So many brands, so little time. If you're reading this, it's probably because you need to replace your dishwasher and noticed a plethora of new brands out there like LG, Samsung, and Blomberg. Then there are the more familiar brands like KitchenAid, GE, Whirlpool, Asko, and Maytag.
Bosch and Miele are the two best premium dishwashers sold in the U.S. (or anywhere). With a chalkboard full of similarities, both are very quiet, energy efficient, have stainless steel tubs, and have German origins.
In this article, I will compare Miele's and Bosch's moderately priced dishwashers from each brand and one of their respective top of the line models, as well.
The Brands and their Dishwashers
Miele
Miele is a German company that was founded in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann. Miele aims to manufacture the highest-quality domestic appliances and commercial equipment in the world. It has always been a family-owned, family-run company.
They are the most integrated appliance manufacturer, producing an astounding 96.8% of all their dishwasher components. The only thing they subcontract on their dishwashers are the wheels on the racks. Those are still made in Germany to the highest standards.
This level of control over build quality makes them one of the least repaired appliances in the world. In many cases, you will see examples of "less is more" in their products, instead of being over engineered.
They have a unique drying system. In fact, it is really the best drying system offered by any manufacturer. The dishwasher has an air intake, which dissipates steam by attracting it to the cooled stainless walls.
Their best models offer sensors which control the time by sensing temperature inside the room. It also deploys fans to dissipate the steam.
Miele Futura Crystal G6625SCU - $1,499
Features:
- Auto, quick washes, and an optional water softener make this model a stand out.
- Everything perfectly dry: The dishwasher door opens automatically at the end of the washing program.
- Patented 3D+ cutlery tray - Unique versatility for perfect cutlery care, including utensils, spatulas, and so forth.
- Added versatility - Center section can be lowered and is equipped with a hinged row of spikes for cutlery items.
- Flexibility - Between the 3rd-row cutlery tray, silverware basket, and the adjustable top rack with fold down tines everywhere. You can also remove the entire back section to have a completely flat surface so accommodate oddly shaped items. There isn’t much you can’t fit inside of this model.
- 45 dBA silence rating
Miele's High-End Model
Miele Diamond G6987SCViK2O - $2,599
Features:
- Fully-integrated, full-size dishwasher
- Hidden Control Panel
- 3D+ Cutlery Tray
- Custom Panel-Ready
- Energy Star Qualified
- AutoClose - Motorized door closing
- QuickIntense Wash - Perfect results in less than one hour
- Wi-Fi connect - Easiest-ever communication with the appliance
- Knock2open - Automatic door opening after two knocks
What's interesting about their dishwashers is that the bottom rack can be removed to load larger and odd-shaped items like bowls, pots, and pans, where the tines would usually get in the way on these models.
Bosch
Bosch is part of BSH, Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group, based in Munich, Germany. Bosch has been selling high-performance German-engineered appliances in the United States since 1991.
Their 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.
Bosch dominates the $600-1,000 dishwasher market with incredibly efficient and full-featured dishwashers. They would dominate the over $1000 market if it was not for Miele.
Bosch Benchmark SHX87PW55N - $1,099
Features:
- 42 dBA silence rating
- The MyWay Rack gives you the industry's largest 3rd rack loading capacity.
- Speed60 gets your dishes from dirty to dry in about an hour.
- The EasyGlide rack system provides a smooth glide for easier loading & unloading on the upper rack.
- TimeLight beams the remaining cycle time on the floor.
- Condensation Dry and Extra Dry
- AquaStop Leak Protection
- 16 Place Settings
Bosch's High-End Model
Bosch Benchmark SHX89PW55N – $1,599
Features:
- 16 Place Setting Capacity - Maximum loading capacity!
- InfoLight – shines onto the floor regularly to give you updates on whether or not your dishwasher is done
- AquaStop - this offers leak protection by using a sensor located in the pan underneath the dishwasher
- 40 dBA silence rating
- 3rd premium rack - extra space for loose items, spatulas, serving utensils, and even cereal bowls can go into this rack
Bosch is a cycle-oriented machine. You have the main ones, but Speed60 is a 60-minute cycle designed to clean dirty dishes. The Sanitize option will boost the heat for better washing action.
The new EasyGlide rack system provides a smooth glide for easier loading and unloading on all three levels and is less likely to cause strain on heavier loads.
So, which dishwasher do you choose?
Bosch's models are exceptionally quiet (on paper) and afford you a tremendous amount of flexibility with different cycles. I absolutely think Bosch's newest easy glide rack is a much needed and fantastic upgrade, but I still love Miele's 3d cutlery tray better as it offers more flexibility with tall glasses.
Miele is immensely reliable and has the best wash system (see below) with three levels as well as the best dry cycle. Miele has a Grates and Filters cycle that is great for washing cooking product filters, whereas Bosch's top rack (not the cutlery tray) can come out to fit tall items like cookie sheets. This is done with a shower head like attachment that comes with the unit.
Miele actually hired Owens Corning Acoustics Research Center to measure their dishwasher decibels against their biggest competitor (ahem, Bosch). Miele found they were in line with their advertised decibels whereas their competition, such as Bosch, was allegedly louder than advertised.
The bottom line is that both brands are fantastic at what they do.
Bosch has more cycles than the comparably priced Miele with more customizable options.
However, Miele has the only real dry cycle for dishwashers and is statistically more reliable with 1.5% fewer service calls within the first year.
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Dishwasher Buyers Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips to all the major brands. Well over 300,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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