At a Glance:
How Do Dishwashers Dry Dishes?
Why is My Dishwasher Not Drying?
Recommended Dishwashers That Dry
Are your dishwasher dishes still wet at the end of the cycle? Are you constantly asking yourself “Why is my dishwasher not drying my dishes?” If this is you, we get it. Dealing with a dishwasher not drying dishes can severely disrupt the daily flow inside your home, making the process of dishes from start to finish longer than it should be. The solution? We cover that in this guide as we look at some of the most common reasons a dishwasher won’t dry dishes, explain what to do if this is the case, and share some of the best drying dishwashers on the market today. Follow along!
Discover the Best Dishwasher Deals
Say goodbye to wet dishes and hello to a dishwasher that can dry them for you with our selection at Don's Appliances.
Shop NowDo Dishwashers Dry Dishes?
Do all dishwashers dry dishes? You would think so, but that is not the case with some models. A big part of the dishwashing routine is not only cleaning dishes but also drying them at the end of a cycle. The biggest factor in how dry dishes end up at the end of a cycle depends on what the tub is made of.
Dishwashers are built with interior tubs that are made of either stainless steel or plastic. Dishwashers with plastic tubs don’t retain as much heat, which causes the drying efficiency to diminish compared to steel tubs. While dishwashers with plastic tubs are more affordable, users might find their dishes still wet after dishwasher cycles are finished. In contrast, stainless steel dishwasher tubs offer greater drying efficiency by retaining heat, whether through heated or condensation drying while maintaining a more durable construction and odor-resistant properties.
How Do Dishwashers Dry Dishes?
While the makeup of your dishwasher tub plays a vital role in the efficiency of the drying process, there are several different ways dishwashers can dry dishes. Let’s go over the various drying methods built into modern dishwashers.
| Drying Method | Overview | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated Drying | A heated dry dishwasher uses heating elements to warm up the air in the interior after the final rinse is complete. When the temperature rises, it causes the water on the dishes to evaporate. This is one of the most effective ways that dishwashers dry dishes. | ||
Why is My Dishwasher Not Drying?
A dishwasher not drying can be a huge disruption to a household’s day-to-day routine. If you have a dishwasher not drying but aren’t sure of the cause, review these common reasons your dishwasher leaves dishes wet, and whether or not it’s an easy fix or cause for a professional repair. Follow along for tips and information on how to fix a dishwasher that is not drying.
Overcrowded Dishwasher
One of the most common reasons a dishwasher won’t dry dishes is simply because it is overcrowded. Ensure that dishes are properly spaced out and not piled on top of each other, that way your dishwasher can reach every crack and crevice.
Learn More: Are Your Dishes Not Drying? Dishwasher Dry Settings & How to Use Them
A Blocked Vent
There is a chance your dishwasher has a blocked vent. To check this, follow these steps:
- After reviewing the manual and determining where the vent is, check the vent in the dishwasher door to see if the vent is open, partially closed, or fully closed.
- If the vent is closed or partially closed, you should be able to open it if there is not a blockage.
- If your vent will not open, there is a chance it needs to be replaced. Call a professional to replace a dishwasher vent, as this can be a tedious, difficult job that requires substantial knowledge and experience.
A Bad Dishwasher Heating Element
There is a chance the heating element could be damaged or broken. Check to see if your heating element is damaged by following these instructions:
- Disconnect the dishwasher from the outlet.
- Locate the heating element, which is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
- Visually inspect the heating element to see any visible cracks or burned areas.
- If there is visible damage, you will need to replace the element.
- If you see no damage to the heating element, take off the panel underneath the door, take the heating element off, and check the connectors for corrosion.
It is best to consult a professional technician to deal with a damaged heating element. Checking for a damaged heating element requires special tools like a multimeter while dealing with electrical, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Learn More: Which Dishwashers Dry Your Dishes Best?
Recommended Dishwashers That Dry
We don’t blame you if you’re tired of puddles of water pooling atop your dishes. These are our top dishwashers that can help you retire the dish towel and enjoy a smoother dishwashing routine.
Bosch® 800 Series 24" Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
This Bosch 800 Series dishwasher creates a thorough, streak-free clean with Bosch’s patented CrystalDry™ technology. By turning moisture into heat, this advanced technology gets your dishes 60% dryer than competing models, allowing you to get put dishes away straight from each load. Coupled with the powerful PrecisionWash with PowerControl washing technology, you can count on clean, dry dishes every time.
★ Featured Bosch SHP78CM5N Review:
“It is extremely quiet and cleans even the most baked on food remnants from pots and pans. We especially like the powered spray arm and the mineral dry feature is amazing in how it works. My wife really likes the handiness of the top utensil rack. All in all this washer is attractive and does a superb job of cleaning the dishes.”
LG 24" PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Smart Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Get table-ready dishes in half the time with LG’s Quad Wash Pro and Dynamic Heat Dry. These two powerful technologies go to work to get your dishes ready in one hour, creating a fast, efficient cycle for when you need your dishes in a flash. Great for families or individuals who strive for ease and consistent results, this dishwasher is sure to give you the convenience you need through LG’s ThinQ app.
★ Featured LG LDTH7972S Review:
“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 dishwasher and just put dishes away.”
KitchenAid® 24" PrintShield™ Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This KitchenAid Dishwasher
Using a heating element and fan-enabled ProDry System, this 24” KitchenAid dishwasher offers you optimal drying technology. The use of both heat and a built-in fan gives you results that you can count on, making less time towel-drying dishes, and more time focusing on the important things. With various convenience features like an adjustable middle rack, stemware holders, and the largest third rack in its class, this dishwasher was designed to bring a sense of ease to even the busiest schedules.
★ KitchenAid KDPM804KPS Review:
“It's even more amazing how many dishes this dishwasher holds. The 3rd rack is so useful being able to hold an array of highball glasses and coffee mugs. The middle row being able to accommodate the large 6-qt stand mixer bowl is awesome. Then let's talk about clean. My dishes come out superbly clean and dry when pro-dry is used. Might I dare admit that I don't do any pre-rinse before loading.”
Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Flexible from the inside out, this Cafe 24” stainless steel dishwasher is perfect for households that want to have freedom in the way they do dishes. From loading flexibility on the interior to customizable handles, users will love this dishwasher for unlimited customization. As far as performance, expect precision for even your most delicate dishes, thanks to Cafe’s Pressure Jets and Dual Convection Ultra Dry feature.
★ Featured Cafe CDT875P2NS1 Review:.
“... Love how quiet it is. Cleans and dries very well. The deep clean silverware jets do a wonderful job. The bottle jets are great for sports bottles. Having a small display on the door is great. …”
Electrolux 24" Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Electrolux Dishwasher
Are you a lover of the finer things in life? If so, then this Electrolux dishwasher may be right for you. Offering luxurious features like a quiet operation, luxury-glide dish racks, a multi-touch user interface, and much more, this dishwasher brings a sense of luxury with every load. With Electrolux’s Max-Dry Technology, you get a final boost that is not only hot enough to dry your dishes but sanitize them as well.
Miele 24" Built-in Dishwasher
This Miele 24” dishwasher offers an optimum drying performance through smart SensorDry technology. Checking and measuring the load size and moisture, the sensor adjusts the drying temperature to give your dishes a consistent dry, without using too much energy in the process. If you are looking for a luxury dishwasher that gives you premium features with greater energy savings, then this Miele dishwasher is perfect for you.
Having a dishwasher that dries dishes is not only a time-saving convenience, but it’s also an important part of keeping our dishes spot-free and our families healthier. Through drying methods like high heat, dishwashers kill bacteria that are prone to moisture-ridden dishes, making your dishes not only table-ready but creating a haven for your health and hygiene. If you have a dishwasher not drying and think it’s time for a replacement, be sure to check out the selection of dishwashers at Don’s Appliance. From built-in dishwashers to portable options, Don’s has everything you need to create a dishwashing routine you can count on.
Learn More: Don's Dishwasher Buying Guide
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Dishwashers at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop dishwashers online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you solve a dishwasher not drying and more — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: What Are the Best Types of Dishwashers?