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How Does a Two Drawer Dishwasher Work?

Two-drawer dishwashers, also known as double-drawer dishwashers, let you wash two loads of dishes on different wash cycles. For example, you might put pots and pans in one drawer and glasses in another. Then you can program the washer on a heavy cycle for the pots and a delicate cycle for the glasses.
  1. Features

    • The specific features of your two-drawer dishwasher may vary by model. Many have features include sliding tines that can be adjusted to hold dishes in place during the wash cycle. Kenmore's Elite 24-inch double-drawer dishwasher boasts sound insulation to ensure quiet cleaning, while Fisher & Paykel's Double DishDrawer has optional key and child locks for safety. Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting lets you know when the machine is washing or drying.

    Cycles

    • Each drawer in a two-drawer dishwasher is capable of running a variety of different cleaning cycles to get your dishes clean. For example, the Double DishDrawer boasts normal, heavy, fast, delicate and rinse cycles. An "eco" option for each cycle reduces the amount of water used without compromising on cleaning power. Kenmore's two-drawer dishwasher has a SmartCycle option that senses how dirty the dishes are and shortens or lengthens the cleaning time accordingly.

    Efficiency

    • Two-drawer dishwashers can be an energy-efficient option for your home. For example, Kenmore's model is Energy Star-rated, with an estimated annual operating cost of $37 if your water heater is electric. Fisher & Paykel's Double DishDrawer is Energy Star-approved -- the U.S. government's seal of approval for energy-efficient products. The Double DishDrawer can use less than 2 gallons of water per drawer depending on the selected cycle.

    Considerations

    • Two-drawer dishwashers are designed for use in standard kitchens. However, Fisher & Paykel's website notes that its model meets American With Disabilities Act height guidelines. Some manufacturers of two-drawer dishwashers, such as Kenmore, let you order directly from the company's website or purchase a dishwasher at a store in your area. For others, such as the Fisher & Paykel two-drawer dishwasher, you can use a store locator on the company's website to find out where to buy the product.