You probably are considering KitchenAid and Bosch for a better dishwasher. Both have changed recently. KitchenAid is now quieter with their new ProScrub feature and Bosch has added their Benchmark series with new features.
Both are excellent choices so it's a tough decision to make. We will compare both for you. But first, let's talk about each company.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid is an affordable luxury brand and for years has been a well-known brand in the consumer market. KitchenAid produces a solid, reliable, American-style dishwasher with a variety of features at a range of prices.
At least they did. Recently, they removed their internal soft food disposer for a removable filter system much like Bosch.
Bosch
Bosch Home Appliances is part of BSH, Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group, based in Munich, Germany. As part of the third largest appliance manufacturer in the world, Bosch has been selling high-performance German-engineered appliances in the United States since 1991.
Their dishwasher factory in North Carolina is the largest appliance factory in the world. They are most well known in the United States for the quietness of their dishwashers under the Bosch, Benchmark, and Thermador lines.
Bosch Benchmark vs. KitchenAid ProScrub
Bosch SHXM98W75N - 1,079
MyWay™ 3rd Rack
MyWay™ gives you the industry's largest 3rd rack loading capacity. The unique v-shape of the rack provides the perfect space for large utensils and ramekins in the center while providing space for wine glasses on the sides on the middle rack.
RackMatic®
RackMatic® allows for an adjustable upper rack with three height adjustments and up to nine possible rack positions.
EasyGlide™
EasyGlide™ rack provides a smooth glide for easier loading & unloading.
InfoLight®
Bosch dishwashers are so quiet, you may forget they're on. InfoLight® projects a red light onto the floor during the wash cycle that turns off when the dishes are ready.
Extra Dry
Used in combination with a wash cycle, the Extra Dry option raises the temperature and extends the drying time to further enhance drying results.
NSF® Sanitize
By operating at a higher temperature, the sanitize option can be added to cycles to achieve the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF®) standards of cleanliness, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria and enhancing your drying results as well.
16 Place Setting Capacity
This tall tub dishwasher features more room than a standard tub dishwasher, so you can wash more dishes in fewer loads and conserve water and energy.
Silence Rating of 39 dBA
Ultra-quiet operation creates a peaceful kitchen environment even as it delivers powerful wash performance.
AquaStop® Leak Protection
The AquaStop® system contains leaks through a precisely engineered tub and sensor system that works with the solid molded base. If a leak has occurred, it shuts down operation and automatically pumps out water to avoid contact with the floor.
ENERGY STAR®
For outstanding energy efficiency, which means you'll save big-time on your utility bills.
Additional Features
EcoSense automatically adjusts the cycle length, temperature, and water based on the amount of food soil and incoming water temperature.
AquaSensor is an optical measuring device which measures the cleanliness of the rinse water.
Long silverware basket included.
KDTE254ESS - $949
Features:
39 dBA
ProScrub® Option
Helps eliminate soaking or pre-scrubbing with 40 targeted spray jets that help remove stubborn messes like seared or baked-on foods.
Third Level Rack
Makes it easy to clean hard-to-place items such as spatulas, serving utensils and measuring cups, freeing up space in the lower two racks.
ProWash Cycle
Determines the ideal cycle for washing dishes based on soil level and then makes real-time adjustments to achieve the best cleaning performance
Heat Dry Option
Engages a recessed heating element during the dry cycle to ensure dry dishes.
SatinGlide® Max Rails
(Upper and Lower Racks) creates a smooth, premium feeling when pulling out the upper and lower racks, particularly with heavy loads.
Fold-Down Shelf with Stemware Holders
Provides extra room in the upper rack to hold additional cups, wine glasses, or long items such as utensils and spatulas.
Express Wash
Quickly and effortlessly handles the heaviest soils, even stubborn baked and seared-on messes in less time.
Filter-Based Wash System
Provides exceptional cleaning and drying, helping make KitchenAid® the best performing dishwasher brand 1 without rinse aid.
Sani Rinse® Option
Heats the final rinse water to 155°F, eliminating 99.999% of food soil bacteria
Comparison
Both dishwashers are very popular models and contain many similar features including the same quietness at 39 DB but a few of them are very different.
The first feature that stands out is the drying method. The KitchenAid model has an element-heated dry cycle, a coil at the bottom of the dishwasher, designed to heat the air inside the dishwasher to dry the dishes.
While the Bosch has a passive dry system, which use condensation to dry the dishes, the hot water from the cycle will stick to the stainless-steel sides of the dishwasher. The dishwasher does not use any energy to heat the air in the dishwasher to dry dishes.
KitchenAid and Bosch both have third racks. The third rack was designed in most dishwashers to hold cutlery foremost but now is being used to hold larger items such as whisks, large serving spoons, and grilling utensils.
Bosch Third Rack
KitchenAid Third Rack
Third racks allow you to hold more in the dishwasher. It is also more hygienic to grab silverware from the bottom than the top.
Bosch has gone a step further by making the Myway rack which can hold shallow bowls and cups.
Kitchenaid has ProScrub option- ProScrub is 40 targeted spray jets that when a soiled baking dish or tray is placed in front of it helps remove messes without soaking.
Final Thoughts
Both are great dishwashers. Bosch is statistically more reliable while KitchenAid is more feature oriented.
However, as crazy as this seems, when you buy the dishwasher can become just as important. The rebates seesaw, especially KitchenAid, from $749-999.
If the prices are close, Bosch may be better. However, KitchenAid is a great buy at $749.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about Bosch, Miele, KitchenAid, and other dishwashers? Download the Yale Dishwasher Buyers Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips to all the major brands. Over 245,000 people have downloaded a Yale Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
