11 Best Drying Dishwasher | Plastics Dry? Yes, It’s Possible

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The Kenmore 22-14605 sets the benchmark for drying performance in a mid-premium built-in category. Its TurboDry system uses a dedicated fan to pull humid air out of the tub while a heating element boosts the temperature, meaning plastic storage containers, silicone spatulas, and baby bottles come out completely dry. No pooling water on flatware — I verified that across several load tests with mixed materials.

The EasyFlex third rack sits directly under the drying vent, so utensils and large cooking tools get the best air exposure. With 15 place settings and a 45 dBA noise rating, you can run the heavy Accela Wash cycle at night and find everything bone-dry by morning. The stainless steel interior retains heat long after the cycle ends, which turbocharges the condensation phase before the fan kicks in.

Some users report the front touch panel can be finicky to locate in low light, but the drying results are consistent enough to overlook that quirk. If you want a machine that eliminates the dish towel from your kitchen, this is the one to beat.

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Sharp brings a heated dry with fan assist to this smart model, which is the same fundamental drying architecture that top-tier machines use. The fan circulates warm air across every rack, reducing the moisture pockets that cause spotting on glassware and leftover dampness on plastic lids. It holds 14 place settings and includes a Wash Zone feature that lets you clean half a load on either rack, saving water when you only need to dry a few items.

The premium white LED interior lighting is a practical touch — you can actually see whether dishes are fully dry before unloading. At 45 dBA, it is library-quiet, and Alexa voice control means you can start a drying cycle from bed without walking back to the kitchen. The stainless steel interior and smooth glide rails add a premium feel that matches the drying performance.

Condensation drying purists may prefer a non-heated approach, but the fan-assisted heated dry here outperforms passive condensation on mixed loads. The only real compromise is that the standard handle design lacks the flush pocket look some buyers want for a seamless kitchen aesthetic.

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The Kenmore 22-14595 uses SmartDry Plus, a condensation-based system that forces hot water down the drain after the final rinse, maximizing steam removal. It is not as aggressive as a fan-assisted dry, but it is highly effective on stainless steel and glassware thanks to the stainless steel interior retaining residual heat. The 3-Stage UltraWash filter captures particles down to fine sand, which means cleaner water contacts your dishes and less residue to dry onto surfaces.

The 50-minute Express cycle is a standout for daily use — it delivers a full clean with solid drying results in under an hour. The SmartWash sensors automatically adjust water temperature and pressure based on soil levels, so you are not wasting extra heat on lightly soiled loads. With 14 place settings and a Sani Rinse option, this is a strong mid-range option for families who want reliable drying without the fan premium.

Plastic items still benefit from propping the door open slightly after the cycle, but for glass and ceramic, the SmartDry Plus leaves them spot-free. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish also saves time on exterior cleaning.

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The Sharp SDW6757ES uses a traditional heated dry option that Sharp claims is faster and more dependable than condensation-only systems. It holds 14 place settings, includes Power Wash Zone for concentrated cleaning, and uses soil sensors to auto-optimize cycles. The premium smooth glide rails and white LED interior make loading and unloading effortless — and the LED lighting helps you spot any remaining moisture before you close the door.

Heated dry here relies on a resistive element at the bottom of the tub, which produces consistent heat for glass and ceramics. Plastics take longer to dry compared to fan-assisted models, but the stainless steel interior holds enough residual warmth to finish the job if you wait a few minutes before unloading. The Half-Load feature is practical for smaller households running lighter cycles.

The slide-in design fits flush with standard cabinetry, and the pocket handle gives a modern, integrated look. The main trade-off is that the heated dry consumes more energy than condensation drying, though the trade-off in speed is worth it for many users.

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The single-drawer Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9 is a unique drying solution for kitchens that cannot accommodate a full-sized appliance. Its condensation drying system is optimized for the compact 7-place-setting cavity, and the drawer design means steam rises directly out when you open it, reducing recondensation on dishes. The stainless steel interior and 45 dBA operation make it a discreet drying workhorse.

The Rapid Wash cycle completes in under 30 minutes and leaves glassware spot-free, thanks to the high-temperature final rinse that maximizes evaporation. The drawer format allows you to load at countertop height without bending, and you can run it as a second dishwasher in a larger kitchen for small loads. It is ENERGY STAR rated, so the condensation method does not waste power.

The obvious limitation is capacity — 7 place settings means no large pots or baking sheets. But for daily dish drying, particularly for couples or small households, the single drawer delivers spot-free results with minimal energy use.

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The Series 9 double-drawer dishwasher from Fisher & Paykel is the most flexible drying system in the premium tier. Each drawer operates independently, so you can run the Extra Dry cycle on the top drawer while washing a delicate load in the bottom. The Extra Dry option extends the final rinse temperature and the drying phase, which is particularly effective for glass and flatware in the smaller cavity.

The two tall drawers hold 14 place settings combined, and each drawer has its own heating element and drying vent. The condensation-based drying is refined here — users report that glassware comes out completely spot-free, and the stainless steel interior helps retain heat. The ADA-compliant height means the drawers sit at bench level, reducing fatigue during unloading.

Some users note that plastic items in the top drawer do not dry as completely as in fan-assisted machines, and the plastic inner tub of the top drawer (in some configurations) can retain odors. But for a kitchen that wants two independent drying zones, this is an unmatched solution.

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The earlier generation Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawer still holds its own as a drying solution for those who prize flexibility. With 14 place settings across two independent drawers, you can run a heavy wash with heated drying in one drawer while keeping the other drawer open for drying. The SmartDrive technology uses fewer moving parts, which translates to quieter operation and consistent water pressure during the final rinse.

The condensation drying system is enhanced by the stainless steel interior, which radiates heat evenly across the load. The Fast Wash cycle completes in under 30 minutes and delivers reasonably dry results for glass and ceramic items. The touch controls on the full console give you direct access to the drying cycle options without navigating a smartphone app.

This model lacks the fan-assisted drying found in newer competitors, so plastic drying is less reliable. The glossy finish also shows fingerprints more readily than the etched stainless steel of newer models.

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The Hamilton Beach portable model is a mid-range entry that brings a stainless steel interior to a rolling form factor. The heated dry cycle uses the standard resistive element, and while it does not have fan assist, the stainless tub retains enough heat to dry glass and ceramic reliably. It holds 8 place settings and includes five wash cycles including Heavy and Quick Wash, making it practical for apartment dwellers who cannot install a built-in unit.

The portable design with wheels means you can roll it to the sink, connect the quick-lock adapter, and run a cycle. The resistant stainless interior is a step above plastic-tub portables in the same tier, as it helps the drying phase by holding warmth. The push-button controls are straightforward — no learning curve.

Plastic items will need a brief air-dry, and the heated dry cycle adds to energy consumption. But for a portable unit that can be stored away when not in use, the drying performance is respectable.

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The EdgeStar BIDW1802SS is a narrow 18-inch built-in that packs a heated dry option into a compact stainless steel package. It holds 8 place settings and includes six wash cycles — Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse. The heated dry setting works in conjunction with the stainless steel interior to produce dry glass and ceramic, though the small cavity means steam builds up quickly and requires a brief vent after the cycle ends.

The 52 dBA noise level is acceptable for a budget-tier narrow unit, and the leakage sensor automatically shuts off water if a leak is detected — a nice safety feature for tight kitchen spaces. The stainless steel interior is the key differentiator here, as many 18-inch models use plastic tubs that hinder drying.

Drying plastic items is hit-or-miss without fan assist, and the cutout dimensions require precise measurement (32.5″ H x 17.75″ W x 23″ D). It is a good option for replacing an old trash compactor or fitting a small galley kitchen.

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The SPT SD-9263WA is an Energy Star-rated portable dishwasher with a stainless steel interior and six wash programs including Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Min, and Rapid. The stainless steel tub is the standout feature in this price tier — it retains heat far better than the plastic interiors found on many portable competitors, which directly improves the condensation drying phase. The rinse aid warning indicator takes the guesswork out of maintaining dry performance.

The adjustable upper rack can be raised or lowered to accommodate larger plates or pots, and the 24-hour time delay lets you schedule cycles for off-peak hours. The included faucet adapter simplifies connection to any standard kitchen tap. At 8 place settings, it fits the needs of a small household or a rental property.

There is no dedicated heated dry cycle option on all programs, so some loads may require opening the door to air-dry stubborn items. The full console controls are utilitarian but functional, and the white finish may not suit all kitchen aesthetics.

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The BLACK+DECKER BPD8B is the most budget-friendly portable option that still includes a stainless steel tub and six wash cycles (Normal, Heavy, Rapid, Glass, Eco, and 90-min). The stainless interior improves heat retention compared to plastic-tub portables, which helps the drying phase for glass and ceramic. The LED display is clear and the push-button controls are easy to operate.

The Quick Connect assembly hooks directly to a standard faucet without permanent plumbing, making it ideal for apartments and RVs. The adjustable upper rack accommodates taller dishes, and the countertop surface area adds workspace in tight kitchens. Some users report impressive drying results for glassware when using the Heavy or 90-min cycles that produce higher final rinse temperatures.

Reliability is a concern — some long-term reviews mention overflow issues and error codes (E4) after months of use, which may affect drying consistency over time. The hose connection can also develop minor leaks at the adapter if not tightened properly.