishwasher which would also be suitable.
Quiet
The dishwasher has a low decibel rating meaning that it runs quietly during cycles, great for those that are noise sensitive, have sensory issues, shift workers or have young children at home.
4.5 star water rating
With a 4.5 star energy rating, it has great water efficiency to help minimise utility bills and is more sustainable than some other dishwashers on the market.
Cons of Fisher Paykel 2 Drawer Dishwashers
Expensive
The Fisher Paykel 2 drawer dishwasher is at the upper end of the price range for dishwashers due to lack of competition. The prices range from $1800-$2500 which for some households isn’t an affordable price.
Single door dishwashers have many more brands and styles to choose from which also include a wider price range. They start from $400 and go all the way up to the $2500+ mark. For those on a budget, it is a much better investment to choose something lower to mid range.
Can’t accommodate larger items
Large chopping boards and some pots and pans may not fit in the drawers provided. The bottom drawer is also smaller than the top drawer so you could only fit a couple of large items in at a time.
For those that do a lot of cooking, this wouldn’t be efficient as many loads would need to be done or some things would need to be hand washed.
The bottom draw gets neglected
Since the top drawer is easy to get to, many will put on a half load to prevent leaning down to the bottom drawer. So it isn’t always utilised to the extent it could be.
Not ideal for large families
Due to the limited stacking capacity, families with more than 4 people or who frequently cater to large groups would struggle to fit everything into one load.
Often they would be left with 2-3 loads or hand washing larger items to save room which is time consuming and takes away the purpose of having a dishwasher to begin with.
FAQs about Fisher Paykel 2 Drawer Dishwasher
Is a double dishwasher worth it?
Yes but it depends on the household, For those with smaller kitchens or <4 people a double drawer dishwasher is well worth it.
Why do dishwashers have double drawers?
Two drawer dishwashers are great for a variety of reasons. Most notably, their flexibility to run small or large loads; ease of stacking; space-saving abilities in small kitchens; and ability to run each drawer independently from the other – if items need to be washed in different settings – are all huge benefits that users enjoy.
Can you run a double drawer dishwasher at the same time?
Most people run the double drawer dishwasher at the same time, either on the same settings or one regular load and one heavy load.
Do dishwasher drawers work well?
Yes, If you’re looking for a dishwasher that is water efficient, quiet and effective, then you should definitely consider getting one with drawers.
They are great for keeping your dishes clean and ensuring that they come out of the cycle looking new. Overall, they are a great investment for any home.
How do you clean a double drawer dishwasher?
Step 1: Clean the filter
The dishwasher filter should be cleaned about once per month to prevent odours and bacteria from building up. It will maintain the dishwasher and ensure that it is able to clean your dishes well every time. To clean the filter first you’ll need to pull the filter out and use warm soapy water and a small scrub brush to clean the build up of grime off.
Step 2: Clean the spray arm
The arms that spray water to clean the dishes can sometimes become blocked with dirt which if left uncleaned will result in dirty dishes. Remove the arm from the drawers and run it under tap water, you can use a brush to carefully scrub it if needed.
Step 3: Sanitise the draw
Just pour a cup of the vinegar into a bowl and place it in the middle of the dishwasher. Next, set the cycle to a normal cleaning cycle and run it. The vinegar will circulate around the washer and help clean and disinfect all the surfaces.
If you have a stinky dishwasher, this method will also eliminate any undesirable smells that have accumulated in it over time.
Step 4: Wipe surfaces
Once done, open up the drawers of the dishwasher and wipe any surfaces with visible dirt. This is usually seen around the door. Then wipe down the outside.
If it is a stainless steel dishwasher, you can use a damp cloth and a stainless steel cleaner. Just be sure to wipe it with a dry cloth after cleaning.
The Fisher Paykel 2 drawer dishwasher is not suitable for large families that cook often and those that regularly use large pots and pans. However, it is perfect for smaller households that regularly wash smaller loads.
It is also great for those with small kitchens looking for an energy efficient and quiet option. Although this appliance may be a bit more expensive, it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality dishwasher.
