At a Glance
5 Reasons Your Dishwasher isn’t Drying
Identifying and Fixing Drying Problems in Your Dishwasher
Top 5 Dishwashers with Quality Drying Systems
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
You rely on your dishwasher to effectively clean your dishes – and that includes drying them. When the cycle is complete, you don’t want to wait another hour for your soaking wet dishes to air dry or manually wipe them down. Something could be wrong if you notice your dishwasher not drying your plates and utensils. There could be an issue beyond water getting missed.
Don’t put up with a dishwasher not drying or thoroughly cleaning your cookware. Use this guide to identify the source of the issue and take steps to fix it.
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Shop Dishwashers5 Reasons Your Dishwasher isn’t Drying
There are several reasons for a dishwasher not working that range from basic usage issues to problems with the equipment. Here are a few things to consider if you have soaking wet dishes and want to figure out if you need dishwasher repair.
- Most dishwashers can’t handle plastic: Look at your plates and cookware to see if they are dry. If so, the issue might be the plastic containers you use.
- You might have overloaded your appliance: Too many items won’t dry as effectively. You also might have loaded it in a way that traps water – like forgetting to angle glassware so water gets trapped on top.
- The settings might be off: Check to ensure that the drying function wasn't mistakenly disabled, which could result in the cycle operating without this essential feature.
- The heating element is faulty: After quick checks against user error, start looking at the equipment. If the heating element isn’t working, you won’t be able to dry your dishes.
- The high-limit thermostat is broken: This device prevents your dishwasher from getting too hot and works as an emergency shut-off feature. If this thermostat is broken, it could preemptively shut off the dishwasher before it dries. You also might need to clean your dishwasher if this is blocked.
If the issue is related to how you load or run the dishwasher, you can easily fix the issue. However, if there is a problem with the heating element or high-limit thermostat, you will need to contact a repair professional.
→ Learn More: How to Clean a Bosch Dishwasher
Identifying and Fixing Drying Problems in Your Dishwasher
If you are confident that your dishwasher not drying is not a user error, you can run a few tests to see what is going on with this appliance. The most basic option is to run the cycle and open your dishwasher during the middle of the drying section. Be careful, if your dishwasher is working correctly, this should be very hot. However, if your dishwasher’s not working, it won’t be, and you will know there is a problem. You can wave your hand over the heating element at the bottom of the appliance to confirm that it’s not doing its job.
You can also conduct a more advanced test using a multimeter that you pick up on Amazon. Follow this guide to remove the bottom panel and confirm that there is an issue with the heating element.
While you are troubleshooting your appliance, look for other performance issues that could leave your dishes wet. For example, if you notice water not draining from the dishwasher, there could be a drainage or electrical problem that prevents the drying cycle from running thoroughly.
Know that you don’t have to troubleshoot these issues alone. Spencers TV & Appliance has several locations across Phoenix and surrounding areas with technicians who can get this issue sorted out.
Top 5 Dishwashers with Quality Drying Systems
It’s natural for dishwashers to wear out over time. If your appliance is nearly a decade old, the unit will become less effective at drying. If you discover a major issue with your dishwasher, consider upgrading it to a new model. Multiple dishwashers on today’s market have advanced drying features.
GE 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Model #:GDT550PYRFS
Dishwasher companies have heard customer complaints about plastic not drying and are responding with new technology and advanced cycles. If you are tired of hand-drying plastic bowls and cups, take home this dishwasher by GE (GDT550PYRFS). The Dry Boost™ option targets hard-to-dry items so your dishes are ready to be put away when the cycle is done.
This is a highly-rated dishwasher. One reviewer writes,
★ “This dishwasher has great features. The different cycles and ability to set a 12-hour delay make it perfect for busy schedules.” ★
GE Profile also has several high-quality dishwasher options for your home.
→ Learn More: 6 Best Features of the GE Profile Dishwasher Line
Frigidaire Gallery 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Model #:FGID2479SF
This dishwasher by Frigidaire Gallery (FGID2479SF) also has an advanced drying cycle. EvenDry™ provides an elevated drying experience when customers run their cycle with rinse aid. This dishwasher also has an adjustable third rack so you can spread out your dishes and decrease the chances that overloading left them wet.
Check out customer reviews to see what owning this appliance is like. One customer says,
★ “It gets my dishes so much cleaner than my old machine. It's so quiet that I'm glad they have lights that shine on the floor so you know if it's working and when it's done.” ★
Café 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Model #:CDT845P2NS1
You will love how this ultra-wash and dry Café dishwasher (CDT845P2NS1) performs in your home. Not only did Café build more than 90 jets into this dishwasher, but it also created a premium drying system meant to support every item you stack for cleaning. If you currently have an older dishwasher and are looking to upgrade, you might be shocked at the change in performance.
Many customers appreciate the flexibility of this dishwasher and mention this in their reviews. One buyer says,
★ “It is easy to organize especially with the additional third rack on top. Our dishes come out very clean and dry. And it has many different options for washing including bottom/top only. I would encourage anyone to buy this dishwasher.” ★
Whirlpool 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Model #:WDT750SAKZ
Shop whirlpool 24" Built-In Dishwasher
This Dishwasher by Whirlpool (WDT750SAKZ) is known for its adjustable racks. You can move around both the second rack and the three-piece silverware basket to load your dishwasher in the best way possible. This will prevent items from blocking each other or from getting pushed into tight spaces, which could prevent them from drying.
More than 93% of buyers would recommend this product to others. One customer writes,
★ “I am very pleased with my choice of this Whirlpool dishwasher. It has a limited number of cycles which is exactly what I wanted. I would never use all the bells & whistles of other models. I'm happy with the silverware tray in the top.” ★
KitchenAid 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built-In Dishwasher
Model #:KDTE204KPS
Shop KitchenAid 24" Built-In Dishwasher
The KitchenAid dishwasher model (KDTE204KPS) offers a variety of options for those who prioritize thoroughly dried dishes after a wash cycle. The heat dry option is standard and can be part of any cycle, but you can also select the extended heat dry option if you are worried that your dishes will still be wet.
This is another highly-rated dishwasher with more than five thousand reviews, most of which are positive. One buyer says,
★ “I've had this dishwasher for about three months now, and I can honestly say it has exceeded all of my expectations. From the straightforward install to the absolute silence, it has been tremendous. Even without rinsing the dishes, l was utterly shocked at how clean they came out!” ★
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about dishwashers.
Why is my dishwasher not drying dishes?
If you have soaking wet dishes, go through the dishwasher troubleshooting process. Make sure the problem wasn’t caused by user error and then check the heating element and high-limit thermostat. You might need to call a repair professional to diagnose technical issues.
How do you fix a dishwasher that is not drying?
If you notice your dishwasher not drying, you will likely need to find a technician who can address the issue. They will need to get into the equipment beyond the drum to make sure everything is working correctly. While you can try to do this on your own, you will need safety equipment and the right tools to handle the appliance.
How do I test my dishwasher’s heating element?
You can invest in technical equipment to test your dishwasher’s heating element or you can do it manually. Run your dishwasher using hot settings and open it during the middle of the drying cycle. The dishwasher should be very hot. The heating element is near the bottom. Wave your hand over the bottom of your appliance to feel if there is any heat. If not, you have a broken dishwasher.
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencers TV & Appliance has grown to 11 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencers and see what you’re missing!
Shop Dishwashers at Spencers
At Spencers TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop dishwashers online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you discover the perfect dishwasher. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: GE Dishwashers Under the Microscope: In-Depth Reviews and Ratings