Better Homes And Gardens Bosch Dishwasher Competition 2021

The 7 Best Bosch Dishwashers of 2021

Reliable picks from one of the top brands

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When it comes to dishwashers, Bosch is known to be a high-quality and reliable brand. There are many things to love about this appliance brand, including their spacious designs and sleek, stainless steel finishes. Dishwashers by this brand, in particular, can be remarkably quiet and last for years. These features certainly make them a worthy and reliable investment for your home.

Now, if you're in the market for a dishwasher, you'll want to consider a couple key factors. For one, the size of the model is important, as it needs to fit the layout of your kitchen. Second, you'll want to think about the style of the control panel, and interior capacity. How many dishes do you typically try to squeeze in your current model? Is it noisy, or do you wish the exterior flushed with your cabinets more?

With that in mind, here are the top Bosch dishwashers to keep the dishes at bay.

Our Top Picks

This dishwasher features a third rack which expands its overall loading capacity, as well as a specialty setting for half loads.

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With a white exterior and stainless steel tub that can fit up to 14 place settings, this piece is straightforward and functional.

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You can see when a load is in progress thanks to an indicator light that shines on the floor, and make use of a special settings.

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The front controls let you easily check in on your chosen cycle, while a sanitize setting rids your dishes of lingering bacteria.

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The location of the controls ensures you don't accidentally start or switch a load, while drying technology airs out each cycle.

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Despite its reduced size, this appliance can hold up to 10 place settings and operates quietly to not disturb your household.

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If you attach a custom panel to the front of this model, you can hide it in plain sight and make use of its powerful cycles.

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Bosch 800 Series Top Control Tall Tub Pocket Handle Dishwasher

What We Like

Has a third rack
Half load setting
Operates very quietly

What We Don't Like

Not always effective at drying dishes
No smart features

For a Bosch dishwasher that has all the features you could ever want, you need this 24-inch appliance. This top-control model is amazingly quiet, spacious, and surprisingly versatile, making it a worthwhile investment for your home. It has a tall tub interior made of stainless steel, and can hold up to 16 place settings.

Most notably, its design boasts a flexible third rack—which gives you a whopping 30 percent more loading capacity—where you can place mugs, bowls, and pans that don't typically fit otherwise. Plus, the racks and tines are adjustable, allowing you to wash dishes of all shapes and sizes with ease.

In addition to its highly functional interior, this dishwasher operates at a whisper-quiet, 42 decibels, and includes six wash cycles and five extra options. You can make use of a half load or sanitize setting, to precisely treat your dishes and reduce the amount of resources being used per load.

Bosch 24" Front Control Built-In Dishwasher

What We Like

Inexpensive
Can fit up to 14 place settings
Has a utility rack

What We Don't Like

No steam function
No third rack

Some of Bosch's more advanced models can cost upwards of $1,000. However, you don't have to shell out that much to get a high-quality model from this brand. The Bosch SHEM3AY52N is a front-control, built-in model that costs less and is still jam-packed with highly-desired features.

When it comes to its build, this 24-inch dishwasher features a white exterior, and a stainless steel tall tub that can accommodate up to 14 place settings per load. It operates at 50 decibels, and includes a utility rack that will help you keep awkward-shaped items safe during a cycle. You will appreciate how it's functional and straightforward to use, and doesn't leave dirty dishes behind.

bosch-dishwasher-top-control-800-series

What We Like

Half load setting
Operates very quietly
Has an Energy Star rating

What We Don't Like

No steam function
Expensive

If you want the best of the best when it comes to dishwashers, you may want to splurge on the Bosch SHPM88Z75N that's jam-packed with the latest features. This top-of-the-line model has a stainless steel tub, Energy Star rating, and operates at just 40 decibels, making it one of the quietest dishwashers on the market. On top of these helpful elements of design, it also comes with a spacious third rack and large setting selection that'll make your life much easier.

To start, there are four specialty settings including delay start, half load, sanitize, and high temperature. PrecisionWash technology also uses sensors to scan the dirty dishes for spots that need more attention and care. The brand's CrystalDry technology ensures that mugs aren't left with pools of water on top of them, and that unloading the machine is a breeze. Lastly, a light shines directly below the appliance when a cycle is running, to quickly alert you when a load is in progress or ready to be unloaded.

Bosch Ascenta Series Front Control Tall Tub Dishwasher

What We Like

Inexpensive
Has a utility rack
Sanitize setting

What We Don't Like

Not as stylish as other models
Not always effective at drying dishes

The controls of a dishwasher are either located on the front of the machine or on top of the door. There are benefits to each design, but with a front-control model, you can quickly and easily program your desired settings and monitor progress. A great front-control pick is the Bosch SHE3AR75UC: an inexpensive model that delivers big results.

This built-in dishwasher has a stainless steel tall tub, and a very spacious interior that can hold up to 14 place settings. It operates at 50 decibels and includes six wash cycles to cater to your every need. There's a built-in utility rack for washing oddly shaped items, and the appliance even includes a sanitize cycle to kill bacteria on your plates, bowls, and cookware. Ultimately, its 24-inch build will also be a good fit in a variety of homes and kitchen layouts.

The Bosch SHPM65Z52N 500 Series dishwasher has top controls and AutoAir technology to dry out your dishes.

What We Like

Flexible organization options
Has a third rack
Can effectively dry dishes

What We Don't Like

Lower rack can easily show wear and tear
Need to purchase a separate water connection kit

The perk of having your dishwasher controls located on the top of the door is that they're tucked away, where they don't distract from the overall style of your space or casually get bumped. If you like the sound of this feature, check out the Bosch SHPM65Z55N, which runs at an affordable price and has a ton of other bells and whistles. For example, it includes a third rack, AutoAir technology that opens the door slightly at the end of a load to dry dishes out, and a stainless steel tub.

Notably, the dishwasher also has an adjustable upper rack that can be moved in to one of nine different positions, and flexible tines on the lower rack. This allows you to fit larger mixing bowls, cookware, or strainers in the dishwasher with ease. Now, to install it, you will need to purchase a dishwasher water connection kit on your own. You may also need to be careful when loading the lower rack, as it can show wear and tear early on and be hard to glide back into place.

bosch-compact-front-control-dishwasher-built-in

What We Like

Has a third rack
Operates very quietly
Has a stainless steel tub

What We Don't Like

No steam function
No smart features

If you live in an apartment, you may not have space in your kitchen for a full-size dishwasher. Don't fret, as you can avoid washing your dishes by hand with a tiny appliance like the Bosch SPE68B55UC. While smaller than many other models, this appliance still boasts all the features you expect from the top-rated brand. It stands at only 18 inches wide, but has a spacious interior and runs quietly at just 44 decibels.

Despite its reduced size, the appliance can also hold up to 10 place settings, and sports front controls. You can choose between six wash cycles, in addition to six extra options. Plus, this apartment-friendly dishwasher has a third rack and movable tines, which will help you make the most of each cycle you run. All in all, you can't go wrong with adding this appliance to your home, especially if your household is smaller and doesn't go through dishes as often.

Bosch 800 Series Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher in Custom Panel Ready with Stainless Steel Tub and 3rd Rack

What We Like

Can be customized to your kitchen
Can hold up to 16 place settings
Delicate setting

What We Don't Like

No steam function
No smart features

If you want your dishwasher to blend in with your cabinets, you'll need a model like the Bosch SHVM78Z53N. With this model, you can simply attach a custom panel to the front and hide the appliance in plain sight.

The 24-inch top-control dishwasher can hold 16 place settings, and operates at just 42 decibels. There are six wash cycles and five extra options to choose from—including half load, sanitize, and delicates, which is made for wine glasses or a set of fancy plates. You'll be able to fit all your dishes into this appliance, thanks to its adjustable racks and flexible third rack. Not to mention, you'll notice that a pre-wash isn't necessarily needed for it to rid your dishes of food and debris.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a dishwasher specifically by the Bosch brand, you can't go wrong with the Bosch SHPM78Z55N (view at AJ Madison) that is quiet, reliable, and features a third rack for extra loading capacity. This model includes specialty settings like half load, that will save you time and resources. Are you hoping to spend less on a quality and top-rated appliance? The Bosch SHEM3AY52N (view at Home Depot) doesn't have a third rack, but does have a spacious interior that can fit up to 14 place settings at one time.

Control panel

Your dishwasher can either have a control panel on the front or top of its door. If its controls are on the front, it's known as a front-control model. This type of model is classic, and allows you to start, pause, and check in on your cycle with ease. A top-control model, on the contrary, is a fairly new design that keeps your panel hidden. This type of model is known for being sleek and stylish, since the door is left clean, but isn't as convenient as the former. The best one for you depends purely on your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Noise level

Bosch dishwashers are known for being some of the quietest on the market, but they still range in the amount of noise they produce. This specification is measured in decibels (dBA), and Bosch models can range from 40 dBA to 52 dBA, which is much quieter than the average conversation. In comparison, a standard dishwasher usually operates at around 54 dBA. Now, the lower the decibel rating, the quieter your appliance will operate. To find the right rating for you, consider the size and layout of your space.

Number of racks

The number of racks in your dishwasher—and the features that these racks have—will determine how much your dishwasher can hold and how you load it. Where a majority of dishwashers have two racks, Bosch is no stranger to a third rack and utility rack. A third rack is meant to hold cups, mugs, and even cooking utensils that may not comfortably sit in the other racks. Although it can leave less space for a tall plate or bowl, it's often a welcome addition for many households. A utility rack is worked into a top rack, and holds awkward-shaped or sharp items like knives. When considering the number of racks in a dishwasher, you'll also want to take notes on whether they're adjustable or have flexible tines.

Panel-ready design

Any household that wants their kitchen to feel custom, and dishwasher to appear hidden, can benefit from a panel-ready design. This design finishes your appliance with a front door piece made to match your cabinets, but does come at a much higher price tag. You can expect a panel-ready dishwasher to have a top control panel, instead of a front control one, as well.

Half load setting

A half load setting on dishwashers allows you to wash a smaller amount of dirty dishes at one time. The setting cuts a usual cycle in half, including the resources it uses like water and detergent. This setting is particularly handy for smaller households, or home cooks who constantly need the same group of items—like small cutting boards or measuring cups—washed, prior to mealtimes.

FAQ

How do you clean a Bosch dishwasher?

To clean a Bosch dishwasher, you can purchase a box of Bosch's specialty cleaner. According to the brand's website, empty your dishwasher, add the box to the bottom of the appliance, and then run a long, hot cycle. Once the cycle is done, remove the filter and run it under water to remove any debris. Use a soft-bristled brush and soap to truly eliminate crumbs and sanitize the piece.

For more, see Bosch's tips for cleaning your appliance, and our guide on how to clean a dishwasher.
How do you reset a Bosch dishwasher?

To reset a Bosch dishwasher, you should typically hold the "Start" button for at least three seconds. This will reset the control panel and allow you to re-select the setting you need. If this doesn't work, refer to the troubleshooting guide in your user manual, as there may be a larger issue.
How long do Bosch dishwashers last?

Like many dishwashers made by reputable brands, Bosch dishwashers typically last up to 10 years. If you take care of your appliance, then you may be able to extend this lifespan to 13 to 15 years. Caring for your appliance properly includes cleaning the interior at least once a month, addressing repairs as soon as possible, and not overfilling the racks with plates, pots, and pans.

This article was edited and updated by Marisa Casciano, who is the large appliance expert for The Spruce. Throughout her career, she's researched the ins and outs of air purifiers, dishwashers, cooktops, and more in the home and lifestyle space. Having lived in multiple apartments, she knows the difference that having a functional and quiet dishwasher can make.

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