Most dishwashers are great at cleaning but not so much when it comes to drying. If you’re tired of towel-drying your damp dishes, we’ve got your back.
Here at ApplianceGeeked, we assessed the drying capabilities of different dishwashers and identified the top performers. With these units in your kitchen, there’s no more need for towel-drying or air-drying the dishes.
How We Picked
- Drying Performance: Modern dishwashers have gotten better at drying but several still struggle with plastics.
We rated the performance of different dishwashers by determining how well they were able to dry a wide range of materials, including plastics, glass, ceramics, and stainless steel.
- Cleaning Performance: Dishwashers with impressive drying abilities are usually great cleaners, too. To assess their cleaning power, we rated them based on how well they were able to eliminate a wide range of stains.
- Build Material: Stainless steel is better than plastic because it’s sturdy and long-lasting. It’s also better at retaining heat, which can significantly improve the drying performance of your dishwasher.
Thus, we looked at the build material of the dishwashers and gave bonus points to those with stainless steel tubs.
- Features: Modern dishwashers have state-of-the-art features for extra convenience and better performance. We gave bonus points to the units that have advanced drying technologies and optional drying programs.
- Rack Flexibility: We assessed the rack layouts because they play an important role in the drying process. With flexible, easy-to-use racks, you can arrange the dishes to optimize drying.
- Noise Level: We chose dishwashers with low to moderate noise levels that won’t keep you up at night. Since decibel ratings can vary throughout the cycle, we rated them based on their peak noise level.
- Value for Money: Dishwashers with excellent drying abilities usually come with a hefty price tag, but not all can give you the best bang for your buck.
We assessed the features and functionality of the units to determine whether they are worth your hard-earned money.
Miele G 7366 SCVi
| Brand | Miele |
| Model | G 7366 SCVi |
| Dimensions | 23 9/16” x 33 11/16″ – 36 ¼” x 22 7/16” |
| Installation Type | Built-Under |
| Place Settings | 16 |
| Noise Level | 42 dBA |
| Number of Racks | 3 |
| Wash Programs | Normal, Pots & Pans, SaniWash, Clean Machine, QuickIntense Wash, Eco Mode, Extra Dry, Express, IntenseZone, AutoDos, Crystal & China |
| Features | QuickIntense Wash, 3D MultiFlex Cutlery Tray, AutoDos, AutoOpen Drying, DirectSensor Controls, Hot Water Connection |
| Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
Our Overall Rating: 9.4/10
Pros
- Automatically dispenses detergent
- Automatically opens the door for drying
- Spacious, flexible racks
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- Expensive
It’s no surprise that a Miele dishwasher has made it to our list. Its high-end dishwashers are some of the best at cleaning and drying on the market, especially its G 7366 SCVi model.
Miele uses AutoOpen drying technology to get bone-dry results. It automatically opens the dishwasher door at the end of the wash program for 30 minutes, allowing the excess moisture to escape the tub.
If you like running the dishwasher at night and hate waking up to damp dishes, this is a really great solution. By popping the door open, the dishwasher prevents the hot steam from turning into moisture on your dishes.
Miele’s G 7366 dishwasher is a luxury dishwasher with a price to match. However, we think it’s splurge-worthy because of its impressive performance, flexible racks, and extra programs.
More importantly, Miele has a strong record for reliability as its dishwashers aren’t as prone to faults as others. Although some would argue that it’s difficult to repair them when they do fail, we would disagree.
You just need to find the best appliance repair services that are trained to handle Miele dishwashers.
Customer Reviews
“Excellent dishwasher! Super quiet – can hardly tell it running. Delivered with all standard US hookups – installation was a breeze. Silverware rack is a great design, can handle a lot of silverware! Excellent cleaning action – no residue left on anything as yet. Auto Open feature on door at end of cycle is a very nice touch.” Paul, abt.com
“Great dishwasher. My dishes have never been cleaner. This is my second Miele, the first lasted 15 years. I got the one with AutoDos not by choice but because it was in stock. I didn’t think I cared about the small act of adding soap but it turns out it is a huge convenience that I really like. Miele makes the beat dishwashers and this is no exception.” Terri, abt.com
Bosch SHP78CM5N
| Brand | Bosch |
| Model | SHP78CM5N |
| Dimensions | 23 9/16” x 33 7/8” x 23 3/4” |
| Installation Type | Built-Under |
| Place Settings | 16 |
| Noise Level | 42 dBA |
| Number of Racks | 3 |
| Wash Programs | Heavy, Normal, Auto, Favorite, and Eco |
| Features | CrystalDry Technology, Precision Wash, AquaStop |
| Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
Our Overall Rating: 8.4/10
Pros
- Fully dries plastic items
- Cleans stubborn stains
- Remote monitoring and control
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- No Child Lock function
One of the best dishwashers for drying is Bosch’s SHP78CM5N. It leaves your dishes, even your plastic containers, bone dry at the end of every program.
Bosch’s patented CrystalDry technology is key to the dishwasher’s powerful drying performance. Compared to PureDry technology, this advanced system can get dishes up to 60% drier.
CrystalDry technology collects moisture from the wash cycle and uses natural minerals to heat it to 176˚F. Then, the warm air is spread throughout the tub to dry the dishes.
The dishwasher’s evenly-spaced racks and flexibility promote better air circulation, leading to impressive drying results. Since it has a stainless steel tub, it also contributes to the process by retaining heat longer.
Without a Child Lock function, it might not be an ideal choice for families that have curious little ones. But for everyone else, this should be no problem at all.
If you’re set on buying a Bosch dishwasher, you might as well get a newer model like the SHP78CM5N as it has CrystalDry technology.
What we like the most about it is that it’s available at a reasonable cost. With its strong performance, durable build, and quiet noise levels, it offers great value for its price.
Customer Reviews
“My new Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher is an excellently designed product. It is very, very quiet. I really like the way the silverware is loaded on its side edge. This is a change from the past, but my household successfully made this change pleasantly and rapidly. The silverware, dishes and glasses all are coming out very clean. Drying is really good too. The door has a clean, understated elegant appearance. I installed the washer myself in the normal manner and in the normal time frame. The manuals are helpful, providing good information. I highly recommend the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher. I would glady buy it again.” Rich B., Bosch
“We are very happy so far. We have had it a couple of months and the hardest thing work getting used to is not rinsing our dishes before we put them in the dishwasher. Her dishes are coming out very clean and dry. We have never had a dishwasher that actually dries as well as this one. It is very quiet. Her last dishwasher was quite as well. Our last dishwasher was a dish sterilizer but not a dishwasher. The Bosch 800 is a very nice upgrade for us. I would highly recommend this brand and model.” Mark, Bosch
LG LDTH7972S
| Brand | LG |
| Model | LDTH7972S |
| Dimensions | 28″ x 34 3/4″ x 29 5/8″ |
| Installation Type | Built-Under |
| Place Settings | 15 |
| Noise Level | 42 dBA |
| Number of Racks | 3 |
| Wash Programs | Auto, Normal, Heavy, Delicate, 1 Hour Wash & Dry |
| Features | SenseClean Wash System, EasyRack Plus, Leak Detection, WiFi-enabled |
| Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
Our Overall Rating: 7.6/10
Pros
- Powerful 1-hour wash cycle
- Flexible racks
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
Cons
- Dishes at the center of the bottom rack are less dry
- Struggles with plastic
LG’s LDTH7972S dishwasher has made it to our list because of its top-tier performance and affordability. It combines QuadWash Pro technology with Dynamic Heat Dry to deliver sparkling clean and bone-dry dishes in an hour.
The Dynamic Heat Dry system uses a hidden heating element to create and circulate hot air in the stainless steel tub. Then, it pushes the heat through the vents to prevent moisture from forming.
We like that it can dry glassware without any white streaks or water spots. It can even fully dry stainless steel and ceramics.
One drawback is that it can’t get plastics bone-dry. It also struggles to dry items at the center of the bottom rack.
The best solution is to use Rinse Aid, especially when it comes to plastic items. Then, you should arrange the dishes properly to optimize your dishwasher’s performance.
Compared to other dishwashers here, this unit isn’t as spacious. The upper rack only fits items up to 9” in height, but the bottom rack can fit full-sized dinner plates measuring 12.5”.
On the bright side, LG’s LDTH7972S has impressive adjustability. It can accommodate a variety of dishes in a single load without compromising performance.
Customer Reviews
“Our old dishwasher could never get the dishes dry even with rinse aid. Our new LG Dishwasher cleans and dries the dishes. It will even have them dry by morning if I use the night dry option even if there is no rinse aid. Love being able to empty the dishwash and just put dishes away.” t999, LG
“This dishwasher is super quiet. I love that. Dishes are clean and for the most part dry. The top shelf is only semi useful as it is so close to the top of the dishwasher that only small flat things can sit there but that is the only downside to this.” Crownjake, LG
GE Profile PDT755SYRFS
| Brand | GE |
| Model | Profile PDT755SYRFS |
| Dimensions | 23 3/4” x 34” x 24” |
| Installation Type | Built-Under |
| Place Settings | 16 |
| Noise Level | 42 dBA |
| Number of Racks | 3 |
| Wash Programs | 1 Hour Wash, Auto Sense, Heavy Wash, Light Wash, Normal Wash, Rinse and Hold (SmartHQ cycle) |
| Features | Delay Start, WiFi Connectivity, Bottle Wash Jets, UltraFresh System, Dry Boost, Microban AntiMicrobial Technology, Piranha Hard Food Disposer |
| Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
Our Overall Rating: 8/10
Pros
- Has bottle wash jets
- Auto soil-sensing capabilities
- WiFi connectivity
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- Struggles drying plastics
GE’s Profile PDT755SYRFS dishwasher has earned a spot on our list for three reasons: its reliable performance, functionality, and great value.
The Dry Boost with Fan Assist program does a better job at drying plastic items than a heated dry cycle. That’s because it uses a higher final rinse temperature and extends the dry time.
It has a fan to remove moisture from the tub, and then uses a heating element to raise the temperature of the air inside. With Fan Assist, the hot air is further circulated in the tub to dry the dishes evenly.
The dishwasher can get most dishes dry, but it struggles a bit when it comes to plastic items. But not to worry, Rinse Aid can improve the results, which can lead to table-ready dishes.
Compared to drying, its cleaning performance is a little better. Since it has 40 silverware jets and 4 bottle jets, it has incredible wash coverage, which can get into those hard-to-reach places.
GE’s Profile PDT755SYRFS offers incredible value for its price. It won’t cost an arm and a leg, but it is equipped with a wide range of features for better performance and added convenience.
Customer Reviews
“We like the idea of the third rack. It keeps the small stuff from getting lost in the machine. It is very quiet. It’s good that there is a display, I can’t tell it’s running most of the time. It dries very well, the glasses are streak free and the dishes are dry when the operation is complete. No need to sit there with a dish towel.” TJCjr, AJ Madison
“I love how easy it is to lower the top rack when needed. The bottle jets do a thorough job. The stainless steel interior has the benefit of remaining spotless while reflecting the heat to ensure everything is dry. It is also very quiet.” WJAND, AJ Madison
Samsung DW80R9950UT
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | DW80R9950UT |
| Dimensions | 23.9″ x 33.9″ x 25″ |
| Installation Type | Built-Under |
| Place Settings | 15 |
| Noise Level | 39 dBA |
| Number of Racks | 3 |
| Wash Programs | Auto, Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Express 60, Rinse Only, Self Clean |
| Features | AutoRelease Door Drying, Delay Start, Zone Booster, WiFi Connectivity |
| Tub Material | Stainless Steel |
Our Overall Rating: 8/10
Pros
- Short wash cycles
- Has a half-load function
- Low noise operations
- Energy Star-certified
Cons
- Expensive
- Few wash cycles
Samsung’s dishwashers aren’t exactly known for their superb drying abilities, but the DW80R9950UT might be an exception. The SmartDry technology paired with the AutoRelease Door drying system is a game-changer for the brand.
During the final 5 to 15 minutes of a wash cycle, this dishwasher automatically pops the door open to let hot air out and allow cool air to enter. It waits for the temperature to reach 122˚F to make sure the steam isn’t scalding hot when it’s expelled.
An internal fan also activates to decrease humidity and moisture, which protects your countertop from damage.
The DW80R9950UT dishwasher doesn’t have as many features as other similar-priced units on the market. However, if you’re looking for a high-performing dishwasher without the extra bells and whistles, you will like this dishwasher.
Aside from its impressive drying power, this dishwasher is great at cleaning. Thanks to its sliding spray bar and AquaBlast jets, it can give a full tub of dishes a thorough clean by moving from corner to corner.
What we like the most about it is its speed. Even with shorter cycles, it can eliminate tough stains and leave your dishes bone-dry.
Customer Reviews
“The Bespoke Smart Dishwasher is by far the best I have ever owned. The features built into this dishwasher are innovative and fantastic! Like the auto dry cycle where the dishwasher has an air blower built into the unit, and in the final stages of the drying process, the door automatically opens about 5 inches to allow the steam out, and the air blower continues to run for a short period to ensure all water droplets are completely dried off the dishes. Also, it is so quiet that you must listen carefully to know if the dishwasher is running. I have had other high-end dishwashers in the past, and the Bespoke Smart Dishwasher ranks well above the others I have owned.” Mike, Samsung
“We love this new dishwasher! It is soooo quiet and cleans our dishes effectively and efficiently. There are three levels to place dishes, the upper level we use for knives and spatulas, the second level is great for cups and bowls, and the bottom third level for everything else. What’s great about the racks is that they are completely customizable, you can bend up or fold down to accommodate whatever you’re washing-this is great for those huge salad bowls! We purchased this dishwasher in the navy steel and love how well it pairs with our bespoke oven and refrigerator. Couldn’t be happier with our purchase!” Jc1988, Samsung
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