KitchenAid makes some of the best dishwashers on the market. Their premium models come with innovative drying cycles like ProDry and Heat Dry that are designed to completely dry every dish after washing.
But what exactly do these cycles do and how do they compare?
As a KitchenAid dishwasher owner, you want to pick the right cycle to perfectly clean and dry your dishes. Understanding the key differences between ProDry and Heat Dry will help you get the best results.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | ProDry | Heat Dry |
| Drying Method | Heated drying + fan assist + extended drying | Heated drying only |
| Heat Temperature | Up to 176°F | Up to 194°F |
| Fan/Ventilation | Circulating fan | Passive venting only |
| Cycle Time | 2-2.5 hours | Under 2 hours |
| Adaptability | ProDry Optimizer automatically adjusts times | Adjusts heat time only |
| Plastic Drying | Excellent | Mediocre |
| Energy Use | High | Lower |
| Noise Level | Intermittent fan noise | Very quiet |
| Cost | $200-$300 premium | Standard on base models |
What Is The ProDry Cycle On KitchenAid Dishwashers?
The ProDry cycle is an advanced drying system exclusive to KitchenAid dishwashers. It uses a combination of methods to thoroughly dry dishes:
- Heated Dry – The dishwasher heats the interior to temperatures above 176°F to evaporate moisture off the dishes.
- Fan Assist – A fan circulates the hot dry air throughout the tub to reach all surfaces.
- Extended Dry – After heated drying, the fan runs periodically for up to 2 hours to continue evaporating moisture.
- ProDry Optimizer – Sensors measure humidity and automatically adjust the heated dry time and fan assisted drying time to match each specific load.
The ProDry cycle is designed to eliminate water spots and calcium deposits so dishes come out crystal clear. It’s great for plastic items that are slow to dry. The flexibility of the ProDry Optimizer also prevents over-drying or under-drying.
How Does the Heat Dry Cycle Work?
The Heat Dry cycle relies purely on heated dry to remove moisture. It raises the internal temperature higher than ProDry, up to 194°F.
The high heat evaporates water off the dish surfaces. Some moisture gets vented out but the tub doesn’t have active ventilation like the ProDry fan.
Once the heating phase finishes, there is no extended drying period. Dishes are left to air dry inside the closed dishwasher.
The Heat Dry cycle does use moisture sensors to adjust the heat time. But there’s no fan to continually circulate air like ProDry has. Here is how the ProDry cycle works!
Key Differences Between ProDry and Heat Dry Cycles
While both cycles use internal heat, there are some important differences:
Dry Time
- ProDry runs the fan periodically for up to 2 hours after heated drying.
- Heat Dry has no extended drying phase after heating.
Ventilation
- ProDry circulates air with a fan.
- Heat Dry relies on passive moisture venting.
Flexibility
- ProDry Optimizer automatically adjusts heat and fan times.
- Heat Dry only adjusts the heat time.
Ideal Uses
- ProDry works great for plastic items and hard to dry loads.
- Heat Dry quickly dries most dishes but may leave moisture on plastics.
Energy Use
- ProDry uses more energy over 2+ hours.
- Heat Dry uses higher heat but for a shorter time.
Pros of the ProDry Cycle
- Gets dishes crisp dry: The extended fan drying ensures no surface moisture or water spots.
- Prevents water marks on plastics: The adjustable fan time is perfect for slow drying plastics.
- Adapts to each load: The ProDry Optimizer customizes the heat and fan times based on sensors.
- Quieter operation: The fan circulates air at lower speeds than stand-alone heated drying.
- Good for hard to dry loads: The long 2 hour drying time ensures no lingering moisture.
Cons of the ProDry Cycle
- High energy use: The combined heating and fan drying uses more electricity over a longer run time.
- Long cycle time: ProDry averages 2 to 2.5 hours due to the extended fan assist.
- Over-drying risk: Dishes may end up too dry if the sensor calibration is off.
- Noisy fan: Some owners complain about the intermittent fan noises through the walls.
- Price premium: ProDry dishwashers cost $200 to $300 more than Heat Dry models.
Pros of the Heat Dry Cycle
- Fast cycle time: Heat Dry averages under 2 hours since there’s no extended fan drying.
- Energy efficient: Uses less power by relying solely on heat to dry.
- Quiet operation: No fan noise during or after the heating phase.
- Budget friendly: Heat Dry dishwashers are the lower cost models.
- Simple operation: Based purely on heat so fewer things to malfunction.
Cons of the Heat Dry Cycle
- May leave moisture: No extended drying can allow moisture to remain on plastics.
- Water spots: No active ventilation results in more calcium or water marks.
- Not customizable: Lacks automatic adjustment so some loads may be under-dried.
- Overheating risk: High heat can damage some dishes or warp plastics if left inside.
- Poor plastic drying: Plastics often require active airflow to fully dry moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ProDry is KitchenAid’s top drying cycle that uses a combination of heated drying, a drying fan, and an extended drying period for up to 2 hours. It adapts the times based on moisture sensors.
The ProDry dishwashers consistently dry dishes better than the Heat Dry models. ProDry eliminates moisture on all dish types with its heated drying, active ventilation, and long post-wash drying.
Yes, the ProDry cycle is very effective at drying every dish completely without moisture, provided the dishwasher is loaded correctly. The ProDry Optimizer flexibility helps it work on various loads.
Heat Dry relies solely on high heat up to 194°F to dry dishes. It lacks the extended fan drying time of ProDry. Heat Dry uses moisture sensors but only to adapt the heating time.
The Bottom Line
While Heat Dry can dry most standard dishware effectively, ProDry offers complete drying for just a bit more. The extended fan assist ensures no surface moisture gets left behind on slower drying plastics.
If you run lots of plastic items or want the peace of mind of zero water spots, ProDry is worth the extra investment. Just be prepared for some fan noise and higher energy consumption. For quick drying of standard dishes, Heat Dry certainly does the job at a lower price.
Picking the right cycle for your needs will ensure you get sparkling, moisture-free dishes every time. Check your user manual for the full range of options on your KitchenAid dishwasher and use the cycles for their intended purposes.
With some experimenting, you’ll discover which settings are ideal for which loads.