The KitchenAid ProDry and ProDry Max are two advanced dish drying systems that differ primarily in technology, capacity, and price. The standard ProDry system offers reliable, heat-based drying with moisture sensors, while the premium ProDry Max adds adaptive smart technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a larger capacity for more efficient and customized drying. The ProDry Max is more expensive, reflecting its enhanced features and performance.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which KitchenAid drying system is the right fit for your kitchen.
KitchenAid ProDry
The KitchenAid ProDry system is a high-performance feature found in many of the brand's dishwashers, designed to deliver consistently dry and spot-free dishes. It uses a combination of a recessed heating element and a fan to circulate hot air effectively, moving moisture away from your dishes. It's a proven and reliable solution for those who want excellent drying performance without the complexity or cost of smart appliances.
- What it is: A built-in dishwasher drying system that uses a fan and heating element to dry dishes thoroughly.
- Key features: Targeted heat technology, active moisture removal via a fan, and efficient airflow designed to reach all racks.
- Price: Included in dishwashers starting around $900-$1,200 (Note: price is for the full appliance, not just the system).
- Style: The system is an internal feature and doesn't impact the external aesthetic of the dishwasher, which follows KitchenAid's clean, modern stainless steel look.
- Materials/Construction: Built with durable internal components, including high-quality heating elements and fans designed for long-term, consistent use.
- Pros: Excellent drying performance compared to standard condensation drying. Relatively energy-efficient and reliable. Straightforward operation with no complex settings. More affordable than models with ProDry Max.
- Cons: Lacks smart features like remote monitoring or adaptive cycles. May struggle with fully drying plastics on every cycle. Less advanced than the newer ProDry Max system.
The ProDry system is perfect for anyone on a practical budget looking for a significant upgrade from basic drying systems and who values reliable performance over smart technology.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/dishwashers/dishwashers-with-prodry.html
KitchenAid ProDry Max
The KitchenAid ProDry Max is the brand's premium drying solution, building upon the foundation of the standard ProDry system with upgraded technology for even better performance. It incorporates more sophisticated sensors that adapt the cycle's heat and time based on the load's moisture level. This smart functionality, combined with Wi-Fi connectivity, gives users greater control and ensures optimal drying efficiency for everything from glassware to plastics.
- What it is: An advanced, smart drying system with adaptive sensors and a fan-assisted heating element for superior drying results.
- Key features: Adaptive moisture sensors that adjust cycle time and temperature, Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control and monitoring, faster drying cycles, and an increased capacity to handle larger dish loads effectively.
- Price: Typically found in premium KitchenAid dishwashers, which can range from $1,200 to $1,500+.
- Style: Similar to the standard ProDry, this internal feature aligns with KitchenAid's premium dishwasher aesthetics, often accompanied by sleeker control panels or displays.
- Materials/Construction: Features upgraded components and more accurate sensors engineered for high performance and durability in busy kitchens.
- Pros: Superior drying performance, especially on plastics. Smart, adaptive technology improves energy efficiency. Wi-Fi offers modern convenience for remote operation. Larger capacity is ideal for big loads.
- Cons: A significantly higher price point. Setup can be more complex due to Wi-Fi connectivity. May have more features than the average user needs.
The ProDry Max is made for larger households, tech-savvy users who appreciate smart home integration, and anyone who frequently washes plastics and desires perfect, cabinet-ready results every time.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/dishwashers/dishwashers-with-prodry-max.html
KitchenAid ProDry vs. ProDry Max Comparison
Technology & Features
This is the most significant area of difference. The ProDry system is a workhorse, it uses a fan and heater to move hot air and eliminate moisture, a highly effective and reliable method. It performs consistently well but follows a pre-set cycle logic.
The ProDry Max takes this a step further with smart technology. Its adaptive sensors actively measure moisture levels throughout the cycle and adjust the time and temperature accordingly. This means it won't waste energy over-drying when it's not needed, and it can add extra time when it detects a particularly damp load. The addition of Wi-Fi for remote starts and status updates firmly places the ProDry Max in the premium, smart-appliance category.
Drying Performance & Capacity
While both systems are excellent, the ProDry Max generally offers better and more consistent results, especially with challenging items like plastic containers, which tend to retain moisture. The adaptive sensors give it an edge in achieving truly cabinet-ready dishes across varied loads. Furthermore, ProDry Max systems are often paired with dishwashers built to handle larger capacities, making them better suited for bigger loads, baking sheets, and oversized serving platters.
The regular ProDry system is perfectly suitable for standard dish loads in average-sized households and delivers great results on ceramics, glass, and silverware. It provides a massive leap in performance over dishwashers without a fan-assisted drying feature.
Price & Value
The standard ProDry system offers fantastic value. It provides high-end drying performance that was once exclusive to premium models but is now available in more moderately priced KitchenAid dishwashers. For most households, it's more than sufficient and represents a solid balance of cost and capability.
The ProDry Max commands a higher price, pushing the dishwasher into a premium investment category. The value here depends on your lifestyle. If you have a large family, hate hand-drying plastics, and use smart features on other appliances, the increased convenience and perfect drying results make the extra cost worthwhile.
Energy Efficiency
Both systems are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they operate within efficient energy parameters. However, the adaptive technology in the ProDry Max can lead to greater long-term energy savings. By tailoring each drying cycle to the specific load, it avoids using more heat or time than necessary. While the standard ProDry is efficient, the ProDry Max is smarter about its energy consumption on a cycle-by-cycle basis.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these KitchenAid drying systems are excellent, but they cater to different users and priorities.
Choose the ProDry system if:
- You're looking for great value and a significant upgrade over basic drying.
- You prioritize reliability and simplicity over smart features.
- You have a small to medium-sized family with typical dishwashing needs.
- You're on a stricter budget but still want premium brand quality.
Choose the ProDry Max system if:
- You want the best possible drying performance, especially for plastics.
- You appreciate the convenience of smart home technology and remote controls.
- You have a large family and frequently wash large or packed loads.
- You are willing to invest more for peak efficiency, convenience, and top-of-the-line features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between KitchenAid ProDry and ProDry Max?
The biggest difference is technology. ProDry uses a fan and heating element for consistent drying. ProDry Max adds smart adaptive sensors that adjust the cycle based on moisture levels and often includes Wi-Fi connectivity for remote operation.
Is the ProDry Max system worth the extra money?
It depends on your needs. If you wash a lot of plastics, have large dish loads, or love smart home integration, the convenience and superior performance of ProDry Max are often worth the higher price. For average users, the standard ProDry system offers excellent performance for the money.
Which system dries dishes faster?
The ProDry Max system is often designed to dry loads faster, as its smart sensors can optimize the cycle for speed without sacrificing performance. It efficiently pinpoints when dishes are dry to end the cycle promptly.
Are both systems ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes, dishwashers featuring either the ProDry or ProDry Max systems are designed to meet ENERGY STAR certification standards, ensuring they operate efficiently to save energy and water.
How does the fan-assisted drying work?
Both systems use a fan to actively pull moist air out of the dishwasher tub while circulating hot air produced by a heating element. This process is much more effective than passive condensation drying, which simply relies on a final hot rinse and cooler tub walls.
Do I have to do anything special to use the Wi-Fi on ProDry Max?
Yes, you will need to connect the dishwasher to your home's Wi-Fi network using the KitchenAid app on your smartphone. The app guides you through the setup process and allows you to remotely start cycles, monitor progress, and receive notifications.
Can I find these drying systems in other brands?
ProDry and ProDry Max are proprietary names for KitchenAid's drying technology. Other brands offer similar fan-assisted or heat-based drying systems under different names, but the specific performance and features are unique to KitchenAid.
Which system is better for open-concept kitchens?
Both are good choices, as they are part of quiet dishwasher models. However, the efficiency of ProDry Max might finish cycles quicker, and its remote start feature is a convenience that fits well into modern, connected homes with open floor plans.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
