July 1st, 2016 | 3 min. read
By Eddie Jacob
Learn how to find the perfect dishwasher with our Dishwasher Buying Guide
Miele and Bosch own the dishwasher market. Yet, Fisher & Paykel is intriguing with double drawers instead of one single door like you probably have now. The integrated double drawer is unique.
Miele's integrated dishwashers are nice as well. Neither product protrudes past your cabinets, so they are flush and blend in with the cabinets.
However, there is more to consider than just novelty. We will look at both companies, products, and then compare at the end.
Looking for answers about Dishwashers?
Short on time? Download our free Dishwasher Buying Guide.
Miele
Miele is the largest family-owned appliance manufacturer in the world and based in Germany. They manufacture every product down to the component level in their factory. Because of such strict quality control, the Miele dishwasher has become the most reliable product sold.
They were the first with the third cutlery rack and are the only brand with a true drying system. Their models vary from the basic starting at $999 to the computerized knock-2-open dishwasher with two drying cycles. The models vary in quietness, racks, features and drying capability.
Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel is from New Zealand and was recently purchased by Haier out of China. They manufacture many niche, luxury products like counter depth refrigeration and cooking. However, their best selling product is their double drawer dishwasher.
Yale was one of the first dealers of the double drawer dishwasher. It has interesting technology like a detachable DC motor, but the reliability was an issue. We handled the repair issues, and there was plenty at one time.
The reliability has been greatly improved. Let's explain and look at a few models.
Different Drawers
The dishwasher drawers are available in a single or double tub. The single drawer is extremely versatile and great for smaller households that are accustom to "half load" washes.
Single Drawers
It is available in a "standard" single drawer tub, which is about, 16” high, or approximately half the height and capacity of a traditional dishwasher, which is 34" high and a "tall" single drawer tub, which is 17 7/8" high.
Double Drawers
They're also available as double drawer, which are two individual dishwashers that operate independent of one another.
The double drawer is available in a "tall tub" (upper drawer bigger than the lower) or standard (equal sized) with 2 drawers offering similar capacities.
The following are some full-size model comparisons.
Fisher & Paykel vs. Miele Full Size Dishwasher
Fisher & Paykel DD24DHTI7 - $1,470
Features:
- ENERGY STAR qualified with ultra quiet operation and uses as little as 1.95 gallons of water per drawer.
- Best ergonomic dishwasher design requiring the least amount of bending
- 9 wash cycles and a 163° sanitizing temperature
- 7 place settings per drawer / holds large 13” plates and platters on top drawer
- Flexible racking system with fold down and pitch adjustable tines, adjustable plate and cup racks. Makes loading very easy
- Seamless integration and clean lines
Miele Dimension G6365SCVI - $1,399
Features:
- ENERGY STAR qualified with a noise rating of 44 dBA Quiet Performance
- 9 wash programs, including 31 minute wash and dry
- AutoOpen Drying to optimize drying performance
- 16 place settings
- Perfect glasscare system for delicates
- Water Softening Unit
- 3D Cutlery Tray
The following are some compact model comparisons.
Fisher & Paykel Single Drawer vs. Miele Slimline 18" Dishwasher
Fisher & Paykel DD24STI7 - $729
Features:
- ENERGY STAR qualified with ultra quiet operation and uses as little as 1.95 gallons of water per drawer.
- Best ergonomic dishwasher design requiring the least amount of bending
- 9 wash cycles and a 163° sanitizing temperature
- 7 place settings / holds large 12” plates and platters
- Flexible racking system with fold down and pitch adjustable tines, adjustable plate and cup racks. Makes loading very easy
Miele G4760SCVI - $1,399
Features:
- ENERGY STAR qualified with a noise rating of 46 dBA Quiet Performance
- 6 wash programs, including 31 minute wash and dry
- AutoOpen Drying to optimize drying performance
- 10 place settings
- Slimline Design
- Perfect glasscare system for delicates / China and Crystal Program
- ADA Compliant
- Water Softening Unit
- Upper Cutlery Tray
Comparison
Let's talk about reliability. Miele is at 7.32% service calls in the first year. This is best for dishwashers. Fisher & Paykel is at a respectable 16% and improving. Although Miele is better, the gap is narrowing without question.
From a component standpoint, Miele is superior with a stainless tub versus plastic for Fisher & Paykel.
Miele has the best drying system with an air port at the bottom of the dishwasher. The air is introduced to the outside so the steam inside is attracted to the “colder” side and dissipated.
The better models have two ports and will pop open when the cycle is completed.
Loading greatly differs. Miele has the third rack for cutlery and is simple to load. Fisher & Paykel is more convenient with smaller loads and bigger dishes. Yet some people love the loading, but others do not.
Which is the Better Option?
Miele is probably the better dishwasher, yet Fisher & Paykel still has the “cool” factor and is finally worthy of being considered.
Additional Resources
Do you need more information on the latest dishwashers? Read the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with all the best dishwashers at every price from Frigidaire, Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid, Asko, Electrolux and more. Over 165,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles
Looking for answers about Dishwashers?
Choosing a new dishwasher can be a confusing and time-consuming experience. We've taken the pain out of the decision process with our Dishwasher Buying Guide.
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
Please consider subscribing or adding to the conversation in the comments below. We appreciate you stopping by.
A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
Topics:
