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Dishwashers

What’s the best Bosch dishwasher? Here’s how to figure it out

All the series — Ascenta to Benchmark

A close-up of the racks inside the Bosch 800 Series SHE88PZ65N dishwasher, fully stocked with freshly-washed dishes. Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

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Bosch dishwashers are incredibly popular, but — like most home appliances — they can have confusing names.

To the average customer, Bosch’s 500 Series looks just like the 800 Series, and model numbers like SHP78CM5N and SHE53C85N all blend together. But, what do those series designations mean, and why do they matter?

If you’re looking at buying a Bosch dishwasher, either at a store or by shopping online, the editors at Reviewed are here to help you tell an 100 Series from a Benchmark.

Over the years Bosch's line-up has been more (and less) complicated, but today there are seven total flavors of Bosch to choose from. Each has its own colors, handles, and special features. Generally speaking, you get more features when you spend more money.

Here are the differences between the Bosch dishwasher series, and how you can tell them all apart.

Bosch dishwasher product series

The different Bosch dishwasher series are, in order from entry-level to high-end, 100 Series, 300 Series, 500 Series, 800 Series, 800 Series Premium, and Benchmark. The 800 Series has perennially topped our list of the best dishwashers, with the SHP78CM5N currently holding the crown.

Features that every Bosch dishwasher offers

All Bosch dishwashers have a few things in common: They can be mounted flush with cabinetry for a built-in dishwasher look, they are all Energy Star-certified, and they have a detergent dispenser designed for tablets.

Additionally, the 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark series use the same motor and pump system.

Every 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark dishwasher come equipped with RackMatic. This adjustable rack has three height levels and nine tilt positions to allow users to accommodate taller items on the lower or middle rack. Many, but not all, of the higher-end Bosch dishwashers also have a 3rd rack. These highly-moveable racks make Bosch dishwashers easier to load, ensuring everything gets clean with minimal wash cycles. This flexible movement also helps when time comes to wash the dishwasher itself.

Models with hidden control panels feature Bosch's InfoLight — a light that beams down on the floor to let you know when the dishwasher is operating. Some Benchmark Series dishwashers have TimeLight, which projects the actual time remaining on the floor beneath the dishwasher.

While the actual decibel level varies across different Bosch dishwashers, in general they all keep noise levels low. In fact, Bosch is perhaps the quietest dishwasher brand on the market. There are a few Bosch models on our list of the best quiet dishwashers.

Bosch 800 Series dishwashers

A close-up of the wine glass holders inside the Bosch 800 Series SHPM88Z75N dishwasher.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

The 800 Series and 800 Premium Series are the best testing and most popular of Bosch's line-up, which makes sense: They offer the most choice and largest feature set at reasonable prices (for high-end machines).

While our list of the best dishwashers is always changing, as we mentioned above, the 800 Series models consistently out-perform their competition.

At the time of publication, Bosch sells 15 800 Series dishwashers and two 800 Premium Series, which range in price from $1,100 to $1,700, and have sound ratings as low as 39 dBA.

If you're looking to leverage some high-tech dish-drying technology, the 800 Series has your back.

Models like the SHP78CM5N leverage the power of zeolite, a mineral that can turn water into heat—a method that is much more energy efficient than a traditional heating element.

Based on our testing, the zeolite technology works well and was even able to get plastics dry. Two Bosch models sit at the top of our list of best dishwashers that dry dishes.

The new 800 Series also features the PowerControl Spray Arm, which allows users to single out quadrants within the dishwasher to receive a deeper clean.

The new Bosch MyWay 3rd rack is only available on select 800 Series and Benchmark dishwashers. This rack is angled to fit deeper items like cereal bowls, serving utensils, and ramekins. The second rack can still fit tall items underneath.

Product image of Bosch SHP78CM5N 800 Series Dishwasher
Bosch SHP78CM5N 800 Series Dishwasher

The SHP78CM5N is currently the highest-rated dishwasher we've tested.

$1,169 at Appliances Connection

Bosch 500 Series dishwashers

A side-by-side shot of two Bosch 500 Series dishwashers, one with the door closed, one with it open.
Credit: Bosch

With only five active products, the Bosch 500 Series is one of the company's smallest lines. These products feature a stainless steel tub, three racks, and offer a sound rating of 44dbA. Models are available in black, white, and stainless steel.

While lighter on features, the 500 Series does have PrecisionWash, which uses sensors to monitor the wash water so the dishwasher can adjust the cycle in real time to make sure everything is clean.

These also have AutoAir, a feature that pops open the dishwasher door after a cycle to help vent steam and ensure dryer dishes.

The pricing for 500 Series models ranges from $990 for pocket-handle models (like the SHP65CM5N) to $1,149 for a bar-handle model.

Product image of Bosch SHP65CM5N 500 Series Dishwasher
Bosch SHP65CM5N 500 Series Dishwasher

If you don't need the features of the 800 Series, the 500 Series gives you the same great cleaning power for less money.

$989 at Appliances Connection

Bosch 300 Series dishwashers

A close-up of the control panel on the Bosch SHXM63WS5N 300 Series dishwasher.
Credit: Reviewed / Matthew Zahnzinger

Bosch's 300 Series currently has 15 dishwashers under its banner. Each one has an all-stainless tub and two racks. With the exception of the German-made 18-inch model, they’re all made in North Carolina.

The 300 Series dishwashers’ sale prices range from $949 to $1,099, and sound ratings range from 44 dBA to 46 dBA. Current models all come standard with 3rd racks and RackMatic.

Unique to the 300, 800, and Benchmark series are models with a built-in water softener. Though these models cost a bit more, they can keep spots off your glassware.

There are two different styles of front-mounted controls for the 300 Series: You can choose between a traditional "bar" handle or a recessed "pocket" handle. A panel-ready model is also available. Models with a bar handle and hidden controls are only available in stainless steel. Some models also feature a “scoop handle” design, which features exterior-facing controls with a handle beneath.

Product image of Bosch SHE53C85N 300 Series Dishwasher
Bosch SHE53C85N 300 Series Dishwasher

The 300 Series is an excellent balance of cleaning power to price and one of the best places to buy in to a Bosch.

$898 at AJ Madison

Bosch 100 Series dishwashers

The Bosch SHEM3AY52N 100 Series dishwasher installed in a modern kitchen.
Credit: Bosch

The Bosch 100 Series dishwashers are more entry-level than the options above, but that doesn't mean they lack features.

The 100 Series ranges in price from $549 to $899. The more expensive models have RackMatic, InfoLight, PrecisionWash, PureDry, and a 3rd rack, but these features are absent on the less expensive models. Most have a stainless steel interior. There are currently just four active models in the 100 Series, making it the smallest series in the line-up.

These dishwashers are slightly louder than their sister models, capping out at 50 dbA, but that's still very quiet compared to the average dishwasher.

Product image of Bosch SHE3AEM2N 100 Series Dishwasher
Bosch SHE3AEM2N 100 Series Dishwasher

The 100 Series is the least expensive way to buy a Bosch dishwasher.

$549 at AJ Madison

Bosch Ascenta Series dishwashers

A close-up of the Bosch Ascenta SHS5AV55UC's topmost rack, stocked with freshly-washed dishes.
Credit: Reviewed / Johnny Yu

The Ascenta line of dishwashers used to be Bosch's entry-level line of products, but were discontinued in 2023. The 100 Series has replaced Ascenta as Bosch's new entry-level product.

Bosch’s Benchmark Series dishwashers

A close-up of the Bosch SHE88PZ65N 800 Series dishwasher installed in a modern kitchen. Its door is open and its racks have been pulled out slightly, so you can see all of the dishes stored inside.
Credit: Bosch

Benchmark sits at the pinnacle of Bosch’s dishwasher lineup. Most of the Benchmark dishwashers are made in Germany, and they have every feature from the 800 Series, and more — like an LED-lit interior.

With Benchmark, you get your choice of hidden handles or color LCD displays, and many models have built-in water softeners. Sound ratings are exceptionally quiet — as low as 38 dBA, the quietest dishwasher on the market.

Of course, the prices match the luxury quotient. There are currently just five Benchmark models available, starting at $1,799 and capping out at $2,299. These are generally only available from independent retailers.

Product image of Bosch SHP9PCM5N Benchmark Series Dishwasher
Bosch SHP9PCM5N Benchmark Series Dishwasher

The Benchmark Series represents the pinnacle of Bosch's line-up.

$1,618 at AJ Madison

Here’s how to understand a Bosch dishwasher model number

In the past, we've had a small walkthrough here to help you parse different Bosch model numbers. Unfortunately, Bosch has thrown a wrench into our tidy guide by recently updating how they label their model numbers — several times, in fact.

This has led to their current active line-up now spanning several slightly different naming conventions. Let's go over what's stayed the same and what's changed, so you can find the right dishwasher for your needs.

  • The initial S in both models tells us that the product is a dishwasher. (A model number starting with a B is a fridge, and an H is a microwave.)
  • If the second letter is an H, it’s a standard 24-inch model. If it’s a G, it’s a 24-inch ADA compliant model. If it’s a P, the dishwasher is a compact, ADA-compliant 18-inch model.
  • The third letter tells us what the handle and display combination is. An E, for instance, means external controls. X means the dishwasher has a bar handle, while a P means the dishwasher has a pocket handle. A V means the dishwasher is panel ready.
  • Here's where we run into trouble because the convention seems to have shifted multiple times recently. In the past, the fourth digit would tell us what series the dishwasher is in, where M = 100 Series, 3 = 300 Series, A = Ascenta, 5 = 500 Series, 8 = 800 Series, and P = Benchmark Series. Using this, we can see the SHE33T55UC is from the 300 series. More current Bosch models, like the SPE68B55UC, use the fifth digit, while others, like the SHPM78Z54N, use the 6th digit.
  • The eighth digit tells what color the machine is. 2 = white, 3 = panel ready, 4 = black stainless, 5 = stainless, and 6 = black.

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