5 Best Drying Dishwashers That Will Do The Job Entirely




Are you interested in purchasing the best drying dishwasher?

Then you are in the right place!

Keep reading this post to find out everything you need to know about the five best models you can find on the market. Also, check out my advice on what are the features you want your dishwasher to have to ensure that it provides you with ultimate performance.

The Rundown

Smeg STU8647 RundownSmeg STU8647 Dishwasher
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★★
A panel-ready dishwasher that comes with a built-in water softener and provides powerful AquaStop leak protection.
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Frigidaire FFID2426TD RundownFrigidaire FFID2426TD Dishwasher
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
A 24-Inch dishwasher that is made out of black stainless steel and features specially designed DishSense technology.
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Samsung DW80R5060US RundownSamsung DW80R5060US Dishwasher
OVERALL RATING: ★★★★☆
The quietest dishwasher that produces only 48 decibels and comes with a Samsung’s StormWash technology.
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What Is “Drying” In Dishwasher?

Most dishwashers are designed not only for cleaning but also for efficiently drying the dishes. These models comes with well-designed heating components which ensure quick, safe, and efficient drying of the dishes and the cookware.

How Does A Dishwasher Dry The Dishes?

Dishwashers can use 2 standard methods for drying – heated and condensation.

  • Heated method uses a heating element to raise the air temperature in the dishwasher. The air is pumped through the dishwasher during the heating cycle. The small exhaust fan pulls the moisture from the dishes and through the vents.
  • Condensation method firstly uses extremely hot water in the final rinse. At that moment, the dishes are hotter than the dishwasher’s interior. The stainless steel tub begins to cool down before the dishes. That action pulls condensation off the dishes onto the interior walls. The water then trickles down and is drained away.

What Is The Best Drying System In A Dishwasher?

In the terms of energy efficiency, condensation system is the best one. On the other hand, if you need your dishes dried fast, the heat-dry cycle is the way to go. So it all depends on your needs and preferences.

How To Air Dry The Dishes In The Dishwasher?

For air-drying, the dishwasher needs to have an automatic air-dry setting. This function draws in the room temperature air and then circulates it around the dishwasher. The air-dry setting requires 15% less energy compared to the heated drying.

How To Air Dry The Dishes In The Dishwasher

Does A Dishwasher Need Water To Dry?

Yes. Nowadays, most models utilize hot water instead of hot air for a condensation method.

Can I Dry Plastic In My Dishwasher?

You can try. However, have in mind that glass, ceramic, and metal dishes absorb and retain more heat during the cleaning cycle so they can easily evaporate leftover water droplets. On the other hand, plastic doesn’t get as hot, so the water droplets stay and never fully dries.

Do All Dishwashers Dry The Dishes?

No. Cheaper dishwashers under $200 rarely have a built-in drying function.

I Heard That New Dishwashers Don’t Dry. Is It True?

No. Newer models don’t come with heated drying because that function uses too much energy. However, such dishwashers come with an air-dry option which is efficient but takes a bit of time to finish. On the other hand, it is eco-friendly.

Why Are My Dishes Still Wet After The Operation?

Most often, the dishes are wet after the drying process because you load the dishwasher the wrong way. If you place the items on the wrong rack or you overload the racks, you’re limiting the airflow, which then leaves the items wet.

Can I Leave The Dishes In My Dishwasher Overnight?

That isn’t a good idea in terms of hygiene. If the dishes are dirty, bacteria on them will multiple over the night. On the other hand, it is okay to leave cleaned and dried dishes in the dishwasher overnight.

Key Stand-Out Factors Of Dishwasher Models For Drying

To name just a few, find out why this dishwasher type is the preferred choice of most people.

High Sanitizing Performance

Besides the fact that high temperatures kill off all the germs during the cleaning performance, the additional drying operation puts sanitizing at an even higher level.

Saves Time

Automatic drying of the dishes saves you both time and effort.

Efficient Dishwasher Saves Time
Pexels

Saves Energy As Well

If you’re not focused on the speed that is offered by the heat drying function, air drying is a great option that will save you money on energy bills.

Drying Dishwashers Ensure Efficient Cleaning Performance Too

Besides drying, dishwashers are focused on providing a high-quality cleaning and washing performance. In order to do that, they need to come up with specific functions. Here are all the info and details on the design, specifications, and functions of such models.

Dishwasher Model Options

As with any other classic dishwasher, you can choose between 2 models, a built-in dishwasher and a freestanding one. The choice depends on your needs. A built-in model can have top or front controls, and it is designed for the needs of bigger families and households. Freestanding dishwasher, also known as the countertop model, is smaller in size and due to that, is designed for apartments, limited kitchens, and smaller groups of people.

Construction: Is It Strong & Durable?

Most of these dishwashers feature stainless steel construction. Besides the fact that stainless steel is strong and durable, it also retains heat much better than any other material of the making so you can count on the most perfect drying results.

Size Suitable For Any Space

Dishwashers come in many sizes in order to be suitable for any space. Freestanding dishwashers can have units between 14 and 18 inches big. That’s why they are perfect for countertops. Built-in dishwashers are between 18 and 24 inches big. This size range is ideal for any standard-sized kitchen and cabinetry.

Interior Capacity

Interior capacity depends on the model too. While freestanding models can hold 4 to 8 place settings at the same time, the built-in dishwashers can fit between 10 and 16 place settings.

6 Cycles As Optimal Number

Even though the dishwashers can have more cleaning cycles, 6 of the cycles are everything you need. That includes 3 different washes, normal, heavy, and light, as well as additional cycles such as rinse only, quick wash, and ECO.

Do These Dishwashers Work Quietly?

They can, of course. These dishwasher models can come with a noise level between 40 and 55 dB.

5 Best Drying Dishwashers

Smeg STU8647 Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 21 x 24 x 33 inches
Noise: 47 dB
Form Factor: Built-In
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 13 Place Settings

Panel Ready Design
This best dishwasher features a high-quality stainless steel interior that will provide amazing durability. On the other hand, the exterior offers a panel-ready design. This means that you can (and will need to) order a custom-made panel to ensure that the dishwasher perfectly fits into the design of your home.

Smeg STU8647

Half-Load FlexiZone Option
Thanks to the half-load cleaning option you won’t have to wait until you have enough dishes for a full load to run the dishwasher. Additionally, FlexiZone technology allows you to choose whether you want to clean the bottom part of the unit or the upper part.

Water Softener
You can be sure that this dishwasher will provide you with crystal clear cleaning results. It comes with a built-in water softener that is specially designed to ensure that there are no leftover water spots due to the use of hard water.

Smeg STU8647 Review

Leak Protection
The best thing about this best dishwasher for drying dishes is that it provides you with powerful AquaStop leak protection that uses sensors to detect leak inside the water hose. Once the leak is detected, the sensors will automatically stop the water supply and protect your home from any kind of water damage.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★★
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★★

PRICE RANGE

from $1,100 to $1,600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 13 standard place settings
  • five wash cycles and five quick programs
  • “hidden” electronic touch control panel
  • time delay option of up to 24 hours
  • powerful AquaStop leak protection
  • a built-in concealed heating element
  • self-balancing hinges and door

Frigidaire FFID2426TD Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 25 x 24 x 34.25 inches
Noise: 54 dB
Form Factor: Built-In
Controls Type: Midline
Capacity: Not Specified

Black Stainless Steel
Unlike other models in this post, this dishwasher is made out of black stainless steel material. It provides it with both a beautiful modern look and amazing durability. The best thing is that it requires very little maintenance.

Frigidaire FFID2426TD

Top Mount Controls
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with a top-mounted “hidden” control panel that features simple electronic touch controls. Thanks to that feature you will be able to easily choose between multiple cleaning cycles and options.

Full Coverage
Thanks to the specially designed BladeSpray wash arm your dishes will always get a powerful and thorough wash every single time. The wash arm rotates in a circular motion to ensure that it reaches all corners of the tub’s interior and provides your dishes with full coverage.

Frigidaire FFID2426TD Review

DishSense Technology
The best thing about this dishwasher with heated dry is that it comes with built-in DishSense Technology. That means that the dishwasher will be able to detect the soil level inside the tub and adjust the water consumption and the duration of the set cleaning cycle accordingly.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★★
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

from $600 to $800
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts

Short Description:

  • black stainless steel construction
  • 24-inch large capacity unit
  • top mount electronic touch controls
  • 2 to 6 hor delay start option
  • specially designed DishSense technology
  • built-in heating element for powerful drying performance

Samsung DW80R5060US Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 35 x 39 x 26 inches
Noise: Low, But Not Specified
Form Factor: Built-In
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 15 Place Settings

Large Capacity
This dishwasher features a 24-inch design that provides you with a large capacity. It features two separate dish racks, a cutlery rack, and a large cutlery basket and it can accommodate up to fifteen standard size place settings.

Samsung DW80R5060US 

Stainless Steel Tub
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it features a stainless steel interior that will provide amazing durability and resistance to damages such as rust and corrosion. In combination with the built-in concealed heater, it ensures a much more powerful drying performance.

StormWash Technology
Thanks to the specially designed StormWash technology you can be sure that your dishes will get a thorough wash every time. StormWash rotating spray arm will add extra cleaning power and remove all the hard-baked leftovers that a regular cycle might not be able to clean off.

Samsung DW80R5060US Review

Quiet Performance
The best thing about this best dishwasher with a heating element is that it produces very low noise levels. To be more precise, it creates only 48 decibels during the cleaning cycle. That means that you will be able to run the dishwasher any time you want and enjoy its peaceful performance.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★☆
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $800 to $1,100
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 15 place setting capacity
  • digital touch control panel
  • stainless steel interior and exterior
  • quiet performance around 48 decibels
  • specially designed StormWash technology
  • a built-in hidden heating element

FFCD2418US Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 37 x 27 x 26 inches
Noise: 55 dB
Form Factor: Built-In
Controls Type: Electronic
Capacity: 14 Place Settings

Built-In Design
Just like all models in this post, this dishwasher features a completely built-in stainless steel design too. This is a great thing because it means that the dishwasher will sit perfectly next to your other kitchen appliances and it will provide your home with a more sophisticated look.

Frigidaire FFCD2418US

Safety Child Lock
The amazing thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with a safety child lock feature that allows you to lock up the control panel. To activate the lock function, everything you need to do is touch the control lock option and hold it for three seconds.

Hard Food Disposer
Thanks to the high-quality hard food disposer that comes with this dishwasher you never have to worry about the food leftovers flying around the tub. The disposer will pulverize them in, dissolve them into small particles, and remove them from the tub.

Frigidaire FFCD2418US Review

Powerful Filtration System
In addition to the disposer, the powerful filtration system will provide additional safety to the water pump. The filter will catch all the remaining food particles inside the dishwasher’s tub and keep them from getting inside and clogging up the water pump.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★★☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $500 to $900
depending on eCommerce offer (Walmart) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 14 place setting capacity
  • features a completely built-in design
  • specially designed hard food disposer
  • a built-in powerful filtration system
  • comes with an Energy Star and NSF certificate

Beko DIS25841 Dishwasher

SPECIFICATION:

Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 32 x 18 x 21 inches
Noise: 48 dB
Form Factor: Built-In
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 8 Place Settings

18-Inch Design
This dishwasher designed for drying features a bit more narrow 18-inch design that can accommodate up to eight standard-size place settings. This means that it is the perfect choice for a smaller family and everyone who has a somewhat smaller, space-challenging kitchen.

Beko DIS25841

User-Friendly Control Panel
You won’t have any trouble setting up the perfect cleaning mode. This dishwasher comes with a user-friendly control panel that provides you with simple touch controls. You will be able to choose between multiple cleaning cycles each specially designed to provide powerful cleaning performance.

Time Display
The control panel also features a built-in LED time display that counts down the remaining time the dishwasher needs to complete the set cleaning cycle. Thanks to that feature you will be able to easily check when the dishwasher will be done.

Beko DIS25841 Review

Sanitizing Performance
Another amazing thing about this 18-inch dishwasher with heated dry is that it provides you with a powerful sanitizing performance. That means that it will remove almost all household bacteria from your dishes and provide perfectly clean dishes every time you use it.

OUR RATINGS

Overall: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Power: ★★★★☆
Size: ★★★☆☆
Weight: ★★★★★
Funcionality: ★★★★☆

PRICE RANGE

from $600 to $1,000
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts

Short Description:

  • 8 standard size place setting capacity
  • narrow 18-inch fully integrated design
  • a user-friendly control panel with touch controls
  • provides a powerful sanitizing performance
  • comes with an Energy Star certificate

How Can I Make My Dishwasher Dry Better?

No matter if your dishwasher isn’t that good at drying or you just wish to optimize the drying results, here are a few details that will help you to have the best possible drying performance.

  • Always unload the bottom rack first. With that action, residual water on the upper racks won’t spill on them.
    Leave a bit of space between the dishes when you’re loading the dishwasher. Don’t let them touch each other so they will dry better as the hot air will easier circulate between them.
  • Use rinse aid. The chemicals in the rinse aid cause water to sheet off the surface of the dishes. That helps them to dry, as well as to prevent spots on glasses.
  • Open the door when the cycle is finished and let moist air out.
Adding Drying Agent To The Dishwasher
Pexels

How Do I Add A Drying Agent To My Dishwasher?

Fully open the dishwasher door. Turn the dispenser knob to “open” or “refill”. Lift it. Pour the rinse aid into the opening until the indicator points to “full”. Carefully close the opening.

How To Take Care Of A Dishwasher With Drying Option?

You don’t need to do anything different than with a classic dishwasher. Once a week, clean the filter and check the drain if it’s clogged. For cleaning the rest of the interior, run one cycle with only white vinegar in the dishwasher, and another cycle with only baking soda in it.

To Wrap It Up

The best dishwasher designed for drying on this list is the Smeg STU8647 Panel Ready Dishwasher. It provides you with amazing user-friendly features including FlexiZone half-load option, comes with a built-in water softener, and features powerful AquaStop leak protection. Drying option is included in a lot of high-quality dishwashers nowaday but it’s always best to check if the model you’re buying offers this function, too.



Patricia
As a former cook and a pastry chef, Patricia knows how to recognize fresh ingredients and appreciates their quality above all else. Her ideal day is spent at a local farmer’s market looking for the fruits, vegetables, and herbs she can combine and use to make meals for her loved ones. She is also a big coffee enthusiast and enjoys trying out different coffee brews while traveling.