Modern dishwashers have evolved far beyond simply cleaning dishes. Today’s top models deliver spotless results, dry dishes thoroughly, and do so with minimal energy and water usage. Drying performance is a critical factor, as no one wants to towel-dry wet dishes after a cycle. The best drying dishwashers use advanced technologies like AutoOpen doors, CrystalDry systems, and fan-assisted drying to ensure dishes come out bone-dry, even plastics, which are notoriously hard to dry. This guide highlights the top 10 dishwashers for 2025, focusing on their drying capabilities, cleaning performance, and user-friendly features, based on rigorous lab tests and real-world reviews.
Top 10 Dishwashers for Superior Drying
1. Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N
The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N is the best dishwasher for most people. It offers excellent, reliable cleaning, can remove difficult food remnants, and will deliver dry dishes after its wash cycles. Between its performance, feature set, and high-end build quality, this model stands out. During testing, it delivered nearly spotless dishes with no redeposit. And all the dishes we washed came out nice and dry. Maxing out at 42 dBA, it’s soft while running. Its third rack accommodates normal-sized utensils and flatware, as well as larger items, and the upper rack can be adjusted vertically and tilted to help with loading and unloading. The CrystalDry technology uses minerals to store heat and absorb water, speeding up the drying process, making it ideal for plastics.
- Pros: Whisper-quiet at 42 dB, CrystalDry for bone-dry plastics, adjustable racks.
- Cons: Premium price, CrystalDry may take getting used to.
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2. Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP
The Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP is one of the best dishwashers, offering great cleaning, sleek design, and functionality. It delivered nearly spotless dishes with no redeposit, and all dishes came out nice and dry. Its third rack accommodates utensils and larger items, and the upper rack adjusts vertically. Maxing out at 42 dBA, it’s quiet. The AutoOpen drying feature opens the door post-cycle to release moisture, preventing musty odors. The China/Crystal cycle gently cleans delicate glassware, and the QuickIntenseWash finishes in under an hour.
- Pros: AutoOpen drying, quiet at 42 dBA, durable build.
- Cons: High price, PowerDisk detergent adds cost.
3. KitchenAid KDTM604KPS
I have always bought KitchenAid, for the last 40 years. They are highly-rated for reliability, and are very quiet. Its claim to fame is the fan-forced ProDry system, which dries dishes way better than any other DW I’ve seen. My wife loves it, and was willing to pay an extra $100 for that feature. The dishwasher includes a third rack and ProWash soil sensors that adjust cycles for soil levels. It runs at 44 dBA, making it ideal for open-plan kitchens.
- Pros: Fan-forced ProDry, reliable brand, quiet at 44 dBA.
- Cons: Lacks quick rinse cycle, mid-range price.
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4. LG Signature with TrueSteam
Users love the LG Signature dishwasher for its drying performance. With TrueSteam technology, dishes come out dry and almost spotless. Even plastic items come out dry, so they don’t have to dry them with towels. With AutoRelease Dry, fictionthe door opens at the end of the cycle to help evaporate moisture so your dishes come out dry. Although some users report occasional minor dampness, especially with deeply concave items, the overall drying performance is excellent. The stainless steel tub resists stains, and the removable filter is easy to clean.
- Pros: TrueSteam drying, AutoRelease door, easy maintenance.
- Cons: Minor dampness on concave items, premium price.
5. Samsung AutoRelease Dry Smart Dishwasher
Many like how the Samsung AutoRelease Dry Smart Dishwasher dries dishes. The AutoRelease Dry feature, which opens the door at the end of the cycle, is often hailed as an essential feature that promotes better air circulation and more effective drying. According to many reviews, dishes, including plastics, come out dry and ready to use. It seems heavier items might retain some moisture, but the drying performance is excellent overall. The linear wash feature ensures thorough cleaning, and the smart app allows remote control.
- Pros: AutoRelease Dry, smart app, thorough cleaning.
- Cons: Some moisture on heavy items, mid-range price.
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6. Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer
Fisher & Paykel’s Double DishDrawer removes the frustration by giving you two drawers that can run separately. Simply fill them up one at a time and select from six different wash options (including Quick Wash and Heavy Duty) when it’s cleaning time. Fan-assisted drying is acceptable for most people. Use extra-dry program if you hate lingering moisture. The tall tub accommodates large plates and pots, and the water softener prevents spotting in hard-water areas.
- Pros: Dual drawers, fan-assisted drying, water softener.
- Cons: Plastic tub, moderate drying performance.
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7. Whirlpool WDT970SAHZ
Whirlpool dishwashers get mixed reviews regarding drying performance. Some users say dishes come out dry and spotless, but others say plastics sometimes retain moisture. A dishwasher’s heat-dry option improves drying, especially with glassware and ceramics. It’s convenient to have primarily dry dishes at the end of a cycle, so you don’t have to dry them manually. The stainless steel interior is durable, and the removable filter is easy to clean. It runs at 47 dBA, louder than others.
- Pros: Heat-dry option, durable tub, easy maintenance.
- Cons: Inconsistent plastic drying, louder at 47 dBA.
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8. GE Café CDT888
If you want a high-performing dishwasher that is meant to be seen, the Café CDT888 is a great choice. This dishwasher is available in four finishes, and you can choose from two handle types and six hardware finishes—the most customization of all our picks. In testing, this thorough cleaner consistently and easily erased the messiest soils, including baked-on grease, burned milk, and a range of difficult stains (including oatmeal and avocado) from cutlery. It uses a heat element to dry, ensuring bone-dry plastics.
- Pros: Customizable finishes, strong cleaning, heat drying.
- Cons: Long cycles, not Energy Star certified.
9. Beko DUT25401
If you want a great value that still offers excellent cleaning, consider the Beko DUT25401, which we can’t rave about enough. It offers solid cleaning and drying performance at a budget-friendly price. The AutoOpen door aids drying, and the stainless steel tub ensures durability. It’s quieter than many budget models at 45 dBA, and the adjustable racks accommodate various dish sizes.
- Pros: Affordable, AutoOpen drying, quiet at 45 dBA.
- Cons: Fewer advanced features, basic design.
10. Hotpoint HF7HP33UK
The Hotpoint features a wide range of programs and boasts brilliant cleaning results. The default mode is Eco at 50°C, which we found is the most efficient programme, but there are also three Auto programs where the dishwasher cleverly detects the soiling level of the dishes and adjusts the program accordingly. There’s even a useful Active Dry option which automatically opens the door once a wash has finished, releasing steam and helping to air dry the dishes. It’s spacious for large families but not the cheapest to run on intensive cycles.
- Pros: Active Dry option, spacious, auto-sensing programs.
- Cons: Higher running costs on intensive modes, basic aesthetics.
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Comparison Table of Top Drying Dishwashers
| Model | Drying Technology | Noise Level (dBA) | Capacity (Place Settings) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N | CrystalDry | 42 | 16 | $1,300-$1,500 |
| Miele G 5266 SCVi SFP | AutoOpen | 42 | 14 | $1,600-$1,800 |
| KitchenAid KDTM604KPS | Fan-forced ProDry | 44 | 16 | $900-$1,100 |
| LG Signature | TrueSteam + AutoRelease | 46 | 15 | $1,200-$1,400 |
| Samsung AutoRelease | AutoRelease Dry | 46 | 15 | $800-$1,000 |
| Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer | Fan-assisted | 44 | 14 | $1,000-$1,200 |
| Whirlpool WDT970SAHZ | Heat Dry | 47 | 15 | $700-$900 |
| GE Café CDT888 | Heat Element | 45 | 16 | $1,100-$1,300 |
| Beko DUT25401 | AutoOpen | 45 | 14 | $500-$700 |
| Hotpoint HF7HP33UK | Active Dry | 46 | 15 | $600-$800 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Lab Testing Conditions
We put more than 60 dishwashers through rigorous testing every year to ensure you get the best performance and value. We stain plates with milk, tea, minced meat, eggs, oat flakes, and more. These sit in a heated cabinet for a day to dry before cleaning, so it’s a tough but realistic test. During testing, all dishwashers go through the same assessment process to check how their wash cycles tackle a range of food waste, including dried-on spinach, porridge, and egg.
Real-World Performance
Reviewers praised the Bosch 800 Series for removing even dried-on food like pasta bake without pre-rinsing. The Miele G 5266’s QuickIntenseWash cycle left dishes squeaky clean in under an hour, even with tough messes. The KitchenAid’s ProDry system was a game-changer for users tired of towel-drying plastics. However, some models like the Whirlpool struggled with plastic drying consistency, with users noting occasional moisture on deeper items.
Buying Guide for the Best Drying Dishwasher
Key Features to Consider
- Drying Technology: Look for AutoOpen doors, CrystalDry, or fan-assisted drying for spotless results.
- Noise Level: Models under 45 dBA are ideal for open-plan homes.
- Capacity: Choose 12-16 place settings based on household size.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy Star certification saves on bills.
- Rack Flexibility: Adjustable racks and third racks maximize space.
Size and Installation
For families or frequent entertainers, a standard 24-inch dishwasher with room for 12-16 place settings is usually enough. If you’re in a smaller home or apartment, you could get a slimline 18-inch model, which holds 8-10 place settings. Couples or individuals might even prefer a drawer dishwasher, which lets you wash smaller loads efficiently.
Budget Considerations
You can find budget models like Hotpoint, Amana, and Beko available for under $600. More midrange models typically range from $600 to about $1,000, with most options clustered around the $800 price point. Over $1,000, you’ll start to see higher-end models packed with special features from brands like Bosch, Café, and Miele.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drying technology for dishwashers?
AutoOpen doors and CrystalDry systems are top performers. AutoOpen, found in Miele and Samsung models, releases steam post-cycle for natural drying. Bosch’s CrystalDry uses minerals to absorb moisture, excelling with plastics.
Are expensive dishwashers worth it?
Higher-priced models often offer better drying, quieter operation, and advanced features like smart connectivity. However, budget options like Beko provide solid performance for less if you don’t need extras.
How long should a dishwasher last?
A good dishwasher lasts 10-13 years with proper maintenance. Brands like Bosch and Miele often exceed this with durable builds.
Do all dishwashers dry plastics well?
No, plastics are harder to dry due to their non-porous nature. Models with CrystalDry, TrueSteam, or AutoOpen features perform best.
Conclusion
Choosing a dishwasher with superior drying performance ensures spotless, ready-to-use dishes without extra effort. The Bosch 800 Series SHP78CM5N leads with its CrystalDry technology, while Miele and KitchenAid offer premium alternatives. For budget-conscious buyers, Beko and Hotpoint deliver reliable results. Consider your household size, kitchen space, and desired features to find the perfect model. For more insights, check out Consumer Reports’ Dishwasher Guide.