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Dishwashers with Cutlery Drawers vs Baskets: Which is Better?

When choosing a new dishwasher, one of the most common questions is whether to pick a model with a cutlery drawer or a cutlery basket. While both options serve the same purpose, they affect how you load your dishwasher, the amount of space you have for dishes, and even how clean your utensils come out.

In this guide, we’ll explore how each option works, the advantages and drawbacks of both, and help you decide which setup fits your kitchen and lifestyle best.

💡 Quick fact

Some dishwashers with cutlery drawers can fit up to 16 place settings by freeing up the lower rack.

As technology advances, more manufacturers are offering innovative third-level that maximise efficiency, hygiene, and capacity.

What Is a Cutlery Basket?

A cutlery basket is the traditional way of holding your knives, forks, and spoons inside a dishwasher. It’s a removable container that usually sits on the lower rack, allowing utensils to stand upright during the wash cycle. This setup has been a reliable standard for decades and remains popular for its simplicity and accessibility.

While baskets are practical and easy to use, they can take up valuable space on the bottom rack and sometimes lead to , which affects cleaning performance.

Pros and Cons of Cutlery Baskets

Pros	Cons
Simple and quick to load or unload	Takes up lower rack space
Removable for easy cleaning or rearranging	Can cause utensils to nest together
Compatible with most dishwasher models	Less water circulation around each item

💡 Quick tip

Alternate the direction of cutlery handles in the basket to prevent nesting and ensure better cleaning.

Cutlery baskets are ideal for those who prioritise convenience and quick loading. They’re especially suited to families or anyone who prefers not to spend extra time arranging items precisely.

What Is a Cutlery Drawer?

A cutlery drawer, also known as a third rack, is a slim pull-out tray located at the very top of the dishwasher. It’s designed to lay utensils flat, offering neat organisation and freeing up more space in the lower racks for plates, pans, and larger dishes.

Many modern dishwashers now include this feature, as it improves and helps reduce contact between metal items, which can cause scratching or dulling.

Pros and Cons of Cutlery Drawers

Pros	Cons
Frees up space in the bottom rack for larger cookware	Takes longer to load and unload
Keeps items separate for better cleaning and drying	Can restrict space for tall glasses on the upper rack
Ideal for long utensils and kitchen tools	Often found on mid- to high-end models only

💡 Did you know?

Cutlery drawers can reduce scratching and improve drying by keeping each utensil separated during the wash.

Cutlery drawers are a smart choice for those who value cleanliness and organisation. They may take a little longer to load, but the results are typically more consistent, especially when it comes to evenly cleaned and dried utensils.

Cleaning Performance: Which Wins?

When it comes to cleaning performance, both cutlery drawers and cutlery baskets can deliver excellent results — but the difference lies in and how well utensils are spaced out.

In general, cutlery drawers tend to win for overall cleaning efficiency. Because each piece of cutlery is laid flat and separated, there’s minimal contact between items, allowing water and detergent to flow freely over every surface. This also reduces and helps improve drying results.

Cutlery baskets, on the other hand, can perform just as well if they’re loaded carefully. Overcrowding or stacking spoons together can lead to missed spots and poorer results. If you’re using a basket, alternating the direction of handles can improve and ensure a better clean.

💡 Quick fact

Dishwashers with a dedicated cutlery drawer often use specialised spray arms to enhance cleaning precision.

If you’re after consistently spotless results, the drawer usually has the upper hand. However, if you prefer quick loading and don’t mind occasional manual checks, a basket can be just as reliable for everyday use.

Space and Flexibility

One of the biggest differences between a cutlery drawer and a basket is how they affect your dishwasher’s internal space. A drawer sits at the very top, freeing up room on the lower racks for larger cookware, baking trays, and plates — ideal if you often run full loads or cook for a family.

A cutlery basket, on the other hand, takes up space on the lower rack but provides more flexibility. Many models let you remove or reposition the basket depending on your load, which can be useful for washing bulkier items or tall pots. This makes baskets particularly handy in smaller dishwashers or when you need adaptable layouts.

Feature	Cutlery Drawer	Cutlery Basket
Rack space	Frees space on the bottom rack	Takes up lower rack space
Flexibility	Fixed in place but frees other areas	Can be moved or removed easily
Best for	Larger households or frequent full loads	Compact kitchens or varied loading needs

💡 Space saver

A cutlery drawer can increase total capacity by up to 10% compared to a basket, making it ideal for busy households.

If you regularly wash large cookware or need to maximise every inch of space, a drawer offers better overall efficiency. But if flexibility and convenience are more important, a removable basket may suit your needs better.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

When it comes to day-to-day practicality, both designs have their strengths. A cutlery basket is faster to load — you simply drop utensils in, and you’re done. For families or busy kitchens, this convenience can be a big plus. However, baskets can become cluttered, especially if you mix different utensil sizes together.

A cutlery drawer takes a little longer to load since each item has its own slot, but it’s easier to unload because everything is clearly organised. It’s also simpler to keep clean, as the flat tray can be wiped down more easily than the compartments of a basket.

Some modern dishwashers even feature , allowing you to enjoy both the convenience of a basket and the precision of a drawer in one appliance.

💡 Best of both worlds

Some dishwashers include both a cutlery drawer and a removable basket, giving you total flexibility for different loads.

In short, baskets win for speed and simplicity, while drawers take the lead in organisation and maintenance. If you want the benefits of both, look for a model with an adjustable or dual cutlery system.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between a cutlery drawer and a cutlery basket ultimately depends on your kitchen habits, household size, and how you prefer to load your dishwasher. Each design has its advantages, and one may suit your lifestyle more than the other.

Ideal Choices by Household Type

Families – baskets are faster and easier for quick loading after busy mealtimes.
Home cooks – drawers offer better organisation and keep knives and utensils spotless.
Compact kitchens – drawers free up valuable space in the lower rack for larger cookware.
Shared homes – baskets are intuitive and convenient for multiple users.

Note: Before buying, always check the dishwasher’s internal layout. Some models sacrifice upper rack space for a drawer, while others include adjustable trays to fit taller glasses and mugs.

💡 Buying tip

Try to see a model in person or check the interior layout online before you buy – spacing varies between brands.

For most households, the decision comes down to convenience versus performance. If you prefer effortless loading, stick with a basket. But if you want precision cleaning, extra space, and a sleek modern design, the cutlery drawer is worth the upgrade.

Conclusion

Both cutlery drawers and cutlery baskets make dishwashing easier — it’s simply a matter of what matters most to you. A drawer provides better organisation, improved cleaning results, and more space on the lower rack, making it ideal for larger households or those who prioritise efficiency and hygiene.

On the other hand, baskets are straightforward, fast to use, and perfectly suited to families or anyone who prefers a simple, no-fuss approach. They remain a reliable option that’s easy to maintain and familiar to most users.

If you’re upgrading to a new dishwasher, think about how you use your current one: Do you often run full loads and need more space? Choose a drawer. Do you prefer to load quickly and get on with your day? A basket will serve you well. The best choice is the one that makes your everyday routine easier and more efficient.

Tip: Whichever you choose, always load cutlery with handles facing down for safety and to ensure better water coverage during each wash cycle.