We’re sure you agree: Dishwashers are our saving grace during post-dinner cleanup. Sparing us from standing over the sink for (what feels like) hours and from the vigorous work of scrubbing, our dishwashers are the underrated MVPs in the kitchen.
Two of the industry’s top-rated dishwasher brands, Bosch and KitchenAid, manufacture dishwashers that work like luxury built-in models but that sell for a midrange price. Their similarities cut across advanced wash cycles, stainless-steel interior, and rack adjustability—not surprisingly, these characteristics are what also distinguish premium dishwashers from entry-level models.
The differences between both brands are in style, reliability, price, and washing and drying performance. With that said, in our latest appliance showdown, your friends in the business at Spencer’s TV & Appliance are taking a look at Bosch vs. KitchenAid dishwashers. Check out how these premium brands’ dishwashers compare and compete!
Brand Overviews: Bosch vs. KitchenAid
First, let’s learn how Bosch and KitchenAid each hold their own when it comes to dish care.
Bosch Dishwashers
A range of technologies makes Bosch the Quietest Dishwasher Brand in the U.S. with impressively low decibel levels, ranging from 42 to 50 dBA. With multiple insulation layers, grind-less food filtration, and a sound-absorbing base, you don’t have to wait until bedtime to run your appliance.
In fact, Bosch dishwashers are so quiet, the manufacturers have added an InfoLight that shines on the floor so you know when the dishwasher is running. Among other touted features, the PureDry™ system includes a Sanitize Option, which ends each cycle with an extra hot wash that heats the water to 162 degrees.
Most conveniently, Bosch’s PrecisionWash™ features intelligent sensors that continually scan and check the progress of dishes throughout the cycle in addition to powerful precision spray arms that target every item of every load. For maximized efficiency, Bosch’s Flexible 3rd Rack accommodates deeper items while adjustable tines let you customize the rack's loading space, adding 30 percent more loading area compared to two-rack models.
KitchenAid Dishwashers
KitchenAid dishwashers understand no two meals are the same, using sensors to adapt the time and water temperature as needed for lighter loads or tough messes. Best of all, with a premium dishwasher and a clean set of pots and pans, you have the power to cook the meals that feed your soul—time and time again. From crusted casserole dishes to streaked wine glasses, KitchenAid dishwashers can take on the cleanup so you can take on what’s next.
Among a slew of features is the Advanced Clean Water Wash System, which uses microfiltration that continuously removes food particles during the wash and rinse cycles while circulating clean water to dishes in all three racks. Not only that, but the Express Wash Cycle gets the job done in less time so that you always have the dishes you need while prepping, cooking, and entertaining.
Increasing flexibility in your cleanup routine, the SatinGlide® Max Rails allow third and middle racks to move effortlessly, even when your appliance is fully loaded. And in select models, two to six stemware holders secure wine glasses to prevent them from moving around during the wash cycle.
Bosch Dishwasher vs. KitchenAid Dishwasher: Our Bestsellers
To illustrate key differences in Bosch vs. KitchenAid dishwashers, we created an easy-to-reference table that compares best-selling products from each brand. From distinct price points to varied wash options, see how the Bosch 800 Series 23.56" Built In Dishwasher and the KitchenAid® 23.88" Built In Dishwasher stack up:
| Product Features |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $1,149 | $899–$999 | |
| Width (in.) | 24 | 24 | |
| Control Panel Type | Front | Front | |
| Available Finishes | Stainless steel, black, white | Stainless steel, black stainless steel, black, white | |
| Filter or Disposer? | Filter | Filter | |
| Sanitize Option? | Yes | Yes | |
| Decibel Level (dbA) | 42 | 46 | |
| Handle Type | Recessed | Pocket Handle | |
| Number of Wash Cycles | 6 | 5 | |
| Number of Options | 5 | 6 | |
| Third Rack? | Yes | No | |
| Sensor Wash? | No | Yes | |
| Smart Compatible? | No | No | |
| ENERGY STAR Certified? | Yes | Yes | |
Bosch 800 Series 23.56" Built In Dishwasher
Beyond the baseline specifications, this Bosch dishwasher (SHEM78Z55N, SHEM78Z56N, and SHEM78Z52N) aptly features CrystalDry™ tech that transforms moisture into heat to get dishes, including plastics, 60 percent drier.
A flexible third rack includes fold-down sides to add 30 percent more loading capacity while the EasyGlide™ rack system provides a smooth loading experience, whether you’re positioning dirty dishes or retrieving clean ones. And for optimal energy-efficiency, the 24h Delay Start Timer lets you run your Bosch dishwasher at off-peak times. All this and a sublime operation at 42 decibels? We could not ask for more.
KitchenAid® 23.88" Built In Dishwasher
By contrast, this KitchenAid dishwasher (KDFE104HPS, KDFE104HBS, KDFE104HBL, and KDFE104HWH) boasts a ProWash™ Cycle that determines the ideal settings for washing dishes based on soil level and then makes real-time adjustments to achieve the best cleaning performance. In the meantime, the durable stainless-steel interior offers the beauty and benefits of stainless steel for the dishwasher interior, resisting streaks, stains, and odors while retaining heat to help boost drying performance.
Like the Bosch SHEM78Z55N, this KitchenAid model offers smooth-glide rails in the upper rack to give you a smooth, premium feeling when you load and unload your dishes. And you can also reap the benefits of extra room in the upper rack with a fold-down shelf and stemware holders.
The Final Verdict
While KitchenAid diswashers' cleaning performance is favored over their Bosch counterparts by product experts, in the same breath, Bosch dishwashers' drying performance is deemed to be stronger than KitchenAid dishwashers'.
Furthermore, Bosch dishwashers lead KitchenAid dishwashers in noise-reducing technologies while KitchenAid dishwashers' stronger points lie in their high load capacity and effective filtration system.
Finally, when it comes to cycles, wash options, and reliability, both brands' dishwashers are neck and neck.
Let Us Help You
But you don’t have to take our word for it! See for yourself how these dishwashers rise to the occasion by shopping our catalog of premium dishwashers. As you browse, be sure to check out Bosch and KitchenAid dishwasher reviews from customers.
Most importantly, don’t forget to contact your friends in the business at Spencer’s TV & Appliance; call or visit us today at any of our 10 locations in the greater Phoenix area.