Tired of unloading wet dishes or having to towel dry your plastics and glassware? Not all dishwashers are created equal when it comes to drying performance. If you want dishes—and especially plastics—that come out bone dry, here’s how to choose the right model and which brands consistently deliver the best results in Australia.
Quick Picks: Best Dishwashers for Drying
- Bosch Serie 8 Free-standing Dishwasher – View Price
Best Overall: Zeolith drying, “Extra Dry” option, superb energy efficiency, and consistent top reviews for bone-dry dishes. - Siemens iQ700 Dishwasher – View Price
Best Premium: Zeolith drying tech, AutoOpen door, and “Shine & Dry” for crystal-clear glassware. - LG QuadWash Steam Dishwasher – View Price
Best for Plastics: “TrueSteam” and “Extra Dry” cycles, super flexible racks, and proven drying on plastics and baby bottles.
What Makes a Dishwasher Dry Well?
- Zeolith drying (Bosch, Siemens): Uses a special mineral to absorb moisture and release heat—no more wet plastic containers.
- AutoOpen Door: The door pops open at the end of the cycle to release steam and allow air drying (Bosch, Siemens, Miele).
- Extra Dry or Intensive Dry cycles: Boosts the heat and drying time for stubborn plastics or quick unloading.
- Stainless steel tub: Retains heat better, which improves condensation drying (especially compared to plastic tubs).
- Good rack design: Holds plastics at angles so water runs off, not pools inside.
Buyer’s Guide: Features to Prioritise
- Zeolith drying (or similar): For top-tier drying, especially on plastics.
- AutoOpen door: Essential if you often unload right after the cycle.
- Extra Dry button: Use this on heavy plastic loads or Tupperware.
- Sensor drying: Lets the machine adjust temperature and time for perfect results.
- Stainless steel interior: Always dries better than plastic tubs.
- Flexible rack system: Makes sure plastics sit at the right angle for full drying.
Detailed Reviews: Best Drying Dishwashers in Australia
Bosch Serie 8 Free-standing Dishwasher
Why it dries so well: Bosch’s Zeolith system absorbs moisture and emits heat, drying even plastics and awkward cups with no wet spots. The “Extra Dry” function further boosts drying, and the auto-open door releases steam at cycle’s end. Quiet, efficient, and low running costs.
- Pros: Best drying on all dish types (especially plastics), quiet, energy/water efficient, easy rack adjustments.
- Cons: Premium price point, but worth it for drying performance.
- Verdict: The gold standard for dry dishes in Australia. Check Price
Siemens iQ700 Dishwasher
Why it dries so well: Zeolith drying, auto door, and unique “Shine & Dry” cycles leave even glassware and plastics bone dry with a sparkling finish. Adjustable racks make it easy to load baby bottles, Tupperware, or awkward pans for perfect drying.
- Pros: Advanced drying, quiet, long warranty, premium look and feel.
- Cons: Higher price but feature-packed for families or entertainers.
- Verdict: Best premium all-rounder for serious drying performance. Check Price
LG QuadWash Steam Dishwasher
Why it dries so well: “TrueSteam” plus “Extra Dry” settings mean less condensation left on plastics. Flexible racks and multi-motion spray arms help water drain away during the dry cycle. Highly recommended for families with kids’ bottles, sippy cups, and plasticware.
- Pros: Fantastic on plastics, flexible racking, easy for everyday use.
- Cons: Standard drying is good, but “Extra Dry” setting recommended for plastics.
- Verdict: Best affordable choice for busy families. See Latest Deal
Comparison Table: Top Drying Dishwashers
| Model | Key Drying Tech | Extra Dry Option | Auto Door | Best For | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Serie 8 | Zeolith, stainless steel tub | Yes | Yes | All dishes, plastics, glass | See Price |
| Siemens iQ700 | Zeolith, Shine & Dry, stainless tub | Yes | Yes | Premium finish, glassware | See Price |
| LG QuadWash Steam | TrueSteam, Extra Dry, smart racks | Yes | No | Plastics, bottles, family use | See Price |
FAQ Section
Why do some dishwashers leave plastics wet?
Plastic doesn’t retain heat, so condensation can linger after the cycle. Zeolith drying and “Extra Dry” features help remove this moisture, while plastic tubs and basic models struggle with this problem.
Can I improve drying in a basic dishwasher?
Yes! Use rinse aid, run the “Extra Dry” option if available, and open the door at cycle end to let steam escape. Always angle plastics for best runoff.
What’s the best drying dishwasher for baby bottles?
Bosch Serie 8 and LG QuadWash are both standouts, thanks to high-heat/hygiene cycles, flexible racks, and superior drying—especially when paired with a bottle basket accessory.
Is Zeolith drying safe for plastics?
Yes, it’s designed for all dishwasher-safe plastics. It dries using gentle heat and airflow, not harsh heat blasts, so it’s safe for bottles, lids, and lunchboxes.
Is the auto-open door feature worth it?
Absolutely, if you want bone-dry results with less energy. It’s especially helpful if you like to unload as soon as the cycle finishes.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Want to stop towel-drying and enjoy dishes that come out dry every time? Choose a modern dishwasher with Zeolith or true steam drying, “Extra Dry” cycles, and an auto-opening door for the best results. Bosch, Siemens, and LG are the top picks for Australians who expect their dishwasher to do it all. Check the latest deals and experience the dry difference for yourself!