In this article, you will learn about the best drying dishwashers from Samsung, KitchenAid, Miele, Bosch, and Thermador.
There will be some new products to consider. You will understand how all dishwashers dry before you buy one.
We will also cover why your dishes and plastic dishware may not be drying and how you can fix it at home before you buy a new dishwasher.
I've personally had two service calls on my new dishwasher for a "problem" that was only caused by my own misunderstanding.
So, let's get into it.
Until recently, there were only two methods of drying dishes.
Before you throw away a perfectly good dishwasher, let's see if you are washing your dishes correctly.
You probably are.
But if you're not, it will save you some money and aggravation.
Plastics do not dry, because it is lighter and thinner than your plates and bowls. It doesn't retain heat, so it doesn't dry as well.
Over the last few years, many brands have added features to improve drying. The following are the top four drying dishwashers to consider:
The better Samsung, Miele, and Bosch dishwashers pop open at the end of the cycle. It's not a unique innovation, yet it's effective. The moisture and steam are released, and the drying process is sped up.
Let's look at the best drying dishwashers you should consider and why. We included three more great models for the best drying dishwashers along with the top four.
This Samsung dishwasher has the heating element but also pops open at the end of the cycle, automatically releasing heat and speeding the drying process.
Many of their higher-end "WaterWall" dishwashers have the same technology. However, this dishwasher is relatively inexpensive at $579/$499, with good cycles and features.
KitchenAid has the recessed element at the bottom of the dishwasher but also employs a fan to remove the heat. They advertise their ProDry as the best drying feature without using Rinse Aid.
Like Samsung's dishwasher, this KitchenAid model has, in some cases, better features like quietness than KitchenAid's best dishwasher.
KitchenAid Dishwasher KDTE334GPS With ProDry [Video Review]
Until 2019, Miele has had the best drying for any dishwasher using a simple system. The basic Miele dishwashers have an airport at the bottom to allow air to the side of the dishwasher.
The colder outside air attracts the hot steamier air and is then dissipated.
Think about when you jog outside in the winter, and the hot air rises off of you. Heat is attracted to cold in the dishwasher in the same manner.
The better Miele dishwashers will also pop open at the end of the cycle to allow air out of the dishwasher.
The best Miele dishwasher, the Diamond, will have two ports to allow even more air inside the dishwasher for even faster drying.
Miele is a good drying dishwasher. It may be the best for washing the dishes with three full spray arms versus two for most of the others.
Miele Crystal Vs. Dimension Series Dishwashers [Video Comparison]
New Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher With CrystalDry [Video Review]
Bosch and Thermador (both owned by BSH Home Appliances) now use a volcanic element called Zeolite to speed the drying process. I looked up Zeolite when Thermador first introduced it.
It has wide uses from supplements to clean industrial ups.
In a dishwasher, Zeolite absorbs moisture and increases heat. Along with the door popping open, these dishwashers are now the best drying products you can buy.
We tested the new Thermador Star Sapphire dishwasher, and it works well even in its 20-minute wash and dry cycles.
You also never have to buy or replace Zeolite in this dishwasher, either.
Bosch and Thermador both have similar drying, but Thermador has more cycles as well as a 20-minute wash and dry cycle for light and medium soiled dishes on their best model.
Bosch is $1259. Thermador starts at $2299 with their best at $2799. You do receive a $1399 credit for buying Thermador qualified cooking.
New Thermador Star Sapphire Dishwasher [Video Review]
Samsung is the least expensive at $499 on sale to $679 normally. KitchenAid is $749-1099.
Miele starts at $999 with its best drying dishwasher at $2,699. Their middle-priced dishwashers have the auto door and their drying system for $1,000 less.
Bosch is $1,249 for their CrystalDry. You can buy the AutoClean Bosch with just the door opening at $899. Thermador is $2,299 (but buy their range, and it is $999 after the rebate).
First, if you use Jet-Dry and open the dishwasher to release the heat before putting away your dishes, that will help your current dishwasher.
For a new dishwasher purchase, look for a heating element to help a bit. Samsung is inexpensive. Look at the KitchenAid KDTE334 as it dries well and cleans well too.
Miele has the most logical system to dry by introducing colder air into the dishwasher. It does a nice job, but you will have to spend $999 ($899 on sale) on a basic model.
Thermador and Bosch are now the best. You can buy the AutoDry or automatic door opening Bosch dishwashers at $800 and up with their best CrystalDry at $1259.
Thermador has that interesting 20-minute cycle. Buy it with a Thermador range, and it may be worth it at $1,499. The Bosch CrystalDry is a smarter purchase as a singular purchase without a package.
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Dishwashers dry better when they are working.
We dedicate a whole series of posts to reliability, but the following are the breakdown percentages of every brand for the most reliable dishwashers. Bosch and Samsung are the most reliable, followed by Miele.
Most Reliable Dishwashers For 2019
| Service Qty | Shipped Qty | Service Ratio | |
| Signature Kitchen Suite | 0 | 17 | 0.00 % |
| Whirlpool | 44 | 1030 | 4.27 % |
| Gaggenau | 2 | 42 | 4.76 % |
| LG Electronics | 4 | 78 | 5.13 % |
| Samsung | 85 | 915 | 9.29 % |
| Maytag | 3 | 29 | 10.34 % |
| Bosch Appliances | 303 | 2735 | 11.08 % |
| Miele | 155 | 1078 | 14.38 % |
| KitchenAid | 115 | 705 | 16.31 % |
| Thermador | 123 | 711 | 17.30 % |
| Jenn-Air | 170 | 908 | 18.72 % |
| Blomberg | 6 | 28 | 21.43 % |
| Fisher & Paykel | 42 | 175 | 24.00 % |
| Bosch Benchmark | 38 | 158 | 24.05 % |
| Asko | 47 | 195 | 24.10 % |
| Amana | 3 | 11 | 27.27 % |
| Frigidaire | 10 | 22 | 45.45 % |
| Frigidaire Gallery | 5 | 8 | 62.50 % |
| Electrolux | 2 | 2 | 100.00 % |
| Frigidaire Professional | 2 | 2 | 100.00 % |
| Grand Total | 1159 | 8852 | 13.09 % |
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid, and other dishwashers? Download the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips to all the major brands. Over 620,000 people have downloaded a Yale Guide.
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