January 5th, 2024 | 7 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect dishwasher with our Dishwasher Buying Guide
You might not even realize that drying your Tupperware with a towel after running it through the dishwasher is a routine.
The dishwasher cycle or even the brand doesn't matter. You seemingly just do it out of habit.
Since the last time you bought a dishwasher, many companies have new drying features that claim to dry plastics.
So we thought it would be fun to test these various features using the worst-case scenario: red sauce slathered all over plastic.
First, I'll explain why this article is useful and what helpful advice it offers. Then, let's check out which new features work.
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My Experience with Two Dishwashers and Their Drying Systems
I've had an odd year.
I lived in an apartment in JP; that's Jamaica Plain if you live out of town.
In my JP apartment, the older Bosch dishwasher could not even remotely dry plastics.
Granted, Bosch added two new features within the last two years. You will read about that later, but this Bosch dishwasher didn't dry my dishes at all.
In my most recent move last September, I upgraded to a Miele dishwasher. It does an excellent job drying plastics.
But you don't have to spend a fortune on a dishwasher for it to dry your dishes.
After living in my apartment for a year and experiencing problems with my old dishwasher, I've learned what features are the most important.
This article will give you a better idea of what to look for in a new dishwasher.
Let's dive in.
Why Plastics Do Not Dry in a Dishwasher
I don't remember plastics not drying in the old dishwashers when I started at Yale in 1986.
Then again, it was a long time ago.
In the mid-1990s, Bosch introduced dishwashers with metal interiors and quiet operation, all at an affordable price.
Every manufacturer copied Bosch with a similar design.
That is where the problems began.
I was once told that water doesn't condensate well on stainless steel, which is the reason for Jet-Dry.
But that makes almost no sense because the plastic is on rack.
Top 4 Reasons Why Your Plastics Aren't Dry:
- Plastics are less dense, so the heat can't penetrate like the more solid dishes.
- Some plastics are water-repellent, so the water just beads up.
- Plastics allow water droplets to cling, unlike plates.
- Plastic doesn't retain heat like solid plates.
If you have a Tupperware party, bring a towel.
The Two Most Common Drying Cycles
Why Condensation Dry Doesn't Dry Plastics:
Condensation drying is the primary drying cycle for most stainless steel tub dishwashers, at least until a few years ago.
The cycle is the residual heat from the wash, plus JetDry or another additive, and lots of time.
The efficiency is great because the dishwasher is so passive. It doesn't actively dry.
As simple as it seems, the dishes do dry. The plastics don't, as we know.
Why a Heated Drying Cycle Doesn't Dry Plastics:
I never understood heated drying.
Adding heat with an element to dry an already hot dishwasher doesn't seem like it would work on plastics - and it doesn't.
KitchenAid, among other brands, uses heated Drying.
Which Dishwasher Dries the Best (Even Plastics)?
We tested five dishwashers of the most popular brands with new drying features.
Below are the brands and descriptions.
Best Dishwasher Drying Systems
How a Miele Dishwasher Dries Plastics
Miele has two series, the G 5000, and the more expensive G 7000.
They dry similarly, but the G 7000 is a bit better.
Miele's Drying Systems
1. Miele ExtraDry
Miele allows air through a port at the bottom of the dishwasher. That cooler air from your kitchen is directed to the side of the dishwasher.
The hot air is attracted to the cooler side and is dissipated as water.
Think of it this way: when you jog outside during winter, you see the steam off your head. It's the same principle as hot air being attracted to cold or vice versa.
Either way, the logic is sound.
2. AutoOpen Drying
The door opens after 30 minutes at the end of the cycle. It's clever because that excess steam can reform into that thin water coating on your glasses.
The door opening prevents that from happening
Differences Between the G 5000 and G 7000
The G 7000 series has two intakes at the bottom, so air is dissipated faster for two sides versus one, at least in theory.
The better G 7000 has the world's only automatic dispenser, the AutoDos.
We cover that mostly in our cleaning video. However, the proper disbursement of detergent may lead to better drying.
How a Bosch Dishwasher Dries Plastics
Bosch has five series of dishwashers.
The 100 and 300 are strictly condensation.
Bosch Dishwasher Drying Systems
1. AutoAir
The 500 series has the "AutoAir."
Like Miele, the door opens at the end of the cycle, but that's the only added drying feature.
2. CrystalDry
However, their two top series, the 800 and Benchmark series with "CrystalDry," are the most interesting.
A few years ago, Bosch figured out that zeolite stored in a chamber dries effectively.
How would they figure that out, I always wondered?
Zeolite is a volcanic element used in almost anything good, from supplements to environmental clean-ups (I checked it out on Wikipedia)
In a dishwasher, zeolite emits heat and absorbs moisture, which is a dishwasher drying cycle.
You will see later whether that is true.
How a Beko Dishwasher Dries Plastics
Beko has a unique wash system. We will see how unique it is in a future video.
Beko Drying System
1. Condensation Drying
They use straight condensation dry.
2. SelfDry
However, their "SelfDry" system opens the door at the end of the cycle.
It's like Miele but without the air intake. Many dishwashers have an automatic opening door.
How a LG Dishwasher Dries Plastics
LG Drying Systems
1. Dynamic Heat Dry
LG's Dynamic Heat Dry feature offers faster and more thorough results. By using steam, LG ensures that your dishes come out dry.
Now, it can be argued steam is a byproduct of heat. Steam aids in drying by ensuring uniform heat and moisture distribution in the dishwasher.
However, LG is more deliberate in the application in two ways: ventilation and air circulation.
LG dishwashers incorporate active ventilation systems.
These systems involve fans that circulate air inside the dishwasher. The movement of air accelerates the evaporation of moisture from the dishes.
My next-door neighbor had an LG dishwasher. I was more interested in the washing and brought a pan with caked-on food to assess whether it was cleaned.
I will save the answer on its performance for the next article on washing.
How a GE Profile Dishwasher Dries Plastics
After manufacturing subpar dishwashers and appliances in general until about eight years ago, the whole line is new, including their dishwashers.
GE Profile Dishwasher Drying System
1. Dry Boost
The "Dry Boost" dries exactly the opposite of Miele. The fan pulls heat and moisture out of the dishwasher.
I have never seen that before. Then again, the Profile is brand new.
Note: We tested the single Dry Boost model, the PDT755SYRFS. They have a better model, the PDT785SYNFS, with two fans instead of one.
Test Results: Which Dishwasher Dries Plastics the Best?
Best: Bosch
The CrystalDry works best at almost completely drying the plastics.
Remember, this feature is only available on the best models, the 800 and the Benchmark.
So you must spend at least $1,349-$1,399 to buy a dishwasher with the Zeolite inside.
You do not have to spend $1,799 for their best Benchmark series.
Close Runner-Up: Miele
Miele's drying is simple yet effective.
Letting air inside to dry your dishes works with the door, releasing the excess steam 30 minutes after the cycle.
We had some residual moisture, more than Bosch, but not much more.
We tested Miele's best series at $2,399.
Most of these features are available on Miele's' basic at $1,199.
Third Place and Worth a Consideration: LG
LG is third. Their Dynamic Heat Drying System was decent but not as good as the previous two.
Their dishwasher had more residual moisture left on the plastic.
Steam is useful, especially on the wash side, as you will see in the washing video.
Decent: Beko and GE Profile
Beko and GE Profile left the most water.
I think there is value in the door popping open so excess moisture leaves and doesn't reform, whether it's called "AutoAir" by Bosch, "SelfDry" by Beko, or "AutoOpen" by Miele.
However, you will still need to dry your plastics more than the others.
Ditto with GE Profile and pulling air outside the dishwasher. Maybe I should have tested the two fans, but they're more popular and left water for you to dry after the cycle.
What Are the Best Drying Cycles and Brands for Dry Plastics?
1. Bosch with CrystalDry
Bosch's 800 series and Benchmark series dishwashers with CrystalDry dry the best.
I don't know how it was figured out, but Bosch does dry the best. Once again, you do not need to spend $1,800 for this feature.
The 800 series is $1,349-$1,399.
2. Miele with ExtraDry
Miele's ExtraDry feature adds air into the dishwasher and the door pops open at the end of the cycle making it a good drying combination.
You can buy the basic G 5000 for $1,199 with both these features.
3. LG with Dynamic Heat Dry
LG's steam feature will help you more on the wash side, but it did help marginally better in the drying process.
You don't have to buy the best LG/LG Studio/SKS dishwasher for steam.
The LPH7972 is $899-1099 for a very good dishwasher.
Hint: Buy it on a holiday for the lower prices.
4. Self-Opening Doors
The more basic Bosch, Miele, Beko, and Samsung all have a self-opening door starting at $699.
Key Takeaways
I am happy to report that your plastics will dry.
Schedule that Tupperware party!
However, you must spend $1,349 for the best or $1,199 for a really good drying dishwasher.
So the question becomes:
Do you spend $1,349 for the Bosch CrystalDry or $899 for a very good LG or GE Profile dishwasher and just dry your plastics yourself?
What do you think?
Additional Resources
Get our free Dishwasher Buying Guide with tips, trends, and reviews of all the major brands. Over 1 million people have already found answers in a Yale guide.
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- Best Bosch Dishwashers
- Best Miele Dishwashers
- Quietest Dishwashers by Decibel Rating
- Bosch vs. Miele Dishwashers
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