Fisher & Paykel introduced double-drawer dishwashers in the 90s. The rest of the industry has been slow to catch on, but in the past few years, these dishwashers have undergone incredible changes that give them an edge over drop-down models.
To help you find the best double-drawer dishwashers, we scoured the web and reviewed a dizzying number of customer reviews and ratings. We rounded up our favorite picks in our guide below.
How We Picked
- Cleaning and Drying Performance: The most important factor when it comes to choosing a dishwasher is its performance—not just in terms of cleaning but also drying.
As much as we want to see advanced capabilities like WiFi connectivity and remote controls, these features won’t matter as much if your dishes still come out greasy and wet.
Thus, we made sure to find dishwashers that are capable of delivering a consistent wash performance. No more rewashing or hand-drying dishes after cycles.
- Value for Money: On average, double-drawer dishwashers cost more than their standard drop-down alternatives. To ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth, we selected models that offer incredible value for their price.
We assessed the features, functionalities, and build quality of the dishwashers. Then, we compared them to other models in the same price range.
- Features: Double-drawer dishwashers have varying features that can make the chore less tedious. At times, these appliances will have features that you can do without.
Thus, we carefully assessed the features of the dishwashers and gave bonus points to the models that had the most useful ones.
- Ease of Use: We chose dishwashers with intuitive designs, which make them simple and fuss-free to operate. We assessed everything from ease of installation to the accessibility of the controls to the flexibility of the racks.
We also looked into how smoothly the drawers open and how well they can accommodate a variety of items.
- Noise Level: Compared to standard drop-down models, double-drawer dishwashers are usually noisier because each drawer operates separately. Their noise ratings may range from 30 to 60 decibels.
We picked dishwashers with relatively low noise ratings, particularly when both drawers are running. These models shouldn’t wake up the entire household or the neighbors.
Fisher & Paykel DD24DCTX9 N
Brand | Fisher & Paykel |
Model | DD24DCTX9 N |
Size | 34-36 3/8” x 23 9/16” x 22 9/16” |
Place Settings | 14 place settings (7 per drawer) |
Noise Level | 42 dBA |
Wash Programs | Delicate, Fast, Heavy, Medium, Normal Eco, Rinse |
Features | Fan-assisted Drying, Flood Protection, Knock to Pause, Flow-through Dispenser, Quiet Operation, and SmartDrive Technology |
Overall Rating: 9/10
Pros
- Has two independent drawers
- Spacious and flexible
- Easy to maintain
- Cleans greasy stains
- Dries plastics well
Cons
- Dish loading has a slight learning curve
- Expensive
- Not ADA-compliant
Fisher & Paykel’s DD24DCTX9 N is a simple, low-frills stainless steel dishwasher with two drawers that can accommodate full-sized dinner plates measuring up to 12.25”.
One of our favorite things about the dishwasher is the small display at the right corner of the top drawer, showing the wash program information. Without opening the door, you can see the ongoing cycle and its duration.
We also like how the controls are located at the front of the dishwasher, making them easier to access with a single hand.
Even so, it doesn’t comply with the regulations of the American Disability Act–unlike newer Fisher & Paykel iterations.
As for the dishwasher’s rack accessories, we think they’re quite flexible but limited as each drawer only has a cutlery basket, tray, and multipurpose clips. You only have a few accessories to work with, but loading and unloading can still be quite confusing.
Once you know how to fit all your dishes into the racks, the rest of the process should be a breeze. The dishwasher can clean and dry well, so you won’t have to rewash and dry the dishes after an unsuccessful cycle.
With its spacious drawers, reliable performance, and low noise levels, Fisher & Paykel’s DD24DCTX9 doesn’t come cheap. We think that it’s worth the investment, especially if you’re looking for an efficient model that can do small to large loads of dishes.
Customer Reviews
“There was a learning curve for how to load the dish drawers. But after that, I have loved it. I love that I can wash one drawer at a time or together. I can run smaller loads and not have to wait to have a full load to run it. I have difficulty with the silverware basket as some of my silverware have wider bases and do not fit in the spaces. I also have difficulty filling the rinse aid container as it is on an angle and difficult to know when it is full without it spilling. Overall, I have been very pleased with the performance of this dishwasher. It is very quiet, the dishes get very clean and I like the choices for wash length.” – Amishmom, Fisher & Paykel
“I love the flexibility of the two-drawer Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer. I can fill the two drawers any way I like and at different times, so that I don’t have to wait until I have a large load in order to wash. In our household, some things add up quickly and need washing because they are used often. The two-drawer system lets me wash one drawer while I am filling up another, so I don’t run out of certain dishes or silverware while waiting for a large load. I can also use one drawer for cookware and not have to worry about metal clanking against china or glass. This is the second time I have purchased the double drawer system and I am (secretly) glad my old dishwasher failed so I could get my dish drawers.” – Alex F., Fisher & Paykel
GE Café CDD420P4TW2
Brand | GE |
Model | CDD420P2TS1 |
Size | 34” x 23 9/16” x 21 3/4” |
Place Settings | 14 |
Noise Level | 49 dBA |
Wash Programs | Pots, Plus, Normal, Express, China, and Rinse |
Features | Child Lock, Auto Detergent Dispenser, Water Filtration, Cup Shelves, Knock to Pause |
Overall Rating: 7.6/10
Pros
- Has a wide variety of customization options
- Has two independent drawers
- Has spacious and adjustable racks
- Fits the standard 24” cutout for convenient installation
Cons
- Hard to install
- Tends to redeposit dirt
- Not ADA-compliant
- Slightly noisy
Offering premium finishes in the colors Matte Black, Matte White, and Stainless Steel, as well as stylish hardware options, GE Cafe’s double-drawer dishwasher is on our list because of its bespoke level of customization.
You can also choose between six different bar handles to match the appliance’s sleek and stylish base. You can get the handles in the colors flat black, brushed black, stainless steel, bronze, copper, or brass.
Apart from the aesthetics, we added the dishwasher to our list because of its functionality. We do think that the dishwasher can clean well, but the results aren’t always consistent, especially if you don’t load the dishes properly.
Even with a filtration system, the dishwasher does tend to redistribute fine pieces of dirt onto the clean dishes. Just make sure to clean it regularly to prevent this from happening.
As for drying, you can get better results using the Ultra Dry setting along with a little bit of Rinse Aid. It can even dry plastic containers well.
The noise rating of the GE Cafe CDD420P2TS1 can range from 46 to 49 dBA. It’s as loud as a normal conversation, which can be distracting but still not loud enough to wake up the neighbors.
Customer Reviews
“Really like my new drawer dishwasher. I believe it holds more than a regular dishwasher and can be cleaning in one drawer while loading the other. When entertaining larger groups, I can be washing dinner dishes while having dessert, which will fit in the other drawer-No waiting! Plus the drawer doesn’t impede passing through the kitchen. I also had the black handles put on and it looks fantastic. Already had several friends and family members say they want one.” – Penny G, Cafe Appliances
“Our kitchen remodel is starting to get wrapped up. I was really wanting a “wow” factor in our space to elevate the new kitchen and the Cafe dishwasher did exactly that. First, it’s absolutely beautiful and elevates the space from a traditional kitchen and made it look extremely custom. Next, the functionality is a 10 out of 10 for my family. Being able to run the drawer cycles separately saves water and energy and allows me to do large or smaller loads of dishes versus traditional dishwashers in which I had to wait to fill up. I am very particular about making sure that my dishes come out spotless and dry and the Cafe does not disappoint. Each drawer has the option to change the configuration to allow for more plates, etc. and each drawer also has a serve-ware caddy. I highly recommend this dishwasher if you are looking for both functionality and beauty for your space. We honestly could not be happier and we have guests comment on it almost daily, in fact our neighbor loves it so much he is adding this unit to his kitchen now!” – Shana1217, Cafeappliances.com
Fisher & Paykel DD24DI9 N
Brand | Fisher & Paykel |
Model | DD24DI9 N |
Size | 32 5/16” – 34 5/8” x 23 9/16” x 21 3/4” |
Place Settings | 14 |
Noise Level | 43 dBA |
Wash Programs | Delicate, Fast, Heavy, Medium, Eco, and Rinse |
Features | Fan-assisted Drying, Flood Protection, Knock to Pause, Flow-through Dispenser, Quiet Operation, and SmartDrive Technology |
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Pros
- Has two independent drawers
- Has customizable panels and handles
- Spacious and adjustable
- ADA-compliant
Cons
- Expensive
- Accessories cost extra
- Limited panel options
- Flimsy rack accessories
Another Fisher & Paykel double-drawer dishwasher we like is the DD24DI9 N. We added this model to our list for three reasons.
First, it complies with ADA regulations. Its intuitive and inclusive design makes it easy to operate, which is very helpful for persons with disabilities and older persons.
The dishwasher can be installed at bench height, minimizing the need for bending during the loading and unloading process. Although its controls are now hidden when the door is closed, they are still very accessible and easy to operate.
Second, we like that it comes in a panel-ready finish that can be customized to match your counters. It can even sit flush with your cabinetry, creating a seamless look for your modern kitchen.
However, Fisher & Paykel doesn’t offer a variety of panel options. You may have to look for a different company that can create bespoke panels to match your cabinetry.
Third, we love how quiet the dishwasher is, even with both drawers running at the same time.
Since it no longer has a small display in front of the unit, it’s sometimes hard to tell if the dishwasher is still running. It will, however, beep at the end of cycles to notify you that it is done cleaning.
As you can expect from a Fisher & Paykel double-drawer dishwasher, it isn’t budget-friendly at all. You can get cheaper options with the same capabilities.
On the other hand, if you want a luxury dishwasher that you can customize to match your needs and design preferences, this should be worth it.
Customer Reviews
“We have had F&P Double DishDrawers since we moved into our home in Brisbane’s Bayside and love them. We are a mature couple and they are perfect for the two of us -and even better when we are entertaining as I can pack as we go and then turn – finished by the time we go to bed. This latest set is an Integrated Double DishDrawer, as we had our new home built and the DishDrawers installed to match the exterior cupboards.” – Chris, Fisher & Paykel
“Having two dishwasher drawers is super useful — we typically have one clean and the other dirty, and we do a load a day. The turn-around time for a dish being dirty to it being clean is less than a typical single large dishwasher, if you do one of those every other day. Also, when open it takes less space than a standard dishwasher, which was a key buying decision in our last house. We like it so much that when we moved to a new home, we chose the same dishwasher. There are some drawbacks I guess. The tolerances are a bit tight; I wish that it would notify me if an obstruction prevents normal operation. I am used to loading it correctly to avoid that. Also sometimes some dishes don’t get adequately clean but this can happen with any dishwasher. I do use “Eco” mode a lot. Installation is difficult. We did need ours serviced once, and another time I managed to correct a problem myself.” – Mr. Smiley, Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel DD24DTX6PX1
Brand | Fisher & Paykel |
Model | DD24DTX6PX1 |
Size | 34 – 36 3/8” x 23 9/16” x 22 9/16” |
Place Settings | 7 |
Noise Level | 44 dBA |
Wash Programs | Delicate, Fast, Heavy, Medium, Eco, and Rinse |
Features | Fan-assisted Drying, Flood Protection, Flow-through Dispenser, Quiet Operation, and SmartDrive Technology |
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
Pros
- Spacious and flexible
- Bold professional design
- Sturdy stainless steel build
- Fits plates up to 12.25” in size
- ADA-compliant
- Energy Star-rated
Cons
- Expensive
One of the newer iterations in Fisher & Paykel’s Series 11 line-up, the DD24DTX6PX1 is a luxury double-drawer dishwasher that is meant to stand out in the kitchen – not blend in.
Featuring a bold and sturdy stainless steel build, this model looks and performs like it belongs in a professional kitchen. It can wash the toughest stains off your plates and still help your household conserve resources.
In 2021, the dishwasher was awarded with Energy Star’s Most Efficient rating. This means it uses at least 12% less energy and 30% less water than your traditional models.
Aside from its efficient performance, we like how the dishwasher has a standard-sized bottom drawer that can fit up to 11” dinner plates and a tall upper drawer that can accommodate large cookware up to 12.25”.
It even comes with the proper accessories to hold smaller items, such as wine glasses, knives, cutlery, and cups.
Costing around $2,500, the DD24DTX6PX1 is very expensive because of its build quality and capabilities. It has WiFi connectivity, remote controls, and a smart sensor, but for us, these are features that you can do without and won’t use daily.
There are cheaper alternatives if it doesn’t fit the budget. However, if you’re looking for a long-lasting double-drawer dishwasher with WiFi connectivity and smart capabilities, this model should make a great choice.
Customer Reviews
“We bought a condo that had a F&P double dishdrawer that we used for 13 years. I replaced it with the new F&P, Tall that provided an excellent upgrade. The taller top drawer allows me to place some plates that didn’t fit in the older version. The new version allows adjustments of the racks. We needed to continue with a drawer version because of spacing issues. With the drawer open we can still pass by to move to another area. More traditional dishwashers door is too big when opened and would cut off an access area. It’s easy to reach into the drawers for loading and unloading. It’s super quiet. We’re very happy with our purchase.” – Seattle Hawaii, Fisher & Paykel
“This is the second Double Dishdrawer we have had, the first was in the kitchen when we moved in and we really liked it so we got another one. This one has a totally stainless steel interior except for the basket parts which is why I went for it. It’s very quiet too. I could have probably fixed the first one easily again but it’s almost 20 years old and it was time, but I will probably look at fixing it anyway for use somewhere else.” – Roger, Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel DD24DV2T9_N
Brand | Fisher & Paykel |
Model | DD24DV2T9_N |
Size | 34 – 36 3/8” x 23 9/16” x 22 9/16” |
Place Settings | 7 |
Noise Level | 44 dBA |
Wash Programs | Delicate, Fast, Heavy, Medium, Eco, and Rinse |
Features | Fan-assisted Drying, Flood Protection, Flow-through Dispenser, Quiet Operation, and SmartDrive Technology |
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Pros
- Spacious and flexible
- Bold professional design
- Sturdy stainless steel build
- Fits plates up to 12.25” in size
Cons
- Not ADA-compliant
- Not Energy Star certified
Fisher & Paykel’s DD24DV2T9_N is from their Professional line of double-drawer dishwashers, but it costs around a thousand dollars less than the DD24DTX6PX1. It has the same sturdy build and reliable performance with fewer bells and whistles.
It doesn’t have an Energy Star certification, but it has settings that help you conserve water and energy. You can run small loads on the bottom drawer, or you can run an Eco cycle to wash dishes with less water and at lower temperatures.
It has adjustable accessories like cutlery baskets, foldable cup racks, and tines for each drawer. However, we would’ve liked to see stem holders for wine glasses.
Additionally, it lacks spray arm sensing capabilities, which we see in its higher-end counterpart. We think it could’ve been such a useful feature to have, especially since this still is a luxury model.
We do think that the dishwasher could do without WiFi connectivity and remote controls because not everyone uses such features on a daily basis. However, this can connect to the SmartHQ app, allowing you to control it remotely.
If you’re hoping to build a smart household, but for a lesser price, the DD24DV2T9_N is a great alternative to the DD24DTX6PX1.
Customer Reviews
“This is our second Fisher Paykel double drawer dishwasher from your company and I would never put a single drawer dishwasher in my house again the Convenience of having two drawers to fill is amazing one for nighttime dishes and one for morning dishes which is superb! The only thing I would suggest for this new model that’s different from the old model is that you have a light or a display that either changes colors when it is clean or a display that says it’s clean so that way someone doesn’t open up the clean drawer and put dirty dishes inside of it. The older models had an indication method that helped with that issue. Other than that we Love the design and also how quiet it is.” – Kimbo, Fisher & Paykel
“I love this dishwasher!! It’s so good to have the Fisher & Paykel Dish drawers again! We’ve owned this model in two previous homes, and I am THRILLED to have it back! We’ve purchased this model three times; two times in new construction homes that we sold after living in for 2 years. Our current home had a dishwasher that stopped working and I immediately knew what I was replacing it with! I could recall that I loved this dishwasher from my previous experiences, but I forgot how much I loved it until I got it back! You will not be disappointed! Runs quiet, dries well, sanitizes, easy to load/ unload, and it’s beautiful! I also love that you can run a small load on not feel guilty because you didn’t fill a whole dishwasher. Capacity is split between two drawers instead of one whole unit.” – DM, Fisher & Paykel