If you’re frustrated by wet dishes, steamy cabinets, or the extra step of towel drying after every cycle, you need a dishwasher with a built-in drying element. While many new models use condensation drying, the best dishwashers with a true heating element guarantee drier plates, glasses, and—most importantly—plastics. Below, you’ll find quick picks, a helpful buyer’s guide, full product reviews, a comparison table, and answers to the most common questions, so you can choose the right model for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Quick Picks: Best Dishwashers with Drying Element
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KitchenAid KDTE204KPS – Best Overall
True heating element, ProDry option, third rack, stainless tub, quiet (44 dBA). -
Whirlpool WDF520PADM – Best Budget
Heated dry, high-temp wash, 14 place settings, plastic and stainless options. -
GE GDT665SSNSS – Best for Large Loads
Dry Boost element, 16 place settings, Piranha disposer, bottle jets, 49 dBA. -
Frigidaire FFID2426TS – Best for Plastics
Heated dry element, 14 place settings, front controls, affordable and reliable. -
LG LDF5542ST QuadWash – Best for Steam & Drying
Hybrid heated dry, TrueSteam, QuadWash, child lock, adjustable racks.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Dishwasher with Drying Element
- Type of Drying Element: Look for “Heated Dry,” “ProDry,” or “Dry Boost” in the specs. These use a real electric heating coil to finish the job.
- Material: Stainless steel tubs help retain heat for better drying, but good results are possible with plastic tubs if a heater is present.
- Drying Performance: The best models dry even plastics, lids, and awkward items. Some combine a heating element with a fan or auto-door for top results.
- Energy Use: Heated dry uses more electricity than condensation drying—consider using it only on full loads or as needed to save power.
- Cycle Customization: Look for “Heated Dry” as an optional setting, so you can turn it on or off for each load.
- Noise Level: Good drying dishwashers can also be quiet! Many models are 44–50 dBA for peaceful kitchens.
- Other Features: Adjustable racks, sanitize cycles, bottle jets, and smart controls add everyday value.
Full Product Reviews: Best Dishwashers with Drying Element
KitchenAid KDTE204KPS
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants top-tier cleaning, spotless drying, and a truly flexible interior.
- Key Benefits:
- Powerful heating element plus ProDry fan for plastics and glass
- FreeFlex third rack for cutlery and small bowls
- 44 dBA—super quiet
- Stainless steel tub and door, adjustable racks
- Pros:
- Dries even plastics and lids
- Premium materials and sturdy racks
- Energy Star certified
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- ProDry fan can be noisy in last few minutes (not loud, just audible)
Final Verdict: KitchenAid’s heated dry is best-in-class for fast, spot-free dishes. See today’s price
Whirlpool WDF520PADM
Who it’s for: Households needing affordable, effective drying—especially for families with lots of plastics.
- Key Benefits:
- Traditional electric heating element
- 14 place settings, adjustable upper rack
- High-temp wash and heated dry cycles
- Plastic or stainless tub options
- Pros:
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Simple, reliable controls
- Good warranty and support
- Cons:
- Basic design, no third rack
- Louder than premium models (55 dBA)
Final Verdict: Whirlpool’s heated dry is proven and consistent for daily dishes. Check price
GE GDT665SSNSS
Who it’s for: Busy families needing big loads, deep cleaning, and dry dishes every time.
- Key Benefits:
- Dry Boost heating element dries plastics and glassware
- 16 place settings, third rack, bottle jets
- Stainless steel tub, Piranha hard food disposer
- 49 dBA—quiet for a large dishwasher
- Pros:
- Excellent for families with lots of lunchboxes and sippy cups
- Large, flexible racks
- Easy to use and maintain
- Cons:
- No WiFi/smart features
- Some cycles are long (but drying is always effective)
Final Verdict: GE’s Dry Boost is a leader in reliable, dry results. See today’s deal
Frigidaire FFID2426TS
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a no-fuss machine that dries as well as it washes—without spending extra.
- Key Benefits:
- Electric drying element for every cycle
- 14 place settings, adjustable rack
- Heated dry, Energy Star, affordable
- Front controls, simple installation
- Pros:
- Great value and solid performance
- Works well for plastics and baby bottles
- Low maintenance and easy to use
- Cons:
- Plastic tub, so doesn’t retain heat like stainless
- Not as quiet as higher-end models
Final Verdict: Frigidaire delivers reliable drying for families on a budget. Check price
LG LDF5542ST QuadWash
Who it’s for: Homes that want both steam cleaning and a strong heated drying function—great for allergy-prone families.
- Key Benefits:
- Hybrid heated dry system for plastics and more
- QuadWash arm for full coverage cleaning
- TrueSteam option sanitizes and boosts drying
- 48 dBA—quiet enough for most homes
- Pros:
- Good drying on mixed loads
- Easy to use and maintain
- Reliable brand, strong warranty
- Cons:
- Best results when “Extra Dry” is selected
- No WiFi in this model
Final Verdict: LG offers both steam and heat drying for complete results. See price
Comparison Table: Best Dishwashers with Drying Element
| Model | Drying Element | Noise (dBA) | Capacity | Special Features | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid KDTE204KPS | Heating coil + fan | 44 | 16 | ProDry, third rack | View |
| Whirlpool WDF520PADM | Heating element | 55 | 14 | High-temp wash | View |
| GE GDT665SSNSS | Dry Boost element | 49 | 16 | Bottle jets, third rack | View |
| Frigidaire FFID2426TS | Heating element | 54 | 14 | Front controls | View |
| LG LDF5542ST | Hybrid heat/steam | 48 | 15 | TrueSteam, QuadWash | View |
FAQ – Dishwashers with Drying Element
Q: Do all dishwashers have a heating element for drying?
A: No. Many European and ultra-efficient models use only condensation drying. For the fastest, driest results—especially for plastics—choose a model with a true heating coil.
Q: Will a heating element melt plastics?
A: Not when used as directed. Place plastics on the upper rack and select heated dry for the best results. The element is safe for dishwasher-safe items.
Q: Does heated dry use more energy?
A: Yes. It costs a little more per load but saves time and hassle. For lower bills, use air dry for glass/ceramic loads and heated dry when you need everything ready right away.
Q: Are dishwashers with heated dry noisier?
A: Not at all. Most models are as quiet as their condensation-only competitors. Drying is nearly silent or just a gentle hum during the fan phase.
Q: Is heated dry worth it?
A: If you hate towel drying or deal with lots of plastic ware, it’s one of the best features you can have. It’s especially helpful for busy families and home cooks.
Conclusion & Call to Action
For sparkling, dry dishes every time, a dishwasher with a true drying element is a must-have. The models above—from KitchenAid, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, and LG—offer powerful, reliable drying for every kitchen and budget. Click the links for today’s best deals and enjoy dry, ready-to-use dishes with zero extra effort!