Bosch and Kenmore control a good portion of the US dishwasher market. You should consider both. I wrote the regular Bosch SHE53TL5 vs. Kenmore 13543, but this comparison is very different.
The Kenmore in that article was produced by Whirlpool. In this comparison, it is KitchenAid with a completely new and improved wash system.
Confused? Don’t be. We will look at both companies and then compare at the end.
Bosch Benchmark
Bosch owns the largest dishwasher manufacturing facility in the US. They were also the first company to identify quietness as a prime consideration to your decision in buying a dishwasher.
Benchmark is their best series for cycles, features and quietness.
Bosch Benchmark SHX7PT55UC - $1299
Features
- 42 dBA
- Flexible 3rd upper rack
- Time light-Beams remaining time onto the floor
- 16 Place settings
- Water softener
- Flexible Silverware Rack-Able to be split into 2 pieces
- Aquastop leak protection-Detects leaks and pumps water out of unit
- Express Wash-30 minutes or less
- Speed Pefect-Reduces cycle time without compromising cleaning quality
- 24hr Delay wash
- Sits flush with cabinetry
Kenmore
Kenmore is the main brand for Sears and its sister company Kmart. The products are actually manufactured by a number of companies like Samsung, Frigidaire, LG and Whirlpool among others.
This dishwasher is manufactured by the KitchenAid subsidiary of Whirlpool. Sears seems to be on the decline, but they still offer service unlike their box store competition.
Kenmore Pro 1280
Features
- 39 dBA
- 1 hour wash
- Turbo wash filter
- SmartWash (load sensing)
- Turbo Zone with 6 pressurized spray nozzles
- Ultra Clean heavy duty wash
- Sanitize cycle
- Powerwave spray arm
- One hand upper rack adjuster
- 12 place settings
- Cycle countdown
- Status light
- Average cost is $1255
Comparison
As I said, this is a completely different comparison than the basic Bosch vs. Kenmore. In this comparison, Kenmore is quieter at an almost unheard of 39 decibels vs. an incredibly quiet 42 DBs for Bosch. KitchenAid changed their wash system to really mimic Bosch with a filter instead of a noisier grinder.
So you are now comparing two European styled dishwashers. Both have load and soil sensing technology to determine the accurate wash times.
Bosch will have a third rack for silverware in the top. They also have the Aquastop leak detection system, which shuts off the dishwasher and pumps out the water in case of leaks.
Reliability
Reliability is different between the two brands. Bosch is the second most reliable dishwasher brand after Miele at 12% service within the first year.
KitchenAid/Kenmore has average reliability on par with the appliance industry at about 20% service within the first year.
The only constant from my last review is to check the stores extensively on Google, Yelp and BBB. Sears and Bosch both have good outlets to purchase...as well as the not so good.
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Additional Resources
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