Choosing between KitchenAid and Bosch dishwashers involves weighing performance, reliability, features, and design. Both brands are industry leaders, each with distinct strengths.
Overview of Bosch and KitchenAid Dishwashers
When evaluating Bosch and KitchenAid dishwashers side by side, the effectiveness of a comparison table cannot be overstated. Such a table serves as a concise visual guide, providing a snapshot of the primary features and attributes of each brand. By laying out key aspects such as Cleaning Technology, Advanced Rack System, Drying Technology, and Noise Level, a clear picture begins to emerge. Additionally, factors like Energy Efficiency highlight the brands’ commitment to sustainable practices. Moreover, including Customer Reviews provides an insight into real-world experiences and satisfaction levels of previous buyers.
KitchenAid, with its rich history, had already established itself as a trusted name in the world of dishwashers long before Bosch marked its entry. During a time when the noisy operations of dishwashers often disrupted family gatherings, Bosch made waves by introducing a line of dishwashers celebrated for their whisper-quiet functionality. However, it wasn’t just the silent operations that Bosch brought to the table. Over the years, they consistently raised the bar with cutting-edge technology that promised unmatched reliability, superior cleaning mechanics, and the ability to dry dishes to perfection. But amidst this rising competition, KitchenAid didn’t fade into the background. The brand held its ground and evolved, continuing to endear itself to families worldwide. KitchenAid constantly innovated, showcasing an impressive array of features tailored to varied cleaning requirements.
Reliability
Bottom line — when considering a new dishwasher, reliability should be a top priority, and in this regard, Bosch leads the way. While both Bosch and KitchenAid offer a range of features and quiet operation, Bosch stands out due to recommendations from most appliance repair professionals. I interviewed 15 appliance repair technicians, and 11 said Bosch is one of the most reliable dishwasher brands. Four recommended KitchenAid. According to Yale Appliance, 5.9% of Bosch dishwashers and 6.2% of KitchenAid dishwashers require service in the first year.
Let’s start with the most misunderstood component of this Bosch and KitchenAid comparison: Reliability. Both brands are excellent with below-average service rates. Only LG (4.7%) and Thermador (6.9%) have lower service rates. A 0.3% difference in reliability isn’t a reason to choose one brand over the other, but access to repair services should be. Before making a decision, check local reviews for technicians who service both brands in your area.
KitchenAid relies on A&E Factory Service, which is notoriously inconsistent. Bosch, on the other hand, depends on a network of independent service providers, which can be equally hit or miss. Since both brands will likely need repairs at some point, the best way to decide is to check which brand has better service availability in your area.
Noise Levels
Bosch makes the quietest dishwashers on the market. In fact, Bosch dishwashers are so quiet that they beam a light on the floor to indicate operation. Finding the quietest dishwasher is very important to most people. You don’t want to have a dishwasher disturbing your dinner when you can easily select a quieter option for a comparable price. Bosch makes the quietest dishwashers on the U.S. market, with most hovering between 38 decibels (dB) and 44 dB. All of the newer KitchenAid dishwashers come in at 39 or 44 dB, which is even quieter than a library. But KitchenAid wasn’t always known for quiet dishwashers. It wasn’t until Bosch entered the market with quiet dishwashers that KitchenAid got rid of the noisy hard food grinder in its machines.
Drying Performance
Winner: Bosch easily beats KitchenAid in this category. In fact, Bosch is the leader in the industry when it comes to drying. Prior to 2018, the biggest complaint about the Bosch dishwashers was drying. The company invested massive amount of time in research and development to come up with best in class drying: AutoAir Dry and CrystalDry.
The CrystalDry technology in Bosch uses a zeolite mineral to absorb moisture and transform it into heat, providing an efficient drying process for dishes without the need for extra energy consumption. This innovative technology sets Bosch dishwashers apart, ensuring superior drying outcomes compared to conventional methods. Additionally, in some Bosch models, an additional heated final rinse feature is incorporated, further elevating the overall drying performance. KitchenAid’s ProDry system uses a combination of a heating element and a fan to circulate air and evaporate moisture, achieving effective drying results. However, it is acknowledged that this method is not as efficient as Bosch’s CrystalDry in terms of both drying performance and energy usage.
Cleaning Performance
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 understand no two meals are the same, using sensors to adapt the time and water temperature as needed for lighter loads or tough messes. 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.
If you often have heavily soiled pots and pans, KitchenAid’s powerful cycles might be ideal. For lighter loads or delicate dishes, Bosch’s gentle yet efficient cleaning could suffice. Finally, if you reside in an area with hard water Bosch dishwashers with built-in softeners or compatible with external ones might clean better than KitchenAid models without these features.
Rack Design and Capacity
Because KitchenAid is mostly designed for U.S. market, the rack are set up appeal to an American lifestyle. U.S. plates, bowls, and more are setup to fit into KitchenAid dishwashers while Bosch fits a more European aesthetic. If you have large, bulky items, KitchenAid is probably a better option for you, while if you have smaller dishware, Bosch may be a better fit in your kitchen.
Bosch typically has tighter spacing between the tines than models from American-focused brands like KitchenAid and Maytag. This is something to check out in the store – if you have thicker plates or stoneware, Bosch racks might not be a great fit for you
KitchenAid’s M Series offers more interior space, and their lower-priced models tend to be quieter than Bosch’s entry-level options.
Price and Model Selection
Price: Bosch dishwashers range from $500 to $2,500, and KitchenAid dishwashers are priced between $999 and $2,000.
Winner: Bosch offers a superior selection with more than 100 dishwashers covering a variety of features, visual designs, and price points. Bosch dishwashers come in five classes distinguished by feature richness. There’s the entry-level, budget friendly 100 series, with models that have a plastic-bottom tub; the 300 series, with a stainless-steel interior and ADA/18-inch variants; and the 500 series with their innovative design (people love the pocket handle) and AutoAir drying that opens the door to ensure all puddles of water evaporate. At the top of the list, the 800 series and Benchmark series have premium dishwasher features like Wi-Fi connectivity, a water softener, Crystal dry, the lowest silence ratings, and custom finishes.
On the other hand, KitchenAid only makes less than a handful of dishwashers. The lineup of Bosch dishwashers offers a superior selection.
Customer Feedback
The Bosch finally failed. The microprocessor faulted and decided to pump hot water continuously into the tub, and eventually onto the kitchen floor. Nobody locally sells Miele so I dropped a g on a Kitchenaid and I have to say so far I’m impressed with performance.
My parents have a nice kitchenaid dishwasher that has been just fine for about 3 years, however I have read a lot of negative things on Reddit about Kitchenaid dishwashers in terms of longevity and positive about Bosch.
The heater is literally part of the pump. I have years of experience in appliance repair and have been an authorized servicer for both KitchenAid and Bosch. Get the Bosch. Better design, better customer service. A lot of KitchenAid dishwashers leak from a part called the diverter like almost clock work every 4 to 6 years, starts slowly so it often goes unnoticed for awhile. Seen it do a lot of damage to the kitchen floors.
FAQ
1. Which brand is more reliable, Bosch or KitchenAid?
Bosch generally edges out KitchenAid in reliability, with a slightly lower first-year service rate (5.9% vs. 6.2%, according to Yale Appliance). Appliance repair professionals often recommend Bosch, though both brands are considered above average. Reliability can depend on the specific model and maintenance habits.
2. Are Bosch dishwashers really quieter than KitchenAid?
Yes, Bosch is renowned for its quiet operation, with models as low as 38 dB, some of the quietest in the industry. KitchenAid has improved significantly, offering models at 39-44 dB, which is still very quiet but slightly louder than Bosch’s best.
3. Which brand dries dishes better?
Bosch outperforms KitchenAid in drying, thanks to its CrystalDry technology, which uses zeolite minerals to convert moisture into heat for superior results. KitchenAid’s ProDry system, while effective, is less efficient and may leave some items, especially plastics, damp.
4. How do their prices compare?
Bosch offers a wider price range ($500-$2,500), catering to budget and premium buyers. KitchenAid models typically start at $999 and go up to $2,000, making them less competitive at the lower end but comparable in the mid-to-high range.
5. Which brand is better for large households?
KitchenAid is often preferred for large households due to its spacious racks designed for American-sized dishes and larger items like pots and pans. Bosch’s racks, with tighter tines, may be less accommodating for bulky items but work well for smaller dishware.
6. Do both brands offer smart features?
Bosch leads in smart technology, with models like the 800 Series offering Home Connect for remote control via smartphone. KitchenAid has fewer smart features, focusing more on robust cleaning cycles and practical design.
7. How do I choose between Bosch and KitchenAid?
Consider your priorities: if quiet operation, advanced drying, and a wide model selection are key, Bosch is likely the better choice. If you need larger capacity, powerful cleaning for heavy messes, and a more affordable mid-range option, KitchenAid is a strong contender. Check local service availability for both brands before deciding.