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Both Asko and Bosch changed what we expected from a dishwasher. They were the first in the market with a stainless tub and filtration instead of a disposer for quietness.
Now you would expect a dishwasher to wash your dishes, so you will shop for quietness. Although Asko was first to the market, Bosch has become more popular.
We will look at both companies, both products, and then compare.
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Asko
Asko is Swedish in origin and was started by a Swedish farmer who built a unique energy efficient washing machine for his mother in 1950 (Maytag had similar origins).
Asko is now owned by Gorenje Group, Slovenia. In 2010, they were purchased out of bankruptcy from the Italian company, Merloni.
Their ownership situation is much improved but has curtailed their competitiveness for almost a decade. Consequently, Asko sells most of their dishwashers at about $1449.
Bosch
Bosch is a huge multi-national company based out of Germany. Bosch manufactures ranges, built-in cooking, refrigeration, and ventilation. Unlike most major companies, Bosch is a dishwasher company first.
They operate the largest dishwasher manufacturing plant out of North Carolina. Their market position has solidified over the years. Their best dishwashers are now cheaper by $300-400 than 5 years ago
In fact, their bestselling dishwasher is under $749.
Read More: Best Bosch Dishwashers
Bosch vs. Asko Dishwashers
Bosch 800 Series SHXM98W75N - $1,079
Plus $99 installation
Features:
- 39 dBA- Quietest Dishwasher Brand.
- The MyWay Rack gives you the industry's largest 3rd rack loading capacity.
- FlexSpace Tines fold back to fit your larger pots & pans.
- RackMatic(R) on Upper Rack - 3 Height Adjustments and Up to 9 Possible Rack Positions
- AquaStop(R) Leak Protection Works 24/7
- Full Size Stainless Steel Tall Tub Installs Perfectly Flush
- 16 Place Setting Capacity
- LED Remaining Time Display
- 6 Programs and 6 options
- Detergent Tray Optimizes Detergent Dissolving
- Speed60(R) gets your dishes from dirty to dry in about an hour.
- Extra Dry Option for Better Drying Results
- Load Size Sensor Automates Wash Temperature
- Sanitize Option Eliminates Bacteria and Enhances Drying Results
- 24 h Delay Start Timer
Asko D5426XLS - $979
Features:
- Touch-proof stainless Steel
- 46 dB(A)
- 9Spray Wash System
- Turbo Drying System
- 10 Wash program
- Heavy duty stainless Steel construction with nylon-coated steel racks
- 16 Place-setting Capacity
- 24 Hour delayed start
- 18.9 Stainless steel
- Aqua Safe Leak protection
Asko vs Bosch Dishwashers
Both still employ a mesh filter instead of a grinder for quietness. Most high-end dishwashers like KitchenAid and Miele use filters as well.
Both have a third rack. You will like the third rack for a dedicated place for silverware. It also frees up tons of room on the bottom rack for more dishes.
Asko Third Rack
Bosch Third Rack
Bosch will have many more cycles and options whereas Asko has the base cycles. However, Bosch has the ability to wash china and crystal whereas Asko at this price does not.
Asko Controls
Bosch Controls
Asko has "Turbo Drying" or heated drying. This is technically better than Bosch's Jet Dry.
Construction
From a structure standpoint, Asko is better. The wash arms are stainless and the racks are virtually indestructible. They are graphite on steel vs plastic and nylon for the Bosch and most other dishwashers.
Asko uses 18.9 stainless steel with a high 9% nickel content. That being said, your dishwasher won't rust.
Quietness
The difference is significant. Bosch will be inaudible at 39 DBs whereas Asko is 46 DBs. 44 DB is considered a very quiet dishwasher, so Asko is fairly quiet. Bosch, however, is way better than just quiet.
You should not be able to tell if it is working. Quiet has become important because most of us have opened the kitchen to the living room.
Reliability
According to our 20,000 completed service calls completed in 2016-2017, Bosch is twice as reliable at 9.6% service in the first year versus 20% for the Asko.
Final Words
Both are extremely likable dishwashers. Asko is better constructed with better drying capability However, Bosch has a more compelling feature and reliability story at a better price for now.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide for features, specs, and recommendations for all dishwasher brands. Over 100,000 people have already found answers in a Yale guide.
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