Revolutionizing Kitchen Spaces: The Dish Drawer™

Designer Caitlin Davis Redefines Dishwashing with Drawer-Inspired Innovation

Introducing the Dish Drawer™, a groundbreaking design by Caitlin Davis that transforms the traditional dishwasher into a sleek, drawer-style appliance. This innovative design, inspired by the practicality of drawers, is a testament to the continuous evolution of kitchen appliances.

The Dish Drawer™ was born out of a conversation among Fisher & Paykel engineers about the impractical design of traditional dishwasher doors. The team reasoned that drawers were more practical and easier to use, leading to the creation of a dishwasher in a drawer. The concept was initially mocked up to resemble a filing cabinet, reflecting the changing nature of the kitchen.

Every element of a traditional dishwasher, from the motor to the electronics board to the plumbing system, was redesigned to fit into this unique drawer format. The result is a new generation of dishwashers that are quieter, more energy and water-efficient, and more durable than ever. These models, which are Energy Star certified, showcase Fisher & Paykel's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

The Dish Drawer™ is made from stainless steel and ultra-durable, lightweight polypropylene. The design incorporates clever features such as flexible stacking and a sanitize mode. The sanitize mode meets the strict NSF 184 UL standard, providing peace of mind for families, especially when cleaning items like baby bottles.

The design process was intensive, with focus group research playing a crucial role. The team listened to consumers, designers, and architects, leading to the development of a flat door design that fits seamlessly with kitchen cabinetry. The design also includes a consolidated user interface that drives both drawers and offers 15 different wash programs to suit any load requirements.

The Dish Drawer™ has been recognized for its exceptional design, winning the Platinum A' Home Appliances Design Award in 2017. This award recognizes world-class, highly innovative designs that contribute to societal wellbeing and make the world a better place. The Dish Drawer™ is a defining aesthetic of its era, pushing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Fisher & Paykel Appliances
Image Credits: Owned by Fisher & Paykel
Project Team Members: Fisher & Paykel Appliances Design Team (We typically don’t call out any individuals in design award entries as it is a huge team effort!)
Project Name: DishDrawer™
Project Client: Fisher & Paykel Appliances


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