There’s nothing more frustrating than opening your dishwasher and finding puddles on cups or water drops on plastics. If you want dishes that are truly dry and ready to put away, you need a dishwasher with a heated dry cycle—not just “air” or “condensation” drying. Here’s how to choose, plus our top picks for 2025 that deliver sparkling, dry results every time.
Quick Picks
-
Best Overall:
KitchenAid KDTM404KPS — Powerful cleaning, top-tier heated dry, and great for families. -
Best Budget:
GE GDF535PSRSS — Affordable, reliable, and includes effective heated dry at a great price. -
Best for Plastics:
Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N with CrystalDry — Premium option with unique drying tech for plastics and glass.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in a Dishwasher with Heated Dry
- True Heated Dry Option: Look for models with an explicit “Heated Dry” or “High Temp Dry” button, not just air-dry or condensation dry.
- High-Temp Sanitize: Pairs well with heated dry, ensuring dishes are clean and dry for babies, allergies, or sensitive needs.
- Fan Assist or CrystalDry: Some models use extra fans or advanced tech to boost drying—great for plastics and odd-shaped items.
- Racks and Airflow: Adjustable racks and spacing help air and heat circulate, so every dish dries evenly.
- Cycle Length and Customization: Longer heated dry cycles are best for plastics; look for machines that let you add extra dry time as needed.
- Energy Efficiency: Heated dry uses more energy, so ENERGY STAR models balance dry results with savings.
Detailed Reviews: Best Dishwashers with Heated Dry
KitchenAid KDTM404KPS
Who it’s for: Families, home chefs, or anyone who wants absolutely dry dishes—including tough-to-dry plastics and Tupperware.
- True Heated Dry and Extended ProDry™ for extra dry cycles
- 14 place settings, adjustable racks for all dish types
- ProWash and tough cleaning for heavy mess
- 44 dB quiet operation
- Stainless steel tub for durability and dry boost
Pros:
- Outstanding drying—dishes come out ready to put away
- Flexible racks fit pots, pans, bottles, and more
- Quiet and efficient for the power
Cons:
- Premium price range
- Full-size footprint only
Final Verdict: KitchenAid’s heated dry is the gold standard—no more towel-drying. See today’s price
GE GDF535PSRSS
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a solid heated dry feature in a dependable machine.
- Heated Dry and High Temp cycles included
- 14 place settings—roomy for families and gatherings
- 1-Hour Wash option for busy days
- 54 dB operation
- ENERGY STAR certified
Pros:
- Affordable for the features
- Reliable, everyday drying—especially for plates and glass
- Simple controls, easy install
Cons:
- Plastic items may need an extra dry cycle
- Not as quiet as high-end models
Final Verdict: GE brings effective heated dry to any budget—no more wet spots on your dishes. View price
Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N (CrystalDry)
Who it’s for: Households with lots of plastics, baby bottles, or containers that never seem to dry—plus anyone who loves quiet performance.
- CrystalDry™ tech—uses a mineral-based heater for bone-dry plastics
- 16 place settings, third rack for cutlery and lids
- 44 dB—ultra-quiet
- Flexible RackMatic® system
- ENERGY STAR rated
Pros:
- Best drying available for plastics and Tupperware
- Very quiet and energy efficient
- High build quality, long warranty
Cons:
- Higher cost, but pays off in convenience
- Heated dry is paired with CrystalDry (different from standard heating element)
Final Verdict: Bosch 800 is the best pick for plasticware and ultra-quiet performance—dishes come out *truly* dry. See more
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher
Who it’s for: Apartment dwellers, RVers, or anyone wanting heated dry in a portable, compact package.
- Heated dry option for up to 6 place settings
- Countertop design—easy setup, no permanent install
- 7 wash cycles, including quick and eco
- 54 dB—quiet for its size
Pros:
- Heated dry in a portable model
- Great for small kitchens or secondary spaces
- Good cleaning for daily loads
Cons:
- Not for big families
- Best for plates and glass, not large pots
Final Verdict: BLACK+DECKER is a rare countertop model with true heated dry—perfect for renters or tight spaces. Check price
Frigidaire FFCD2418US
Who it’s for: Anyone needing a classic, full-size dishwasher with heated dry and no-nonsense controls.
- Heated dry function and High Temp Wash
- 14 place settings, 5 wash cycles
- 54 dB, easy electronic controls
- ENERGY STAR certified
Pros:
- Classic design, proven reliability
- Budget-friendly for a full-size with heated dry
- Simple to use and maintain
Cons:
- Drying can be less powerful for heavy plastics
- No third rack for extra utensils
Final Verdict: Frigidaire is a tried-and-true heated dry dishwasher for any budget. See price
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid KDTM404KPS | Heated dry, ProDry™, 44 dB, flexible racks | 14 place, full-size | View Price |
| GE GDF535PSRSS | Heated dry, high temp, budget | 14 place, 54 dB, full-size | View Price |
| Bosch 800 SHPM88Z75N | CrystalDry™, ultra-quiet, 3rd rack | 16 place, 44 dB, premium | View Price |
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W | Countertop, heated dry, 7 cycles | 6 place, 54 dB | View Price |
| Frigidaire FFCD2418US | Heated dry, budget, 5 cycles | 14 place, 54 dB | View Price |
FAQ
What’s the difference between heated dry and condensation dry?
Heated dry uses an electric element or special tech (like Bosch’s CrystalDry) to actively dry dishes. Condensation dry uses residual heat and airflow—often leaving plastics wet.
Is heated dry safe for all dishes?
Heated dry is safe for most dishware, but very high heat can warp cheap plastics. Always check manufacturer recommendations for delicate or non-dishwasher-safe items.
How do I make plastics dry better in any dishwasher?
Place plastics on the upper rack, run a “Heated Dry” or “Extra Dry” cycle, and crack the door after the cycle ends to let out steam.
Does heated dry use more energy?
Yes, but the extra cost is usually small compared to the time saved not towel-drying dishes. ENERGY STAR models minimize the impact.
Are all heated dry features the same?
No—some (like Bosch CrystalDry) use special minerals and airflow to dry plastics much better. Budget models rely on a simple electric heater, which works well for most glass and ceramics.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
If you’re tired of towel-drying or dealing with puddles, a dishwasher with true heated dry is a game-changer. Whether you need a full-size family machine, a countertop option, or a high-tech solution for plastics, you’ll find the perfect match above.
Ready to enjoy truly dry dishes? Click any model above to check today’s prices, see reviews, and make the switch to hassle-free cleanup!