Little dishwasher

You’re remodeling your kitchen and hate the thought of the large dishwasher taking up major space. You’ve heard about the dishwasher drawers being discreet and with your empty nest, it could be an option for you.

It’s not a cheap option, with a single dishwasher drawer pricing in at over $750 and more (your traditional dishwasher is a deal at $200). These drawers measure the same as the traditional option in width and depth (about two feet each) but are half the height. You like this option but will it clean what you dirty? Since its half the height, it holds half the dishes. One party a month may be enough to discourage you from the mini option. And can you adjust the shelves so that if there is a larger sized item (think deep bowl or your lovely champagne flutes- delicate cycle?), can you fit it in the dishwasher? And since these smaller dishwashers are new, they don’t have their own noise or energy efficiency ratings in place yet (another year) so make sure the sound won’t interrupt your life.

The standards you apply to a full traditional dishwasher should also apply to these newer sleeker models, like long life stainless-steel interiors (or at least a 20-year guarantee for the plastic kind) and service and manufacturer warranties. If you are still hot for one of these drawer dishwashers, Fisher and Pykel and Whirlpool’s Kitchen Aid are the largest manufacturers.