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With a family of four that includes two teenagers, it’s safe to say my dishwasher sees a lot of daily use. So, when Bosch overhauled its entire dishwasher lineup with updates to the 300, 500, and 800 Series, I was eager to test how the new Bosch 500 Series (SHP65DM5N) compared to the previous 500 Series our team reviewed. But are the improvements in the redesigned model substantial enough to justify an upgrade? After three months of daily testing with my family of four, my honest review lays it all out.
Best Upgraded Dishwasher
Photo: Best Buy
What We Like
- Zone Wash technology eliminates stuck-on, baked-on food without pre-rinsing
- Whisper-quiet 44-decibel operation perfect for open-concept kitchens
- The third rack maximizes loading capacity for utensils and small items
What We Don’t Like
- No traditional heated dry cycle
Specs
- Sound Level: 44 decibels (very quiet)
- Capacity: 24-inch with third rack
- Drying System: AutoAir automatic door opening
- Smart Features: Wi-Fi enabled with Home Connect app, Alexa, and Google Assistant compatible
New Features
The game-changing addition to this new 500 Series is Zone Wash technology. Unlike the previous generation we tested, which applied uniform spray patterns throughout, Zone Wash creates a dedicated intensive wash space in the lower rack that delivers concentrated cleaning power exactly where you need it most.
Over three months of testing, I deliberately pushed this feature to its limits. I loaded the dishwasher with casserole dishes with overnight baked-on cheese, sheet pans with caramelized grease, and more dishes with stuck-on grime. Every single item came out spotless without pre-rinsing or hand scrubbing. The targeted spray arms create enough force to handle what would normally require serious elbow grease.
Compared to the previous 500 Series we reviewed, the difference is night and day. Where the old model occasionally required pre-rinsing for the toughest items, this new Zone Wash system handles them without hesitation. I load the most challenging items in the lower rack’s Zone Wash area for the Deep Clean cycle, while everyday dishes sit on the top rack for normal cleaning.
Still Whisper-Quiet
Bosch maintained the exceptional 44-decibel quiet operation that impressed us in the previous generation. I still regularly check the InfoLight floor indicator to confirm it’s running. Our kitchen is situated right off our main living space, so being able to run the unit while still enjoying family time, watching TV, or studying has been a huge benefit. It’s genuinely hard to believe something working this hard operates this quietly.
Enhanced Third Rack
While the previous 500 Series included a third rack, the redesigned version features improvements that became more apparent over extended use. The standard third rack holds all our flatware, freeing up the bottom rack for larger items that benefit from Zone Wash power. The V-shaped design accommodates measuring cups, larger utensils, small lids, and even small bowls. The third rack is the feature I never knew I needed in a dishwasher.
AutoAir Drying
The AutoAir function feels like a limitation at this price point. Instead of offering a heated dry cycle, this dishwasher relies entirely on automatically propping the door open for air circulation. While I haven’t had any issues with the dishes not drying, it does take some time for and if I want to unload the dishwasher quickly after the cycle is finished, I have to towel-dry certain dishes. The lack of any heated drying option feels like a compromise on an appliance at this price point.
For those who prefer the speed and reliability of heated drying or who have limited floor space in front of their dishwasher, this design choice may prove frustrating. I love the clean feel of heat-dried dishes, but I can overlook it due to the superior cleaning and results the dishwasher offers. I try to run the dishwasher at night so by morning, the dishes are dry and ready to put away. If Bosch ever decides to add a heated dry cycle to the 500 Series, the dishwasher would be perfection.
Smart Features
For someone who prefers simple appliances, I was surprised that the Wi-Fi connectivity through the Home Connect app has become part of my routine. Remote start is particularly handy for late-night cycles, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant provides voice control. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish still looks nearly new after three months of constant use. The dishwasher is in a high-traffic area in my kitchen, so spills happen, and I do have to wipe it down quite often, which is a breeze thanks to the stainless steel finish.
My Final Thoughts
After three months of daily use, the build quality and performance remain exceptional. The redesigned Bosch 500 Series with Zone Wash represents a significant upgrade over the previous generation in cleaning performance. For households running daily loads with challenging stuck-on messes who don’t mind the AutoAir drying approach, this redesign delivers an incredibly strong performance.
Where to Buy
Photo: Home Depot
