Bosch dishwashers are celebrated for being quiet and dependable, making them a top choice. The 100 Series is what Bosch calls its “core” dishwashers. These models wash well but come without the bells and whistles of models in the higher series, so they’re priced accordingly. The 100 Series is divided into two sub-tiers: the 100 Series and 100 Premium. The dishwasher that CR’s engineers tested is a 100 Premium model. 100 Series Tub: Hybrid—stainless steel interior walls and plastic bottom. Washing technology: PrecisionWash, in which sensors detect levels of soil throughout the cycle and wash accordingly. Drying technology: PureDry, which relies on the heat of the wash cycle so that when the water stops, the stainless steel walls cool down and pull heat and moisture away from the dishes.
Key Features of Bosch 100 Series Dishwashers
Bosch 100 Series dishwashers offer good cleaning performance for its price range. Most of the Bosch 100 series dishwashers are rated as being 50 dB and some little expensive models are quiet as 48 dB. Dishwashers below 45 dB noise level rating considered quiet and 48-50 dB which means it has a sound similar in intensity to an electric fan. Bosch 100 series dishwasher comes with a Tier 1 rating, the estimated annual energy consumption of about 269 kWh per year and about 688 gallons per year Water Consumption.
Bosch 100 series dishwashers are spacious and come with 14 or 15 place settings, which is ideal for medium-sized families with up to 5-6 members. Manual Height Adjustment for Upper Rack offers more capacity which really gives you the perfect space to fit larger dishes. Bosch 100 series has provided a silverware basket that can fit all your cutlery and can be placed anywhere in the dishwasher, it leaves more room for plates and glasses. it has a utility rack on the left-hand side to keep different-shaped items. The only dishwashers above $600 have standard 3rd rack and Rackmatic feature, A 3rd rack offers 30% more loading capacity, the RackMatic middle rack easily adjusts to 3 different heights, allowing taller items to fit in the middle rack while leaving room for pots and pans below.
The “InfoLight” is included in every model from the 100 Series and up. Don’t be alarmed if your new Bosch is displaying a red light. Bosch dishwashers are so quiet that the manufacturer decided to install something called InfoLight® in certain models. Designed to let you know that your dishwasher is actually running, this feature projects a red light on your floor. Prioritize this one if you’re worried about accidentally opening a dishwasher while it’s still cycling through.
Performance and Reliability
Great wash performance – This is the one area where all Bosch dishwashers are the same. Bosch’s wash system (PrecisionWash) is a carefully engineered combination of motors, pumps, sensors, filters, and spray arms, and it’s part of every dishwasher in Bosch’s lineup. While you’ll pick up fancier specialty cycles on the high-end models, even the entry-level Bosch will do a great job cleaning your everyday loads thoroughly and efficiently. Reliability – They’re built to last. If properly maintained, a Bosch dishwasher can last for 10 years or more (the industry average is around 5-7).
I recently interviewed 15 appliance repair companies, and Bosch emerged as the most recommended brand. Of the 15 experts I spoke to, 11 said Bosch is one of the most reliable brands on the market. Further reinforcing this point, Yale Appliance’s annual reliability report places Bosch among the brands with the lowest service rates. That implies fewer malfunctions and a lower probability of needing repairs. Whether you opt for a Bosch 100 or 300 series dishwasher, rest assured you’re investing in a reliable brand known for its long-lasting performance and fewer operational issues.
Customer Experiences
Having the display on the front, including the time when it will end, is very helpful…especially since it is so quiet. Our dishes come out clean and dry. The silverware baskets have plenty of slots to place our silverware and shorter spatulas. The top “shelf” for longer utensils is very convenient. My sister purchased this same Bosch dishwasher over a year ago and highly recommended it to me. This was an excellent purchase!
The bosch dishwasher does clean dishes very well and runs very quite. Just purchased it so still getting use to all its features and how to properly care for it. But so far so good and would recommend this dishwasher.
I bought a 100 series online and regretted it as soon as I started loading it. The racks don’t hold anything. The tines are so close together that our plates don’t even fit. That being said, I did like how well it cleaned the dishes, much better than the LG dishwasher that it replaced. I got rid of that one and went to the store to pick out a new one. We found that there are 3 different 100 series Bosch dishwashers and the top one has 3 racks and better tine placement so we went with that one. It is way better but still doesn’t hold all the stuff that the old LG did.
Comparison with Other Bosch Series
| Feature | 100 Series | 300 Series | 500 Series | 800 Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tub Material | Hybrid (Stainless Steel Walls, Plastic Bottom) | All-Stainless Steel | All-Stainless Steel | All-Stainless Steel |
| Noise Level | 48-50 dB | 44-46 dB | 44 dB | 40-42 dB |
| Drying Technology | PureDry | PureDry | AutoAir | CrystalDry |
| Third Rack | Optional (Premium Models) | Standard | Flexible | Flexible |
| Energy Star Certified | No | Some Models | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | $500-$700 | $700-$900 | $900-$1,100 | $1,200-$1,600 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable entry into Bosch’s reliable brand, starting around $500.
- Quiet operation at 48-50 dB, comparable to an electric fan.
- PrecisionWash system ensures thorough cleaning for everyday loads.
- Spacious with 14-15 place settings, ideal for medium-sized families.
- InfoLight feature indicates when the dishwasher is running.
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel option for easy maintenance.
Cons
- PureDry drying is less effective than higher series’ AutoAir or CrystalDry, often requiring rinse aid.
- Not Energy Star certified, using more water (688 gallons/year) and energy (269 kWh/year).
- Hybrid tub (plastic bottom) is less durable and retains less heat than all-stainless steel tubs.
- Rack design can be limiting; tines are closely spaced, and some models lack adjustable racks.
- Missing advanced features like third rack or RackMatic unless opting for Premium models.
Buying Guide
When considering a Bosch 100 Series dishwasher, prioritize your budget and kitchen needs. These models are ideal for cost-conscious buyers who want reliable cleaning without premium features. Expect to spend $500-$700, with Premium models offering extras like a third rack or quieter operation (46 dB). Check the tub material—hybrid tubs are standard, but plastic bottoms may not retain heat as well, impacting drying. Measure your kitchen space (most are 24 inches wide) and ensure compatibility with your water system. If energy efficiency is a priority, note that 100 Series models aren’t Energy Star certified, so compare water (688 gallons/year) and energy (269 kWh/year) usage against competitors like Miele or LG. Take your largest dishes to a store to test rack spacing, as some users report issues with tine placement. For hard water areas, consider adding a rinse aid or external water softener, as built-in softeners are absent.
Recommended retailers include Consumer Reports for ratings and Bosch’s official site for model details. For hands-on testing, visit a BSH Experience & Design Center.
Best Product Recommendation
The Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N is our top pick for its balance of affordability and performance. Priced around $550, it delivers solid cleaning with PrecisionWash, quiet operation at 50 dB, and smart features via Home Connect. While it lacks a third rack and adjustable tines, its drying performance is above average for the price, making it a great entry-level Bosch.
Shop Bosch 100 Series SHE3AEM2N on Amazon
Analysis and Insights
The Bosch 100 Series shines as a budget-friendly option but makes compromises. Its hybrid tub and PureDry system are functional but lag behind the all-stainless steel tubs and advanced drying (AutoAir, CrystalDry) of the 300, 500, or 800 Series. The 48-50 dB noise level is quiet for the price but noticeably louder than the 44 dB of a 300 Series. User feedback highlights inconsistent rack design—some models struggle with larger plates or odd-shaped items, a drawback for heavy dish users. However, the PrecisionWash system and Bosch’s reliability (backed by Yale Appliance’s low service rates) make it a dependable choice. Compared to competitors like the Beko DUT25401X, the 100 Series offers smart features and a stronger warranty but may underperform in cleaning consistency. For small to medium households prioritizing cost over premium features, the 100 Series is a solid investment, but those with larger dish loads or hard water may benefit from upgrading to the 300 Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bosch 100 Series dishwasher quiet enough for an open-plan kitchen?
Yes, at 48-50 dB, it’s as loud as a soft fan, suitable for most open-plan kitchens. However, if you’re sensitive to noise, the 300 Series (44-46 dB) might be worth the upgrade.
Do I need rinse aid with the Bosch 100 Series?
Highly recommended. The PureDry system struggles with plastics and heavy loads, and rinse aid significantly improves drying results.
Can the Bosch 100 Series handle hard water?
It lacks a built-in water softener, so in hard water areas, use a rinse aid or install an external softener to prevent streaks and mineral buildup.
How long does a typical cycle take?
Cycles range from 1-2 hours, with the Speed60 cycle washing and drying in about an hour, ideal for lightly soiled loads.
Is the Bosch 100 Series easy to install?
Most users find installation straightforward, especially with professional services from retailers. Ensure your kitchen’s water and electrical setup matches the 24-inch model’s requirements.