Question for @dadoes who posted information regarding prism location above. Can you explain if the prism is missing how it would be re-installed and what holds it in? BACKGROUND: We had a DD24 installed in a new home and when we finally went to use the lower drawer it just chimes and doesn't run. Upper drawer operates fine. We've been working with Paykel on warranty repair, but they've been unable to help with no service provider available in our area. Being handy, I decided to take a look to see if I could find a loose connection or possibly see something awry. When we removed the lower drawer for said inspection a small piece of "plastic" fell to the floor. We thought this was odd but didn't think much of it until stumbling upon this thread. It turns out this plastic piece is the very prism in the picture above. Which no doubt is the source of our problem! So I'm seeking advice to understand how to reinstall/hold it in place... sort of thinking to the reason it might have been dislodged and/or if something might possibly be broken and what workarounds I might be able to implement if something is broken?

I think the point many of us are trying to make is: 1. The dd's would not be on the top of the "quiet" list but they are very quiet. DH and I can stand in front of our dd's while they are running (including the bottom one) and carry on a normal (in sound level) conversation without feeling as though we are talking over any noise. In fact, I usually don't notice the dd's running at all unless I actually focus on listening for them---i.e. if I'm wondering if I remembered to turn them on. The "noise" means I don't have to go over and eyeball the control panel to find the answer. The noise is not at all comparable to our old dw either in decibel level or in quality--rather than a loud clank it's a low hum. I actually like the hum and find it comforting. 2. My first priority is convenience and functionality and the dd's, in my opinion, are so far above the traditional dw in these categories that the noise discussion becomes moot. After 3 1/2 years I still find using the dd's a pleasurable experience rather than a chore (and I still smile everytime I open a just-washed drawer and see all the sparkling dishes nestled inside.) As for the issue of 2 single drawers mounted higher or stacked drawers, I would never go with the 2 singles since I like to stay as flexible as possible. Many other dw models would fit into the same space our stacked drawers occupy. I use both drawers equally often---I stagger the use so that they will get the same wear. I want them to last as long as possible for both financial and environmental reasons. Dd's are already so much more convenient than a regular dw I don't see any reason to go the extra mile to have 2 separate top drawers. I'd rather load/unload a low dd than spend the time doing specific excercises for maintaining flexiblity. Sometimes I think our choices can be swayed for the wrong reasons. Some people might read this thread and quickly dismiss dd's because they have a misguided notion about the noise. This would be a huge shame because they may never get to the point of realizing that the design could be a revolutionary change in their kitchen (it was in mine.) The dd's aren't the right choice for everyone but a decision should be made based on all the factors, not one factor that might not be an issue at all.

Is there anything living in your house other than your family? Maybe short, green or gray, large eyes, perhaps long pointy fingers? Seriously, FP dish drawers have a history of weird, buggy behavior -- it may be using the Windows O/S. I would call a repairman to check it out. Probably not under warranty after 10 years. I suspect there is a problem with the circuit board that is the tiny brain of the device. Unfortunately, they cost about as much to replace as buying a new appliance. This is not very helpful, I know. Sorry.

Oh no, that's terrible. :/ I love my DDs too. The DD I linked will take a custom panel, although it is only semi-integrated and not integrated so it will not look quite the same as what you have. I'll provide a link directly to the paneled version. I looked through AJ Madison again for you and they do not seem to have any brands that are a single DD that takes a panel other than the F&P. AJM is usually pretty comprehensive, but perhaps there is something else out there. I suggest you also try posting your question in the Appliances forum and see if the experts over there know anything. Here is a link that might be useful: Semi-integrated w/ panel: Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer Series DD24SI7