Bosch dishwashers have earned a stellar reputation for their quiet operation, reliable cleaning performance, and sleek designs, making them a popular choice for homeowners. However, navigating the Bosch dishwasher lineup can feel overwhelming. With series numbers like 100, 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark, and model designations that seem to blend together (SHP78CM5N, SHE53C85N, and so on), understanding the differences and choosing the right Bosch dishwasher for your needs can be challenging.
Are you trying to Compare Bosch Dishwashers to make the best decision for your kitchen? The experts at compare.edu.vn are here to demystify Bosch’s product series. Whether you are shopping online or visiting a store, this guide will help you differentiate between the Bosch series, from the entry-level 100 Series to the top-of-the-line Benchmark, ensuring you select a dishwasher that perfectly matches your requirements and budget.
Over the years, Bosch has refined its dishwasher offerings, and currently, there are seven distinct series to consider. Each series boasts unique aesthetic elements, handle designs, and a range of features. As a general rule, investing in a higher series typically unlocks more advanced features and enhanced performance.
Let’s break down the Bosch dishwasher series and explore their key differences to help you make an informed comparison.
Exploring the Bosch Dishwasher Product Series
Bosch has recently organized their dishwasher range into three main categories: Core, Deluxe, and Premium.
- Core: This category includes the 100 Series, 100 Plus, and 100 Premium, representing the entry-level options.
- Deluxe: The Deluxe line encompasses the 300 Series and 500 Series, offering a step up in features and performance.
- Premium: At the top end, the Premium category features the 800 Series and Benchmark Series, representing Bosch’s most advanced and feature-rich dishwashers.
Common Features Across All Bosch Dishwashers
Before diving into the specifics of each series, it’s important to highlight the features that are standard across the entire Bosch dishwasher range. Regardless of the series you choose, you can expect:
- Flush Installation: All Bosch dishwashers are designed for flush mounting with your kitchen cabinetry, providing a seamless, built-in appearance.
- Tablet Detergent Optimization: The detergent dispenser in every Bosch dishwasher is engineered for efficient use with modern dishwasher tablets.
- HomeConnect Enabled: Modern Bosch dishwashers come with HomeConnect, Bosch’s smart companion app, offering connected features and remote control capabilities.
- Energy Star Certification: Bosch is committed to energy efficiency, and all their dishwashers are Energy Star-certified, helping you save on utility costs and reduce your environmental footprint.
Notably, the 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark series share the same robust motor and pump system, indicating a baseline of powerful washing performance across these Deluxe and Premium models.
Starting from the 100 Plus series and moving up, Bosch incorporates the RackMatic system.
RackMatic is an adjustable upper rack system that offers three height levels and nine tilt positions. This flexibility allows you to easily accommodate taller dishes or cookware in either the upper or middle rack. Adjustable racks are crucial for efficient dishwasher loading, ensuring you can fit all your dishes in a single cycle. This adjustability is also helpful when you need to thoroughly clean the dishwasher itself.
A standard 3rd rack is included in the 100 Premium series through the 300 Series. The 500 Series and higher models upgrade to a flexible 3rd rack. While the standard 3rd rack is a simple, fixed shelf, the flexible 3rd rack enhances loading versatility with foldable wings on the sides to hold larger items and adjustable tines for cutlery or small dishes. A 3rd rack provides dedicated space for long utensils and serving pieces that might not fit optimally in the utensil basket.
Bosch’s InfoLight feature, available from the 100 Premium Series upwards, projects a discreet red light onto the floor while the dishwasher is running. This is particularly useful given the exceptionally quiet operation of Bosch dishwashers, providing a visual cue that a cycle is in progress. Some Benchmark Series dishwashers further enhance this with TimeLight, projecting the remaining cycle time directly onto the floor.
While specific decibel levels vary across models, Bosch dishwashers are generally known for their quiet performance, often cited as the quietest dishwasher brand available. Several Bosch models are featured on lists of the best quiet dishwashers. The 100 Series, while the loudest in the Bosch lineup at around 50 dBA, is still quieter than a typical conversational volume. The Benchmark Series stands out as the quietest, operating at a near-silent 38 to 39 dBA.
Bosch 800 Series Dishwashers: Premium Performance and Features
The 800 Series is often considered the sweet spot in the Bosch lineup, delivering a blend of exceptional cleaning, advanced features, and customizable options at a price point that is reasonable within the high-end dishwasher market. The 800 Series consistently ranks high in dishwasher comparisons and reviews, with models like the SHP78CM5N frequently earning top accolades.
Currently, Bosch 800 Series dishwashers are priced between $1,049 and $1,399.
A standout feature of the 800 Series is its advanced dish-drying technology. Select models, such as the SHP78CM5N, utilize Zeolite drying. Zeolite is a natural mineral that generates heat when it interacts with moisture. This innovative drying method is significantly more energy-efficient than traditional heating elements and is remarkably effective at drying dishes, including plastics, which are often challenging for standard dishwashers. Bosch 800 Series dishwashers frequently dominate top rankings for dishwashers with superior drying performance.
The latest 800 Series models also incorporate the PowerControl Spray Arm. This feature allows users to direct extra cleaning power to specific quadrants within the dishwasher, ideal for heavily soiled items placed in targeted areas.
The Bosch SHP78CM5N 800 Series dishwasher is currently a top-rated model praised for its overall performance and features.
Bosch 500 Series Dishwashers: Balancing Features and Value
Positioned in the upper range of Bosch’s Deluxe category, the 500 Series dishwashers offer a step up from the 300 Series with enhanced features and a quieter operation. They feature a stainless steel tub, three racks, and a notably quiet 44 dBA sound rating. Bosch 500 Series models are available in black, white, and stainless steel finishes to complement various kitchen styles.
A key feature of the 500 Series is AutoAir drying. This system automatically opens the dishwasher door slightly at the end of the wash cycle to release steam, promoting faster and more effective drying. While less technologically advanced than Zeolite drying, AutoAir is proven to be effective at achieving dry dishes.
Price points for the 500 Series range from $1,099 to $1,249, with options for both pocket handle and bar handle designs to match your kitchen’s aesthetic.
The Bosch SHP65CM5N 500 Series dishwasher is a great option if you seek powerful cleaning and excellent features without the premium price of the 800 Series.
Bosch 300 Series Dishwashers: Excellent Performance at a Mid-Range Price
The Bosch 300 Series represents a strong balance of performance and affordability. It features a full stainless steel tub, a standard 3rd rack, and the RackMatic adjustable upper rack system. The 300 Series marks the introduction of EasyGlide racks in the Bosch lineup. These racks offer smoother operation and a more robust construction compared to the 100 Series racks.
Bosch 300 Series dishwashers are priced between $949 and $1,099 and operate at a quiet 44 to 46 dBA sound level.
The Bosch SHE53C85N 300 Series dishwasher is often recommended as the entry point for experiencing Bosch quality, offering a significant step up in features and performance compared to basic models, while remaining reasonably priced.
Bosch 100 Series Dishwashers: Entry-Level Bosch Quality
The Bosch 100 Series, along with the 100 Plus and 100 Premium variations, represent Bosch’s more accessible, entry-level dishwasher options. While positioned as entry-level, these dishwashers still offer a range of desirable features.
The 100 Series is priced from $549 to $749, and the 100 Plus models range from $699 to $899. These series feature hybrid tubs (stainless steel interior with a polymer bottom), PrecisionWash system for effective cleaning, and PureDry, which utilizes hotter final rinse water to enhance drying. The 100 Plus and 100 Premium Series both include the RackMatic adjustable upper rack. The 100 Premium further adds the InfoLight feature.
While slightly louder than the higher series, the 100 Series dishwashers operate at a maximum of 50 dBA, still quieter than many standard dishwashers on the market.
The Bosch SHE3AEM2N 100 Series dishwasher offers the most affordable way to bring Bosch quality and quietness into your kitchen.
Bosch Ascenta Series Dishwashers: Discontinued Entry-Level Option
The Ascenta series was previously Bosch’s entry-level line but was discontinued in 2023. The 100 Series now serves as Bosch’s primary entry-level offering. You may still find Ascenta models available at some retailers while supplies last, but the 100 Series represents the current entry point into the Bosch dishwasher family.
Bosch Benchmark Series Dishwashers: The Pinnacle of Luxury and Innovation
The Benchmark Series sits at the very top of the Bosch dishwasher hierarchy, representing the brand’s most luxurious and feature-rich models. A significant portion of Benchmark dishwashers are manufactured in Germany, signifying premium craftsmanship. They incorporate all the features of the 800 Series and add even more premium enhancements, such as an interior illuminated by LED lighting for better visibility.
Benchmark dishwashers offer customization options like hidden handles or color LCD displays and often include built-in water softeners, particularly beneficial for homes with hard water. The sound performance is exceptional, reaching as low as 38 dBA, making them among the quietest dishwashers available on the market.
Reflecting their luxury status, Benchmark Series dishwashers are priced from $1,799 to $2,299 and are typically available through independent appliance retailers specializing in high-end brands.
The Bosch SHP9PCM5N Benchmark Series dishwasher represents the ultimate in Bosch dishwasher technology, quietness, and luxury features.
Decoding Bosch Dishwasher Model Numbers
Understanding Bosch dishwasher model numbers can seem cryptic, but there’s a logical structure. While Bosch has updated its model number system recently, some core elements remain consistent.
Let’s break down the components of a Bosch model number:
-
First Letter (S): “S” indicates the appliance is a dishwasher. ( “B” denotes a refrigerator, “H” a microwave).
-
Second Letter (H, G, P):
- “H”: Standard 24-inch dishwasher.
- “G”: 24-inch ADA-compliant model (designed for accessibility).
- “P”: Compact, 18-inch ADA-compliant model.
-
Third Letter (E, X, P, V): Indicates handle and control type:
- “E”: External controls (controls visible on the front).
- “X”: Bar handle.
- “P”: Pocket handle (recessed handle).
- “V”: Panel-ready (designed to accept a custom cabinet panel).
-
Fourth/Fifth/Sixth Digit (Series Indicator): This is where the system has become less consistent due to recent updates. Historically, the fourth digit indicated the series:
- “M”: 100 Series
- “3”: 300 Series
- “A”: Ascenta (discontinued)
- “5”: 500 Series
- “8”: 800 Series
- “P”: Benchmark Series
However, in newer models, the series indicator may appear in the fifth or even sixth digit position. For example, SHE33T55UC (300 Series), SPE68B55UC (500 Series), and SHPM78Z54N (800 Series).
-
Eighth Digit (Color):
- “2”: White
- “3”: Panel Ready
- “4”: Black Stainless Steel
- “5”: Stainless Steel
- “6”: Black
By understanding these components, you can begin to decipher Bosch dishwasher model numbers and gain insights into the series, features, and design of a particular model.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published and may vary.
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