What Makes Bosch Dishwashers the Best?
The J.D. Power 2015 Kitchen Appliance Study ranked Bosch "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Dishwashers,” and it’s not hard to see why. Read on to learn how to pick a Bosch dishwasher like an appliance expert and check out all our top picks have to offer.
Bosch has been producing some of the best European dishwashers on the market for years. In several ways, Bosch dishwashers exemplify what we mean when we talk about “European” dishwashing technology. European dishwashers share a few common traits: Quiet operation, design flexibility, and a capacity greater than that of most American dishwashers. Bosch appliances exceed expectations in all of these categories while adding their own personal flair through unique features that enhance your cleaning experience from start to finish.
As your appliance authority, AjMadison not only wants to offer you the best Bosch dishwashers for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of dishwasher models like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about Bosch dishwashers, how they compare across series, and what our top picks have to offer.
Standard Benefits of Bosch Dishwashers
No matter which Bosch model you buy, you’re bound to choose one with a whole host of advanced washing features, but here’s what you can expect from their most affordable picks.
Quiet Performance – European dishwashers do not utilize hard food disposers as most American-manufactured dishwashers do. This allows companies like Bosch to produce quieter products. Bosch offers dishwashers with noise levels as low as 38 dBA—a noise level that was nearly unheard of only years ago! Bosch is an industry leader in producing quiet dishwashers. In fact, they are tied with JennAir the quietest dishwasher brand in the United States. Best of all, Bosch hasn’t sacrificed any of their cleaning power as they’ve gotten quieter.
Complete Coverage and Sanitization – Bosch dishwashers come equipped with NSF-certified sanitize cycles that eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, and other features like load size-sensing technology to deliver the perfect wash while utilizing minimal water.
Design Flexibility – Homeowners take pride in a good-looking kitchen and demand design flexibility. That’s why Bosch offers a diverse selection of counter depth and panel-ready designs, for a flush, “integrated” kitchen. Bosch 18-inch dishwashers are also available with slimline designs for small kitchens in apartments or condos. Their recessed handle models allow for a flush front with front-visible controls. Pocket handle models allow for a flush front while concealing the control panel, so the dishwasher can blend in perfectly with other kitchen appliances even if they’re from different brands. For an all-Bosch-equipped kitchen, bar-handled Bosch appliances complement each other exquisitely.
High Capacities – Bosch has increased the load capacity of their dishwashers with the introduction of innovative new rack features. Bosch’s RackMatic® rack system, for instance, allows you to adjust the height of your top rack in just one step, even when loaded. Three different heights allow for up to nine different rack positions. And with an upgrade to a three-rack model dishwasher, you get 30% more space!
Bosch Exclusive Features
When browsing Bosch products, you might have noticed a few trademarked features listed whose function may not be self-evident from their names alone. That’s why we’ve created this breakdown of the most advanced washing technology found in Bosch products, so you know what to look for in your preferred model!
AquaStop® and AquaStop® Plus – You’ll never have to worry about your Bosch dishwasher not draining. An advanced leak protection and containment system prevents flooding in your kitchen and damage to surrounding cabinetry. AquaStop® Plus features an additional hose surrounding the water inlet hose for added protection.
AutoAir® Drying System – This drying option automatically releases the door at the end of a cycle to let moisture escape and fresh air in for drier dishes.
CrystalDry™ – This technology uses natural minerals to collect moisture and transform it into heat, up to 176°F. The hot air is circulated throughout the tub to dry dishes, and even plastics, for the ultimate dry while conserving energy.
EasyGlide™ Rack System – Quality materials and designs make this unique rack system move extra smoothly, so you get an effortless feel with every pull--even when the rack is fully loaded.
FlexSpace® Plus – Specialized tines fold down every other prong in the row or can be folded all down at once, creating space to load larger dishes such as pasta bowls or even frying pans more efficiently.
Home Connect™ – The Home Connect app allows you to remotely monitor and control your Bosch dishwasher from your smartphone. Control your cycle from wherever you are for the ultimate convenience.
InfoLight® – A bright light shines on the floor when the dishwasher is running so you know if it’s active during quiet cycles.
PrecisionWash® with PowerControl™ – The cutting-edge PowerControl™ spray arm precisely targets even the most stubborn residues on your dishes, ensuring a thorough clean regardless of their placement on the bottom rack.
PureDry™ – an energy efficient, closed drying system that whisks moisture away from dishes, negating the need to pull in outside air or use an exposed heating element.
RackMatic® – Bosch’s customizable rack system easily adjusts to three different heights and up to nine separate rack positions, allowing taller items like stemware to fit in the middle rack while leaving room for pots and pans below.
Comparing Series
Bells and whistles are great to have, but your satisfaction will almost entirely depend on whether the Bosch dishwasher you choose looks and works the way you want it to. This can be hard to determine at a glance considering Bosch has several series, each with different specs that accommodate a diverse array of consumers. Although we’ve provided a series comparison chart below, the experts at AjMadison would like to make things just a bit easier for you with our top recommendations!
For Those Who Value Peace and Quiet – We recommend either a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher or a Bosch Benchmark Series unit. While no Bosch dishwashers exceed 50 dBA, these series range in volume from 38-42 dBA thanks to noise-insulting stainless steel tubs, resulting in virtually silent performance.
For Those on a Budget – We recommend either a Bosch 100 Series or a Bosch 300 Series dishwasher. Even the most affordable units from Bosch come with advanced washing and safety features like PureDry™ and AquaStop®.
For Those Who Renovate Often – We recommend either a Bosch 300 Series or a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher. These series offer the greatest variety of handle and finish options to adapt to any kitchen layout.
For Those Who Value Energy Efficiency – We recommend a Bosch 500 Series dishwasher and above. Almost all Bosch dishwashers from these collections are ENERGY STAR® certified, ensuring electricity usage is optimized to produce clean results with minimal waste.
For Those Who Want Guaranteed Clean Results – We recommend either a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher or a Bosch Benchmark Series unit. While all Bosch dishwashers can typically get the job done in one cycle, only these two series include a PowerControl™ spray arm with their PrecisionWash® systems for complete coverage and stubborn messes.
