What’s more, all Bosch dishwashers have a system of sensors that scan and check dishes throughout the cycle to make sure they’re getting clean. There are sensors to detect leaks, too, and, once detected, the machine can shut off the water and drain the tub. Almost all also feature hidden controls—located on the top of the dishwasher door so that you can’t see the controls when the door is closed—and they’re digital touch controls rather than mechanical buttons.
One of the big differences between the Bosch series is that not all of the dishwashers are Energy Star certified—a designation from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency that means they meet a certain standard of water and energy efficiency. Almost all the models from the 100 Series and 300 Series aren’t Energy Star certified, so if you’re looking for an Energy Star machine, it’s easier to choose from the 500 Series, the 800 Series, and the Benchmark Series.
As you’ll see below, the main differences between the dishwasher tiers are the nice-to-have features—quieter performance, better drying technology, roomier and more flexible rack design—and aesthetics, like the dishwashers’ exterior finishes, handle styles, and displays. As you ascend in the tiers, the price also increases: Bosch’s least expensive dishwasher in our ratings costs $698, while its priciest model comes in at $1,614.
100 Series: The core series, with solid performance but more basic features and hybrid plastic/stainless steel tubs. The series is divided into two sub-tiers: the 100 Series and 100 Premium, which progressively offer small feature upgrades and more finish options.
300 Series: Fully stainless steel tubs, more rack flexibility, and more exterior finish and handle options.
500 Series: Quieter operation, a roomier third rack, more sophisticated leak protection technology, and an extra drying feature.
800 Series: Features Bosch’s new motorized wash arm, which you can program to give a heavier or lighter wash in different areas of the dishwasher. The brand claims its drying technology is more effective, utilizing natural minerals to collect moisture and transform it into heat.
Benchmark Series: In addition to the new motorized wash arm and premium drying technology, this series features the quietest operation, an even more flexible and roomy rack design, and a more sophisticated indicator light. It also has a built-in water softener that ensures spot-free dishes.
Below, we’ve put together a detailed but easy-to-scan overview of the important features you’ll get as you step up through each tier, plus ratings and test scores of the models we’ve tested from Bosch’s new lineup so far.
We tested one model from each of Bosch’s tiers. Like other dishwashers that have come through our labs, these Bosch models underwent at least 28 hours of tough testing. We’ve also collected reliability and owner satisfaction data on more than 80,000 individual dishwashers in use in real homes through our member surveys, and that data contributes to each dishwasher’s Overall Score in our ratings.
CR members can read detailed ratings for all of the Bosch dishwashers we’ve tested, along with ratings for dozens of other machines from more than 20 brands in our dishwasher ratings. And check out our dishwasher buying guide before you shop, where we include a list of important questions to ask before deciding on a model.
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