What Is The Difference Between A Built In Dishwasher And A Drawer Dishwasher?
Built-in dishwashers and drawer dishwashers are both popular choices among homeowners. But when it needs to pick the best one, you can’t depend only on their ability. In this case, understanding what is the difference between a built-in dishwasher and a drawer dishwasher can help you decide easily.
That’s why we compared both types of dishwashers with plenty of features to help you out. Let’s start with learning what is a dish drawer is and built-in dishwasher!
What Is The Difference Between A Built-In Dishwasher And A Drawer Dishwasher?
There are several critical differences between built-in dishwashers and drawer dishwashers. The first is that a built-in dishwasher takes up permanent counter space, while a drawer dishwasher can be installed in an empty drawer.

Drawer dishwasher
A drawer dishwasher is a popular type of dishwasher, especially for a small kitchen. They take only a bit of cabinet space as they come in at only 24 to 46 inches in width and 19 inches tall.
Some dishwashers include two dish drawers to fulfill the considerable needs. It’s a time and energy-saving unit and features plenty of wash cycles. You can wash both delicate glasses and dinnerware, keeping them in different drawers.
Built-in dishwasher
A built-in dishwasher needs to be built into the cabinet space. It doesn’t have a top or sides as fits between the cabinets and under the counter. It’s a permanently installed appliance that you can’t move. It also has all the other essentials to wash your dirty and oily dishes.
Here are the differences between a built in dishwasher and a drawer dishwasher:
Space-Saving
Edge: Drawer dishwasher

Drawer dishwasher
Drawer dishwashers don’t take up much valuable space in a kitchen. It doesn’t also eat up a large amount of space by opening the door.
You can also take the drawer out for your versatile purposes, making it a preferable dishwasher type for a smaller kitchen. The dish drawer also enhances the appearance of a floating island.
Built-in dishwasher
A built-in dishwasher takes up more storage space in the kitchen. Thus, most people consider this type for a large kitchen. It comes in a large variety of sizes and dimensions and requires permanent installation. So you must have enough extra space for a built-in dishwasher in your kitchen.
Energy Efficiency
Edge: Both
Drawer dishwasher
You can run a drawer dishwasher either at a time or separately, based on the requirements. Drawer dishwashers are energy efficient and suitable for both small and large loads. These don’t consume much energy and reduce the maintenance cost.
Built-In Dishwasher

Built-in dishwashers also consume a lower amount of water during the wash cycle. It features many wash cycles to allow users to set them depending on the number of loads and the condition of the dishes. It also has an energy cycle and saves enough amount of water in the long run.
Versatile
Edge: Both
Drawer dishwasher
Drawer dishwashers offer the same capability as two typical dishwashers. You can load pots and pans into one drawer and fill the other one with dinnerware and clean them separately.
It includes many wash cycles and lots of place setting capacity to fulfill a family’s needs. The drawer dishwasher also varies in design to allow the customer to choose based on their preference.
Built-in dishwasher
A standard-sized built-in dishwasher comes with 12 to 14 place settings to fulfill any large family demands. Depending on the model, the built-in dishwasher features plenty of wash cycles, including rapid and heavy.
So, whether you need a quick wash or want to clean large dirty dishes, a built-in dishwasher is a handy solution.
Maintenance

Edge: Built-in dishwasher
Drawer dishwasher
Unfortunately, the drawer dishwasher requires frequent maintenance as it gets damaged easily. Manufacturer improves their technology and starts using better quality materials. Still, its drawer can cost you both effort and money.
Despite this, the water draining system can also need repairs, especially if you don’t operate your dishwasher properly.
Built-in dishwasher
Built-in dishwashers are a durable solution considering the maintenance cost. It needs to be installed permanently, so don’t withstand the extra pressure of moving or carrying it.
A permanent drainage system also avoids frequent repairs. But, a built-in dishwasher with a stainless steel tub is preferable to avoid extra maintenance costs.
Price
Edge: Built in dishwasher
Drawer dishwasher
Drawer dishwashers are more expensive than built in dishwashers. The reason is that the dish drawer uses special technology and its installation process is more difficult.
Yet, if you have a large enough budget, investing in a drawer dishwasher can save you money on maintenance by using less energy and water.
Built-in dishwasher
A built-in dishwasher requires permanent installation by an expert plumber. It is still more cost-efficient than a dish drawer. Based on the material used in the dishwasher, you can get a built-in model at an affordable price.
Which type of dishwasher is best: built-in vs drawer?
Both the built-in and drawer dishwasher have their own strong working zone. And if they find the right working area, any of these dishwashers can deliver the best performance. Despite this, they both cover many wash cycles, load capacity, and solid construction.
The built-in dishwasher is suitable for large family needs with heavy use, even at a low price. , a drawer dishwasher is perfect for small families and for flexible use.
FAQs
Is A Drawer Dishwasher Better?
There are many dishwashers on the market, but one of the newer types is the drawer dishwasher. This dishwasher is different in that it is a two-piece unit, with the top being the dishwasher and the bottom being the drying area. They feature a better design and uses less water and energy.
Do Dishwasher Drawers Work?
Yes, they work: especially if you have tiny space inside your kitchen. A dishwasher drawer could also be a great choice if you want to extend your kitchen islands and wish to open a kitchen walkway.
Final words
Built-in and drawer dishwashers are different in plenty of factors and mobility is the most obvious one. But, flexibility isn’t good enough to decide the batter dishwasher over another.
That’s why we discuss on what is the difference between a built-in dishwasher and a drawer dishwasher.
Hope now you can separate them easily and pick the most appropriate type of dishwasher for your kitchen.