Asko vs. Bosch Dishwashers

Asko vs. Bosch was one of the best dishwasher comparisons at one time.

However, one company evolved while the other did not.

In this article, we will compare both brands to help you decide which one is best for your home.

Let’s get started.

Why This Article Is Worth Your Time

We only love some brands because we service what we sell.

Every year, we log 30,000-40,000 service calls.

Unlike most companies giving you a 1-800 service center for repair, we realize there is nobody who will pick up the phone.

We recommend due diligence and that you read consumer reviews, not blog reviews, to make your best choices.

Looking for answers about Dishwashers?

Short on time? Download our free Dishwasher Buying Guide.

Asko

For transparency, we do not sell or service Asko dishwashers, and I used to LOVE their dishwashers.

I remember seeing the first Asko dishwasher back in the early 1990s. It was unlike anything I had ever seen.

The inside was stainless steel, but the racks were solid graphite. It was also quiet.

I still think Asko is a beautiful machine, but they have two problems.

First, they have an ownership issue.

Asko, a Swedish brand, made a solid dishwasher in the 2000s when it was acquired by Merloni of Italy.

Merloni went bankrupt. The Slovenian Gorenje Group bought them from Slovenia.

In 2018, 95% of Gorenje was sold to Hisense of China.

Their other problem is Bosch.

We will get into that later.

Asko Dishwashers

Now, let's get familiar with the various types of Asko dishwasher models.

Asko offers five dishwasher series, including the 30, 40, 50, and 60 series, along with a specialized series for outdoor use.

Features of Asko Dishwashers

All Stainless Steel Tubs

Makes sense. It always was. The racks are nylon now.

44 dB Silence Rating

Every Asko meets the 44 dB quietness standard so you won't hear an Asko even in an open kitchen.

Super Cleaning System+

Cleans the dishes and filters, eliminating the need to pre-rinse

Turbo Dry

Introduces outside air into the dishwasher after the final rinse. The warmer air is attracted to the colder air and is dissipated as water.

Third Rack

Most premium dishwashers have a third rack, but Asko places it in the middle of their better models

3 Spray Arms

Most dishwashers have two and a sprinkler head on the top like Bosch

Cycles

Normal wash, ECO wash, Hygiene wash, Time program, Plastic wash, Rinse and hold, Sanitation wash, Upper half, Lower half, Crystal glass, Self-cleaning

Modes

Normal mode, Green mode, Speed mode, Night mode, Intensive mode

Styles

Asko dishwashers offer pocket handles and towel bars.

For those looking for a high-end and customized look, Asko also offers panel-ready models that seamlessly blend with your custom cabinet fronts.

Asko Dishwasher Models

Asko 30 Series Dishwashers ($1,049)

The 30 Series is a decent dishwasher. Unlike Bosch, most of the best features are included in their least expensive model.

Also, unlike Bosch, the 30 series starts around $1,000 compared to $549 for a Bosch.

Asko 40 Series Dishwashers ($1,149)

Differences between the 30 Series and the 40:

• Quieter at 42 decibels
• Turbo Combi Drying adds the door popping open at the end of the cycle as well as the Turbo drying cycle
• Aqua Safe System: Asko's leak detection package
• Nine spray zones
• Taller interior space
• Two LED lights
• Taller interior space

50 Series ($1,549-$1,849)

Differences between the 40 and 50 series:

• Wide Spray is their pressurized water jet, increasing the water on the plates and dishes.
• Jet Spray: Dedicated bottle washes
• The sound level is now 40 decibels, which is noiseless. (BY+TW, so is 44 decibel)
• Four LED lights
• More flexible racks
• Third Rack Premium: I thought Asko would have some crazy marketing terms, but the third rack is in the middle.

60 Series ($2,049+)

Difference between 50 and 60 Series:

• Turbo Combi Drying With Sensor Control: The automatic door is regulated by a sensor that measures the temperature in your kitchen
• 39 decibels
• Wi-Fi
• Quick Pro Wash: a 39-minute wash

Bosch

Bosch arrived a few years later than Asko.

However, they have a more stable company structure than Asko and have evolved their dishwasher and dishwashing in general more than any other company.

Bosch operates the largest dishwasher manufacturing facility in the world in North Carolina.

Bosch Dishwashers

Bosch has five series the 100, 300, 500, 800, Benchmark series. 

Features of a Bosch Dishwasher

All Stainless Tub

Bosch dishwashers have stainless steel tubs that are more hygienic and durable than other materials.

Wi-Fi and Home Connectivity

All Bosch dishwashers are Wi-Fi enabled. 

PrecisionWash

Bosch is sensor-driven with PrecsionWash to determine the right amount of water to use

Reliable

Bosch's best feature may be their reliability based on over 33,000 service calls logged by our service department just last year.

Rack Design

The "RackMatic" top rack is adjustable.

AutoAir and CrystalDry Technology

The Bosch 500, 800, and Benchmark series dishwashers employ better drying systems. 

PowerControl Spray Arm

The top-tier models of Bosch dishwashers, namely the 800 series and the Benchmark series, feature the PowerControl wash arm.

Style

Bosch offers a variety of stylish options for their dishwashers, including front control, towel bar, pocket handle, semi-integrated, and paneled designs. 

Price

Reasonably priced starting at $549.

Bosch Dishwasher Models

Bosch 100 Series ($549-$939)

The 100 Series now includes:

• The 100 Series
• 100 Plus
• 100 Premium

Cycles: You get the main cycles of h. The Bosch 100 series dishwasher cycles include AutoWash, Normal, QuickWash, and PowerScrub for heavily soiled dishes. Economy washes delicate items and half loads.

Drying: The drying is condensation drying, an industry term for the heat from your wash cycle, JetDry, and time. It works on plates but doesn't dry as well on plastics.

The 100 series is different from the regular Bosch.

Quietness: The 100 models do not meet the 44 dB quietness standard, meaning you will hear it in the next room.

Models range from 46 for the 100 Plus series to 50 decibels for the regular 100 series.

Tub Composition: The 100 series is stainless with a plastic bottom. While both stainless and plastic retain water, plastic can retain odors. (Pro Tip: Tang is a good odor absorber for plastic).

Door: The 100 is lighter than the other series and doesn't seem as well constructed as the other series

Rack Design: The 100 Series has standard racks, while the 100 Premium has the Rackmatic nine-position rack.

Price: Depending on the finish and style, you can buy a Bosch 100 Series dishwasher for $549-$849. Costs a bit more with the panel

Bosch 300 Series

Compared to the budget-friendly 100 series, the 300 series is a true Bosch dishwasher with an all-stainless tub and a sturdier door.

Rack Design: The 300 series has upgraded features like gliding racks, folding tines, and a more flexible third rack for silverware, improving functionality (third racks leave more room below without the basket).

It has an adjustable upper rack, still dubbed the RackMatic.

Quietness: The 300 series dishwashers are 46 decibels, so you will hear them faintly.

Cycles: Pre-Wash/Rinse, Main Wash, Rinse, Express Wash (30 minutes for lightly soiled dishes, sanitize (high-temperature cycle), Eco Mode (extending the cycle for lower energy consumption).

Bosch 500 Series: Our Most Popular Dishwasher from 2000-2020

The 500 series is an upgrade for quietness and drying capability.

Cycles: Auto Wash, Heavy, Normal, Express, Delicate (lower water temperature and shorter wash time), Rinse and Hold, Half Load, Favorites. You can also program your favorite cycles right on the dishwasher.

Quietness: The 500 series meets the quietness standard of 44 decibels, so you won't hear it from the next room

Rack Design: You have the third rack and the Rackmatic, similar to the 300 series

AutoAir: The 500 series offers an automatic opening door that pops open after 30 minutes of completing the cycle.

It releases steam and heat to reduce the condensation in the dishwasher greatly for dryer dishes, just like the better Asko dishwashers.

Price: The 500 series Bosch dishwashers range from $1,099 to $1,149.

Bosch 800 Series

The 800 series of Bosch dishwashers have their newest features, including Power Control for washing and CrystalDry drying.

Cycles: Besides the cycles available in the 500 series, the 800 series includes an Extra Dry option that extends the drying time for a more thorough and efficient drying.

PowerControl: The PowerControl wash arm is Bosch's new way of washing your dishes.

See that new propeller bottom spray?

You can control the intensity to be low, medium, or heavy, so you can scour the lasagna pans, wash more delicate crystal, or even do half and half.

With the HomeConnect App, you can control the different sprays in four quadrants:

Quietness: All models are below the quietness standard at 42 dB.

Rack Design: The 3rd rack can hold smaller dishes and plates. It's available on the better 800 series as well.

CrystalDry: CrystalDry uses the volcanic element Zeolite to transform moisture into heat. The CrystalDry chamber will heat the air to 176 degrees, emitting heat and absorbing moisture to dry even plastics.

Price: The price range for the Bosch 800 series dishwasher is between $1,349 and $1,499,

Bosch Benchmark Series

Benchmark is all new this year. It is now $400 less expensive than last year at $1799. Like the 800 series, it has the PowerControl spray arm and CrystalDry system.

Rack Design: The Benchmark has smoother ball-bearing racks and a slightly larger, more flexible third rack.

Quietness: At 38 decibels, the Benchmark is one of the quietest dishwashers, but the 500 and 800 will be quiet enough.

Asko vs. Bosch Dishwashers

Where Asko and Bosch Dishwashers Don't Compete

Bosch has dishwashers in the $599-899 range, while Asko starts at $949-999.

Asko markets dishwashers for over $1800, including an outside series at over $3500.

Bosch's best series, the Benchmark, ends at $1749.

Asko and Bosch Dishwasher Similarities

• Construction: Both are stainless with adjustable racks and third racks.
• Quietness: Both will meet the quietness standard of 44 with comparably priced dishwashers.
• Energy Efficiency: Asko has their Green Mode while Bosch has their Eco mode to decrease consumption while in use.
• Leak Protection: Bosch has AquaStop, while Asko has their AquaSafe system.

Asko and Bosch Dishwasher Differences

Now, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of their top-performing dishwashers that come with similar price tags.

Bosch 500 Series SHX65CM5N vs. Asko 40 Series DBI364IS Dishwashers

Quietness

Both are under the quietness rating, with Bosch at the minimum standard while Asko is lower at 42 decibels.

Rack Design

Both have a third rack and an adjustable middle rack

How They Wash

Asko has three spray arms up top, while Bosch has two plus a sprinkler head up top.

How They Dry

Bosch uses condensation dry and the AutoAir door, which pops open at the end of the cycle.

Asko has the Turbo Combi Dry, adding air into the dishwasher to speed drying. Then, Asko opens the door after the cycle ends.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is not a big deal for a dishwasher. You won't perhaps open the dishwasher while it's running because you will see the time remaining.

However, Bosch allows you to customize the cycles through their HomeConnect App.

You have to go to Asko's 60 Series at $1,900+ for Wi-Fi.

Asko 50 Series DBI565THXXLS vs. Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N Dishwashers

Quietness

Both are quiet. Bosch is 42 decibels while Asko is 40 decibels.

Rack Design

The rack design is similar to the last comparison

How They Wash

Asko has a pressurized sprayer, "wide spray," at the bottom, while Bosch has their pressurized Spray at the bottom.

Bosch allows you to set the Spray low, medium, or high.

You can also split the zones into quadrants to set the dishwasher to wash heavy lasagna dishes and china in the same wash.

How They Dry

Asko has the same Turbo Combi drying as the previous comparison.

Bosch has the most effective drying with CrystalDry.

CrystalDry is powered by zeolite, a volcanic element, to absorb moisture and emit heat.

I also thought it was a gimmick, but Crystaldry outperformed every other dishwasher, including the Miele CleanDry, in our tests.

Which Dishwasher Should You Buy?

Both Asko and Bosch will wash your dishes well, with Bosch being the better drying dishwasher at $1,349.

Bosch's $1,349 dishwasher could be the best dishwasher on the market and is $300 less expensive than the better Asko dishwashers.

The wild card is reliability.

Bosch is a reliable dishwasher, at least in our tests, while I don't know about Asko.

Your best decision is the more reliable brand based on reviews and repair availability in your area.

Additional Resources

Get our free Dishwasher Buying Guide with tips, trends, and reviews of all the major brands. Over 1 million people have already found answers in a Yale guide.

Related Articles

• Best Dishwashers
• Most Reliable Dishwashers
• How to Buy a Dishwasher: The Ultimate Guide
• Best Bosch Dishwashers
• Quietest Dishwashers by Decibel Rating
• KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers
• GE Profile vs. Bosch Dishwashers
• Bosch vs. LG Dishwashers
• Bosch vs. Miele Dishwashers