September 14th, 2023 | 8 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect dishwasher with our Dishwasher Buying Guide
You are looking at Bosch's new PowerControl spray arm.
In this article, you will learn whether Bosch’s PowerControl wash arm and Bosch dishwashers are worth considering or a gimmick as we explain this dishwasher's pros and cons.
Stay to the end for some comparisons to their main competitors, Miele, Beko, KitchenAid, and GE Profile, with their newer series.
Key Takeaway: Bosch’s PowerControl spray arm will improve the cleaning of your dishes depending on how you wash.
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Bosch PowerControl: What Is It?
PowerControl is Bosch's new spray system under the bottom rack featured in Bosch’s 800 Series and Benchmark dishwashers.
It allows you to adjust the pressure of the spray for light, medium, or heavy in four separate zones.
Let's say you want to scour a load full of lasagna pans.
Then, you can use the heavy option.
Want to wash a dishwasher full of delicate China dishes?
Then, set your dishwasher to the light spray option.
You can do half and half or split the dishwasher into four zones and have the corresponding plates on the top.
Your go-to cycles can even be set in the favorite's menu on the dishwasher.
Enhanced Control with the HomeConnect App and Wi-Fi
You may be highly skeptical of smart functionality in a dishwasher.
You press a button, and it's done.
But the HomeConnect App is easier by allowing you to set cycles, options, and PowerControl features.
The app will also alert you when your dishwasher is done and show you the time remaining.
With extraordinarily quiet dishwashers, you will never open them when running, thinking the cycle is over.
It's that quiet.
Other Reasons to Consider the Bosch 800 & Benchmark Series Dishwashers
CrystalDry
CrystalDry is a newer innovation for drying plates and dishes, especially plastics.
Bosch used condensation drying for years, combining heat from the wash, JetDry, and time - lots of time.
The method works well for denser items like plates, cups, and glasses.
However, plastics and other less dense items usually were less dry.
You were probably hand drying your plastics after the drying cycle was over.
CrystalDry changed all that by employing the volcanic element Zeolite, increasing heat, and absorbing moisture.
You also never have to add Zeolite or even maintain it.
Reliability
Bosch is known for their reliability for good reason.
Based on over 33,000 service calls completed by our service department last year, Bosch was only serviced 5.1% in the first year as opposed to 6.8% for dishwashers as a category.
In dishwashers, only LG was better, but with much lower sales.
Read More: The Most Reliable Dishwashers
Quietness
At 42 decibels (dB), you will not hear this dishwasher even if your kitchen is open to your living room.
The Benchmark series is even lower at 38 dB, but any dishwasher 44 dB or below will be quiet.
Rack System
Bosch still features the "RackMatic" rack system with nine positions to accommodate oddly-shaped items on the lower rack.
The top rack is adjustable as well.
This year, the tines fold down more in the lower rack for added flexibility.
Cycles
- Auto: This cycle uses sensors to determine the level of dirtiness and adjusts the cycle duration and intensity accordingly. It's great for mixed loads of dishes.
- Speed60®: A fast cycle that cleans dishes in an hour. It's useful for when you need dishes cleaned quickly.
- Normal: This is the standard wash cycle for everyday loads.
- Rinse: A quick rinse cycle is ideal for dishes that won't be washed immediately, but you don't want food residue to dry on.
- Heavy: For heavily soiled pots, pans, and dishes. This cycle provides a deeper clean.
- Sanitize: This option can be added to various cycles, increasing the washing temperature to a level that sanitizes the dishes, killing off bacteria and germs.
- Eco: A cycle designed to be more energy-efficient. It might take longer than the Normal cycle but uses less energy and water.
- Glass: For delicate items like glasses. It uses a gentler wash and rinse to avoid damaging fragile items.
- Half Load: Useful for when you have fewer dishes. It reduces the amount of water and energy used.
- Delay Start: Not a wash cycle per se but a feature that allows you to delay the start of your selected cycle by a certain number of hours.
- InfoLight®: Another feature, not a cycle. It projects a red light onto the floor while the dishwasher is running. When the light goes off, you know the cycle is complete.
- CrystalDry™ (on select models): An option that uses minerals to transform moisture into heat, getting dishes, including plastics, incredibly dry.
- Favorites: Store your favorite cycle by touching this button
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Differences Between the Bosch 800 Series ($1,349) and Benchmark Dishwashers ($1,799)
Main Differences:
- Silence Ratings
- Interior White Light
- Time Light
- More Flexibility in Racks
- AquaStop Plus
Silence Ratings and Quietness
Bosch Benchmark dishwashers have silence ratings of 38 dB while the Bosch 800 Series has a silence rating of 42 dB.
Interior White Light
The interior has an LED light, which could be useful for unloading plates at night.
Time Light
The time light at the bottom will tell you the cycle time.
Racks
Racks are ball-bearing in the Benchmark. The racks will slide forward and back with ease even if it is full of plates.
AquaStop Plus
Bosch has one of the best leak protection systems. It senses leaks and shuts off the water supply. In Benchmark, the dishwasher will pump out any excess water.
For features, Bosch did a nice job.
What Bosch Could Have Improved
Sprinkler Head
Technically, Bosch could have added a spray arm on the top rather than the sprinkler head in both series of dishwashers.
Their main competitor, Miele, has a full spray arm on the top. The KitchenAid M Series has four levels of wash action.
With a top rack, that top spray seems important.
However, nobody has complained about a Bosch dishwasher not cleaning.
Silverware Rack
Miele again has a silverware rack to secure flatware so it doesn't move around and scratch. Bosch has a basic top rack.
Bottle Wash
Beko and Bosch have special sprays on the top rack to wash the residue at the bottom of your glasses and bottles.
So, you don't have to rewash the chocolate syrup or protein powder from the bottom of your glassware.
GE Profile also has special sprays at the bottom of the silverware, so the hardened mustards or jellies are removed easily (it doesn’t have to be only mustard or jelly; it is all I could think of).
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Comparing Bosch's New Dishwashers to Other Popular Options
At $1,349, Bosch is competing against the Miele 500 series dishwashers and the better KitchenAid, Beko, LG, and GE Profile dishwashers.
Bosch vs. Miele Dishwashers
Miele will have a good overall wash system.
The top spray arm is larger than the unchanged sprinkler head of the Bosch.
Drying is good on a Miele. CleanDry introduces outside air into the side of the dishwasher. The steamier air is attracted to the colder side and is dissipated as water.
The dishwasher also pops open to release steam and moisture to speed drying.
Miele has their AutoDos dispenser revolutionizing dispensing, but you must pay $1,900 plus for that feature in a Miele.
However, the Bosch CrystalDry system is better, and the PowerControl spray arm may also scour better.
You can read more about Bosch vs. Miele in the article list below.
Read More: Bosch vs. Miele Dishwashers
Bosch vs. KitchenAid Dishwashers
KitchenAid and Bosch compete heavily.
The new KitchenAid M series dishwashers have deeper racks and four wash levels, although one is just holes from that larger rack.
Bosch has decent racks, but KitchenAid can hold more.
The new Bosch dries better with CrystalDry because the KitchenAid ProDry system mostly blows the hot air around.
Bosch’s new PowerControl spray arm is also more flexible.
Want to see a more detailed review of Bosch and KitchenAid dishwashers? Then click here.
Read More: KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers
Bosch vs. LG Dishwashers
LG is the only manufacturer more reliable than Bosch. However, Bosch is better when issues do arise.
That said, LG uses steam to loosen tough stains. Steam also helps to leave glasses spotless in their "Dynamic Drying" system.
LG's "QuadWash" arms are oblong-shaped, giving you more coverage than round arms.
Bosch will still dry better, and the PowerControl spray arm will let you control the intensity.
Bosch vs. GE Profile Dishwashers
GE dishwashers were updated in 2021 with their bacteria resistant Microban coating on the handles and baskets.
They have the Bottles Wash spray jets and a silence rating of 42 dB.
GE Profile dishwashers are unique because they have a grinder on the bottom, unlike the filter like every other brand listed.
Their drying system uses a fan to pull the steamier air out of the dishwasher.
Beko vs. Bosch Dishwashers
Beko is another reengineered dishwasher with their "CornerIntense" dishwashers. The sprays follow a square pattern like the shape of the dishwasher.
They also have bottle wash sprays on the top rack and are rated at 39 dB for quietness.
For drying, the dishwasher pops open at the end of the cycle.
Bosch will have better drying and more flexibility, but LG, Beko, and GE Profile are between $899-$999, while Bosch starts at $1,349.
Read More: Beko vs. Bosch Dishwashers
The New Bosch Benchmark and 800 Series Dishwashers with PowerControl: Are They Worth Buying?
Bosch has done a nice job of reimagining the washing and drying process.
Bosch Benchmark and 800 series dishwashers with PowerControl are a good consideration at $1,399-$1,799 against Miele and KitchenAid.
The PowerControl spray arm provides added flexibility to your dishwashing routine, while Bosch dishwashers have the best drying system and consistent reliability.
However, you can buy some excellent dishwashers for $300-400 less.
Additional Resources
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