Buying a Bosch dishwasher can be incredibly confusing.
With so many series to choose from - 100, 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark - it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
Plus, Bosch’s latest models for 2025 come with the best drying technology in the industry, smarter features, and better overall performance.
After testing countless dishwashers and analyzing over 33,000 real service calls, I’ve narrowed down the five best Bosch dishwashers based on cleaning performance, drying efficiency, noise levels, and long-term reliability.
I’ll also highlight two Bosch dishwashers you should avoid, including one surprisingly recommended by my friends at Wirecutter (The New York Times).
Plus, you’ll get a quick comparison between Bosch and its top competitors - LG, Miele, and KitchenAid - so you can make the best decision.
And at the very end, you’ll find a simple guide of every Bosch dishwasher cycle and feature, so you know exactly what you're getting.
Let’s dive in.
[inlineCTA]
If you want Bosch’s reliability without paying a premium price, the 100 Series is your best option.
The old Bosch Ascenta line has been rebranded into the 100 Series, 100 Plus Series, and 100 Premium Series.
Unlike Bosch’s higher-end dishwashers, the 100 Series features a hybrid tub with stainless steel walls and a plastic bottom.
It also relies on PureDry drying, which uses the heat from the wash cycle, JetDry, and time to dry your dishes.
Every Bosch dishwasher comes equipped with PrecisionWash, a sensor-driven system that adjusts the wash cycle based on how dirty your dishes are.
Plus, you can operate it remotely via the Bosch Home Connect app.
The key differences between the 100 Series, 100 Plus, and 100 Premium come down to noise levels, rack configurations, and extra features:
100 Series
100 Plus Series
100 Premium Series
You won’t get all the premium features of Bosch’s higher-end models, but the 100 Series offers unmatched reliability at an affordable price.
For builders and developers, the Bosch name carries weight, making it a solid choice for new construction or rental properties.
However, homeowners might prefer more advanced models with quieter operation and better drying performance.
Pros:
Cons:
📢 A Quick Warning: The Bosch 300 Series is a common recommendation but not worth upgrading to. We’ll explain why in detail below.
The Bosch 300 Series improves on the 100 Series with a full stainless steel tub, quieter operation, and better loading flexibility.
However, at this price point, it falls short compared to the Bosch 500 Series, which offers superior drying technology and quieter performance for just $100 more.
Last year, Wirecutter praised this dishwasher for including all essential cycles, but its price-to-feature ratio makes it a less compelling choice.
Unlike the 100 Series, the 300 Series always includes a third rack, a more adjustable middle rack, and a stainless steel tub for better durability and drying performance.
Yet, it still relies on basic condensation drying and, at 46 dB, is only slightly quieter than some upgraded 100 Series models.
The main differences between the 100 and 300 Series come down to tub material, drying efficiency, noise levels, rack configurations, and wash features.
Tub Material
Drying System
Noise Level
Racks & Loading Flexibility
Wash Cycles & Features
Design & Control Panel
The 300 Series is a decent mid-range option, but its price makes it less appealing compared to the 500 Series.
At $1,099 (or $999 on promotion), it’s only $100 less than the 500 Series, which offers better drying (AutoAir), quieter operation, and excellent cleaning performance.
It’s best for:
Key Takeaway: For most buyers, the 500 Series is the better choice and a worthwhile upgrade.
Next, we’ll cover the 500 Series and why it’s a smarter investment.
Pros:
Cons:
The 500 Series is where Bosch’s best dishwashers start. It builds on the 300 Series with quieter operation, better drying performance, and improved loading flexibility.
The biggest upgrade is AutoAir drying, which automatically pops the door open at the end of the cycle to release moisture and speed up drying - a noticeable improvement, especially for plastic dishes.
Tub Material & Drying Performance
Noise Level
Racks & Loading Flexibility
Design & Handle Options
Wash Cycles & Features
Key Takeaway: The 500 Series is the best overall dishwasher because it offers the best balance of performance, features, and price.
AutoAir helps with drying performance, especially for plastic dishes, making it a great choice for those who run their dishwasher overnight.
At 44 decibels, the 500 Series meets the industry quietness standard, meaning you won’t hear it running while watching TV in an adjacent room.
Pros:
Cons:
The 800 Series offers Bosch’s most advanced cleaning and drying technologies, featuring the PowerControl Wash arm and CrystalDry.
Tub Material & Drying Performance
Noise Level
Racks & Loading Flexibility
Design & Handle Options
Wash Cycles & Features
Key Takeaway: With CrystalDry, the Bosch 800 series is the best choice if you want the best drying system, frequently wash plastic dishes, or want the quietest operation.
At 40–42 decibels, the 800 Series is whisper-quiet, ensuring it won’t disrupt conversations or background noise in your home.
Pros:
Cons:
The Bosch 800 Series SHV78CM3N is a panel-ready dishwasher that blends into your kitchen with a custom cabinet front.
It has the same washing and drying features as the SHP78CP5N but is designed for a built-in look.
If you want your dishwasher to disappear into your kitchen design, a panel-ready model is the way to go.
Bosch, Asko, and Miele make models that sit flush with cabinetry, unlike most American dishwashers that tend to stick out.
Pros:
Cons:
📢 Heads-Up: The Bosch Benchmark Series may sound like a premium upgrade, but the 800 Series delivers nearly identical performance for a lower price.
The Benchmark Series is Bosch’s top-tier dishwasher line, offering a few refinements over the 800 Series.
However, the performance differences are minimal. Below are the differences between the two series.
Drying Performance
Noise Level
Racks & Loading Flexibility
Tub & Interior Features
Design & Handle Options
Wash Cycles & Performance
Price Difference
Key Takeaway: The Benchmark Series costs $450+ more than the 800 Series but offers no major improvements in drying or cleaning performance.
While it is slightly quieter (38 dB vs. 40 dB) and features a more premium rack system, most buyers won’t notice a significant difference.
Pros:
Cons:
Choosing the right Bosch dishwasher goes beyond price and looks. Drying performance, noise levels, cycle options, and reliability all matter.
Known for quiet operation, advanced drying, and flexible racks, Bosch offers multiple series with varying features, which can be overwhelming.
This brief overview covers:
Before diving into features, it’s important to choose the right style to match your kitchen’s layout and design.
Many Bosch dishwashers share the same internal design but have different front panel styles. There are five main styles to choose from:
💡Pro Tip: If you want a built-in look, choose a panel-ready model from Bosch or Miele, as they fit within a 24-inch cabinet depth without protruding.
Most Bosch dishwashers, except for the 100 Series, include a third rack. Higher-end models offer a more flexible design beyond a basic cutlery tray.
Bosch dishwashers run on time and temperature.
They heat water to 161 degrees and use condensation drying, except for the 800 and Benchmark Series, which have CrystalDry for better results.
PowerControl Spray Arm: These two series feature the PowerControl spray arm, which allows you to:
Condensation Drying: Uses residual heat and jet drying, but is less effective for plastics compared to competitors like Miele or KitchenAid.
ExtraShine: Enhances cleaning and drying performance by raising the water temperature and extending drying time.
Extra Dry: Can be used with any wash cycle to further improve drying results.
AutoAir: Bosch's AutoAir drying system automatically opens the dishwasher door at the end of the cycle, releasing steam and heat for improved drying.
This feature is especially useful for overnight cycles, as it prevents moisture from settling back onto dishes.
AutoAir is exclusive to Bosch's 500 Series models. Brands like Miele, LG, and SKS also offer similar technology.
CrystalDry: Bosch’s CrystalDry technology uses Zeolite, a natural volcanic mineral that absorbs moisture and converts it into heat.
This is one of the most effective drying systems in the industry, particularly for plastic items.
We tested Zeolite in Thermador dishwashers (Bosch’s luxury brand) and found it to be highly effective, even in 20-minute wash-and-dry cycles.
CrystalDry is available in all Bosch 800 and Benchmark Series models.
All Bosch dishwashers come Wi-Fi-enabled through the HomeConnect app, allowing you to start, stop, and monitor cycles remotely.
The 800 and Benchmark Series offer customizable cycles and troubleshooting features through the app, with voice control support via Alexa and Google Assistant.
Bosch dishwashers range from 50 dB (100 Series) to an ultra-quiet 38 dB (Benchmark Series).
Through extensive testing, we found that 44 decibels is the quietness threshold where you will barely hear the dishwasher running.
Upgrading beyond 44 dB is only necessary if you want additional features, as the noise difference is minimal.
Bosch’s 500, 800, and Benchmark Series all meet or exceed this quietness standard.
Bosch is considered one of the most reliable dishwasher brands, but how does it compare?
Dishwasher Service Rates for 2025
Based on a sample size of over 5,000 dishwashers sold, here are the service rates within the first 12 months:
| Service Rates | |
| LG | 4.7% |
| Thermador | 6.9% |
| KitchenAid | 7.4% |
| Bosch | 9.5% |
| Miele | 10.1% |
| Bosch Benchmark | 10.9% |
| GE Profile | 11.6% |
| Beko | 17.7% |
| Café Appliances | 20.3% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 21.5% |
| Grand Total | 9.9% |
Bosch ranks as one of the most reliable dishwasher brands, with only 9.5% of units requiring service within the first year.
For comparison, Miele has a higher service rate at of 10.1%, respectively.
All Bosch dishwashers include leak protection technology, but higher-end models offer additional safeguards.
In all Bosch models from the 300 series and up, the AquaStop feature automatically shuts off water intake if a leak is detected, preventing potential water damage.
[inlineCTA]
KitchenAid has introduced a new lineup of dishwashers, making them a stronger contender after years of being outpaced by Bosch.
They now offer four series: the 100, 200, 300, and M Series.
The entry-level 100 Series is fairly basic, with no third rack and a noise level of 47 decibels.
The KDTE204 in the 200 Series is an interesting option. Priced at $799 on promotion, it runs at just 39 decibels and includes a third rack for additional cutlery.
It also features a triple filtration system with 30 targeted jets to ensure thorough cleaning.
The M Series takes it a step futher, offering four levels of wash action, a self-cleaning filter, and 50 jets.
It also has the largest and deepest third rack on the market, with 360-degree rotating jets to ensure items on the top rack are completely clean.
Despite these upgrades, it is slightly louder at 44 decibels but still meets industry standards for a quiet dishwasher.
The M Series also features a heating element for drying, followed by a venting system to remove excess moisture. It has the largest usable interior of any KitchenAid model.
That said, Bosch dishwashers remain quieter and offer superior drying performance, especially in the CrystalDry series.
Bosch’s PowerControl feature allows you to adjust wash intensity, ensuring a deeper clean where needed.
While KitchenAid has lowered its prices and offers more features under $1,000, Bosch still holds the edge in overall performance.
Ultimately, it depends on your budget. KitchenAid delivers more features at a lower price, but Bosch’s 500 and 800 Series are the better overall dishwashers.
Read More: Bosch vs. KitchenAid Dishwashers
Miele offers the best wash and dry system, with full-wash arms on both the top and bottom.
In our tests, Miele outperformed even the Bosch 800 Series in both washing and drying, thanks to its AutoDos dispenser and advanced cleaning system.
Miele's clean air drying system allows fresh air to enter the side of the dishwasher, where it is circulated by a fan.
The hot, moist air is then drawn to the cooler sides of the dishwasher and dissipates as water. When the cycle is complete, the door pops open automatically, similar to Bosch models.
Miele also has the best racks, as they are fully removable and adjustable for maximum flexibility.
However, the Miele G 7000 Series is priced around $2,000, compared to $1,349 for the Bosch 800 Series.
Some of the more affordable Miele G 5000 models are worth considering, but they do not dry as effectively as Bosch.
Read More: Bosch vs. Miele Dishwashers
The LG dishwasher at $899 is one of the best-kept secrets in the dishwasher world, as LG consistently scores high in reliability ratings.
At 42 decibels, it is quieter than the Bosch 500 Series, which costs $1,079.
A third rack adds extra capacity for cutlery, making loading more efficient.
LG’s QuadWash technology uses multiple spray arms with 38% more angled jets that rotate back and forth, ensuring water reaches every corner of the dishwasher.
While the spray arms do their job, over one million microbubbles scrub the dishes, breaking down stubborn food particles.
This combination ensures consistently clean dishes at the end of each wash cycle.
For heavily soiled items, LG’s TrueSteam wash provides extra cleaning power.
Their Dynamic Dry system uses a heating element and a fan similar to KitchenAid for thorough drying.
When the cycle is complete, the door automatically pops open like Bosch models, preventing moisture from settling back on the dishes.
With LG, you get the best of both worlds with powerful cleaning and efficient drying at a lower price than Bosch.
Read More: Bosch vs. LG Dishwashers: Which Is Better?
It depends on your needs.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about Bosch, Miele,KitchenAid, and other dishwashers?Download the Yale Dishwasher Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips to all the major brands. Over 1 million people have downloaded a Yale Guide.
Related Articles: