Do you want a dishwasher that dries your dishes without using extra electricity or overheating plastics? A dishwasher with an **air dry** feature (sometimes called AutoOpen, AirDry, or door pop-open drying) lets dishes finish drying naturally by letting fresh air in at the end of the cycle. This means lower energy bills, fewer water spots, and drier plastics—all with less hassle. Here’s your expert guide to the best air dry dishwashers in 2025, with top brands, features, and easy buying tips.
Quick Picks: Best Dishwashers with Air Dry
- Bosch 500 Series SHPM65Z55N – View Price
Best Overall: AutoAir Door opens automatically for air drying; ultra-quiet, flexible racks, great for plastics. - Electrolux EES42210L AirDry Dishwasher – View Price
Best for Europe/UK: AirDry pops the door at cycle end; efficient, reliable, great for busy homes. - Miele G 5210 SC – View Price
Best Premium: AutoOpen Dry for energy-saving air dry, flawless hygiene, and super-quiet operation. - Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ – View Price
Best American-Style: Fan dry plus heated/air dry option; large capacity, value, and deep racks. - Samsung DW80R9950US – View Price
Best for Tech Lovers: AutoRelease Door opens for air dry; WiFi/app, super quiet, and flexible racks. - Beko DIN15X20 AirDry Dishwasher – View Price
Best Budget Pick: Simple AirDry, easy to use, affordable, and great for rental properties or first homes.
Why Air Dry Matters
- Energy savings: No heater needed at the end of the cycle—just air, which costs nothing.
- Better for plastics: Less heat means your Tupperware and baby bottles won’t warp or come out wet.
- Reduces water spots: Fresh air finish helps reduce spots and streaks on glassware and plates.
- Less odor build-up: Air flow helps prevent musty smells in the dishwasher after cycles.
- Simple, reliable: Fewer moving parts and a more natural way to dry.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Air Dry Dishwasher
- Auto-opening door: Look for “AutoAir,” “AutoOpen,” “AirDry,” or “AutoRelease”—the door pops open 2–5 inches after the cycle.
- Energy efficiency: Most air dry models use less power, especially in eco or quick cycles.
- Quiet operation: Premium air dry dishwashers run as low as 39–44 dB (nearly silent).
- Flexible racks: Adjustable racks and a third rack are standard on the best models for easier loading.
- Reliability: Stick to brands with strong service support (Bosch, Miele, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Samsung, Beko).
- Extra drying (optional): Some models combine air dry with fan dry or a short heat boost for especially tough loads.
Detailed Reviews: Best Air Dry Dishwashers (2025)
Bosch 500 Series SHPM65Z55N
Who it’s for: Anyone wanting ultra-quiet, top cleaning, and the best natural air dry for all dishes—especially plastics and glassware.
- Key Benefits:
- AutoAir—door opens at cycle end for efficient air drying.
- Flexible 3rd rack and adjustable tines.
- 44 dB—quiet enough for open-plan kitchens and nighttime runs.
- Energy Star rated, low running costs.
- Pros:
- Best for drying plastics without water spots.
- Effortless loading and unloading.
- Cons:
- Third rack is shallow—better for utensils than big mugs.
- Final Verdict: Bosch’s air dry system is the most reliable and effective for everyday families.
Electrolux EES42210L AirDry Dishwasher
Who it’s for: UK and European buyers who want dependable air dry, easy controls, and value for money.
- Key Benefits:
- AirDry pops the door automatically after every cycle.
- Flexible baskets for all shapes and sizes of dishes.
- Eco mode for low energy use.
- Reliable European build and support.
- Pros:
- Affordable and easy to use.
- Simple AirDry feature works every time.
- Cons:
- No WiFi or smart features, but solid core performance.
- Final Verdict: The best air dry value buy for most homes in the UK and Europe.
Miele G 5210 SC
Who it’s for: Buyers wanting luxury features, long life, and the most advanced air dry system (AutoOpen).
- Key Benefits:
- AutoOpen Dry—door opens at cycle end, lets in air for perfectly dry dishes and less odor.
- 3D MultiFlex rack for utensils and tricky items.
- 44 dB ultra-quiet, and built to last for 20+ years.
- Advanced hygiene and eco features.
- Pros:
- Quietest and longest-lasting air dry dishwasher.
- Superb for glassware, plastics, and daily use.
- Cons:
- Premium price, but truly unmatched quality.
- Final Verdict: The luxury air dry machine for buyers who want the best of everything.
Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ
Who it’s for: American buyers who want the option of fan dry or air dry (heat off) for energy savings and big loads.
- Key Benefits:
- Air dry option—door pops open to finish drying with fresh air.
- Third rack and deep racks for large cookware.
- 51 dB—quiet for a mid-range US machine.
- Heated dry and air dry options both available.
- Pros:
- Great value, large capacity, easy controls.
- Reliable, with strong brand support.
- Cons:
- Not as quiet as Bosch or Miele, but very flexible for US homes.
- Final Verdict: Best choice for value and big American kitchens with air dry needs.
Samsung DW80R9950US
Who it’s for: Tech lovers, families, and anyone who wants smart air dry, flexible racks, and a whisper-quiet machine.
- Key Benefits:
- AutoRelease Door—opens at the end for efficient air dry.
- WiFi/app control, flexible 3rd rack, and Linear Wash technology.
- 39 dB—one of the quietest dishwashers available.
- Pros:
- Most advanced air dry system in a tech package.
- Great for busy, connected households.
- Cons:
- WiFi setup can be tricky, but is worth it once running.
- Final Verdict: Best air dry dishwasher for smart homes and tech-savvy buyers.
Beko DIN15X20 AirDry Dishwasher
Who it’s for: Budget shoppers, renters, or first-time buyers who want reliable air dry at a great price.
- Key Benefits:
- AirDry feature opens the door at the end of each cycle.
- 15 place settings, fold-down tines, and simple controls.
- Energy efficient and easy to maintain.
- Pros:
- Best value for air dry feature in a simple package.
- Ideal for smaller kitchens or rental properties.
- Cons:
- No smart or premium features, but strong core performance.
- Final Verdict: Best for buyers who want simple, affordable air dry every day.
Comparison Table: Best Air Dry Dishwashers 2025
| Model | Air Dry System | Noise (dB) | Racks | Smart? | Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 500 SHPM65Z55N | AutoAir | 44 | 3 | Some | 16 place | See Price |
| Electrolux EES42210L | AirDry | 46 | 2 | No | 10–13 place | See Price |
| Miele G 5210 SC | AutoOpen Dry | 44 | 3 | No | 14 place | See Price |
| Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ | Fan/Air Dry Option | 51 | 3 | No | 15 place | See Price |
| Samsung DW80R9950US | AutoRelease | 39 | 3 | Yes | 15 place | See Price |
| Beko DIN15X20 | AirDry | 45 | 2 | No | 15 place | See Price |
FAQ Section
How does air dry work in dishwashers?
The door pops open slightly at the end of the cycle, letting natural air flow in. This dries dishes without extra heat, saving energy and helping plastics dry better.
Is air dry as effective as heated dry?
For most loads, yes—especially for plastics and glassware. Some heavy pots may still need a towel, but most everyday dishes dry fully with air.
Do air dry dishwashers cost more?
No—many value and mid-range models now include air dry. It actually saves on your energy bills over time.
Is air dry safe for wood or delicate items?
Yes—air dry is gentler than heated dry, making it safer for wood utensils, cutting boards, and delicate plastics.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Dishwashers with air dry make cleaning easier, cheaper, and more eco-friendly. Bosch, Electrolux, Miele, Whirlpool, Samsung, and Beko all offer excellent air dry models—there’s an option for every kitchen and budget. See today’s best air dry dishwasher deals and enjoy spotless, energy-saving results in 2025!