Hello, I'm going to be moving into a new home with a super small kitchen.. I like the idea of putting in dishwasher drawers vs. a traditional dishwasher. I really like the fact that the footprint of the machine while open is significantly smaller. Also, I love to entertain but normally only have 2-3 adults to do dishes for.. I really like the idea of running only 1 drawer for my daily driver. Does anyone have any experience with any of these machines? I'm leaning more towards the Maytag/Kenmore Elite offerings as I don't really like the cycle selection of the Fisher Paykel(s). I'm pretty sure these machines are all sourced from the same place and then customized with cycle selections and the "upper spray" mechanism if offered. For the expense of these units I could have a traditional Bosch machine or Kenmore Elite with turbo zone (the other option, but would take significant changes to allow the door to open fully). Let me know your thoughts. Thanks, KC
Dishwasher Drawers
- Thread starter kacyc1
- Start date
Help Support :
If you are going to get any of the dishwashers listed...get the Bosch. I had the Fisher and Paykel dishdrawer and after 3 years we had major problems. Got rid of it and now have a Miele LaPerla dishwasher that I absolutely love. The drawers are a neat idea...and thats all it is is an idea. They are not for people that cook or entertain alot. The Maytag/Kenmore machines have had issues with washing and leaking. Whirlpool makes these. Pretty to look at but thats about it. My 2 cents.
easyspindry
Well-known member
I love my F&P drawers
I've had the Fisher and Paykel drawers for about a year now and have had no problems whatsoever. When loaded properly, it is amazing what you can get into one drawer. When needed, it is nice to be able to run one drawer on "normal" or "heavy" and the other drawer on "delicate" or "short."
Mine clean beautifully. The dishes come out as if they have been polished. They are quiet.
The short cycle (eco) does a load in 38 minutes.
I had 8 people for Christmas dinner, and they worked like a charm cleaning all the dishes from that dinner party.
I've heard bad things about the Kitchen Aid drawers as well as the Kenmore. Even my dealer who had the Kitchen Aid bad-mouthed them.
Of course, I've heard bad things about the F&P also, but have not experienced any problems. Same goes for my F&P clothes washer and dryer which I have had about 3 or 4 years now with no problems.
Jerry Gay
I've had the Fisher and Paykel drawers for about a year now and have had no problems whatsoever. When loaded properly, it is amazing what you can get into one drawer. When needed, it is nice to be able to run one drawer on "normal" or "heavy" and the other drawer on "delicate" or "short."
Mine clean beautifully. The dishes come out as if they have been polished. They are quiet.
The short cycle (eco) does a load in 38 minutes.
I had 8 people for Christmas dinner, and they worked like a charm cleaning all the dishes from that dinner party.
I've heard bad things about the Kitchen Aid drawers as well as the Kenmore. Even my dealer who had the Kitchen Aid bad-mouthed them.
Of course, I've heard bad things about the F&P also, but have not experienced any problems. Same goes for my F&P clothes washer and dryer which I have had about 3 or 4 years now with no problems.
Jerry Gay
If space is an issue, you don't have to get double drawers, they come as a single with a cabinet underneath....
I really like mine, only 2 issues with the impeller, replaced under the warranty, which is 2 years, mine are now 5 years old and no problems, the only thing is they don't have a disposer inside, and mashed potatos will clog the drain hose, this only happenes when someone else loads my machine, also the hae filter screens that need rinsing between loads, located under the silverware rack, other than that they are great machines, for me anyway...they use very little water, and because my hot water heater is so far away I have to use the heated water option, but I do get good results, no matter how I pack it!
I also tend to favor the top one, convenience, so every now and then I rotate the impellars, just for even wear, the top one is the one that got replaced twice, their plastic and can get damaged from pieces of glass ETC., just be careful...
I really like mine, only 2 issues with the impeller, replaced under the warranty, which is 2 years, mine are now 5 years old and no problems, the only thing is they don't have a disposer inside, and mashed potatos will clog the drain hose, this only happenes when someone else loads my machine, also the hae filter screens that need rinsing between loads, located under the silverware rack, other than that they are great machines, for me anyway...they use very little water, and because my hot water heater is so far away I have to use the heated water option, but I do get good results, no matter how I pack it!
I also tend to favor the top one, convenience, so every now and then I rotate the impellars, just for even wear, the top one is the one that got replaced twice, their plastic and can get damaged from pieces of glass ETC., just be careful...
really does whirlpool make them ?
I guessed Whirlpool sells F&P units with W, KA, Bauknecht and oder brands badges in those countries where F&P is not well known.
Anyway here in IT the whirlpool double drawer costs as much as the miele G2872 (your LaPerla)..........
As for water usage, small machines/ single drawers use nearly the same amount of water as regular dishwashers. The sigle rack Bosch is said to be a nice performer, the Zanussi/Electrolux one (either freestanding or built-in) is more stylish but with worse wash performance
So I'd go for a MOL/TOL miele/bosch/siemens with load sensor
I guessed Whirlpool sells F&P units with W, KA, Bauknecht and oder brands badges in those countries where F&P is not well known.
Anyway here in IT the whirlpool double drawer costs as much as the miele G2872 (your LaPerla)..........
As for water usage, small machines/ single drawers use nearly the same amount of water as regular dishwashers. The sigle rack Bosch is said to be a nice performer, the Zanussi/Electrolux one (either freestanding or built-in) is more stylish but with worse wash performance
So I'd go for a MOL/TOL miele/bosch/siemens with load sensor
vivalalavatrice
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2005
- Messages
- 1,031
My Dishwaser experience
Ok... here you are my dishwasher experience:
- 1987 Candy was our first dishwasher, lasted until the 1997 when it was taken away for another house. Ten years of washing, no leaks, no problems, really satisfatcting wash performance. It has been restored now once and it's still working even though with some reparation done
- 1997 Whirlpool: nothing worst thant this dishwasher comparing with the previouse one. Ten years of working several repair man surgeries... fill valve, soap disper, porthole hinges, motherboard, two upper rack seals, wash motorpump (anything else!?).
It was asked us to disuse it but I decided to "restore" it and it's still working "quite" well
I don't know now if newer Whirlpool models are better than mine and neither if Candy still make machine reliable like that one but I suppose they don't.
I've always heard (even if I stil don't understand if it's only due to the best quality of the materials and components they udse) that German brands are not bad at dishwashers, so Miele/BSH/Siemens/AEG(Electrolux)
Bye
Diomede
Ok... here you are my dishwasher experience:
- 1987 Candy was our first dishwasher, lasted until the 1997 when it was taken away for another house. Ten years of washing, no leaks, no problems, really satisfatcting wash performance. It has been restored now once and it's still working even though with some reparation done
- 1997 Whirlpool: nothing worst thant this dishwasher comparing with the previouse one. Ten years of working several repair man surgeries... fill valve, soap disper, porthole hinges, motherboard, two upper rack seals, wash motorpump (anything else!?).
It was asked us to disuse it but I decided to "restore" it and it's still working "quite" well
I don't know now if newer Whirlpool models are better than mine and neither if Candy still make machine reliable like that one but I suppose they don't.
I've always heard (even if I stil don't understand if it's only due to the best quality of the materials and components they udse) that German brands are not bad at dishwashers, so Miele/BSH/Siemens/AEG(Electrolux)
Bye
Diomede
twintubdexter
Well-known member
just out of curiosity...
I'm not "knocking" dual-drawer dishwashers and understand the advantage of running different cycles simultaneously, but I assume operating one drawer would cost about the same as a single door unit. Both drawers would be about twice as much.
Am I wrong (again?)
I'm not "knocking" dual-drawer dishwashers and understand the advantage of running different cycles simultaneously, but I assume operating one drawer would cost about the same as a single door unit. Both drawers would be about twice as much.
Am I wrong (again?)
I don't know about costing twice as much to run both at the same time....their efficient enough with very little water and the DC motor, the cost would be minimal....when my kitcen gets remodeled I'm gonna have a set on each side of the sink, I like the flexability of the 2 drawers...pots and pans, reg dishes, glassware, many machines out there also offer a top rack only wash, say for a lot of glassware, but how much water is really used to fill the bottom and just run the top only, some say even during a full wash it switches back and forth with the top and bottom wash arms to save water on filling all the hoses and pipes inside, who knows, I just know I can control what I run and which drawer runs which cycle...all at the same time...
another thought with drawers, most times I don't put everyday dishes away in the cabinets...top is clean and I use the same thru out the day, moving the dirty ones to the bottom drawer, and when top is empty the bottom is full and I run the load everynight before I go to bed, then in the morning I start all over again, bottom to the top, and so on...daily meals are a routine and I just save time by not constantly putting away and pulling dishes out of the cabinets...this may work for some, and maybe not for others....just a thought!
another thought with drawers, most times I don't put everyday dishes away in the cabinets...top is clean and I use the same thru out the day, moving the dirty ones to the bottom drawer, and when top is empty the bottom is full and I run the load everynight before I go to bed, then in the morning I start all over again, bottom to the top, and so on...daily meals are a routine and I just save time by not constantly putting away and pulling dishes out of the cabinets...this may work for some, and maybe not for others....just a thought!
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
Just my random thoughts
I was thinking that a double drawer would cost more to run too. My thought was that you would use more detergent, then again I would guess you wouldn't use as much in either drawer as you would a full sized machine, so it would even out.
I was thinking that a double drawer would cost more to run too. My thought was that you would use more detergent, then again I would guess you wouldn't use as much in either drawer as you would a full sized machine, so it would even out.
Personally I don't see the need for a "2 drawer" dishwasher. Oh sure you can run two different cycles at the same time, buy how often does ANYONE actually do that? I have never run a "delicate or gentle" cycle on any dishwasher I've had, when I have something that delicate I wash it by hand.
Yes the "Cool" or "WOW" factor is there because it's something different from the "normal" single door dishwasher, but is there really any benifit? You have twice the electrical, water supply and drain line connections. Also depending on which "regular" dishwasher you buy, it's nearly twice the cost.
A couple I know bought the F&P 2 drawer DW when they remodeled their kitchen about 3 years ago. While they say it is quiet and does a good job when you load it correctly, they also said they wouldn't buy the same DW if they did it over again.
Their reasons are: they very rarely, if ever use the 2nd drawer and higher initial cost.
I'm sure it's a good machine and all, it's just not for me.
Yes the "Cool" or "WOW" factor is there because it's something different from the "normal" single door dishwasher, but is there really any benifit? You have twice the electrical, water supply and drain line connections. Also depending on which "regular" dishwasher you buy, it's nearly twice the cost.
A couple I know bought the F&P 2 drawer DW when they remodeled their kitchen about 3 years ago. While they say it is quiet and does a good job when you load it correctly, they also said they wouldn't buy the same DW if they did it over again.
Their reasons are: they very rarely, if ever use the 2nd drawer and higher initial cost.
I'm sure it's a good machine and all, it's just not for me.
Here's my thought ....
On these. I have always thought they were "cool" looking. But 4 years ago when I bought my Bosch, I looked at them. My first thought was "how is this going to work for me?" as we use alot of glasses during the day. So, I tried to imagine how I would load with 2 drawers. What I determind was (without ever using these)is that one drawer would always be full of glasses, with the other only full of tableware. I like to put some of my smaller pots and pans in the dishwasher and determined that I would not be able to do this with the drawers, so why would I need all the cycles that these have?. Am I wrong on this assumption, or do they really hold more than what I think they might?
On these. I have always thought they were "cool" looking. But 4 years ago when I bought my Bosch, I looked at them. My first thought was "how is this going to work for me?" as we use alot of glasses during the day. So, I tried to imagine how I would load with 2 drawers. What I determind was (without ever using these)is that one drawer would always be full of glasses, with the other only full of tableware. I like to put some of my smaller pots and pans in the dishwasher and determined that I would not be able to do this with the drawers, so why would I need all the cycles that these have?. Am I wrong on this assumption, or do they really hold more than what I think they might?
What I used to do was the top drawer was used the most. The bottom was my potwasher. True if you loaded the drawers correctly and didnt "Bobload it" it did fine. I always ended up using the Heavy cycle since the Normal cycle didnt cut it. Never prerinsed. The issues I had were....
1) The lid motor wouldnt raise the lid off the wash tank at times. Had to pull it open then it would retract.
2) The rinse aid dispenser was developed a leak. That piece comes as kit to replace the detergent cup/rinse aid pump assembly. Cost was $41 for the part. Labor and just to have the repair guy show up was over $130 bucks. I could have done it myself.
3) Dishwasher would stall out in the first prewash. It would beep til it drove me nuts then I had to restart the load. Board was having issues more like tourretts than anything else.
4) Side racks and silverware basket breaking. The drain screen access door hinges breaking and falling into the wash arm path.
5) Drawers would not drain properly. I had to use a plunger to unclog the pump area. How I did that was I removed the filter plate and then turned the pump impeller and removed the unit. I put a rag over the water drain inlet and plunged the pump opening. It would take care of the problem but then a few months later it would happen again.
I didnt shed a tear when we bought the new dishwasher and I kissed the Fisher&Paykel beast happy trails. The concept is good if as I said before if you dont cook or entertain. And its a 2 person or less household. I cook and entertain so when I am using both drawers to get what I need cleaned and I am doing 4 loads per drawer then in my opinion it makes no sense when a full size regular dishwasher can do the same job in 2 loads. Just my opinion and what i went thru with it.
1) The lid motor wouldnt raise the lid off the wash tank at times. Had to pull it open then it would retract.
2) The rinse aid dispenser was developed a leak. That piece comes as kit to replace the detergent cup/rinse aid pump assembly. Cost was $41 for the part. Labor and just to have the repair guy show up was over $130 bucks. I could have done it myself.
3) Dishwasher would stall out in the first prewash. It would beep til it drove me nuts then I had to restart the load. Board was having issues more like tourretts than anything else.
4) Side racks and silverware basket breaking. The drain screen access door hinges breaking and falling into the wash arm path.
5) Drawers would not drain properly. I had to use a plunger to unclog the pump area. How I did that was I removed the filter plate and then turned the pump impeller and removed the unit. I put a rag over the water drain inlet and plunged the pump opening. It would take care of the problem but then a few months later it would happen again.
I didnt shed a tear when we bought the new dishwasher and I kissed the Fisher&Paykel beast happy trails. The concept is good if as I said before if you dont cook or entertain. And its a 2 person or less household. I cook and entertain so when I am using both drawers to get what I need cleaned and I am doing 4 loads per drawer then in my opinion it makes no sense when a full size regular dishwasher can do the same job in 2 loads. Just my opinion and what i went thru with it.
spankomatic
Well-known member
My sister has the drawers in the Tahoe house. One on each side of the sink. I like them for loading dishes. No bending down to that lower rack. They fill up one and start loading the other as the first one is running. I do not like to have to pre rinse and clean filters though. A good dishwasher you can load it in as is and it will come out sparkling clean. I think they are great if you have a back problem.
Jim
Jim
I've refrained from posting, but feel some details, points, and misconceptions should be addressed here:
A double-drawer F&P DishDrawer has one power cord, one water supply connection, and two drain hoses which connect together to one point on the household plumbing via an included Y-adapter. Multiple single-drawer installations would involve separate power cords and water lines for each.
Double-drawer units cannot be physically split into two. Likewise, single-drawer units are manufactured as singles (there is no included bottom storage cabinet, it would be part of the homeowner's cabinetry design), and cannot be physically combined into a unitary two-drawer unit.
It doesn't happen often, but I have run different cycles simultaneously on the two drawers.
In regards to a water heat "option" ... all cycles (except Rinse-only) always heat the main wash and final rinse to specific target temps. The Eco option cuts one water change and reduces the target temps, but heating still runs as needed. The 1st-generation KA models (rebadged F&P) were reversed - normal programming was in Eco mode, with "Hi-Temp" as an option. F&P units can be run on a cold water connection, water heating is thermistor-controlled, not limited by time. Whirlpool-made drawer units of the Maytag design (Kenmore Elite, current KA models, & Maytag) may be time-limited and require a hot water connection.
As reported in a post two years ago, using a Kill-a-Watt meter I clocked my unit (on a cold fill, so it had to fully heat the water) as using 0.68 KWH on Heavy (132 mins, 150°F wash, 163°F rinse) and 0.4 KWH on Normal Eco (88 mins, 125°F wash and rinse). Both drawers running those cycles would total 1.36 KWH or 0.8 KWH.
I've posted pictures of typical loads with more items in one drawer than I've seen others have in one rack of a standard dishwasher. Two MegaRacks can be placed in one drawer, doubling the effective capacity for glasses. I've gotten 35 glasses/mugs of various sizes in one drawer. Likewise, two plate racks and silverware baskets can also be placed in one drawer, or the inserts and basket can be removed for a wide-open space. The new F&P Tall models have fold-down tines and height-adjustable side shelves.
I've cleaned the filters ~three times in six years. I've not thus far had need to take a plunger to it ... but neither do I use it as a garbage disposer. I scrape, but I don't prerinse.
Like any appliance, drawer dishwashers don't fit everyone's needs. However, a blanket condemnation is likewise unreasonable, as they do work very nicely when "the shoe fits." They must not be too bad or F&P couldn't have kept them on the market for 12+ years.
A double-drawer F&P DishDrawer has one power cord, one water supply connection, and two drain hoses which connect together to one point on the household plumbing via an included Y-adapter. Multiple single-drawer installations would involve separate power cords and water lines for each.
Double-drawer units cannot be physically split into two. Likewise, single-drawer units are manufactured as singles (there is no included bottom storage cabinet, it would be part of the homeowner's cabinetry design), and cannot be physically combined into a unitary two-drawer unit.
It doesn't happen often, but I have run different cycles simultaneously on the two drawers.
In regards to a water heat "option" ... all cycles (except Rinse-only) always heat the main wash and final rinse to specific target temps. The Eco option cuts one water change and reduces the target temps, but heating still runs as needed. The 1st-generation KA models (rebadged F&P) were reversed - normal programming was in Eco mode, with "Hi-Temp" as an option. F&P units can be run on a cold water connection, water heating is thermistor-controlled, not limited by time. Whirlpool-made drawer units of the Maytag design (Kenmore Elite, current KA models, & Maytag) may be time-limited and require a hot water connection.
As reported in a post two years ago, using a Kill-a-Watt meter I clocked my unit (on a cold fill, so it had to fully heat the water) as using 0.68 KWH on Heavy (132 mins, 150°F wash, 163°F rinse) and 0.4 KWH on Normal Eco (88 mins, 125°F wash and rinse). Both drawers running those cycles would total 1.36 KWH or 0.8 KWH.
I've posted pictures of typical loads with more items in one drawer than I've seen others have in one rack of a standard dishwasher. Two MegaRacks can be placed in one drawer, doubling the effective capacity for glasses. I've gotten 35 glasses/mugs of various sizes in one drawer. Likewise, two plate racks and silverware baskets can also be placed in one drawer, or the inserts and basket can be removed for a wide-open space. The new F&P Tall models have fold-down tines and height-adjustable side shelves.
I've cleaned the filters ~three times in six years. I've not thus far had need to take a plunger to it ... but neither do I use it as a garbage disposer. I scrape, but I don't prerinse.
Like any appliance, drawer dishwashers don't fit everyone's needs. However, a blanket condemnation is likewise unreasonable, as they do work very nicely when "the shoe fits." They must not be too bad or F&P couldn't have kept them on the market for 12+ years.
ronhic
Well-known member
Very close friends of ours replaced their Australian made 'Dishlex' which was 7yrs old with a set of dishdrawers. At the time it was just them and they were putting the dishwasher on every other day.
Neither of them liked having it half full of dirty dishes or 'that saucepan' that you needed today but was still not clean from yesterday.(lets not go there....)
Anyhow, they love them. They also have triplets now so use their dishwasher more than most of us do. The top drawer is on twice a day and the bottom daily now.
To the best of my knowledge, they have had no issues with them and given that I am the 'appliance nut' that everyone tells their woes to, I would have heard by now.
So, if they suit your requirements and you are prepared to adapt to their requirements AND they are installed correctly, there is no reason for them not to work as they should.
Neither of them liked having it half full of dirty dishes or 'that saucepan' that you needed today but was still not clean from yesterday.(lets not go there....)
Anyhow, they love them. They also have triplets now so use their dishwasher more than most of us do. The top drawer is on twice a day and the bottom daily now.
To the best of my knowledge, they have had no issues with them and given that I am the 'appliance nut' that everyone tells their woes to, I would have heard by now.
So, if they suit your requirements and you are prepared to adapt to their requirements AND they are installed correctly, there is no reason for them not to work as they should.
