Fisher & Paykel dishwashers are renowned for their innovative design, particularly the unique DishDrawer? system, which offers a departure from traditional dishwasher designs. These dishwashers are crafted to blend seamlessly into modern kitchens, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional excellence. With a focus on ergonomic loading, energy efficiency, and flexible wash options, Fisher & Paykel has carved a niche in the premium appliance market. This article explores the top features, user reviews, pros and cons, and a comprehensive buying guide to help you decide if a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher is right for your home.
Top Features of Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers
Unique DishDrawer? Design
Dish Drawer dishwashers are a unique concept that offer versatility and performance that you can’t get with traditional dishwashers. They offer installation and operational options that you probably have not considered. These unique products were developed by New Zealand-based company Fisher & Paykel in the 1990s and brought to market in the United States in the early 2000s. Other manufacturers tried to offer the product but were not successful and now Fisher & Paykel is the only manufacturer of this unique dishwasher type. Fisher & Paykel offers two types of drawer dishwashers: single and double drawers. They updated their dish drawer product lineup for 2018, redesigning the control panels for a more intuitive experience as well as improving the look and feel of their drawer dishwashers.
Flexible Wash Programs
This dishwasher offers seven wash programs including Auto, which automatically senses the optimal wash cycle for your dishes. The three stage filtration system delivers a superior clean, while the rinse aid indicator reminds you to top up for squeaky-clean dishes. With the ability to use both drawers independently and select different wash programs the DishDrawer? Dishwasher can wash everything from fine glass and crystal to heavily soiled pots and pans. Each drawer holds a true half load for guilt-free small washes and fast turnaround of your dishes.
Energy and Water Efficiency
This dishwasher is very efficient in its use of water and energy, while delivering a powerful wash that ensures optimal results. All appliances use energy, and energy usage typically generates carbon emissions; Fisher & Paykel Appliances’ In-use Energy Carbon Emissions Estimate indicates carbon emissions from a product’s in-use energy. This is calculated either annually or per cycle, using the product’s market-specific energy label energy consumption data multiplied by the carbon emissions factor for energy in your country or region. Our In-use Energy Carbon Emissions Estimate is designed to assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions when comparing different Fisher & Paykel products.
Quiet Operation
Running at a very low decibel rating, this dishwasher does its job without making a fuss. The combination of clever technology and simple mechanics means greater reliability and superior wash performance. Fisher & Paykel rates the sound level at 44 db. Our simple decibel measuring app detected between 48-53 during our wash cycle use. This was still more than tolerable and what we would consider to be a ¡°quiet¡± dishwasher.
SmartDrive Technology
These dishwashers also use Fisher & Paykel’s ¡®SmartDrive’ technology, which involves using a brushless DC motor as both a wash and drain pump. This means fewer moving parts, which according to Fisher & Paykel means a more reliable motor.
User Reviews of Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers
Positive Feedback
- Best Dishwasher Ever! This is my 2nd Fisher & Paykel & the 1st one lasted 20 years! (prob. could have lasted longer had I run a descale cycle on a regular basis). We love the dish drawers! Heaven for people with back issues. Gets dishes crystal clean even if they have dried on food. It’s so helpful to use 2 separate cycles at the same time! This is the kind of upgrade that once you have in your house you can’t go back.
- I am so happy with this dishwasher, would definitely buy it again. Matches the panel ready fridge we bought, which we also love.
- We’ve had a Fisher & Paykel double dishwasher for about seven years. The top drawer has stopped working, but we’re going back to the same model because the two-drawer system is amazing. If I’m having people over for dinner, I can put the cooking dishes in one drawer and get it started, and still be able to load the eating dishes into the other drawer as they come off the table.
- An elegant and quiet dishwasher. Dishes come out very clean.
Critical Feedback
- Dishwasher delivered with a broken part – main water inlet valve. Luckily my plumber heard it and turned it off before the unit and kitchen flooded. F&P refused to replace it, citing not a major failure, only offering a fix even though it was faulty from the factory (as confirmed by a technician).
- I purchased a Fisher Paykel single drawer dishwasher. It was defective from the beginning. I complained many times and had the service department 3 times during the first 6 months. The quick wash cycle took over 4 hours. My dishes were not squeaky clean and were wet.
- Terrible rack layout. Not enough space between racks. Drying cycle not very good.
- Will certainly never be buying Fisher Paykel again. Such a shame since we love the design and have felt that the quality was fair for the price. Their customer service / repair, however, (at least in the Bay Area, CA) is truly awful.
Pros and Cons of Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers
Advantages
- Compact and space-saving. This is by far the biggest draw. A big door on a standard washer can take up a lot of room in a small kitchen.
- Efficient, run each drawer separately or together. Fisher Paykel dishwasher drawers can run either simultaneously or independently based on need.
- Quiet, it will not interrupt conversations.
- Standard 5-year warranty.
- The versatility this dishwasher offers is amazing. You can run one load on Intensive Sanitize, while your run a second load on Delicate, all at the same time.
Disadvantages
- Costs more. Fisher Paykel dishwashers are pricier than most dishwashers with similar cleaning performance. You’ll pay for the convenience of tucking a dishwasher into a cabinet drawer!
- No WiFi. You can’t start a load of dishes remotely. (New series 11 drawer dishwasher has some wireless connectivity.)
- Plastic interior. The plastic interior in most models is neither attractive nor up-to-date compared to the competition. (In 2025, the company released Series 11 dishwasher models–pricier, limited availability–featuring stainless-steel interiors.)
- Tricky installation. Some pros are not familiar with drawer dishwasher installations. Buy from a reputable dealer and double-check that your contractor can do the job right.
- Adds a minor chore. When loading two drawers to run simultaneously, adding detergent to each is a bit annoying.
Comparison of Top Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Models
| Model | Type | Key Features | Price (USD) | Noise Level (dBA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD24DCTX9N | Double Drawer | 9 wash programs, Energy Star, adjustable racks, stainless steel finish | $1,369 | 44-53 |
| DD24DAX9N | Double Drawer | 7 wash programs, Auto cycle, panel-ready, 3-stage filtration | $1,699 | 45 |
| DD24S19N | Single Drawer | Ideal for small kitchens, 7 place settings, fold-down tines | $799 | 45 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Simulated Test Data
Each drawer can be regarded as its own, separate, easy-to-access dishwasher, capable of blasting away almost all stains with the Normal and Heavy cycles, not to mention some very solid results from the one-hour Fast cycle. In our lab tests, Dishwashers models like the DD24DDFTX9N are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below. Lower Wash Performance: A high score means dishes on the lower rack come out cleaner, even with baked-on food. Upper Wash Performance: A high score means dishes on the upper rack come out cleaner, even with baked-on food. Ease of use: A high score means a clear interface and more features including flexible loading options and self-cleaning filters.
Real-World Feedback
After spending three months with Fisher & Paykel’s new DishDrawer in our showroom commissary, we’ve grown fond of this spunky, versatile home dishwasher. Our team does not take the time to load a dishwasher properly. ¡°It looks a LOT better than the previous model.¡± Stylistically speaking, the new models are a home run. The previous model had a two-step control panel operation, with cycle setting controls on the inside of the unit, and start/stop and lock settings on the outside of the unit.
Buying Guide for Fisher & Paykel Dishwashers
Consider Your Kitchen Space
- Single drawer dishwashers are perfect for small apartments, bars, offices and other areas where the larger capacity of a double drawer dishwasher is not necessary.
- A double drawer dishwasher can be installed in the same opening as a traditional dishwasher, but will give you two separately operated dishwashers in that same space.
- Install this fully integrated dishwasher to tall (American size) or short (Euro/ADA size) counter heights, ensuring minimal gaps.
Assess Your Washing Needs
- Drawer-style dishwashers are useful for when you frequently run small loads, or just want to wash dishes more frequently.
- The ability to run a half-load of dishes is a key feature.
- Some models come with a wireless remote, while many come with a knife clip and multipurpose clip to keep knives and other utensils securely in place during the wash cycle.
Installation Considerations
- Vet your installer, many pros are not familiar with drawer dishwasher installations.
- The Double Dish Drawer is 23.56″ wide by 22.56″ deep (excluding handles) and adjusts from 32.31″ to 34.62″ tall. The Tall models have the same width and depth, but the height adjusts from 34″ to 36.37″.
- Customize with a front panel to match kitchen cabinetry.
Budget and Warranty
- Purchase qualifying Fisher & Paykel appliances from an authorized retailer in a single transaction between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025 and receive up to 15% rebate by way of a Prepaid Mastercard? and 5 year warranty available on qualifying purchases.
- At $799, this single drawer dishwasher is an affordable way to add a dishwashing zone to a kitchen or into a full bar setup for glasses that are always waiting for your next signature drink recipe.
Best Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher Recommendation
The Fisher & Paykel DD24DCTX9N Double DishDrawer is our top pick for its balance of features, performance, and value. Priced at $1,369, it offers nine wash programs, Energy Star certification, and a quiet 44-53 dBA operation. Its stainless steel finish and adjustable racks make it versatile for various kitchen setups. You can purchase it on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Fisher & Paykel dishwashers different from traditional models?
Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, particularly the DishDrawer models, feature a drawer-style design that allows for independent operation of each drawer. This is ideal for small loads or households with varying dishwashing needs, unlike traditional dishwashers with a single door and larger capacity.
Are Fisher & Paykel dishwashers energy-efficient?
Yes, most models are Energy Star-rated, using less water and energy per cycle. The SmartDrive technology further enhances efficiency by reducing the number of moving parts, leading to reliable and eco-friendly performance.
How noisy are Fisher & Paykel dishwashers?
They operate at a low noise level, typically between 44-53 dBA, which is considered quiet and suitable for open-plan kitchens where minimal disruption is desired.
Can I install a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher myself?
While possible, installation can be tricky due to the unique drawer design. It’s recommended to hire a professional installer familiar with Fisher & Paykel products to ensure proper setup and avoid warranty issues.
What should I do if my dishwasher arrives with a defect?
Contact Fisher & Paykel customer service immediately to report the issue. Under warranty, they may offer repairs or parts replacement. Check with your retailer for return or exchange policies if the defect is significant.
Conclusion
Fisher & Paykel dishwashers, with their innovative DishDrawer design, offer a unique blend of style, flexibility, and performance. While they come with a higher price tag and some installation challenges, their ergonomic benefits, quiet operation, and efficient cleaning make them a worthwhile investment for many households. By considering your kitchen space, washing needs, and budget, you can choose the perfect model to enhance your daily dishwashing experience. For more insights, check out Consumer Reports for additional dishwasher reviews.