Ten years ago, you bought a Bosch, Miele, or KitchenAid dishwasher.
Now, you have plenty of other options to consider, especially LG.
In fact, during the pandemic, you probably bought LG because they were one of the few brands with a consistent supply of appliances.
But now that the supply chain issues are behind us, what is truly better, a Bosch or LG dishwasher?
In this article, you will see how both dishwashers handled the nastiest concoction of dishes, including sports bottles coated with chocolate syrup, Tupperware stained with red sauce, and dishes with baked-on eggs.
In the end, you will learn which is truly the best.
Let’s get started.
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LG is a Korean company. Their dishwashers are imported from Korea, although all US production might be expanded into their US facility.
They are the fastest growing appliance company primarily because they produce more key components in their products, like motors, rather than outsourcing.
LG had appliances available during the pandemic because they relied less on an outsourced supply chain.
Having more control seems to help with reliability. Miele is another reliable brand with almost total control of their parts.
LG has 26 dishwasher models ranging from $449-$1,399.
All Stainless Steel Tubs
Even for $449, LG dishwashers have an all-stainless tub, not plastic or a blended tub of stainless and plastic. Stainless is a more hygienic and easier-to-clean surface.
Dynamic Drying
Dynamic drying adds heat and a fan to blow that heat around. A heated drying system is a popular feature for American brands.
European brands use condensation drying or the heat from the wash, JetDry, and time.
Bosch uses three methods depending on their series, which we’ll cover further in the article.
QuadWash
Instead of round wash arms, the LG uses angled jet sprays to wash more areas than a fixed arm can. At least in theory, we will test all LG’s and Bosch's claims at the end.
TrueSteam
LG is the only dishwasher with a steam generator on the front. Steam helps to lift tougher stains like the baked-on lasagna dishes and other caked-on problems.
Then again, every dishwasher uses hot water. Steam is a by-product of hot water.
Even their least expensive model is still all stainless and features their QuadWash and Dynamic drying systems.
Quietness
The main benefit is LG’s sound level, which ranges from a decent 48 decibels to an industry-best of 38 decibels.
Note: Forty-four decibels is the standard for not hearing a dishwasher. You don't need to buy a quieter dishwasher.
Top Rack
LG features a top rack for silverware in their high-end models.
Cycles
LG has a few unique cycles even on their basic models. Their high-end models feature a one-hour wash and dry cycle.
Steam
Steam features are great for laundry appliances. Can dishwashers benefit too? We'll find out later in the article.
Dynamic Drying Enhanced
The best LG dishwashers use steam in the drying cycle to help remove spots in glasses.
Bosch is a German company, yet their dishwashers are made in North Carolina in the world's largest dishwasher manufacturing facility.
They were the first dishwasher imported in the US with a stainless tub. OK, Miele was first, but Bosch popularized the quiet, all-metal dishwasher back in the early 1990s.
Bosch is the most popular dishwasher sold in the US.
Bosch has 52 dishwashers in five series ranging from $499-$1,799.
PrecisionWash
Bosch has a soil sensor in every dishwasher to adjust to the soil levels.
RackMatic/Third Rack
In most dishwashers, from the 100 Premium to their best Benchmark series, Bosch has a third rack and adjustable middle rack designed to accommodate more plates below or smaller dishes on the middle rack.
Wi-Fi
Every Bosch is now Wi-Fi-enabled, which should not be a reason to buy any dishwasher.
You can see the cycle time remaining on your phone, so you don’t open a quiet dishwasher while it's running. I do it at my house.
You can customize the cycles on the Bosch’s app. They also have some interesting features (for a dishwasher) with their PowerControl spray arm and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Reliability
Bosch is the second most reliable dishwasher sold at Yale, with a remarkable 5.1% service in the first year.
Compare that with other dishwashers at 6.8% and appliances in general at 9.7%.
That said, guess who is number one?
We cover the differences in other articles, but the shortened version is below:
The 100 series encompasses the 100, 100 Plus, and 100 Premium from $499-$799.
This is a basic series with a dishwasher tub made of stainless steel and plastic at the bottom, and a lighter door.
The 100 Premium will have a better rack design and will be quieter at 46 dB compared to 50 dB for the basic 100 series.
The 300 series starts the regular Bosch line with an all-stainless tub and heavier door with prices ranging from $899 to $999. The quietness rating is 46 dB.
For $999 to $1,199, the 500 series is 44 dB and allows you to store your favorite cycles right on the dishwasher.
The Bosch 500 series has an upgraded drying system that includes the AutoAir cycle which pops the dishwasher open at the end of the cycle.
The residual heat and steam are removed to speed up the drying process, preventing the formation of water droplets on the dishwasher.
The 800 and Benchmark series incorporate all of the best dishwashing technology.
For washing, the PowerControl spray arm allows you to set the intensity of the bottom spray arm to light, medium, and heavy.
Using their HomeConnect App, you can "control" the spray arm to wash in quadrants. So, you can wash fine crystal and casserole dishes in the same wash.
In the Bosch 800 and Benchmark dishwasher series, zeolite, a volcanic element, is used to absorb moisture and emit heat, resulting in the industry's best drying technology, known as "CrystalDry".
You will see whether that is the case in our comparison.
Read More: 100, 300, 500, 800 & Benchmark Series Explained
Let’s start with reliability.
| Bosch Service Rate | LG Service Rate | |
| 2023 | 5.1% | 3.5% |
| 2022 | 10.1% | 1.7% |
| 2021 | 12.8% | 1.9% |
| 2020 | 11.1% | 6.2% |
| 2019 | 11.1% | 5.1% |
We are comparing the most reliable dishwashers in the industry, focusing on last year's models due to issues faced by manufacturers during the pandemic years.
Which company is better when problems do occur?
Bosch, at least in New England, seems to be better.
Then again, LG and Samsung are victims of their popularity. Their sales have overshot their ability to manage issues to a certain extent.
Also, many independent service agents do not work on LG (or Samsung).
Google service in your area before buying either brand to understand which is better.
LG may have an edge below $1,000. LG's dishwashers feature Quadwash and Dynamic Drying systems, even in their most affordable models.
You can buy a quiet LG dishwasher below $900.
You will need to buy the Bosch 500 series over $1,000 for their better drying system and around $1,300 for their best features in the 800 series.
Both have one-year full warranties.
LG will be quieter under $1,000. Even their basic models are just above the quietness level at 48 dB.
Bosch dishwashers range from 44 dB in the 500 series, to 42 dB in the 800 series, to 38 dB in the expensive Benchmark series priced at $1,749.
Once again, you don't need less than a 44 dB silence rating, but LG will have quieter dishwashers at lower prices.
Our tests come down to comparing the steam and dynamic drying of the LG to the special sprays and zeolite drying of the Bosch.
Let's see which one actually can wash those crusty plates and syrup-drenched glasses and dry those pesky plastics.
We used the most popular model, the Bosch 800 series, against the LG 79 series.
Stick around after the comparison because there is way more to consider.
Bosch was better, but not by much.
The steam in LG loosened up the food so you could gently wipe it down without scrubbing.
Just as an FYI, my neighbor last year had an LG dishwasher. I brought some dirty pots over just to see if it would work. I have to admit, I was impressed.
However, we wanted to power out the tough stains.
We didn't test the PowerControl spray system on crystal.
Drying was a different story:
The Bosch CrystalDry system works. It's better than any dishwasher we tested.
The LG was pretty much what was expected: dry dishes, wet plastics.
Conventional and even the most unconventional drying of LG and other brands cannot dry lower-density plastics well.
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Before you buy a Bosch or LG dishwasher, there are two other considerations.
Firstly, you will spend at least $350 more for a Bosch 800 series dishwasher at $1,349 compared to $899-$999 for an LG dishwasher.
Secondly, you need to decide whether you prefer better performance and service or a more affordable and reliable brand.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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