Whirlpool Dishwasher Heat Dry vs High Temp: Which Should You Use?

You just finished dinner, and now it’s time to run the dishwasher. But then you see two buttons: “Heat Dry” and “High Temp”. Which one should you pick? If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know the difference. The quick answer is this: Use High Temp for better cleaning and Heat Dry for better drying. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what each setting does, when to use them, and how they help your dishes come out cleaner and drier every time.

What is Heat Dry on a Whirlpool Dishwasher?

Heat Dry is a setting that uses the dishwasher’s internal heater to dry your dishes at the end of the cycle. After the washing and rinsing are done, the machine starts blowing hot air around the dishes. This helps remove moisture from plates, cups, and silverware. The Heat Dry setting is useful when you want your dishes to be dry and ready to use right away, especially if you hate water spots or waiting.

When you turn on Heat Dry, the dishwasher uses extra energy to warm up the air. It doesn’t get as hot as an oven, but it’s warm enough to dry plastic containers, glassware, and even metal pans. The heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher gets hot and warms the air inside. A small fan may also help push the hot air around the dishes.

Heat Dry is very useful in places where the air is humid. For example, if you live in a rainy area, your dishes might stay wet longer. Using Heat Dry will help avoid this problem. It also helps stop bacteria and mold from growing, especially on plastic cups and kids’ dishes that are hard to dry naturally.

But there is a catch. Heat Dry uses more electricity. That means your power bill could go up if you use it every time. Some people like to save energy and money, so they skip this feature and let their dishes air dry.

Also, Heat Dry may not work well on all types of items. For example, it might not completely dry plastic containers with deep corners. You might still find small water puddles in the lids or bowls. Glass and metal usually dry better because they hold heat longer, so water evaporates faster from them.

Another thing to know is that Heat Dry can make your dishwasher feel hot after it finishes. If you open the door right away, you might feel a warm burst of air. That’s normal and means the feature is working.

• Uses hot air to dry dishes after washing
• Great for fast drying and less water spots
• Uses more electricity
• May not dry plastic completely
• Helpful in humid areas
• Makes dishwasher warm after cycle

What Is High Temp on a Whirlpool Dishwasher?

High Temp is a setting that raises the water temperature during the washing and rinsing steps. Instead of using normal warm water, it uses extra-hot water, usually around 130°F to 150°F. This helps break down tough food, grease, and stuck-on messes better than regular water.

If your dishes have sticky sauces, baked-on cheese, or old food bits, using the High Temp setting gives you a much better chance of getting them clean. The extra heat helps melt the grease and loosen dried food. It’s great for pots, pans, and dishes used for cooking.

High Temp also helps kill germs. Hotter water does a better job of sanitizing. If someone in your house is sick or if you have babies and toddlers, using this setting can help keep your dishes extra clean and safe.

This setting is also good when you’re washing plastic baby bottles, cutting boards, or containers used for meat. It helps remove germs that might cause sickness. So if you’re worried about cleanliness, this setting is a smart choice.

However, using High Temp takes more time and energy. It can make the wash cycle longer, sometimes by 20 to 30 minutes. It also uses more hot water, which can affect your energy bill. But for many people, the cleaner dishes are worth the extra cost.

Some dishwashers also combine High Temp with other features like Sani Rinse or Power Wash. This makes the wash even more powerful. But not all dishwashers do this automatically, so check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure.

High Temp is usually better for very dirty dishes, while light loads or dishes with just crumbs may not need it. You don’t always need to use this setting for every wash. But when you do, it can make a big difference in how clean your dishes look and feel.

• Uses very hot water to clean better
• Great for greasy or stuck-on food
• Helps kill germs and sanitize
• Uses more energy and water
• Makes cycle longer
• Best for dirty pots, pans, and baby items

When Should You Use Heat Dry?

Heat Dry is best when you want your dishes dry right away. Maybe you’re hosting a party and need clean, dry dishes fast. Or maybe you hate drying dishes by hand. Heat Dry will help your dishes be ready to put away as soon as the cycle ends.

It’s also helpful if you live in a place with high humidity or if your kitchen doesn’t have good airflow. In those cases, air drying might leave your dishes wet or smelling odd. Heat Dry makes sure there’s less moisture left behind.

This feature is good for families with kids too. Children’s plastic plates and cups often come out wet, but Heat Dry helps dry them more completely. That means less wiping with a towel and fewer water spots.

Another time to use Heat Dry is when washing glassware. It helps prevent foggy or spotted glasses, especially if you use rinse aid. Heat Dry works with rinse aid to make your glasses shiny and spotless.

You should use this setting when time is short. It’s faster than air drying and doesn’t require you to leave the door open for hours. If you’re running late or tired at night, using Heat Dry can make life easier.

Just remember, it will cost a bit more in electricity. If saving energy is important to you, only use it when needed. You can also try opening the dishwasher door at the end of the cycle to let steam out. This can help dishes dry faster without using Heat Dry.

• Use when you need dishes dry fast
• Good for humid homes or poor airflow
• Helps dry plastic items and glasses
• Less need to hand-dry with towel
• Works well with rinse aid
• Saves time but uses more power

When Should You Use High Temp?

Use the High Temp setting when your dishes are extra dirty. This includes pans with baked-on food, dishes with dried sauces, or plates left out too long. The hotter water helps clean them better than a normal cycle.

It’s also useful when you need to sanitize dishes. If someone in your family was sick, or if you’re washing baby bottles, use High Temp to kill germs and bacteria. It adds peace of mind and keeps your family safe.

When you cook meals with lots of oil or cheese, such as lasagna or fried food, High Temp can really help. Grease can be hard to clean with warm water, but the high heat melts it off. Your dishes will come out cleaner with fewer food spots.

If you run your dishwasher only once every few days, High Temp is a good idea. Dirty dishes sitting around get harder to clean, and the extra heat helps remove those dried-on messes. It’s also helpful when you’ve had guests over and have a big load of very dirty dishes.

You should also use this setting if you don’t rinse dishes before loading. Many people just scrape off food and skip rinsing. In that case, High Temp gives you extra power to clean without any pre-wash.

Just keep in mind it takes longer and uses more energy. If you’re washing lightly-used dishes like cereal bowls or cups, you might skip High Temp. But when you really need deep cleaning, it’s the right choice.

• Use for very dirty dishes or stuck-on food
• Great for cleaning grease and cheese
• Helps sanitize and kill germs
• Best for baby bottles and cutting boards
• Good if you don’t pre-rinse dishes
• Takes longer and uses more energy

Can You Use Both Settings Together?

Yes, you can use both High Temp and Heat Dry in the same cycle. In fact, using both is the best choice when you want very clean and dry dishes. This combo works well for large family meals, dinner parties, or after baking and frying.

Start with High Temp to get a deep clean. It will wash away tough grease, food bits, and sauces using hot water. Then, the Heat Dry setting will make sure everything comes out dry and ready to use.

Using both can save time. Instead of running a second cycle or wiping dishes by hand, you get everything done in one go. It’s great for busy days or when you’re tired and don’t want to do extra work.

Some Whirlpool models even recommend using both settings for best results. You can check your user manual for specific tips. If your dishwasher has a sensor or smart wash, it might even turn these features on automatically when needed.

Just remember, using both settings means using more energy and water. It might cost a little more, but many people feel it’s worth it for the convenience and better results.

If you’re someone who likes spotless, dry dishes every time, using both settings is a good habit. It works well for mixed loads with glass, metal, and plastic. Just be sure to load your dishwasher correctly for best airflow and water coverage.

• You can use both together for best results
• High Temp cleans better; Heat Dry dries faster
• Saves time and effort
• Best for large loads or tough messes
• Uses more energy and water
• Works well for busy families

Which Setting Should You Use Most Often?

The setting you use most depends on what you wash and what you need. If you want cleaner dishes with less effort, High Temp might be your favorite. If you hate drying dishes by hand, Heat Dry may be better for you.

If you cook often and make greasy or cheesy foods, use High Temp more. It will help keep your dishes looking new and feeling clean. If you often wash plastic items or want to put dishes away right after the cycle, then use Heat Dry often.

Families with babies or young children may use both settings often. High Temp helps kill germs, and Heat Dry helps dry plastic cups. People who entertain guests often may also use both settings to save time and effort.

If you live in a warm, dry place, you may not need Heat Dry. Your dishes might air dry quickly. But if you live in a cold or humid area, Heat Dry can be very helpful.

There’s no perfect answer for everyone. It depends on your needs, habits, and where you live. Try both settings and see what works best for you. Mix and match depending on what you’re washing.

• High Temp is best for dirty or greasy dishes
• Heat Dry is best for fast drying and no spots
• Use both for best results
• Choose based on dish type and lifestyle
• Try both and see what fits your needs
• Families and busy people may use both often

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Heat Dry and High Temp on your Whirlpool dishwasher is about knowing what your dishes need. High Temp gives you a deep clean with hot water, perfect for dirty dishes and keeping germs away. Heat Dry helps you skip the towel and get dry dishes fast. You can even use both together for the best results. By understanding how each setting works, you can make your dishwasher do a better job and save time in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it better to use Heat Dry or air dry on my dishwasher?

Heat Dry is better when you need dishes dry right away. It uses hot air to remove water, which helps avoid water spots and makes dishes ready to put away faster. Air dry saves energy but may leave water on plastic or deep cups. If you have time and want to save money, air dry is okay. But if you’re in a rush or want spotless glasses, Heat Dry is the better choice.

Is it safe to use High Temp every time I wash dishes?

Yes, it is safe to use High Temp every time, but it’s not always needed. This setting is great for tough messes, grease, or when you want to sanitize. But using it daily can raise your energy and water bills. For light loads or dishes with no stuck-on food, a normal cycle is enough. Use High Temp when needed to get the best results without wasting power.

Can I use both High Temp and Heat Dry together on all loads?

You can use both on most loads, but you may not need them every time. Both settings help your dishes come out clean and dry, especially after big meals. They work well together when you have lots of dirty dishes. Just know that using both uses the most energy. If you’re washing just a few lightly-used plates, you can skip one of them to save time and electricity.

Is it okay to leave Heat Dry on all the time?

Yes, it is okay, but keep in mind it will use more electricity. If you always want dry dishes without using a towel, it makes sense to leave it on. But for smaller or light loads, you might turn it off to save power. Some dishwashers also remember your settings, so check if yours does this automatically. If you’re fine with some hand drying, you can turn it off when not needed.

Can Heat Dry damage plastic dishes?

Heat Dry may not damage plastic dishes, but it can make some of them warp or melt if they are not dishwasher safe. Always check if your plastic items are marked as safe for high temperatures. Thin or soft plastics are more at risk. Place them on the top rack, where the heat is lower. If you’re unsure, air drying might be the safer choice.

Do I need rinse aid if I use Heat Dry?

Yes, using rinse aid with Heat Dry helps a lot. Rinse aid lets water slide off dishes more easily, which helps with faster drying and fewer spots. Heat Dry and rinse aid work together for the best results. Without rinse aid, you might see some water left on dishes, especially plastic ones. It also helps with glassware, making it look shiny and clear.

Can High Temp help if I don’t pre-rinse dishes?

Yes, High Temp is very helpful if you skip pre-rinsing. The hotter water can break down food and grease better than a normal wash. This means your dishes still come out clean even if you don’t rinse them first. It’s a good way to save time and water, especially for busy families. Just be sure to scrape off large food chunks before loading.

Do I need to use these settings every time I run the dishwasher?

No, you don’t need to use them every time. Use them when your dishes need extra help. For quick or small loads, a normal cycle is fine. But for dinner parties, baking days, or family meals, these settings can make a big difference. Use High Temp for cleaning power and Heat Dry for drying speed. Mix and match based on what you need that day.