Buyer's Guide

It may sound silly but we know better than anyone how important cutlery storage is in your dishwasher. It's not something anyone thinks about until they purchase a dishwasher and are stuck with something that doesn't suit their needs. Modern dishwashers offer three main options: a cutlery drawer, a cutlery tray, or a traditional cutlery basket. Each has its pros and cons so understanding these can help you select the best option for you.

Cutlery Drawer: Pros & Cons

A cutlery drawer is a thin third rack located at the top of the dishwasher. It is designed to hold cutlery and utensils. Most cutlery drawers are built to hold each piece of cutlery separately, side on.

Pros: 

Space Efficiency: The cutlery drawer frees up space in the lower racks for more dishes.
Better Cleaning: Each piece of cutlery is laid out individually, ensuring better water flow and cleaning.
Improved Organization: Forks, knives, and spoons are easily separated, making unloading quicker and safer.
Reduced Noise: With cutlery secured in place, any rattling during cycles is reduced.

Cons:

Loading Time: Arranging cutlery individually can be time-consuming.
Limited Space for Larger Utensils: Having too many larger cooking tools or utensils might not fit easily.
 

Cutlery Tray: Pros & Cons

A cutlery tray is typically a small removable rack that sits in the bottom of the dishwasher.

Pros:

Versatility: Trays can be moved or removed, allowing flexibility depending on your load.
Ease of Use: Some trays are adjustable to accommodate larger items like ladles or tongs.
Affordable Option: Cutlery trays are commonly included in many mid-range dishwashers.

Cons:

Takes Up Space: Trays occupy valuable space in the lower rack, reducing the room for larger dishes or pots.
Potential Overcrowding: Cutlery in a tray may overlap, leading to less effective cleaning.
Less Organized: Trays may not have dividers, making unloading more cumbersome.
 

Cutlery Basket: Pros & Cons

The traditional cutlery basket is a container located in the bottom rack where utensils are placed standing up.

Pros:

Ease of Loading: Simply drop utensils into the basket without much thought or arrangement.
Adaptability: Baskets can often be moved to different positions to maximize space.
Cost-Effective: Dishwashers with baskets are typically more affordable.

Cons:

Reduced Cleaning Efficiency: Overlapping cutlery can result in less thorough cleaning.
Space Consumption: The basket takes up significant room in the lower rack.
Unloading Hassle: Sorting through a pile of cutlery can be tedious.
 

Which Option is Best for You?

Your ideal choice depends on your priorities and household needs. Choose a Cutlery Drawer if you prioritise cleanliness, organisation, and have the time to carefully arrange your utensils. Opt for a Cutlery Tray if you want a balance of flexibility and cost-efficiency. Stick with a Cutlery Basket if you prefer simplicity, affordability, and quick loading.

Each of these cutlery solutions has advantages and disadvantages, and no single option is universally considered 'the best'. We recommend weighing up your budget, usage habits and cleaning expectations before making your choice. The right dishwasher setup is essential and can simplify kitchen clean-up making for a healthy home and a happier family!

Check out our range of dishwashers here.