Top-3 Drying Dishwashers on the Market
- Cycles: 5
- Place settings: 15
- Sound rating: 51 dBA
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 15
- Sound rating: 43 dBA
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 15
- Sound rating: 44 dBA
Things to Consider
Most budget and mid-range dishwashers are divided into three types based on their drying systems:
Air dry
Most modern dishwashers can be divided by type according to their price. There are generally three types: low budget, midrange, and top end. It’s important to establish how much you are willing to spend on this purchase before starting your hunt for the right dishwasher. Narrowing down your price range parameters can hugely impact the search results.
Heated dry
This system utilizes a heating element to raise the air temperature inside the sealed tub. Recessed or hidden heating elements are safer for plastics and stemware.
Fan dry
Includes a heating element and an integrated fan. Some models have a system of vents as well. This system combines the hot air from the heater and the fan-generated air stream.
Generally, natural drying systems result in lower energy consumption rates, though it may also depend on how much power the main wash system requires. Heated drying tends to extend cycle time in order to remove as much moisture as possible. Fan-assisted drying is considered to be the most effective, but it can also affect the price.
- Review of the Best Drying Dishwashers
- Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ Drying Dishwasher
- KitchenAid KDTM354DSS Drying Dishwasher
- Samsung DW80K7050UG Drying Dishwasher
- hOmeLabs HME010033N Drying Dishwasher
- Bosch SHPM78Z55N Drying Dishwasher
- SPT SD-2201W Drying Dishwasher
- EdgeStar BIDW1802SS Drying Dishwasher
- WESTLAND SALES DWV335BBS Drying Dishwasher
- Fisher Paykel DD24SCTB9N Drying Dishwasher
- Thorkitchen HDW2401SS Drying Dishwasher
Review of the Best Drying Dishwashers
- Cycles: 5
- Place settings: 15
- Drying options: Heated dry, air dry
- Sound rating: 51 dBA
- Exterior finish: Fingerprint resistant stainless steel
- Tub material: Plastic
- Control type: Top touch controls
- Handle type: Bar handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.5 in x 23.875 in x 24.5 in
- Energy consumption: 270 kWh/year
- Adjustable upper rack
- Vent-boosted drying
- Certified sanitation
- Smudge-proof stainless steel finish
The Whirlpool WDT730PAHZ is a built-in dishwasher with a smart wash system and improved heated drying.
Featuring a 5-level wash system, a heating element, and an integrated vent, this model is able to provide sufficient spray coverage as well as fast hot air drying.
The racking system, composed of 2 nylon racks, offers up to 15 place settings. With the height adjustment option and a plastic cup shelf, the upper rack accommodates taller dishes and various sets of tea or coffee cups. The lower rack features a row of fold-down tines and a cell-covered silverware basket.
There are 5 cycles: Sensor, Heavy, Normal, 1 Hour Wash, and Soak & Clean. To ease your regular dishwashing routine, consider selecting the Sensor cycle and let your appliance do the work. Using soil sensors, the dishwasher is able to determine optimal wash settings for each specific load.
Additional options include NSF-certified Sani Rinse, Heated Dry, Hi Temp Wash, 24 Hour Delay Start, and Control Lock.
Available with all cycles except 1 Hour Wash, Heated Dry option applies rinse aid and subjects the dishes to hot air generated by the heating element for improved results.
Integrated vent assists the drying by supplying fresh air for the tub. If you want to let your dishes dry naturally, don’t select the Heated Dry option and let the air dry do its job.
This Whirlpool dishwasher is ENERGY STAR® certified, meeting industry standards for power consumption. It operates at a quiet 51 dBA.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 15
- Drying options: Fan-assisted heated dry, air dry
- Sound rating: 43 dBA
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Top touch controls
- Handle type: Bar handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.5 in x 23.875 in x 24.75 in
- Energy consumption: 260 kWh/year
- Improved filtration system
- Flexible racking
- Effective fan-assisted drying
- Durable stainless steel tub
- Quiet operation
The KitchenAid KDTM354DSS is a built-in dishwasher with superior filtration and quiet run.
With its clean water wash system that incorporates Micro Filtration technology to remove all soils from the pumped water, this model delivers clean sprays on all 5 wash levels, improving the overall performance.
The 6 cycles are divided into 2 groups, soil cycles and speed cycles.
Soil cycles include ProWash™, Tough, Normal, and Light, while the remaining speed cycles are Express Wash and Rinse Only. The ProWash™ uses soil sensor readings to adjust all wash parameters for optimal cleaning of each load, and the Express Wash shortens the duration of the cycle.
Additional options include ProScrub®, ProDry™, Hi Temp Wash, NSF-certified Sani Rinse®, 2-4-8 Hour Delay, and Control Lock.
Each cycle is concluded with the advanced ProDry™ option that utilizes the hidden heating element, a system of vents and a fan for the best possible drying. The process is fast and efficient, with the heating element raising the air temperature and the fan removing moist air from the tub. This option adds 38-45 minutes to the main cycle. To use an air dry instead, turn off the ProDry™ option on the console.
The interior capacity holds up to 15 place settings in 2 durable racks. Mounted on SatinGlide® rails, the 2-position adjustable upper rack allows for easier loading while also adding space with 2 plastic cup shelves, 4 light item clips, 2 rows fold-down tines, and 8 stemware holders. The extended lower rack with basket recess provides sliding tines, a knife holder, and a row of fold-down tines.
This is an ENERGY STAR® certified appliance, requiring only 260 kWh annually. Equipped with a quiet sound package, the dishwasher runs at 43 dBA. It’s also Kosher Consumer Friendly.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 15
- Drying options: Automatic door release, air curtain
- Sound rating: 44 dBA
- Exterior finish: Black stainless steel
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Top touch controls
- Handle type: Bar handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.5 in x 23.875 in x 24.75 in
- Energy consumption: 239 kWh/year
- Energy-saving drying
- Three-level racking
- Adjustable upper rack
- Quiet operation
- Certified low power consumption rates
- Floor protection
The Samsung DW80K7050UG is a built-in dishwasher with a black stainless steel finish and automatic door release.
Combining the powerful rotary wash system with natural drying, this Samsung dishwasher ensures both high quality cleaning results and energy-saving drying performance.
There are 6 cycles: Auto, Heavy, Normal, Delicate, Express 60, and Rinse Only. Extra options are StormWash™, Half Load, Hi Temp Wash, Sanitize, Auto Door Open, Delay Start, and Control Lock.
The StormWash™ option is aimed to help with heavy-duty cleaning of various cookware and large dishes. To improve the results of this function, load your heavily soiled pots, pans, bowls, and trays into the designated StormWash™ zone in the lower rack marked by red guide lines.
For better drying results, the dishwasher uses the AutoRelease™ Dry option. The door is automatically opened 5-15 minutes before cycle completion, creating an air curtain that facilitates moisture removal.
The 3 flexible racks offer up to 15 place settings.
The 3rd rack is designed to hold a variety of culinary items such as knives, flatware, serving utensils, and small plastics.
The FlexLoad™ technology allows you to adjust the upper rack by height with more loading space provided by the foldable cup shelves and adjustable tines. The lower rack can also free up space with its removable fold-down tines and a cutlery basket.
With its integrated leakage sensor and visible light indicators, this dishwasher is able to equally protect the hardware as well as alert you of status changes.
One of the best energy-saving models, this Samsung is ENERGY STAR® certified and consumes only 239 kWh per year. As one of the quietest models in the series, it produces 44 dBA during operation.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 6
- Drying options: Air dry
- Sound rating: 55 dBA
- Exterior finish: White
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Electronic front controls
- Handle type: Bar handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 17.2 in x 21.6 in x 19.6 in
- Compact design
- Easy connection
- Durable stainless steel tub
- Streak-free cleaning and drying
The hOmeLabs HME010033N is a countertop dishwasher with a wide selection of wash cycles and easy installation.
Featuring a triple filter system, dual action wash arm, and automatic detergent dispensers, this portable model provides full spray coverage and improved cleaning results.
There are 6 cycles: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Speed, and Rinse, with the additional 2-4-8 Hour Delay Start option.
You can safely load your heavily soiled kitchenware and select the Heavy cycle to effectively scrub away the hard dried-on stains. For better time-efficiency, choose the Speed cycle with your lightly soiled items and receive clean dishes after only 45 minutes.
The drying performance is improved by the addition of rinse aid. When using rinse aid, follow the directions described in your owner’s manual.
During the final rinse, the rinse aid dispenser releases the agent automatically to remove streaks from your dishes and speed up the drying process. After the cycle is finished, open the door and leave it slightly ajar for a few minutes to get moisture-free dishes.
The interior capacity offers 6 place settings, including the removable silverware basket and a cup shelf to hold a variety of cutlery and small sets of glasses or cups.
This hOmeLabs dishwasher is equipped with a quick connect kit to ensure a fast and easy installation. The countertop design and compact dimensions make this model a good fit for small kitchens and limited countertop areas.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 16
- Drying options: Heated dry, air dry
- Sound rating: 42 dBA
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Top touch controls
- Handle type: Pocket handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 33.875 in x 23.56 in x 23.75 in
- Energy consumption: 269 kWh/year
- Three-level racking
- Highly flexible upper rack
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Advanced heater-based drying
- Leak protection
- Floor beam indicator
- Time-efficient wash cycles
The Bosch SHPM78Z55N is an 800 series dishwasher with increased capacity and quiet operation.
With the inclusion of the 3rd-level culinary rack and advanced drying system, this Bosch dishwasher adds 30% more space capacity and delivers 60% drier dishes compared to regular Bosch models.
The spacious interior includes 3 racks, adding up to 16 place settings.
The RackMatic® system of the upper rack allows you to adjust it in 3 height settings, providing 9 different positions. Additional space can be freed in the lower rack that features FlexSpace™ tines and a long silverware basket.
There are 6 cycles: Heavy, Auto, Eco, Normal, Speed 60, and Rinse. Other options are Half Load, Sanitize, Crystal Dry™, and 24 Hour Delay.
The patented CrystalDry™ technology is able to dry your dishes and plastics safely, making it perfect for servicing baby bottles and fragile objects. By increasing the temperature to 176F, the drying system converts moisture into heat with the help of natural minerals. In addition, the recessed heater prevents plastics from melting or overheating.
Other safety options include the AquaStop® leak protection system that works 24/7 to prevent leaks, overflowing, and water-damage.
To indicate wash status, the dishwasher employs the InfoLight® system that directs its beam on the floor where you can clearly see if the cycle is complete or on-going.
This Bosch dishwasher is ENERGY STAR® certified and features a quiet sound package that results in ultra-quiet 42 dBA operation.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 6
- Drying options: Residual heat drying
- Sound rating: 55 dBA
- Exterior finish: White
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Electronic front controls
- Handle type: Pocket handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 17.24 in x 21.65 in x 19.69 in
- Energy consumption: 220 kWh/year
- Ergonomic design
- Clean white finish
- Durable stainless steel interior
- Rinse aid assistance
The SPT SD-2201W is a portable dishwasher with versatile wash cycles and compact design.
Equipped with a stainless steel tub and automatic rinse aid dispenser, this countertop dishwasher promotes condensation amd sheets off the water from the dishes, delivering consistently dry results.
The rinse aid dispenser features 4 settings to suit different loads and soil levels. After the end of each cycle, open the door to let both the air circulation and the heat-retaining stainless steel tub dry your dishes.
There are 6 main cycles: Glass, Heavy, Light, Normal, Soak, and Speed, with the extra 2-4-6-8 Hour Delay option.
To handle heavily soiled dishes, the Heavy cycle extends washing to 100 minutes by doubling hot rinse time. On the other hand, the Soak cycle lasts only 10 minutes, pre-washing all types of kitchen items that you plan to wash later.
With its spacious rack, a cup shelf and silverware basket, this SPT provides up to 6 place settings in various plate configurations. You can remove the cutlery basket to free up space for larger cooking items like pots and casseroles.
This model comes with a quick connect kit that allows for easy installation, making it suitable for small kitchens and office rec rooms.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 8
- Drying options: Heated dry, air dry
- Sound rating: 52 dBA
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Electronic front controls
- Handle type: Pocket handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 32.5 in x 17.75 in x 22.4 in
- Energy consumption: 234 kWh/year
- Heater-assisted drying
- Adjustable upper rack
- Stainless steel interior
- Compact 18-inch design
The EdgeStar BIDW1802SS is a compact dishwasher with a stainless steel tub and space-efficient design.
Featuring 2 flexible racks in combination with a convenient wash and dry system, this compact dishwasher is able to hold up to 8 place settings and deliver perfectly clean and dry dishes.
The position-adjustable upper rack provides two settings—high and low—to free up space in the lower rack and accommodate dishes up to 11 inches tall.
Large and hard-to-clean items should be placed in the lower rack, including pots, pans, mixing bowls, casseroles and baking trays. The silverware basket, divided into compartments to hold different types of cutlery, is located at the center and towards the back in order to ensure optimal cleaning.
There are 6 cycles: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse. Each cycle comes with different customizations and wash intensity to suit various dish loads.
Additional options include Sanitize, Hi Temp Wash, Heated Dry, 24 Hour Delay Start, Control Lock, and Start/Cancel.
For best possible drying results, it is recommended to add the suggested amount of rinse aid and select the Heated Dry option that follows the end of each wash cycle.
The amount of rinse aid depends on the type of dishes in the load and can be adjusted in the dispenser accordingly. Once the drying cycle begins, the heating element raises the air temperature inside the dishwasher to remove excess moisture from your dishes.
The stainless steel tub further increases the drying efficiency, and the matching exterior finish ensures durable service. In addition, the interior materials contribute to sound-proofing qualities. As a result, the dishwasher operates at only 52 dBA.
- Cycles: 7
- Place settings: 6
- Drying options: Convection
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Hidden electronic controls
- Handle type: Bar handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 17.3 in x 21.6 in x 20.7 in
- Energy consumption: 234 kWh/year
- Multi-purpose wash programmes
- Rinse aid assistance
- Hidden controls
- Reliable floor protection
The Westland Vesta™ DWV335BBS is a built-in compact dishwasher with convection drying and durable interior.
The 7 cycles are Heavy, Normal, Light, Glass, Speed, Rinse, Soak, as well as the additional options of Pause and 24 Hour Delay Start.
Each cycle is designed to provide optimal cleaning for different dish load configurations, with the Heavy cycle aimed at large heavily soiled dishes, and the Soak cycle quickly pre-rinsing your dishes before the main wash.
In addition, the Pause button allows you to load forgotten plates and other culinary items before the detergent is released.
After each cycle, a door should be slightly cracked open in order to initiate the drying process. Your dishes are dried through convection as the water vapor from the moist surfaces of the tub is transported to the drier air outside.
Additional features include a triple filter water-cleaning system, durable reinforced stainless steel casing, and an overflow flood protection sensors that prevent leaks and flooding.
The smooth exterior design is fitted with stainless steel finish and hidden top controls that are easy to use. As a compact and energy-saving appliance, this Westland dishwasher suits small kitchens, including prep spaces in recreational vehicles, personal watercrafts, and other mobile settings.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 7
- Drying options: Heated dry with fan-assist
- Sound rating: 44 dBA
- Exterior finish: Black
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Hidden electronic controls
- Handle type: Bar handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 17.875 in x 23.563 in x 22.563 in
- Energy consumption: 151 kWh/year
- Compact built-in construction
- Drawer configuration
- Fast fan-assisted drying
- Certified sanitation
- Low energy consumption
- Smooth black finish and hidden controls
The Fisher & Paykel DD24SCTB9N is a built-in drawer dishwasher with compact dimensions and a wide range of wash options.
Featuring 6 cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Eco, Fast, Delicate, and Rinse, with modifying options of Extra Dry, NSF-certified Sanitize, and 12 Hour Delay Start, this ergonomic model is able to deliver powerful cleaning results with effective hot air drying treatment.
By applying heater-generated hot air and an integrated fan, the drying cycle is fast and energy-efficient. The stainless steel interior helps the process with its heat-retaining and condensation qualities. To further boost the drying of your dishes, it’s recommended to add a rinse agent that helps remove excess moisture.
The DishDrawer™ design means this dishwasher can be built under most countertops without taking up more than half of the available space. Moreover, the exterior design of the drawer suits all kitchen layouts.
The drawer itself is able to hold up to 8 place settings, including extra space provided by the utility shelf and silverware basket. For better cleaning performance, you can place a tablet or gel pouch inside a separate dispenser compartment in the cutlery basket.
One of the best energy-saving single drawer models, this Fisher & Paykel dishwasher is ENERGY STAR® certified and consumes only 151 kWh annually. It’s also ADA compliant and quiet in operation, with the average working noise level of 44 dBA.
- Cycles: 6
- Place settings: 14
- Drying options: Heated dry
- Sound rating: 45 dBA
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Tub material: Stainless steel
- Control type: Fully integrated touch controls
- Handle type: Bar handle
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 33.5 in x 24 in x 24.5 in
- Energy consumption: 240 kWh/year
- Three-level racking
- Height-adjustable upper rack
- Quiet operation
- Fast drying
- Soil sensor wash
The Thorkitchen HDW2401SS is a built-in dishwasher with three racks and a smart wash system.
There are 14 place settings provides by 3 flexible racks and a long silverware basket. The adjustable upper rack also clears more space, going from 8 inches to 10 inches, while the lower rack is able to go from 11 inches to 13 inches.
In addition to 3 wash arms, this dishwasher utilizes a vortex wash arm located on the left side of the tub. This model is also equipped with the Smart Wash system that adjusts wash settings automatically based on soil levels and load size.
There are 6 cycles: Pots & Pans, Normal Wash, China Crystal, Quick Wash, Rinse Only, and Energy Saver.
Additional options are Air Exchange, Steam Wash, Vortex Wash, Heated Dry, Sanitize, Hi Temp Wash, 24 Hour Delay, and Child Lock.
Each programme is followed by the drying cycle that uses the heating element to increase air temperature and deliver dry dishes faster. Furthermore, the full stainless steel interior assists the drying process. Designed to keep the air inside the tub fresh, the Air Exchange function circulates air every 6 hours.
This is a quiet ENERGY STAR® certified dishwasher, running at 45 dBA and consuming only 240 kWh per year.
In Conclusion
Should dishes be dry after dishwasher?
All dishwashers that come with heating elements, integrated fans and vents, hot wash modifiers or rinse aid options are able to deliver completely dry dishes.
Why is the inside of my new dishwasher wet?
After the cycle, the floor of the tub may retain some water or minimal moisture. This is a completely normal occurrence for a completed dry cycle. Normally, the excess water dries in time for your next wash.
How long is the drying cycle on a dishwasher?
Depending on the manner in which your dishwasher dries the dishes, the cycle time varies between 5 and 45 minutes. Heater-based drying can last up to 45 minutes, while air drying takes between 5 and 15 minutes. Fan-assisted hot drying takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the preceding main cycle.
Should you leave dishwasher door open to dry?
Dishwashers with residual heat drying and convection require the door to be opened and left slightly ajar for 5-10 minutes. Some dishwashers feature automatic doors that open 5-15 minutes before the cycle ends, allowing the air dry to work faster. Alternatively, models with heater-based and fan-assisted drying must remain shut throughout the drying process.
Do dishwashers have a drying cycle?
Typically, assisted drying cycles are considered to be modifiers for the main wash cycle. Dishwashers with heated dry and fan-assisted dry options allow you to choose the way you wish to dry your dishes when you set up the main programme. Most advanced drying cycles extend the cleaning time and may impact energy consumption numbers, though they dry dishes more consistently.
Do all dishwashers dry dishes?
Most dishwashers provide one of the forms of industry-standardized drying, with the exception of a few low-cost off-market appliances. In order to save energy, some dishwashers avoid drying dishes with the help of integrated electrical elements, instead using air or condensation drying. Other dishwashers dry dishes by applying heating elements, internal fans and external vents.
