Silverware, just a guess :-)

Is it mentioned in your Care & Use manual?

My sippy cup valves fit in there if you put them in just right. And reusable straws. Funny, I just got mine installed on Tuesday and I was wondering the same thing, lol.

It is more shallow and thin than the silverware basket, and not mentioned anywhere I can see in the manual.

I can find a use for it, just wondering what the intention is.

For extra cutlery.

Thanks whirlpool_trainee! Seems odd, but oh well.

The small basket is intended for the top rack only wash cycle. Of course it is good for extra items with any cycle.