Bosch dishwashers have premium features such as an innovative drying system and half-load settings. Moreover, they’re also whisper quiet. Every Bosch dishwasher is Energy Star certified, which means it’s efficient and costs less to run than a non-rated model. However, many Bosch models are quite expensive.
Bosch dishwashers produce less than 50 decibels (dB) of sound, with the quietest operating at around 40 dB. Many also have adjustable third racks to maximize the space, built-in timers, and hidden control panels to keep little fingers away from the settings. We picked several of the best models to help you find the best Bosch dishwashers at a price that fits in your budget.
- BEST OVERALL: Bosch 500 Series 24″ Top Control Dishwasher
- BEST BUDGET: Bosch 100 Series 24 in. White Front Control
- BEST SPLURGE: Bosch 800 Series 24″ Built-In Dishwasher
- BEST CUSTOM PANEL: Bosch 300 Series 24 inch Panel Ready Dishwasher
- BEST FOR APARTMENTS: Bosch 800 Series 18 in. ADA Compact Top Control
- ALSO CONSIDER: Bosch 300 Series 24″ Dishwasher Stainless Steel
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bosch Dishwashers
Bosch takes many of the same features on other dishwasher brands but upgrades them to Bosch standards. Bosch models often beat out many other brands with quiet operation and convenient premium features. When shopping for a Bosch dishwasher, consider the wash settings and control panel design, as well as the budget.
Size and Number of Racks
Bosch makes compact 18-inch and standard 24-inch dishwashers. Most homes have a built-in dishwasher nook that fits a 24-inch dishwasher. Compact 18-in dishwashers are ideal for small homes or apartments. Bosch doesn’t cut features when manufacturing these smaller dishwashers. They may have a third rack with many of the same wash and dry cycles as a full-size model.
In many of its models, Bosch adds a flexible third rack to hold silverware. “Flexible” means that the third rack is optional since it can be removed. Even models that don’t have a third rack usually have an additional utility rack for increased capacity. A flexible third rack often has an upper rack that adjusts from three to nine positions, allowing users to adjust the configuration based on the load.
Control Panel
Dishwasher control panels are either on the front or the top. Front control panels usually are above the handle, while on others, they’re within the recess of a recessed handle. Front control panels are easy to access and have digital displays for a quick glance. To prevent pets and kids from accidentally hitting the controls on a front control model, Bosch added a child lock. Front control panel options cost less than top control panels.
Top control panels are hidden on the top of the dishwasher door, with a sleek door on the exterior and no visible lights. Bosch models are so quiet that they have a light that shines on the floor to indicate the dishwasher is running. With a top control panel, children and pets can’t accidentally bump the controls midway through its cycle; however, dishwashers that have top control panels are the more expensive option.
Wash Settings
Bosch dishwashers include some handy settings, such as a 60-minute speed cycle that washes and dries lightly soiled dishes in 1 hour and a sanitize cycle for baby bottles and general sanitation. However, not all models have every setting.
A half-load setting is useful for those who can’t fill a dishwasher every day. This setting lets users wash just that, half a load.
Overall, Bosch dishwashers do well at general cleaning and stain removal. For best results, rinse your dishes thoroughly before placing them in the dishwasher and don’t overfill the machine.
Depending on the setting, cycle times range from 60 to 130 minutes. At around 130 minutes, auto modes typically run the longest, with normal wash/dry lasting about 2 hours. The speed cycle takes about 60 minutes. However, use the speed cycle only when the dishes are rinsed or lightly soiled.
Bosch doesn’t use heating elements in any of their dishwashers. This design is energy efficient and makes it safe to put plastic anywhere in the tub without worrying about it melting. However, some users report that dishes remain wet after the dry cycle.
Bosch offers three drying cycles—PureAir, AutoAir, and CrystalDry (not all models have every drying mode) along with “auto,” “sanitize,” and “extra dry.” PureAir is the standard drying setting. In AutoAir, the door pops open to allow fresh air to circulate over the dishes. CrystalDry, available on premium models, uses moisture to create extra heat for more effective drying.
Noise Level
Bosch dishwashers have an excellent reputation for quiet operation, a feature that sets it apart from many of its competitors. The quietest models run at or around 40 dB, which is like the gentle hum of a refrigerator in the background. The loudest model runs at or around 50 dB. Since the average conversation occurs at 60 dB, most Bosch dishwashers won’t interrupt a conversation.
Extra Features
- Tub design: Bosch dishwashers have either a stainless steel or a hybrid tub made of stainless walls with a plastic bottom. Stainless steel offers the best durability and noise reduction, but a hybrid saves several hundred dollars with no change in the cleaning ability, although they are a bit louder.
- Panel-ready design: Bosch offers “panel-ready” (also called “custom” panel) designs that have a custom door panel that matches the kitchen cabinetry. These panel-ready units have top control panels and the same interior as a standard Bosch dishwasher.
- Energy Star ratings: All Bosch dishwashers are Energy Star certified, which signifies that they require less water, energy, and drying time as well as fewer filters.
Our Top Picks
We researched Bosch’s dishwashers to choose the best models for different kitchen layouts and budgets. These picks stand out in the way in which they blend premium features with versatile washing options and prices.
Photo: bestbuy.com
The Bosch 500 Series falls between the less expensive 300 and the premium 800 series, with a good balance of features, quality, and price. It has a top control panel that creates a sleek, modern exterior. It runs at a quiet 44 dB and has a light that shines on the floor to show that it’s running.
A third rack provides versatile loading options, as does the upper rack, which adjusts to any of nine positions. The upper and lower racks also have flip tines that fold down to make room for larger dishes or pots. The 500 Series has a half-load setting, so users can load dishes into any quadrant to get them clean while saving water and energy. There’s also a sanitize feature that can be added to four of the standard wash cycles.
A few users have reported issues such as lights not turning on and the machine stopping in the middle of a cycle. However, these instances appear to be the exception.
Product Specs
- Decibels: 44
- Third rack: Yes
- Control panel: Top control
Pros
- Runs quietly at 44 dB
- Half-load cycle
- Sleek top control design with light to indicate operation
- Balance of features, noise, and price
Cons
- A few reports of machine stopping mid-cycle
Get the Bosch 500 Series dishwasher at Best Buy.
Photo: homedepot.com
The Bosch 100 Series has the high-quality build of other Bosch machines but at a more affordable price. Rather than a third rack, the 100 Series has a small utility rack that holds odd-shaped utensils, freeing space in the lower two racks. A front control panel manages the six wash cycles, delayed timer, and sanitize setting.
Internal sensors monitor the dishes during the cycle to adjust wash cycles as needed. The hybrid tub and brushless motor keep the noise level down to 48 to 50 dB.
However, some users have reported that the tine angles make it difficult to load dishes. It holds 14 place settings compared to the 800 Series’ 16-place-setting capacity.
Product Specs
- Decibels: 48 to 50
- Third rack: Small utility rack
- Control panel: Front panel
Pros
- Relatively quiet at 48 to 50 dB
- Utility rack separates odd-shape utensils
- Internal sensors keep cycles efficient
Cons
- Tines at odd angles may make it hard to place some items
- Smaller capacity
Get the Bosch 100 Series dishwasher at The Home Depot.
Photo: ajmadison.com
The Bosch 800 Series is one of the best-rated Bosch dishwashers, and it’s packed with all Bosch has to offer in a single model. This model has CrystalDry technology, which transforms moisture into heat to more effectively dry dishes without using extra energy. A half-load setting enhances its overall efficiency.
This model’s third rack is a little different from other Bosch models. It can hold more than silverware by adjusting to hold bowls, which frees up space for larger dishes on the other two racks. The upper rack adjusts to nine additional positions. Flip tines on two of the racks add to its adjustability.
The top panel stays hidden when the dishwasher door is closed. However, a light shines on the floor so users know this quiet model is operating. It also has the Speed 60 setting, which washes a full load of slightly soiled dishes in 60 minutes. Internal sensors keep tabs on the load to track each cycle. All these features come at a price though; this model is quite expensive.
Product Specs
- Decibels: 40
- Third rack: Yes
- Control panel: Top panel
Pros
- Better efficiency with CrystalDry technology
- Versatile third rack holds large dishes
- Internal sensors to monitor each load
- Extremely quiet when running
Cons
Get the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher at AJ Madison.
Photo: ajmadison.com
This Bosch 300 Series model has a custom panel to add a uniform look to individual kitchens. The customer provides the panel and handle to assure that it matches kitchen cabinetry. Then, depending on location, users install the panel and handle either before or after delivery. The 300 Series comes with Bosch’s PureDry system, which is free of heating elements so plastics won’t melt.
This Bosch has a third rack and an adjustable upper rack that adjusts to nine positions. Foldable tines let users customize the interior to fit the configuration of each load. As with all of Bosch’s top panel models, it has a light to let users know when it’s in the middle of a cycle.
Custom panel models cost more than a standard Bosch of a similar series. However, when combined with the more affordable price of the 300 Series, this provides users with a uniform kitchen appearance at a more reasonable price. However, some users find that the PureDry system doesn’t dry dishes as thoroughly as they’d like.
Product Specs
- Decibels: 44
- Third rack: Yes
- Control panel: Top panel
Pros
- Consumer can choose the front panel and handle
- Top controls hidden so dishwasher blends in with cabinetry
- Third rack design and upper rack that adjusts to 9 positions
Cons
- PureDry system doesn’t always thoroughly dry dishes
Get the Bosch 300 Series dishwasher on Amazon or at AJ Madison.
Photo: homedepot.com
This Bosch 800 Series dishwasher has many of the same features as a full-size 800 Series machine, but on a smaller scale. For example, it features a third rack with an adjustable upper rack. The third rack is removable, but it allows for fuller loads when needed. The 18-inch model also has six wash cycles and six dry cycle options. Users can program it for a delayed start or connect it to Wi-Fi for smart controls, which is found only on specific 800 Series models.
Internal sensors scan the dishes during the wash cycles to adjust times precisely as needed. The 800 Series has a delayed time feature that allows the dishwasher to start at any time within a 24-hour period. Like other 800 Series models, at only 44 dB, this machine is quiet. For apartment dwellers, that means a quieter environment for them and their neighbors. AquaStop sensors help prevent potential leaks.
However, the PureDry system may not completely dry dishes. To do that, users may have to use one of the additional drying settings, such as “sanitize” or “extra dry.”
Product Specs
- Decibels: 44
- Third rack: Yes
- Control panel: Top panel
Pros
- Smart control and delayed timer options
- Removable third rack and adjustable upper rack
- Quiet operation at 44 dB
Cons
- PureDry system doesn’t always thoroughly dry dishes
Get the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher at The Home Depot.
Photo: homedepot.com
The Bosch 300 Series has many of the same conveniences of more expensive Bosch models, but at a more affordable price. It has three racks, with extra space for dishes and pans. The upper rack moves to one of three positions, providing space for large pans or odd-shape dishes. Foldable tines on the upper and lower racks allow for different load configurations.
The 300 Series has five wash cycles and a sanitize setting. It also can perform a half-load cycle, saving water and energy. The front control panel is recessed into a pocket handle for easy access, which reduces the cost.
Product Specs
- Decibels: 44
- Third rack: Yes
- Control panel: Front panel
Pros
- 3 space-saving racks that adjust to 3 positions
- Recessed control panel
- Half-load cycle and sanitize settings
Cons
- Reports of some units leaking
Get the Bosch 300 Series dishwasher at The Home Depot.
Our Verdict
The Bosch 500 Series is the best Bosch dishwasher for the price. It offers a good balance between price, features, and sound reduction. For those with a smaller budget, the Bosch 100 Series costs half the price, but it still offers quiet operation, a sanitize setting, and internal sensors for improved efficiency.
How We Chose the Best Bosch Dishwashers
Appliances within a single brand often are quite similar to each other. To dig into the Bosch lineup, we looked at the design, such as a stainless steel tub versus a hybrid tub, the location and design of the control panel, and the wash and dry cycles. We also considered load efficiency by determining whether the dishwasher has a third rack, how that rack functions, and how it adds to the dishwasher’s capacity and organization. Finally, we considered noise and noise-reduction technology. Bosch is known for quiet dishwashers, but there’s some variation between models that we took into account. All Bosch dishwashers are Energy Star certified, so we didn’t have to consider that feature.
FAQs
A dishwasher is a major household appliance that gets used almost daily. The importance of this purchase may leave you with a few more questions. We’ve answered some of the more common queries concerning Bosch dishwashers to help you determine if one of these models is right for you.
Q. Does Bosch make the best dishwasher?
Bosch dishwashers are among the best models on the market. However, they’re not for everyone. For example, if noise reduction isn’t high on your priority list, and you don’t think you’d use all of Bosch’s premium settings, a different brand might be best for you.
Q. How long do Bosch dishwashers last?
Bosch dishwashers have a good track record of lasting from 10 to 15 years.
Q. How do I read my Bosch model number?
The model number is typically printed on the inside top of the door or on the right side of the door.
Q. Are Bosch dishwashers reliable?
Bosch dishwashers are some of the most reliable models. However, like all appliances, they need regular cleaning and maintenance. Check the owner’s manual to learn how to check and change the filters.
Q. Are Bosch dishwashers worth the money?
For those who want premium settings and quiet operation, Bosch dishwashers are worth the money. However, if noise reduction and multiple wash and dry settings aren’t that important, decent dishwashers are available for less.
Q. How do you clean a Bosch dishwasher?
If you have hard water, Bosch recommends using a Bosch descaler several times a year to prevent buildup. The filter, which is at the bottom of the tub, should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage. If the spray arms get clogged, Bosch recommends using a toothpick to remove debris.
Q. Are Bosch dishwashers expensive to repair?
Repairs typically fall between $100 and $300. However, the cost depends on the issues the machine is experiencing, your location, and how far the repair person must travel.
