KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Bosch and KitchenAid are two of the best dishwasher brands on the market, but which one is right for you?

Both brands offer excellent dishwashers and have recently updated their features.

KitchenAid reinvented its dishwashers several years ago, while Bosch introduced notable upgrades more recently, particularly with its new PowerControl wash system.

While both brands are top-tier, your decision may come down to two crucial but almost unrelated factors:

• Price at the time of purchase: Dishwasher prices fluctuate wildly throughout the year.
• Service availability in your area: Repair and support vary depending on your location.

Let’s dive in.

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Overview of KitchenAid Dishwashers

KitchenAid is an affordable luxury appliance brand owned by the Whirlpool Corporation and manufactured in the U.S.

Its early dishwashers revolutionized the industry with a solid commercial design.

Fun Fact: In the 1970s and 1980s, everyone wanted a KitchenAid dishwasher. At the time, Hobart, a commercial manufacturer, built the original KitchenAid models, making them highly sought after.

However, KitchenAid's biggest weakness was noise, especially as Bosch and Asko began importing quieter dishwashers into the U.S.

While KitchenAid dishwashers cleaned well, they were loud. Noise became a major issue in the 1990s as open-concept kitchens became more popular.

KitchenAid eventually addressed this, reducing noise levels to a nearly silent 39 decibels (dB).

They also shifted to a more European-style design by removing the disposer and adding a filter.

Today, KitchenAid offers three series of dishwashers: the 100 Series, the 200 Series, and the M Series.

The M Series includes three models, with prices ranging from $900 to $2,000, depending on when you buy.

New! KitchenAid Dishwashers Now Flush with Cabinets

For the first time, KitchenAid offers a dishwasher designed to sit seamlessly flush with cabinetry.

The KDTF924PPS won’t protrude like previous models, giving your kitchen a cleaner, built-in look.

Unfortunately, it comes with a steep price tag - $1,799 at the time of writing.

For comparison, you can buy a panel-ready Bosch dishwasher for around $1,000.

Among KitchenAid’s offerings, the 200 Series and the 400 models in the M Series are their most popular.

Key Features of a KitchenAid Dishwasher

• Advanced Clean Water Wash System M Series: Circulates clean water throughout the entire wash cycle by constantly filtering out loose food particles.
• Fan-Enabled ProDry System: After the wash cycle is complete, the ProDry System continuously circulates hot air to ensure your dishes get pristinely dry.
• Adjustable Middle Rack: Fit large items like the well-known KitchenAid stand mixer bowl.
• Heat Dry Option: Heats the air inside and the final rinse water to ensure dishes dry effectively.
• ProWash Cycle: Automatically adapts settings depending on the load type.
• SatinGlide Rails: Allows you to easily move upper racks in one smooth motion.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Models

Below are the most popular KitchenAid dishwasher models, along with their standout features and pricing.

The 200 Series KDTE204, priced between $798 and $999, has a more basic third rack but operates at an ultra-quiet 39 dBA.

The M Series KDPM405, ranging from $899 to $1,250, is slightly louder at 41 dBA but features a larger, more functional third rack, allowing for bigger bowls and up to 10 extra glasses compared to the KDTE204.

The M Series also includes a better filtration system and more jets spraying the third rack, improving overall cleaning performance.

The M Series was redesigned a few years ago and starts at $900, with its highest-end model, the KDPM804, priced up to $1,934 - not that you should buy that model.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Rack Design

The "FREEFLEX" racks are different. The second rack is slanted to accommodate more of all three.

However, you can't place wine glasses on the left of the middle rack because of the slanted larger top rack.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Cleaning

Wash Systems

4-Level Wash System:KitchenAid dishwashers have three wash arms: one on the top, one on the basket, and one below the second rack.

However, there’s also a fourth level of cleaning from the larger second rack. It’s not an actual wash arm, but rather spray holes built into the rack itself.

The M Series dishwashers feature additional spray jets, allowing bowls and larger mugs to be thoroughly cleaned on the expanded top rack.

Advanced Clean Water Wash System: Uses microfiltration to continuously remove food particles during the wash and rinse cycles and circulates clean water to dishes in all three racks.

Wash Cycles

• ProWash Cycle: This cycle uses soil sensors to determine the level of dirtiness of the dishes and adjusts the washing parameters in real-time to ensure optimal cleaning. It's essentially an automatic cycle that adapts to the current load.
• Tough Cycle: Designed for pots, pans, and dishes with baked-on or dried-on food. It provides a more intensive wash to break down and remove tough food residues.
• Normal Cycle: Suitable for everyday loads with moderate soil levels. This is the standard wash cycle for dishes, glasses, and silverware with typical food soil.
• Quick Cycle/Express Wash: Designed for lightly soiled items and reduces the wash time. It's ideal when you need dishes cleaned in a shorter amount of time.
• Rinse Only Cycle: This cycle rinses dishes that won't be washed immediately, preventing food residues from drying onto the dishes. No detergent is used in this cycle.
• Sani-Rinse Option: Heats the final rinse water to a high temperature, eliminating 99.999% of food soil bacteria. This is especially useful to ensure a sanitary load, like after handling raw meat.
• Delicate Cycle: Suitable for delicate items like glassware or lightly soiled dishes. It provides a gentler wash to prevent damage to fragile items.
• Extended Heat Dry Option:Increases the heat dry time, ensuring better drying results. This is particularly useful for loads with plastic items that tend to retain moisture.

Drying System

ProDry: The M series units utilize the ProDry system, incorporating a heating element and a fan for the best drying results.

The fan helps circulate the warm air, enhancing drying performance. The less expensive units use the heating element without the fan.

KitchenAid Dishwasher Styles

You can buy KitchenAid with the towel bar KDT, pocket handle, the KDP, and a few series with panel options.

🔎Read More: Best KitchenAid Dishwashers

Overview of Bosch Dishwashers

Bosch dishwashers are made in North Carolina, even though the company is based in Germany.

Bosch has the 100, 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark series. I recently wrote a blog post on the differences between them.

At one time, Bosch marketed over 100 dishwashers before the pandemic.

Now it's about half.

Key Features of a Bosch Dishwasher

• Smart Wash System (PrecisionWash): Sensors check how dirty the dishes are and adjust the wash for the best clean.
• CrystalDry for Better Drying: Uses special minerals to absorb moisture and dry even plastic items (more on this later).
• Adjustable Racks (RackMatic): The middle rack moves up or down to fit bigger dishes.
• Powerful Cleaning (PowerControl): Lets you control spray strength in different areas of the lower rack for tough or delicate dishes.
• Leak Protection (AquaStop): Stops leaks by shutting off the water automatically.
• Quiet Operation: Bosch dishwashers are very quiet, with some models as low as 38 dB (almost silent).

Bosch Cleaning Performance

Drying Technologies

Offering three different drying technologies, PureDry, AutoAir, and CrystalDry, Bosch lets you choose which drying feature would best suit your needs.

• PureDry: Also known as condensation dry, it uses the hot air from the wash and an additive like JetDry to dry dishes. Works well on plates, less so on less dense items like plastics
• AutoAir: Allows fresh air to circulate to create drier dishes by popping the door open at the end of the wash.
• CrystalDry: Takes moisture inside your dishwasher and turns it into heat using the volcanic element Zeolite.

PrecisionWash

With the PrecisionWash feature, you can confidently load your dishes as the dishwasher will continuously scan and check the progress of your dishes throughout the wash cycle.

It also has powerful precision spray arms that target areas that need extra cleaning attention to give your dishes the ultimate cleaning every time.

Bosch Dishwasher Rack Design

• 3-Level RackMatic: Allows room for taller items with three different easily adjustable heights and nine separate rack positions.
• Third Rack: Provides the perfect space that allows for cleaning utensils, spatulas, measuring cups, and cereal bowls.

Bosch Dishwasher Models

100 Series

They replaced the old "Ascenta" line with the 100, 100 Plus, and 100 Premium series.

All models in the 100 Series have a plastic bottom, a lighter door, and a shallow, non-adjustable top rack.

They all feature PrecisionWash, which uses intelligent sensors for better cleaning.

All Bosch dishwashers are now Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing you to control them from your phone and even set your favorite cycle.

Quick Note: You don’t need Wi-Fi for a dishwasher. However, it can be useful for checking cycle progress - especially since some of these dishwashers are so quiet, you might open them mid-cycle without realizing they're running.

The 100 Series operates between 46 and 50 decibels, which does not meet the 44 dB quietness standard.

The basic 100 Series models do not include a third rack.

Bosch 300 series ($899-$1,099)

The 300 Series starts the regular Bosch dishwasher lineup.

The 300 series has an all-stainless tub and an adjustable top rack.

These models have a better silence rating of 46 decibels, yet they are still audible in an open kitchen design.

AquaStop leak protection starts in the 300 series as well. It adds a second layer to the hose in case it bursts.

Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher Cycles

The 24/7 standard leak detection is excellent, using sensors to shut off the water.

• Standard Cycles: Auto, Normal, Speed60, Rinse.
• Options: Half Load, Sanitize, Delay, Extra Dry.
• Notables: The 300 Series provides basic yet effective cleaning cycles for everyday needs. The Speed60 gets dishes from dirty to dry in about an hour.

Bosch 500 Series ($989-$1,149)

Bosch introduced the AutoAir feature, which improves drying by automatically cracking the dishwasher door open at the end of the cycle to release steam.

This system works better than condensation drying alone because it releases moisture and speeds up the drying process.

The 500 Series is quieter at 44 decibels and meets the quietness standard.

The top silverware rack is their "FlexSpace," so it can accommodate small cups and silverware.

Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher Cycles

• Standard Cycles: Auto, Heavy, Normal, Speed60, Rinse.
• Options: Half Load, Sanitize, Delay, Extra Dry, ExtraScrub (increases pressure and temperature in the lower rack for intensive cleaning).
• Notables: The 500 series introduces the ExtraScrub option and often has a slightly more refined design. The Auto cycle uses sensors to determine soil level and adjusts the wash process accordingly.

💡Pro Tip: Having a dishwasher popping open is especially effective when you wash your dishes at night. You reduce the residual moisture on the dishes in the morning because the steam has been released.

Bosch 800 Series ($1,149-$1,499)

This year’s big innovation from Bosch is PrecisionWash with PowerControl.

PowerControl divides the bottom of the dishwasher into four quadrants, allowing you to adjust the spray intensity in each area based on how dirty the dishes are.

It’s a brand-new design from Bosch, though other brands have taken different approaches - LG with QuadWash, Samsung with WaterWall, and Beko with CornerIntense wash arms, all of which move away from traditional wash systems.

The 800 Series also features CrystalDry, which uses the volcanic mineral Zeolite to absorb moisture and dry even plastics in a three-phase process.

1. Absorption of Moisture: During the washing and rinsing phases of the dishwasher's cycle, zeolite granules absorb moisture from the dishwasher's interior.
2. Heat Release: As the Zeolite absorbs moisture, it undergoes an exothermic reaction, naturally releasing heat. This heat helps in drying the dishes more effectively.
3. Regeneration: At the beginning of each wash cycle, residual moisture from the previous cycle is heated and driven off the Zeolite, effectively "regenerating" it and preparing it for the next moisture absorption phase.

Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher Cycles

• Standard Cycles: Auto, Heavy, Normal, Speed60, Rinse, sometimes includes additional cycles like Glass, Eco, and Quick.
• Options: Half Load, Sanitize, Delay, Extra Dry, ExtraScrub, and sometimes CrystalDry (an advanced drying option that uses minerals to transform moisture into heat up to 176°F for improved drying performance).
• Notables: The 800 Series is one of Bosch's premium lines, offering more features and greater flexibility.
  • The Glass cycle ensures delicate items, like stemware, are washed gently.
  • The CrystalDry option provides one of the best drying performances available, effectively drying even plastic items.
  • Additionally, the 800 Series features interior lighting and an improved third rack with Bosch's flexible 3rd rack design, which folds down to accommodate deeper items like ramekins.

Bosch Benchmark Series ($1,519-$1,799)

The Benchmark Series is Bosch's quietest dishwasher, operating at just 38 dB. It also features a more refined control panel and upgraded slide-out racks for easier loading.

The TimeLight projects the remaining cycle time onto the floor in front of the dishwasher or onto the handle for pocket-handle models.

Bosch offers this dishwasher in five different front panel options to match various kitchen styles.

💡Pro Tip: Bosch dishwashers have been in short supply. Pick a series, then check every type of style.

🔎Read More: Best Bosch Dishwashers

Looking for answers about Dishwashers?

Short on time? Download our free Dishwasher Buying Guide.

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers

Let's start with the most misunderstood component of this Bosch and KitchenAid comparison: Reliability.

Reliability

Both brands are excellent with below-average service rates. Only LG (4.7%) and Thermador (6.9%) have lower service rates.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of dishwasher service rates for 2025, based on real service calls:

Dishwasher Service Rates for 2025

The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 5,000 products within 12 months.

Every review site and blogger claims Bosch is far more reliable, but the numbers don’t fully support that opinion.

However, keep in mind that magazines and reviews don’t employ technicians or track actual service calls.

A 0.3% difference in reliability isn’t a reason to choose one brand over the other, but access to repair services should be.

Before making a decision, check local reviews for technicians who service both brands in your area.

🔎 Read More: Most Reliable Dishwashers

What KitchenAid and Bosch Dishwashers Have in Common

You will see the differences, but they also have much in common. Below are their similarities.

• Stainless-Steel Tub: Most upscale dishwashers now have stainless on the inside. It is more hygienic than plastic because there are no seams for germs and odors to populate.
• Cycles: You will see them in three comparisons, but there will be plenty of cycles for both. Many perform the same function.
• Third Rack: They both have third racks. However, the KitchenAid dishwasher series is upgraded and different on certain models.
• Quietness: Both are at or below 44 dB for their best series. That number isn't an accident. It is the unofficial standard for a noiseless silence rating, meaning you won't hear a 44 dB dishwasher in the next room.
• Smart Water Filtration: Both dishwashers use sensors and filters to continuously remove food particles and keep wash water clean.

📌Quick Note: People pay too much money for a quiet dishwasher. You shouldn't make that same mistake of buying below 44 decibels unless the more expensive dishwasher has other desired features.

Here is a video that demonstrates the varying sound levels and silence ratings of different dishwashers:

Which Bosch and KitchenAid Dishwashers You SHOULDN’T Buy

KitchenAid

What’s the difference between the KDTM804KS at $1,939 and the KDTM405 at $1,250?

Not much. Both have slanted racks, the same quiet operation, and most of the same wash cycles.

For $700 more, you're paying for:

• A Culinary Caddy utensil basket
• ProDry vs. standard heat drying
• Slightly better racks
• Interior lighting

Bosch

For Bosch, the 800 Series and Benchmark Series are mainly separated by sound level - 38 dB vs. 42 dB.

You can’t hear either one, plus Benchmark models add better racks and interior lighting for a $300–$500 difference.

Final Tip

If you want the best value, stick with the KitchenAid 400 Series or Bosch 800 Series (or below). You'll save money and still get an excellent dishwasher.

But which model is actually the best fit for you?

Let’s break down specific KitchenAid and Bosch models side by side to see how they compare in features, performance, and value.

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers: Head-to-Head Model Comparisons

KitchenAid KDTE204KPS ($799-$999) vs. Bosch SHP65CP5N ($999-$1,149)

How They Compare

How They Wash

KitchenAid has a better spray system on the top rack, while Bosch relies more on a sprinkler head design.

That said, both dishwashers clean well.

How They Rack

Both models include a third rack for silverware, originally designed by Miele. The third rack is useful because it frees up space on the bottom rack for larger items.

How They Dry

Like most stainless-steel interior dishwashers, both brands use condensation drying, which relies on air drying, JetDry, and time.

Bosch improves drying with AutoAir, which pops the door open at the end of the cycle to release steam.

This feature is particularly great before bedtime, as it prevents residual steam from resettling on your dishes.

Noise Levels

The KitchenAid KDTE204KPS is the quietest option at 39 dB - you won’t even hear a hum.

Bosch, at 44 dB, meets the quietness standard but is slightly louder.

Fit & Size

• The Bosch sits flush with your cabinetry.
• The KitchenAid protrudes about an inch but offers a larger interior.

Final Verdict

The Bosch 500 Series might be a better dishwasher overall, but the KitchenAid KDTE204KPS is bigger and quieter than a similarly priced Bosch 300 Series and is better built than the Bosch 100 Series.

When you buy matters - prices fluctuate throughout the year, so timing your purchase is key.

KitchenAid KDTE405PPS ($1,250) vs. Bosch SHX78CM5N ($1,449)

How They Compare

Both dishwashers introduce key innovations for their brands.

How They Wash

KitchenAid features a four-level wash system with spray arms on the top, middle, below the bottom rack, and built into the rack itself.

Bosch uses the PowerControl spray arm, which lets you adjust the spray intensity in different sections of the lower rack - meaning you can wash delicate china and baked-on lasagna pans in the same load.

Beyond that, the Bosch 800 Series is similar to the 500 Series, with a sprinkler head and two spray arms under each basket.

How They Rack

Bosch offers a nine-position RackMatic system and a third rack for silverware.

KitchenAid's racks are slanted to fit more dishes, making them slightly more flexible, though the difference isn’t huge.

How They Dry

• Bosch’s CrystalDry is the better drying system, using zeolite minerals to dry even plastics effectively.
• KitchenAid relies on heated drying, which adds heat to an already steamy dishwasher. Even the ProDry fan system in the 600 Series just circulates the hot air.

Bosch wins for drying.

Final Verdict

If only we could combine KitchenAid’s better racks with Bosch’s superior drying - but we can’t.

So, which one is better?

It depends on what you value.

• Want better drying? Get the Bosch SHX78CM5N.
• Want more flexibility in racking? Go with KitchenAid KDTE405PPS.

💡Pro Tip: Bring your odd-shaped pans when shopping to see how they fit in each model - way better than realizing they don’t fit after installation!

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers: Design

Bosch will give you more refined options in terms of design, especially in pocket handles and other integrated styles.

Have a look:

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers: Custom Cabinet Panels

Bosch is the better choice if you want a dishwasher that fits seamlessly within a 24-inch cabinet, as all their models are designed for this.

KitchenAid offers only one flush-fitting model, the KDTF924, which costs $1,799.

You’d think this would be a standard feature on dishwashers, but in reality, only Beko, Miele, Asko, and Bosch offer models that fit perfectly within cabinetry.

The difference? A true panel-ready dishwasher blends in like a cabinet, while others still look like dishwashers with a panel on them.

Bosch is the better choice for this style at a lower price, with several affordable panel-ready models on the market.

🔎Read More: Best Panel-Ready Dishwashers

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers: 18-Inch and ADA Compliant Dishwashers

Bosch is better in this comparison because they have a few models, while KitchenAid does not.

Bosch’s ADA approved dishwashers will have the controls at a wheelchair height of 32 inches instead of the normal countertop of 33-34 inches.

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers: Prices and Promotions

Over the past six months, KitchenAid has been more promotional, especially in 2023 and 2024 - but not as much in 2025.

The KDTE204 is now $999 on KitchenAid’s website, after dropping as low as $749 in 2024.

At that price, it’s a better value than a lower-priced Bosch 100 Series model.

Bosch responded by cutting prices too, dropping some models by 33% for Presidents Day.

For example, the $1,799 Benchmark Series was reduced to $1,299 during promotions.

So, as good as these dishwashers are, price may be one of the most important deciding factors.

🔎Read More: When Is the Best Time to Buy Appliances?

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers: Service

KitchenAid relies on A&E Factory Service, which is notoriously inconsistent. Bosch, on the other hand, depends on a network of independent service providers, which can be equally hit or miss.

Since both brands will likely need repairs at some point, the best way to decide is to check which brand has better service availability in your area.

💡 Pro Tip: Google service reviews for both KitchenAid and Bosch in your location before making a purchase. At Yale Appliance, service is our largest department, handling over 33,000 service calls just last year - and trust us, having reliable local service can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways

Both KitchenAid and Bosch are excellent choices, offering strong features and solid reliability.

That said, Bosch has a clear advantage if you're looking for 18-inch models, ADA-compliant dishwashers, or panel-ready designs.

Bosch also excels in drying performance, particularly in the 500, 800, and Benchmark Series.

The PowerControl spray arm in the 800 and Benchmark Series allows for better cleaning flexibility, letting you target heavily soiled dishes while being gentle on delicate items.

On the other hand, KitchenAid’s M Series offers more interior space, and their lower-priced models tend to be quieter than Bosch’s entry-level options.

However, price is a major deciding factor between these two brands.

Service availability is another key issue - it varies widely depending on your location.

Before choosing a brand, check local service reviews to see which company has better support in your area.

💡 Final Tip: Wait for holiday promotions to get the best deal. In 2025, price and service are the two most important factors when choosing between KitchenAid and Bosch.

Additional Resources

For more information about dishwashers, read the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with features, specs, and insider buying tips. Well over 1.5 million people have read a Yale Guide.

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• Bosch vs. Miele Dishwashers
• The Ultimate Bosch Dishwasher Comparison
• How to Buy a Dishwasher: The Ultimate Guide