Is it better to use the Air-Dry setting on your dishwasher?

Most dishwashers have an air-dry setting—but does air-drying dishes in the dishwasher save power? Do your dishes still come out clean?

Dishwashers have become a common fixture in many households, eliminating the need to wash dishes every day. Dishwashers can be a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning up the dishes that we all make every week. use way less water and energy Hand-washing works better than hand washing. We love appliances that increase convenience and energy-efficiency at the same time—win, win! But did you know there’s a way to make your dishwasher even more energy-efficient than it already is?

You only need to select the air dry setting for your dishwasher. The air-dry setting was a better option than the heat-dry setting for energy efficiency in the past. But with technological advancements, is this setting still as effective? Here’s what you need to know about using the air-dry setting on your dishwasher, and if it’s really the better option.

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How dishwasher drying cycles work

In the past, dishwashers used the same heat drying process to dry dishes after washing. This heat-dry process involved a heating element at bottom of dishwasher, which created hot air in the machine. The air was then circulated through internal fans to dry dishes. Plastics cannot be stored on the dishwasher’s bottom rack because of their tendency to melt and warp during drying. The heating element also made it difficult to store them there. Because of these shortcomings, most modern dishwashers (especially ENERGY STAR–certified ones) are equipped with a new drying process called condensation drying.

Dishwashers made of plastic tubs in the past are now made with stainless steel. The dishwashing machine uses hot water to dry the dishes at the end. Condensation occurs when the hot, humid air in the dishwasher comes in contact with the cooler, stainless steel interior. The water in the dishwasher’s interior condenses and pulls the water from the dishes. Condensation drying can be more efficient, hygienic and safer for your dishes than heat drying.

Air-drying, however, uses room temperature air to dry dishes. This is done by using internal fans and circulating the air around the machine. This option is available on most new dishwashers. Because it doesn’t use heat, air drying is more energy-efficient and safer for your dishes than condensation drying. There are downsides to it.

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Are All Dishwashers Equipped with an Air-Dry Setting

Some dishwashers don’t have an air dry setting. It depends on the make and model of your appliance, as well as how new it is, but even if your dishwasher doesn’t come with a built-in air dry setting, there is still a way to air-dry your dishes, if you prefer. Choose an express wash cycle or delicate wash cycle, and after the cycle is finished, open the door slightly to let excess moisture escape.

There are pros and cons to using the air-dry setting

The use of air-drying is 15% more energy-efficient than standard heat drying, however the numbers for energy efficiency are not as readily available. Due to the absence of heat, air-dry settings are said to be gentler on dishes and dishwashers.

However, there are some drawbacks to air-drying dishes. Using the air-dry setting can mean your dishes take longer to dry, so if you’re in a rush to get your clean dishes in time for dinner, you may want to opt for your standard drying cycle. The dishes may look a little damper than if you dry them on a heat-dry or condenser-dry setting. They might also have more water spots. (It should be noted that it is completely normal for plastic dishes and concave items to retain some water and moisture after drying, no matter what drying setting you use!) It is also a problem that not all dishwashers offer this setting. Even if the dishwasher has an air-dry setting, you may still need to program it manually each time you use it. This can be frustrating or cause you to forget to do it.

Do you think air-drying is better?

It’s up to you whether an air-dry setting is more convenient for your needs. Today’s dishwashers are far more energy-efficient They are now less distinct than in the past. Although it is still more efficient and eco-friendly than condensation drying, some people may not find it worth the inconvenience and the little energy saved. However, if you are looking for ways to cut down on your energy use around the house and you don’t mind waiting a little bit longer for your dishes to dry, then switching to the air-dry setting is an easy way to improve your home’s eco footprint with just the press of a button.

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