The biggest and best product comparison for dishwashers and appliances is Bosch versus KitchenAid.
Why?
Both brands have excellent dishwashers and have recently updated their features.
KitchenAid reinvented their dishwasher several years ago, while Bosch recently updated theirs, particularly with the introduction of their PowerControl wash system.
While both are excellent, it may depend on one crucial factor:
We haven't seen any KitchenAid innovations in five years.
Let’s dive in.
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KitchenAid is an affordable luxury appliance brand owned by the Whirlpool Corporation and is made in the US.
Their early dishwasher changed dishwashers because of its solid commercial design.
Everyone wanted a KitchenAid dishwasher in the 1970s and 1980s when Hobart, a commercial manufacturer, built the original KitchenAid.
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.
KitchenAid now has three series of dishwashers: the 100 Series, the 200 Series, and the M Series.
The 200 and M series dishwashers are their most popular.
The 200 series KDTE204 at $798-$999 and the KDTE304 at $1,168-$1,299 dishwashers add a third rack and are the quietest at 39 decibels.
The M series was new and improved a few years ago and starts at $948-$1,838 for their best model, the KDPM804 (not that you should buy that model).
The "FREEFLEX" racks are different. The second rack is slanted to accommodate more of all three.
However, you can't place wine glasses on the left of the middle rack because of the slanted larger top rack.
4-Level Wash System: KitchenAid dishwashers have three wash arms: one on the top, one on the basket, and one below the second rack.
However, you have a fourth level from that larger second rack.
Advanced Clean Water Wash System: Uses microfiltration to continuously remove food particles during the wash and rinse cycles and circulates clean water to dishes in all three racks.
ProDry: The M series units utilize the ProDry system, incorporating a heating element and a fan for the best drying results.
The fan helps circulate the warm air, enhancing drying performance. The less expensive units use the heating element without the fan.
You can buy KitchenAid with the towel bar KDT, pocket handle, the KDP, and a few series with panel options.
Read More: Best KitchenAid Dishwashers
Bosch dishwashers are made in North Carolina, even though the company is based in Germany.
Bosch has the 100, 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark series. I recently wrote a blog post on the differences between them.
At one time, Bosch marketed over 100 dishwashers before the pandemic.
Now it's about half.
Offering three different drying technologies, PureDry, AutoAir, and CrystalDry, Bosch lets you choose which drying feature would best suit your needs.
With the PrecisionWash feature, you can confidently load your dishes as the dishwasher will continuously scan and check the progress of your dishes throughout the wash cycle.
It also has powerful precision spray arms that target areas that need extra cleaning attention to give your dishes the ultimate cleaning every time.
They changed the Ascenta to a 100, 100 Plus, and 100 Premium.
Both have a plastic bottom, lighter door, and shallow, non-adjustable top rack.
They all have "PrecsionWash" using intelligent sensors for better cleaning.
This year's Bosch dishwashers are now Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can control it on your phone and even set your favorite cycle.
The 100 series is between 46 – 50 decibels. They fail to meet the quietness standard of 44 decibels.
The basic 100 series dishwashers do not have a third rack.
The 300 Series starts the regular Bosch dishwasher lineup.
The 300 series has an all-stainless tub and an adjustable top rack.
These models have a better silence rating of 46 decibels, yet they are still audible in an open kitchen design.
AquaStop leak protection starts in the 300 series as well. It adds a second layer to the hose in case it bursts.
The 24/7 standard leak detection is excellent, using sensors to shut off the water.
Bosch introduced their AutoAir and improved drying by opening the dishwasher after the cycle. This will release moisture and speed up the drying process.
The 500 Series is quieter at 44 decibels and meets the quietness standard.
The top silverware rack is their "FlexSpace," so it can accommodate cups and silverware.
Pro Tip: 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.
This year's innovation from Bosch is called the PowerControl spray arm, their new wash arm and propeller.
It's a brand-new design from Bosch, although LG with their QuadWash,
Samsung with their WaterWall, and Beko with their CornerIntense wash arms have both strayed from traditional wash systems.
The 800 series features CrystalDry, using the volcanic mineral Zeolite to dry even plastics through three phaseThe Benchmark series is Bosch's quietest dishwasher at 38 dB with a much more refined control panel.
The "TimeLight" flashes the amount of time left in the cycle right on the floor in front of the dishwasher or the handle of the pocket handle model.
AquaStop Plus will pump any excess water from the dishwasher if an overflow is detected.
You can buy the Bosch dishwasher with five different fronts.
Pro Tip: Bosch dishwashers have been in short supply. Pick a series, then check every type of style.
Read More: Best Bosch Dishwashers
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Let's start with the most misunderstood component of this Bosch and KitchenAid comparison: Reliability.
Both are excellent. Bosch was second best in 2022 at 5.1% versus 6.2% for KitchenAid.
Only LG is lower at 3.5%
Dishwasher Service Rates for 2024
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 7,000 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| LG | 4% |
| Bosch | 5.9% |
| Thermador | 5.9% |
| Miele | 6.2% |
| LG Studio | 6.2% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 6.7% |
| GE Profile | 8.1% |
| Asko | 10.2% |
| Beko | 11.2% |
| Café Appliances | 19.4% |
| Grand Total | 6.9% |
Every review site and blogger will talk about Bosch being far more reliable.
However, the numbers don't match the opinions, but then again, none of the magazines or reviews employ a single technician or log any service calls.
You can't base your purchase on a 0.3% difference in reliability.
However, you should base your decision on the availability of repair services - go online and read reviews for technicians in your area for both brands.
Read More: Most Reliable Dishwashers
You will see the differences, but they also have much in common. Below are their similarities.
Pro Tip:People pay too much money for a quiet dishwasher. You shouldn't make that same mistake of buying below 44 decibels unless the more expensive dishwasher has other desired features.
Here is a video that demonstrates the varying sound levels and silence ratings of different dishwashers:
KitchenAid has a better spray on the top versus more of a sprinkler head for the Bosch.
That said, they both will wash your dishes.
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.
Like most stainless-steel interior dishwashers, KitchenAid and Bosch both use condensation drying. It's a fancy word for air drying, jet dry, 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.
The KDTE204KPS is KitchenAid's least expensive available dishwasher.
This less expensive series is the quietest at 39 dB. It is noiseless. You won't even hear a hum.
Yet the Bosch meets the quietness standard of 44 decibels.
The Bosch 500 series dishwasher might be a better dishwasher.
But at $698 on promotion, the KitchenAid is better and quieter than the similarly priced Bosch 300 series and better constructed than the Bosch 100 series.
If the prices seem uneven, you will learn why at the end of the article.
Bosch will give you more refined options in terms of design, especially in pocket handles and other integrated styles.
Have a look:
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 the 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.
KitchenAid changed their whole line a few years ago but missed this opportunity.
Read More: Best Panel-Ready Dishwashers
Bosch is better in this comparison because they have a few models, while KitchenAid does not.
Bosch’s ADA approved dishwashers will have the controls at a wheelchair height of 32 inches instead of the normal countertop of 33-34 inches.
Both dishwashers are simple to use. Bosch will have Wi-Fi in all their models, while KitchenAid has none.
In a quiet dishwasher, you can open it thinking the cycle is completed while it's still running.
Wi-Fi will show you how long is left in the cycle and send you a push notification at the end.
Of course, you also have the InfoLight with the same information at the bottom.
Over the last six months, KitchenAid has been more promotional. Dropping their prices 25%.
That KDTE204 is now $698 after being over $1000 in 2022.
Comparing that dishwasher to a lower price Bosch 100 Series is more favorable to a KitchenAid.
Bosch countered by dropping theirs by 33% for Presidents Day
That $1799 Benchmark is $1299 over the holiday.
So, as good as these dishwashers are, price may be one of the most important factors.
Read More: When Is the Best Time to Buy Appliances?
First, both are excellent choices. You should consider both because they have decent features and good reliability.
However, Bosch has a clear advantage in 18-inch, ADA, and panel-ready models.
Bosch will dry better in their 500, 800, and Benchmark Series depending on the model.
Their PowerControl spray arm in the 800 and Benchmark series will allow you to scour and handle delicate dishware with their completely redesigned wash system.
KitchenAid will hold more in their better series while being quieter in their less expensive series.
But price is a deciding factor between these excellent brands.
Bosch is better for reliability, but service availability is an issue for both brands.
I would look at service specifically in your area because the service experience changes by geography.
Lastly, wait for a holiday to compare your prices.
In 2024, price and service are the most important factors between these popular brands.
Additional Resources
For more information about dishwashers, read the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with features, specs, and insider buying tips. Well over 1.5 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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