Buying a Bosch dishwasher can be incredibly confusing.
You have many series to choose from, such as the 100, 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark series.
Every series, except the 300, features new additions like the PowerControl spray arm and unique drying options.
In this article, you will learn about the five best Bosch dishwashers to consider, their features, prices, and reliability based on over 33,000 actual service calls.
Additionally, I will show you two Bosch dishwashers you should avoid. Interestingly, one was recommended by my friends at Wirecutter.
Lastly, you will see a brief comparison between Bosch and their top competitors: Beko, Miele, and KitchenAid.
Let’s get started.
[inlineCTA]
The old Ascenta is now the 100 series, 100 Plus, and 100 Premium.
The difference between the series lies in their silence ratings.
They range from 46-50 decibels. The 100 Premium now features the nine-position RackMatic rack system, like the other Bosch dishwashers.
It is comparatively loud at 48 dB, has a lighter door, and offers basic cycles.
However, it does bear the Bosch label and is relatively inexpensive, usually priced at $599 after qualifying rebates.
You may not have all the features of a high-end Bosch dishwasher, but its reliability is unmatched. For builders, the Bosch brand holds significance, whereas homeowners might prefer more advanced models.
Pros: Price, reliability, main cycles, smart functionality.
Cons: Noticeable sound during a cycle, shallower racks, and lighter doors.
The 500 Series is Bosch's premier dishwasher in terms of drying capability and quietness.
At 44 decibels, the 500 series meets the quietness threshold, ensuring you won't hear it running while watching TV in the adjacent room.
AutoAir performs well, especially for those who prefer to run their dishwasher overnight.
Pros: Enhanced drying with AutoAir, versatile cycles with customization options, meets quietness standards.
Cons: Lacks unique wash features; more expensive compared to other brands.
The 800 Series combines its newest washing with its PowerControl Wash arm and its best drying.
PowerControl allows you to control the intensity of the wash spray. You can wash different items in four quadrants on the lower rack.
This dishwasher has CrystalDry for the best drying system of any dishwasher.
Zeolite acts to absorb moisture and emit heat.
Pros: Best washing and drying combination for the price, good racks, quietness
Cons: Expensive
Very similar to the SHP78CP5N, the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher SHV78CM3N comes panel-ready for a custom cabinet front.
Buy a European dishwasher for custom cabinet fronts because it will sit seamlessly, whereas an American dishwasher will protrude and be noticeable.
Pick the features you want, and then look for the corresponding (and available) dishwasher.
If it's not Bosch, look at Beko, Asko, and Miele because their dishwashers will be seamless to your cabinet.
For all of our dishwashers, including their best features, reliability, and how they compare to one another, read: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Dishwasher.
Wirecutter praises this dishwasher, noting it includes all the main cycles.
They provided a detailed, flowery description of this dishwasher in their article.
The dishwasher have an all-stainless tank and a heavier door, unlike the recommended 100 Series.
However, its price ranges from $999 to $1,099. Furthermore, with a silence rating of 46 dB, you can expect to hear the dishwasher running..
For just $100 more, you can purchase the 500 series, which offers better drying due to its AutoOpen door and a quieter silence rating of 44 dB.
While you might hear the 300 series during operation, the 500 series meets the quietness standard.
The Benchmark is Bosch's premier dishwasher. It comes with more features and is priced $500 less than last year.
This model is their quietest, registering at 38 decibels. Nonetheless, 42 decibels is still impressively quiet.
Furthermore, the Benchmark features a superior third rack that holds slightly more items.
Its glide-out ball-bearing racks operate more smoothly, a distinct advantage when the dishwasher is fully loaded.
However, priced $450 above the 800 series, the premium for these racks might be a bit steep for some.
It all depends.
The 100 series is less expensive and may be a good choice if you want performance but not necessarily that of a Bosch.
The 500 series excels in both washing and drying and is a good all-around dishwasher.
The 800 Series combines Bosch's latest washing and drying capabilities.
Read More: 100, 300, 500, 800 & Benchmark Series Explained
KitchenAid has introduced another new series. After years of being outpaced by Bosch, KitchenAid's new series is worth considering.
KitchenAid offers two series. The 200 series boasts a 39 dB silence rating at approximately $999.
Their M-series now features four levels of wash action and a drying system inspired by Miele.
The dishwasher allows air from the kitchen into the side of the machine.
The M Series' newer dishwasher introduces a refreshed top rack and washing system. Its drying cycle utilizes heat in an already warm dishwasher.
However, Bosch's dishwashers are quieter and offer superior drying in the CrystalDry series.
Their PowerControl feature allows users to wash with varying intensities.
While KitchenAid has reduced its prices and might be more affordable, Bosch remains the superior dishwasher.
Read More: Bosch vs. KitchenAid Dishwashers
Miele is the best wash and dry system. It has full-wash arms on the top and bottom.
In our tests, Miele performed the best in both washing and drying, surpassing even the 800 Series, thanks to their Auto Dos dispenser and system.
Their clean air drying allows air into the side of the dishwasher. The hot, moist air is drawn to the "cooler" side and then dissipates as water.
Miele also has the best racks, as they are all removable and adjustable.
However, the Miele is priced over $2000, compared to $1349 for the 800 Series.
Read More: Bosch vs. Miele Dishwashers
Beko's $699 dishwasher is comparable to the Bosch 100 Series in price but is quieter at 45 dB and is all steel, whereas the Bosch is made of metal and plastic.
However, Beko offers a feature-loaded model at $1099 with a free installation and special intense cycles, as well as separate sprays to power out tough stains.
At 39 dB, it is the quietest in its class and is a good alternative to the 300 Series.
They also offer affordable panel options.
Read More: Beko vs. Bosch Dishwashers
Like what you are reading? Learn more in our Dishwasher Buying Guide, which offers how-to strategies and buying tips to save you money. Over 1 million people have trusted a Yale guide. We never sell or share your private information.
Every Bosch dishwasher can heat the water to 161 degrees, and most use no-heat condensation drying.
I hesitate to mention Wi-Fi so early, but all are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to turn the washer on or off remotely.
You can customize your cycles in the higher series as well.
Many of the dishwashers are the same but with different-looking fronts. There are five styles of Bosch dishwashers.
Examine the series and features. Then, compromise on the style, like switching from a towel bar handle to a pocket handle or a regular front.
We recommend paneling only European-made dishwashers, like Bosch, Beko, and Miele, because they fit within a 24-inch space and won't protrude from your cabinets.
Dishwashers operate based on time and temperature.
A Bosch Heavy or Pots and Pans cycle will wash your dishes longer and at a higher temperature.
A China or Crystal cycle uses less time and a lower temperature, similar to most dishwashers.
The Water Softener Cycle removes hard water spots caused by lime deposits and softens water to appropriate levels.
Hard water can leave spots on your dishes and create other issues. Buying a dishwasher with a softener is an excellent choice, especially if you have well water.
The Eco Cycle is ideal for delicate dishes and glasses. This cycle reduces energy usage by lowering the temperature and cycle length. It's a shorter cycle, so don't use it for dishware with baked-on food.
The SpeedPerfect™ Cycle provides up to 25% faster cleaning on a normally soiled load of dishes.
The Favorites feature lets you program your customized cycle directly on the dishwasher.
These two series feature the "PowerControl" spray arm:
You can set the lower rack to wash in four different quadrants using Bosch's HomeConnect App.
This allows you to wash light, medium, and heavy loads and control the spray's intensity to clean china, baked-on lasagna dishes, or both in the same wash.
ExtraShine
The ExtraShine option can be used with most wash cycles (except Rinse). It enhances the cleaning and shininess of dishes by raising the temperature and extending the drying time.
Essentially, it dries your dishes more efficiently by using additional time and temperature.
The Extra Dry option is ideal for use in tandem with any wash cycle. This option further enhances drying results by raising the temperature and prolonging the drying time.
Condensation Drying
Bosch consistently uses Condensation Drying, which combines residual steam with jet drying. This method provides average drying results and isn't as effective on plastics compared to brands like Miele or KitchenAid.
The next two cycles are newer and have enhanced Bosch's drying capabilities. They're featured in Bosch's superior dishwasher models.
AutoAir
Bosch's AutoAir drying system automatically opens the door to expedite the drying process at a cycle's end by releasing steam and heat.
If you prefer washing and drying dishes at night, AutoAir is an especially useful feature. The residual steam doesn't condense back into water, leaving a thin coat on your dishes.
AutoAir is exclusive to Bosch's 500 series models. Brands like Miele, some Samsung models, and Beko also offer similar features.
CrystalDry
Bosch dishwasher models equipped with CrystalDry contain Zeolite. This volcanic element is versatile, used in everything from supplements to industrial cleanups.
In dishwashers, Zeolite generates heat and absorbs moisture – exactly what a drying cycle should accomplish.
We tested Zeolite in Thermador dishwashers (manufactured by the same company as Bosch) in their 20-minute wash and dry cycle and found it effective, even on plastics.
The CrystalDry feature is available in all Bosch 800 and Benchmark series models.
Every dishwasher, except the 100 series, has a third rack. The higher-end Bosch dishwashers feature a more flexible rack.
One significant difference among Bosch dishwashers is their noise levels, ranging from 50-38 dB. (For further information, refer to "The Quietest Dishwashers by Decibel Rating").
In our tests, we found that 44 decibels is quiet enough that you won't hear your dishwasher running.
However, it's unnecessary to upgrade from a 44 dB model to a pricier one solely for reduced noise. The upgrade is only justified if you appreciate other features.
Bosch's 500, 800, and Benchmark series either meet or surpass this standard. Here's a sound comparison between 44 and 55-decibel dishwashers in a kitchen setting:
All Bosch dishwashers come with leak protection. The AquaStop feature employs sensors to halt water intake in their advanced models, spanning the 300 to Benchmark series.
Dishwasher Reliability for 2023
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample size of over 8000 units over a 12-month period.
| Service Rates | |
| LG | 3.5% |
| Bosch | 5.1% |
| Thermador | 5.9% |
| KitchenAid | 6.2% |
| Miele | 6.7% |
| GE Profile | 7.1% |
| Signature Kitchen Suite | 7.5% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 9.0% |
| Café Appliances | 10.3% |
| Beko | 11.2% |
| Grand Total | 6.8% |
Bosch ranks as one of the most dependable dishwasher brands, with only 5.1% requiring repairs in the first year. This is in contrast to 6.2% and 6.7% for their main competitors, KitchenAid and Miele, respectively.
Read More: Most Reliable Dishwashers
The drying capability of the 500 series is commendable, but the 800 and Benchmark series particularly stand out in this regard for their price point. Only Miele's G7000 series performed better.
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: