Dishwasher cutlery: tray or basket?

After how to best stack the dishwasher, the next big debate is which is better, a cutlery tray or cutlery basket? We compare the pros and cons of both.

If you’ve bought a dishwasher in the past 5 years, it probably has a cutlery tray.

We’re finding a lot of people aren’t aware their dishwasher has a cutlery tray. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know – dishwashers are low and the cutlery tray is often located above the top rack (top no more), so it’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

We crunched the numbers, and the tide is turning on cutlery baskets. Among the current and discontinued dishwasher models we’ve tested, most (56) had a cutlery tray or came with both a cutlery tray and a cutlery basket. Only 38 models came with just a cutlery basket. So, chances are that if you buy a new dishwasher today it’ll come with a cutlery tray.

What is a cutlery tray?

Cutlery trays are an extendable tray where you lie your cutlery down within tines to keep the utensils separated. Some dishwashers have an extra spray arm for this tray to make sure the water reaches all the cutlery.

Depending on the dishwasher’s design, a cutlery tray might mean there’s less space for the top basket – the trade-off is that it frees up space in the bottom basket where the cutlery basket would usually sit.

If your dishwasher came with a cutlery basket, don’t automatically assume it doesn’t have a cutlery tray too. Many models come with both.

Which is better?

Our testing hasn’t shown any great difference in cleaning performance between cutlery trays and baskets.

However, the tines that separate the cutlery in a tray will help avoid cutlery nesting (spooning together), which can happen in a basket and makes it harder for the water to get in to clean

While which one you use ultimately comes down to preference, there are some benefits to each type to consider.

Cutlery tray

• Nicely organised, and if you group the cutlery by type as you put it in, then it’s quick to unload.

• Safer, less chance of accidentally stabbing yourself with a knife while unloading.

• No nesting, so everything is guaranteed to be cleaned.

• Doesn’t take up space elsewhere, leaving more space for crockery inthe bottom rack.

• Easy to see if the cutlery is clean.

• May also be used for smaller crockery, such as teacups (model dependent).

Cutlery basket

• Quick to load, just throw the cutlery in.

• Easily removable, take it to the cutlery drawer to unpack.

• Can’t forget to unload it – it’s obvious if you do!

• Easier to replace if it breaks (it’s smaller).

Tray and basket, no need to choose

Fortunately, most manufacturers realise this is still a divisive issue, so many models will come with both a cutlery tray and a basket installed.

If you’re a basket fan, many cutlery trays are removable, so you can simply take the tray out and use the extra space for tall cups and glasses.

If you’re a tray fan, just take the basket out and you’ve got the full use of the bottom rack again.

What our staff say

Because this is a controversial topic, we decided to ask our staff which they prefer and if they had any burning opinions on the tray vs basket debate.

Team tray

• “Tray is easier to unload. That is a fact.”

• “So much easier to unpack from a cutlery tray and saves all the space for bigger things you can't be bothered to wash up!”

• “Cutlery tray is the best innovation since sliced bread. FACT.”

• “Safer and more effective!”

• “Yes, tray, all the way. Makes unloading so much easier!”

Team basket

• “The tray involves stupid regimented packing. And you can't take it out to unpack directly into the drawer.”

• “Easy to place cutlery in it.”

While it seems those with cutlery trays have the most to say on the topic, the old school baskets are still the preferred type of cutlery compartment among Consumer NZ staff – for now.