KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers (2022 Update)

Probably the single biggest product comparison for dishwashers and appliances overall is Bosch versus KitchenAid.

Why?

Both brands have excellent dishwashers and have recently updated their features. You will be happy with either.

They are different in how they wash, dry, and by the design of their dishwashers’ racks.

Additionally, their silence ratings are surprising.

In this article, you will read the differences in racking, washing, drying, reliability.

You will also learn about a few problems based on over 40,000 service calls logged by our service department just last year.

In the end, you will know which dishwasher is right for you. Then again, availability and lack of products might change your mind.

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Dishwasher Availability & Why It's Such an Issue

We have to start with availability because many dishwashers will not be consistently available due to various supply chain issues documented on this blog.

On the top of the Bosch website is a message from their CEO.

Below is the first paragraph.

"I want to personally acknowledge and apologize for any inconvenience you may be experiencing due to global delays affecting the shipment of our orders. I want you to know that our whole Bosch team and I greatly value your business and trust in our brand." Christofer von Nagel, CEO of BSH Home Appliances Corporation

It's pretty transparent and should be on every appliance company's site.

Availability is a huge problem now for various reasons and will affect how you buy almost every product, not just dishwashers.

In a comparison this close, pick the one with the best features and consider availability.

Some of Bosch's and KitchenAid's dishwasher models haven't been available for at least a year.

KitchenAid Dishwashers

KitchenAid is an affordable luxury appliance brand owned by the Whirlpool Corporation.

Their early dishwasher changed the dishwashing business because of its solid commercial design.

KitchenAid's weakness was noise, especially when Bosch and Asko started importing quiet dishwashers into the US.

While it was cleaned well, it was noisy.

They finally addressed that issue, dropping it to a noiseless 39 decibels (db) and changing their dishwasher to a more European design by removing the disposer and adding a filter.

They now have two different series, the TE and TM series.

The TE series dishwashers will be quieter at 39 dBs. The TM will have a better washing, racking, and a better drying system.

The less expensive KitchenAid is the quietest, whereas the most expensive Bosch will be the quietest. It's kind of odd.

Their top models are the KDTE204KPS and KDTM604KPS.

Yes, only two models. KitchenAid's availability is a problem, but their higher-end 704 and 804 models don't justify the price increase.

You can buy KitchenAid with the towel bar KDT or pocket handle KDP. A few series have panel options as well.

Read More: Best KitchenAid Dishwashers

Bosch Dishwashers

Bosch dishwashers are made in North Carolina, even though they're based in Germany.

Their weakness was always drying.

Most European stainless-steel dishwashers use condensation from the heat of the wash and JetDry to dry dishes.

Last year, Bosch improved their drying on some models featuring AutoAir, a feature that pops open the dishwasher after the cycle is complete.

This will release moisture and speed up the drying process.

Author’s Note: Having a dishwasher popping open is especially effective when you wash your dishes at night. You reduce the residual moisture on the dishes in the morning because the steam has been released.

Bosch's better models have their CrystalDry using volcanic elements to increase heat and absorb moisture.

It's the best drying system available in any dishwasher.

You can buy the Bosch dishwasher with five different fronts.

Bosch's two most comparable dishwashers to KitchenAid in price are the SHP878ZPSN and the SHP865WD5N.

Before we compare both, let's look at reliability based on real service data.

Read More: Best Bosch Dishwashers

Bosch vs. KitchenAid Dishwasher Reliability

Both are good brands to consider.

The average service rate on a dishwasher in the first year was 12.8%, based on over 40,000 service calls logged last year.

Below are last year's service calls divided by the amount shipped for each brand.

Dishwasher Reliability December 2020 to October 2021

The following service rates are based on a minimum of 90 units and a sample of over 8,000 pieces.

KitchenAid is now more reliable than Bosch by almost 4.5%.

However, Thermador is another Bosch-made dishwasher. It's free with other Thermador-qualified purchases.

Thermador tends to be less featured and is 3.6%.

So, when you combine Thermador and Bosch, the reliability is about the same.

The Importance of Appliance Reliability

Reliability is even more important now. Products are hard to find, but parts to fix are even harder.

That's before finding decent technicians, which may be the hardest.

Be mindful of who has a better repair service in your area.

Service in your area should be the tiebreaker.

Read More: Most Reliable Dishwashers

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Dishwashers

What They Have in Common

You will see the differences, but they also have a lot in common. Below are their similarities.

• Stainless-Steel Tub: Most upscale dishwashers now have stainless on the inside. It is more hygienic than plastic because there are no seams for germs and odors to populate.
• Cycles: You will see them in three comparisons, but there will be plenty of cycles for both. Many perform the same function.
• Third Rack: They both have third racks. However, this year's KitchenAid dishwasher series is upgraded and different on certain models.
• Quietness: Both are at or below 44 decibels (dB). That number isn't an accident. It is the unofficial standard for a noiseless silence rating, meaning you won't hear a 44 dB dishwasher in the next room.

Author's Note: People pay too much money for a quiet dishwasher. You shouldn't make that same mistake unless the more expensive dishwasher has other desired features.

Here is a sound bite to show the differences:

When You Shouldn't Buy Either KitchenAid or Bosch Dishwasher

You may believe the most expensive models in either line is worth considering.

However, in both lines, you are choosing to have rarely used features while spending more than you should.

The upgrades aren't worth it.

KitchenAid’s High-End Dishwashers

You will spend up to $500 for an interior light, a "Culinary Caddy Utensil Basket," and a knife caddy for the KDTM705 and KDTM804 series dishwashers.

KitchenAid's best units are the KDTE204 at $1,049 and the KDTM604 at $1,399.

Bosch’s High-End Dishwashers

Bosch has the 100, 300, 500, 800, 800+ as well as the Benchmark one and two Series. At one time, Bosch marketed over 100 dishwashers before the pandemic.

Now it's only 52.

Their least expensive 100 Series is under $600. However, it lacks the quietness and all-metal interior of the other series.

Their Benchmark series is their best, but you can buy the best features in their more popular 800 and 800+ series for $600 less.

KitchenAid KDTE204KPS ($1,034) vs. Bosch SHP865WD5N ($1,049)

How They Wash

KitchenAid has better spray on the top versus more of a sprinkler head for the Bosch.

That said, they both will wash your dishes.

How They Rack

Both now have a third rack for silverware. Miele designed the third rack originally. It's useful because the third rack will allow more room on the bottom rack.

How They Dry

Like most stainless-steel interior dishwashers, KitchenAid uses condensation drying. It's a fancy word for air drying, JetDry, and time.

Bosch has AutoAir and pops open the door at the end of the cycle to release steam. As I already noted, it's great before bedtime. The residual steam doesn't resettle on your glasses.

Quietness

The KDTE204KPS is KitchenAid's least expensive available dishwasher.

Their entry-level dishwasher, the KDFE104HPS, hasn't been available for at least one year. It's noisier at 46 decibels and not much less expensive.

Anyway, this less expensive series is the quietest at 39 dB.

It is noiseless. You won't even hear a hum. The washing system is also slightly better.

However, the cycles are about the same. This comparison is mostly about price. Overall, KitchenAid is quieter, and Bosch has a better drying cycle.

This next comparison is far more interesting. You have their best new features in both.

KitchenAid KDTM604KPS ($1,304) vs. Bosch SHP878ZPSN ($1,349)

How They Wash

Bosch has the same sprinkler on the top and the two under the main racks.

In addition to the spray in the rods, KitchenAid has spray on the top, middle, and bottom.

They claim to have four levels of wash action, but it's three plus the holes in the rack for a fourth.

KitchenAid has also changed the filter system to two, so the water will be cleaner. The second filter increases the noise from a noiseless 39 dB to a still quiet 44 dB.

Dishwasher Racks

KitchenAid's third rack (shown above) is the best accommodating more than any brand. It also has separate sprays in the rods of the rack.

Bosch has the MyWay rack (shown below) allowing you to hold dishware.

How They Dry

Both companies have made improvements.

KitchenAid uses another Miele drying tactic, letting air from the outside cool the dishwasher's interior.

The steam and moisture attract the drier, cooler air and dissipate like water. KitchenAid also has a heating element to absorb moisture.

Bosch, however, completely changed how dishwashers dry.

Their 800, 800+, and Benchmark dishwashers pack a volcanic element, Zeolite, to absorb moisture and emit heat for the driest dishes available.

Zeolite works well even on plastics.

KitchenAid vs. Bosch for Custom Cabinet Panels

Bosch is better because it fits within a 24-inch cabinet.

You would think this would be a standard feature on dishwashers. However, only Beko, Miele, Asko, and Bosch fit seamlessly within cabinets.

KitchenAid will protrude outside the cabinet.

It's the difference between a dishwasher looking like a cabinet and a dishwasher looking like a dishwasher with a panel on it.

This comparison is no contest. Bosch is better for this style. Bosch markets several panel-ready models. Look for the "V" in the model number.

KitchenAid changed their whole line but missed this opportunity.

Read More: Best Panel-Ready Dishwashers

Key Takeaways

First, both are excellent choices.

You should consider both because they have decent features and good reliability.

When I wrote this last year, I said wait until the ever-predictable sales dates of Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Tax-Free Weekend, Labor Day, or Black Friday.

This year, you should consider the opposite.

Consider the best features for using a dishwasher and buy the available model in either brand.

One last consideration before you go:

Bosch vs. KitchenAid Appliance Packages

The dishwasher should be considered last if you are buying a whole kitchen package. The other appliances are more differentiated.

Let's look at the differences.

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Counter Depth Refrigerators

Bosch has the better refrigerator with two compressors, so air isn't recycled from your refrigerator to the freezer versus the one compressor KitchenAid.

KitchenAid vs. Bosch Slide in Ranges

KitchenAid has the largest internal capacity at 7.1 cubic feet. However, Bosch has more up-to-date styling and better induction products.

Additional Resources

For more information about dishwashers, read the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with features, specs, and insider buying tips. Well over 900,000 people have read a Yale Guide.

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