Extra dry option (heat waves)
An option that raises the final rinse temperature and lengthens the drying phase, so the load — especially plastic — comes out drier.
What the manuals say to do
Add it when plastic boxes and lids keep coming out wet; plastics hold less heat than china, which is why they stay damp. It costs a little more energy and time: Bosch says the run time is extended and energy use rises slightly; Hotpoint says the wash cycle is lengthened. Rinse aid matters more for drying than this option.
What it does not mean
It is not a separate heater that bakes the dishes dry, and it does not help if the rinse aid has run out — the starburst light is the first thing to check when dishes are wet. It is not the same as automatic door opening, which dries with fresh air.
Makes differ, check your dishwasher’s manual: the same drawing can mean different things on different brands, and only your model’s manual says exactly what a light means and which programmes an option works with.
- What it looks like
- Wavy heat lines rising above a plate, or the words Extra Dry. On Beko an extra-drying symbol lights on the display when chosen.
- Names makers use
- ExtraDry (Bosch); Extra dry (Miele); EXTRA DRY (Hotpoint); Extra Drying (Beko); Intensive drying (older Bosch setting)
Where makers differ
Only some programmes accept it: Beko marks them in its programme table, and Hotpoint flashes the option light three times if it is not compatible. AEG’s panel shows the same heat-waves-over-a-plate drawing, but there it only tells you the drying phase is running. Older Bosch machines have it as a permanent setting called Intensive drying instead of a button, and warn that fragile items may suffer from the higher temperature.
Other symbols with the same shapes
Sources
No single published standard defines dishwasher panel icons, so this meaning is taken from the manuals of 4 different maker groups (Bosch, Hotpoint, Beko, Miele), each fetched and read on the date shown:
- Bosch: Bosch — User manual, dishwasher SMV4HVX32E (PDF) — Additional function ExtraDry: “For a better drying result the final rinse temperature is increased and the drying phase extended. Especially suitable for drying plastic parts. There is a slight increase in energy consumption and the run time is extended.” Checked 2026-09-26.
- Hotpoint: Hotpoint — Dishwasher Daily Reference Guide, 15 place settings with 3D Zone Wash and ActiveDry (PDF, 05/2023) — “EXTRA DRY – The higher temperature during the final rinse and the extended drying phase allows for improved drying. The EXTRA DRY option results in the lengthening of the wash cycle.” Checked 2026-09-26.
- Beko: Beko — Dishwasher instruction manual, GB booklet with child lock, half load and combi tablet (PDF) — Extra Drying button (5), depending on the model: “Extra drying symbol lights up (15) on the display when you select the extra drying (5) function”; available programmes listed in the programme table. Checked 2026-09-26.
- Miele: Miele — Operating instructions, dishwashers with touch display, M.-Nr. 11 831 681 (PDF) — Extra dry: “You can select this extra to increase the programme's drying performance. If you activate this extra, the programme durations and final rinse temperatures will increase.” Checked 2026-09-26.
Written in our own words; quotations are the makers’ wording.