Review of Bosch dishwashers
Bosch is a household name, thanks to its global success in manufacturing high-end technology that you can find in your car, your garden shed, and your kitchen. Dishwashers are just one of the home kitchen appliances produced by Bosch. A reliable and effective dishwasher is a key part of a quality kitchen and Bosch is one of the leading suppliers, our customer ratings have found. So what’s the big deal with Bosch dishwashers? Find out in this review from Canstar Blue.
What makes Bosch dishwashers stand out?
Bosch dishwashers focus on the technical details, with various different features and settings across its range, including:
- ‘EcoSilence’ drive: Bosch dishwasher motors, unlike many other dishwashers, don’t use brushes. According to Bosch, this reduces mechanical stress, friction, and wear resulting in lower noise and energy consumption.
- DosageAssist: Bosch dishwashers have a specially designed tray for dishwashing tablets. Targeted water jets dissolve the tablet evenly during the water cycle.
- AutoBrilliance: Another detergent feature, this adapts the dishwasher temperature to make the most out of multi-function detergent tablets and fully use the rinse aid portion.
- ‘Vario’ basket systems: Bosch dishwashers have one of three basket arrangement types. Vario includes two folding racks, VarioFlex includes six folding racks and a moveable cutlery basket, and VarioFlex Pro includes fourteen folding racks with coloured touch points for moveable elements.
- Load sensor: Adjusts water usage to match the size of the load, so that a very full dishwasher uses more water, while a partially loaded dishwasher uses less. This saves water and electricity where less can be used.
Other Bosch dishwasher features include:
- Automatic wash programs: Bosch’s auto programs assess how dirty your dishes really are, and adjust the program duration and temperature accordingly. This saves water and energy when your dishes aren’t too dirty.
- IntensiveZone wash: A program which directs increased water pressure in the bottom basket to power clean pots, pans, and other heavily-soiled items.
- HalfLoad Plus: This dishwashing program adjusts the wash cycle for a half-load.
- HygienePlus: Uses hotter water for the final rinse, to better remove bacteria from utensils, chopping boards, baby bottles, etc.
- ExtraDry: With this setting, the final rinse uses a higher temperature, leaving more residual heat for better drying. This is particularly useful for glassware and plastics.
- AquaSensor: This feature measures how much grime is in the water after the pre-rinse cycle, and reuses water where it can.
- Drawers: VarioDrawer, VarioDrawer Plus and VarioDrawer Pro are three different types of cutlery and utensil drawers included in some models. They can also accommodate other small items such as short mugs and cups. These add a third level drawer to the dishwasher, making more use of space. VarioDrawer holds the equivalent of up to 15 place settings. VarioDrawer Plus adds more loading flexibility for different items – users can easily switch it to accommodate small cups and mugs.
- ‘Zeolith’ drying: Zeolite minerals are used in some Bosch drying systems, which are said to assist in faster and more energy efficient streak-free drying.
- EmotionLight: LED lights inside the dishwasher make it easy to see into every corner.
- Rackmatic Plus: Height-adjustable upper basket, with three different height settings and nine different loading positions.
- Time delay: Most Bosch dishwashers include a time delay setting, which allows you to either set your own time for up to 24 hours in advance, or choose from a 3, 6 or 9 hour delay.
What kinds of dishwashers does Bosch make?
Bosch makes dishwashers in a number of different designs. These are:
- Built-under
- Semi-integrated
- Fully integrated
- Slimline
- Freestanding
Within each category, Bosch produces many models across a broad range of price points.
Bosch Built-Under Dishwashers
These are designed to be installed underneath kitchen countertops, to a flush fit by height. You can also add a kick panel to match your cabinetry if you’re not a fan of the stainless steel finish.
The most affordable: Serie | 4 SMU4HTS01A (pictured)
- Polinox inner tub
- Anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish
- Child door lock
- Dishwashing programs: Eco Wash 45°C, Auto Wash 45°C-65 °C, Pots and Pans 70°C, Quick 1 hour 65°C, Glass wash 40°C
- Special option: ExtraDry, HygienePlus, SpeedPerfect
RRP $1,249*
The most expensive: Serie | 8 SMU8EDS01A
- VarioFlex Pro basket system
- RackmaticPlus
- Stainless steel inner tub
- Low noise level (42dB)
- AquaSensor technology to regulate water use
- DosageAssist to maximise the effectiveness of detergent tablets
- Child door lock
- Dishwashing programs: Eco 45°C, Auto Intensive, Auto Wash, Auto Gentle, Quick 1 hour, Express Wash, ExtraQuiet
- Special options: EfficientDry, HygienePlus and SpeedPerfect
RRP $2,199*
Bosch Semi-Integrated Dishwashers
Step up your kitchen a notch with a semi-integrated dishwasher, which fits more smoothly in with your kitchen cabinetry, but keeps the main display and controls on the exterior. This can make a massive difference to your kitchen’s look.
The most affordable: Serie | 4 SMI4HTS01A (pictured)
- Polinox inner tub
- Child door lock
- Dishwashing programs: Eco Wash 45°C, Pots and Pans 70°C, Quick 1 hour 65°C, Glass wash 40°C
- Special option: ExtraDry, HygienePlus, SpeedPerfect
RRP: $1,249*
The most expensive: Serie | 8 SBI8EDS01A
- Max Flex Pro baskets
- Rackmatic Plus
- Extra Space basket
- TFT display on front panel and inner door
- Audible program end
- Time delay start
- Child door lock
- Stainless steel interior tub
- Dishwashing programs: Eco Wash, Auto Intensive, Auto Wash, Auto Gentle, Quick 1hr, Express Wash, ExtraQuiet, Favourite
- Special options: Remote Start, EfficientDry, Intensive Zone, Hygiene Plus, SpeedPerfect
RRP $2,249*
Bosch Fully Integrated Dishwashers
For a seamless, minimalistic and modern kitchen, fully integrated dishwashers are the most attractive choice. All controls and displays are hidden away on the inside edge of the door with no visual clutter left on the exterior.
The most affordable: Serie | SMV4HTX01A (pictured)
- Vario basket system
- Polinox inner tub
- Low noise level (46dB)
- Child door lock
- Audible program end
- Dishwashing programs: EcoWash 45°C, Auto Wash 45°C, Pots & Pans 70°C, Quick 1 hour 65°C, Glass Wash 40°C
- Special option: ExtraDry, HygienePlus, SpeedPerfect
RRP $1,249*
The most expensive: Serie | 8 SBV8EDX01A
- Max Flex Pro baskets
- Rackmatic Plus
- Hidden control buttons
- Stainless steel interior tub
- Child door lock
- TFT display on inner door
- Audible program end
- Time delay by up to 24 hours
- Timelight projection onto floor
- Low noise level (42dB)
- Dishwashing programs: Eco Wash, Auto Intensive, Auto Wash, Auto Gentle, Quick 1 hour, Express Wash, Extra Quiet
- Special options: Remote Start, EfficientDry, Intensive Zone, Hygiene Plus, Speedperfect
RRP $2,249*
Bosch Freestanding Dishwashers
A freestanding dishwasher offers maximum flexibility. It can go wherever you want – whether you want to take it with you when you move house, or you want to rearrange your kitchen. Bosch produces freestanding dishwashers in both standard 60cm widths, as well as slimline 45cm widths.
The most affordable: Serie | 2 SMS40E08AU (pictured)
- Vario basket system
- Polinox inner tub
- Low noise level (50dB)
- AquaStop Plus with lifetime antiflood protection
- Child door lock
- Dishwashing programs: Pots & Pans 70°C, Auto 45-65°C, Eco 45°C, Quick wash 45°C
- Special option: VarioSpeed
RRP $999*
The most expensive: Serie | 8 SMS8EDI01A
- Basket system with red coloured touchpoints and VarioDrawer Pro
- Rackmatic Plus
- Anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish
- Stainless steel inner tub
- TFT display on front panel and inner door
- DosageAssist
- AutoBrilliance
- Time delay by up to 24 hours
- Child door lock
- Dishwashing programs: Eco Wash, Auto Intensive, Auto Wash, Auto Gentle, Quick 1 hour, Express Wash, ExtraQuiet
- Special options: Efficient Dry, Hygiene Plus, SpeedPerfect
RRP $2,199*
Bosch Slimline Dishwashers
In very compact kitchens, regular dishwashers can be too bulky to be practical. Bosch offers the option of slimming down your dishwasher, with freestanding and built-under dishwasher models available in a 45cm width. These can be more efficient for singles or couples, who may not own even enough dishes to fill an entire standard dishwasher.
The most affordable: Serie | 6 SPS6IKI01A (pictured)
- Folding racks
- Anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish
- Stainless steel inner tub
- Low noise level (48dB)
- Time delay by up to 24 hours
- Child door lock
- Dishwashing programs: Eco Wash 70°C, Mixed Loads 45 °C, Auto Wash 45-65 °C, Pots & Pans 70°C, Quick 1 hour 65 °C, Glass Wash 40 °C
- Special options: Extra Dry, Hygiene Plus, SpeedPerfect
RRP $1,449*
The most expensive: Serie | 6 SPU6IMS01A
- VarioFlex basket system and VarioDrawer
- Rackmatic Plus
- Stainless steel finish
- Low noise level (46dB)
- Time delay by up to 24 hours
- Child door lock
- Dishwashing programs: Eco Wash 45°C, Auto Wash 45-65°C, Pots & Pans 70°C, Quick 1 hour 65°C, Glass 40°C
- Special options: Extra Dry, Hygiene Plus, SpeedPerfect
RRP $1,549*
How much do Bosch dishwashers cost?
Bosch produces at a high quality, but isn’t too extravagant, which places its price range around the middle to high-end of the overall dishwasher market. Below are the current recommended retail prices of the Bosch dishwasher range, as listed by Bosch at time of writing.
| Type | Lower End | Higher End |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding | $999* | $2,199* |
| Built-under | $1,249* | $2,199* |
| Semi-integrated | $1,249* | $2,249* |
| Fully integrated | $1,449* | $2,349* |
| Slimline (45cm wide) | $1,449* | $1,549* |
How much will your new dishwasher cost you on your energy and water bills? Find out in Canstar Blue’s dishwasher running cost analysis.
Should I choose a Bosch dishwasher?
The Bosch dishwasher range offers a number of unique features and designs that can be difficult to find in other dishwashers. Whether you go with a cheap or expensive Bosch dishwasher, you are likely getting great quality. That being said, as a high-end product range you can expect to pay a higher price to get that quality dishwasher.
At the end of the day, a Bosch dishwasher is an investment that can really pay off in the long run, both for your pocket and your dishes. It’s definitely worth exploring the Bosch range on your search to find the perfect dishwasher for your kitchen.
*Prices taken from Appliances Online and respective retailers, correct as of November, 2022
Meet our consumer experts
Megan Birot: Home & Lifestyle Editor
Megan is Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Editor, leading the team that focuses on consumer products and services, ranging from supermarkets and groceries to home and personal appliances and retail stores. She interprets Canstar Blue’s bespoke research on the thousands of brands that we compare, rate and review, to help shoppers make better purchasing decisions.
Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist
Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.
What do customers think about Bosch Dishwashers?
In 2022, Australian customers gave Bosch 5 out of 5 stars for overall customer satisfaction for dishwashers.