When it comes to designing a dream kitchen, the focus has traditionally been on style -sleek cabinetry, premium materials, and beautiful lighting. But function matters just as much, especially when it comes to those appliances we use daily. That’s where Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawer™ Dishwasher makes a strong case for innovation. Designed to blend into modern life, this reimagining of the standard dishwasher has revolutionised the way many of us think about dishwashers and how we use them.

But where did this idea come from? And how has it changed what’s possible in the kitchen?

A Kiwi Innovation That Changed Dishwashing Forever

When Fisher & Paykel introduced the first DishDrawer™ Dishwasher in the late 1990s, they knew it was a disruptor that would revolutionise the market. The idea, which arose out of a discussion between an engineer and a designer, was simple but radical: why should a dishwasher be a big box that takes up space, is awkward to load, and doesn't always suit smaller or varied loads?

Inspired by the motion and convenience of kitchen drawers (us humans like drawers), Fisher & Paykel’s engineers set out to reinvent the dishwasher from the ground up. The result? A dishwasher that opens like a drawer, fits seamlessly into cabinetry, and can be run in halves — dramatically improving flexibility, performance, and convenience in modern kitchens.

Fisher & Paykel’s heritage of quality and reputation for innovation is due in no small part to the design and development of this DishDrawer™ Dishwasher, establishing them locally and globally as a trusted name in household appliances. Almost 30 years and millions of DishDrawer™ Dishwashers later, it’s hard to remember a time when this unique Kiwi innovation wasn’t part of our lives.

In fact, Fisher & Paykel have just been awarded New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand Award for large kitchen appliances such as dishwashers for the 8th year in a row.

Designed Around Real Life

One of the standout features of the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher design is its ability to align with how people actually live and cook. It’s a hallmark of Fisher & Paykel’s human-centred design, which is focused not only on the way we use an appliance but the fact that the modern kitchen has become

Key Advantages and Benefits

Unlike traditional dishwashers, where all dishes are loaded into one compartment, DishDrawer™ Dishwasher models often feature two independent drawers. This means you can run a small load in one drawer while stacking the other for later — ideal for singles, couples, or busy households that run multiple loads a day.

Other real-life benefits include:

Ergonomic Design = Better Access

No more bending over awkwardly to reach the bottom rack. One of the key advantages of the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher model is the ability for you to install single or double drawers at bench height. This makes them easier to stack and unload without bending down and means the lifting of heavy pots and casserole dishes can be done without strain.

Independent Drawers; Two Washes, One Appliance

Double drawer models have two independent drawers, each with its own control and wash cycle. You can use different settings at the same time. Especially useful if you’ve had a dinner party, as delicate glassware can go in one drawer and greasy pots and dishes in the other.

Having dual drawers also means that you can do a quick cycle for everyday items you need in one, while still being able to stack other, less frequently used items in the second drawer. Perfect for the person who entertains regularly or who loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen.

Washes Half Loads Efficiently

A conventional dishwasher is designed to run a full load efficiently. But if there are just two of you and not many dishes, using a single drawer dishwasher for true half-load washing saves water and energy, and provides clean dishes when you need them. This makes a single drawer dishwasher ideal for singles, couples, and smaller households.

Quiet for Open Plan Living

The clever designers and engineers at Fisher & Paykel know that the modern kitchen is often in an open-plan living space. That’s why DishDrawer™ Dishwashers have been designed with sound-dampening technology, operating as quietly as 42dBA (as loud as a whispered conversation). So you don’t have to wait before your guests leave to start the cleaning, or battle to hear the TV over a noisy dishwasher.

Flexibility in Kitchen Design

The beauty of the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher isn’t just in how it works — it’s also in where it can go. Traditional dishwashers are confined to a single 60cm under-bench space, but DishDrawer™ Dishwasher models can be installed in a range of configurations:

• Side-by-side under the bench

• Stacked vertically like traditional drawers

• Integrated into kitchen islands

• Single drawers installed in different areas, like pantries, outdoor bar areas, or even home offices

The flexibility doesn’t end there. With door panel options in black stainless steel, stainless steel, or panel-ready for your custom cabinetry, they integrate seamlessly into the architecture of your kitchen.

This versatility has made DishDrawer™ Dishwashers especially popular with designers and renovators working in tight spaces, multi-generational homes, small apartments, or minimalist kitchens where appliances are hidden behind cabinetry.

Smart Technology, Smarter Cleaning

Fisher & Paykel has continuously improved the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher functionality over the years and this includes Wi-Fi connectivity and SmartHQ™ integration on all DishDrawer™ models. The line-up features intelligent wash programs to deal with the most delicate of glassware and the serious grunt required for baked-on lasagna dishes. The Series 9 models, for example, offer 9 custom cycles which include wash modifiers:

• Extra Dry - perfect for plastics. No more dripping containers and lids – a real win!

• Quick - for busy days when you need dishes to be done in a hurry

• Sanitise - to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria. Good for all of us, but ideal for washing babies’ bottles and toddlers’ dishes and sippy cups or when someone is ill or immunocompromised.

All of these advanced features ensure that no matter what you’re cleaning, your dishwasher has the right settings to achieve perfect results.

Final Thoughts: Is a DishDrawer™ Dishwasher Right for You?

If you’re building a new kitchen or looking to upgrade your dishwasher, the DishDrawer™ Dishwasher is absolutely worth considering. It’s not just a matter of replacing your dishwasher, it’s opting for a solution that will change how you wash up and when. The game-changing flexibility means it’s perfect for:

• Smaller households or couples who want to run small loads more efficiently.

• Larger families or frequent entertainers that need to run two different wash cycles simultaneously.

• People with back issues or those who want easier, ergonomic access.

• Anyone looking to blend appliances seamlessly into their kitchen design and not be stuck with the traditional setup of where a dishwasher goes or what it looks like.

At its core, the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer™ is a smart response to what people want in their increasingly busy lives. It’s not just about washing dishes — it’s about improving the way we live and use our kitchen and living spaces.