The Best Bosch Dishwashers

Reliable and Innovative: Bosch leads the way in the home appliance market.

Best Bosch Dishwasher

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

We've put together this guide to the best Bosch dishwasher to add to your kitchen. If they fit in with your lifestyle, dishwashers are a lifesaver. However, like tumble dryers, dishwashers are often seen as a luxury appliances that most households can’t afford to buy, let alone run. So, according to recent data, only 49 per cent of households own one. So, what’s the problem? Do we need dishwashers? Well, maybe. If you’re busy and can’t commit to washing dishes, a dishwasher saves you a big job.

Bosch is considered the number one brand for major domestic appliances in Europe. Its dishwashers are diverse, innovative and reliable. However, there are many features and many models to choose from so we’ve put together a useful guide to Bosch dishwashers. We’ve covered everything: models, types, features, prices, and energy ratings and if you need more in-depth help on which dishwasher to buy read our buyer's guide.

The Best Bosch Dishwashers At A Glance

• Best budget Bosch Dishwasher: Bosch Series 2 SMS2ITW08G Freestanding Dishwasher - Buy now on Currys
• Best value Bosch Dishwasher: BOSCH Series 2 SMV2ITX18G Integrated WiFi-enabled Dishwasher - Buy now on Currys
• Best adjustable Bosch Dishwasher: BOSCH Series 6 SMS6ZCI00G Full-size WiFi-enabled Dishwasher - Buy now on Currys

Bosch dishwashers have very high-tech features and can even be remotely controlled. Some are quieter than others, and others save energy much better. You'll also need to consider whether your new appliance needs to be freestanding or an integrated dishwasher.

Bosch is aware of the importance of saving energy, especially at a time when energy prices are rising, and customers need to invest in appliances that’ll reduce costs per use. Refer to the energy rating scale for more details on each dishwasher's energy efficiency. We’ve included all the ratings in the list.

Best Bosch Dishwashers

Bosch Series 2

Best budget Bosch Dishwasher

Our first recommendation is a Series 2 from the freestanding range, which is cheaper than the others. With a respectable “D” on the energy scale, this dishwasher will have no problem with your dishes. With an ExtraDry feature, height-adjustable baskets and a silence programme, you will have peace of mind knowing that your dishes will be coming out extra clean and dry – ready for use.

Customer review: “Absolutely stunning dishwasher! I can fit a lot of dishes and glasses at the same time – and even big dishes when I’m having someone around. It can be used even for a small amount on a short program and still washes brilliantly. I have got mine in black.”

Pros

  • Fits Dishes
  • Great Programmes

Cons

  • No frills

Best value Bosch Dishwasher

From the Series 2 range, this built-in dishwasher is of great value. With five programmes and plenty of awesome features, you can’t go wrong with this one. The useful InfoLight lets you know that your dishwasher is running. Amazingly, the dishwasher is remarkably quiet – as it’s fitted with Silence Plus. You can sit in the kitchen with a cuppa and still hear yourself think. We like that.

Customer review: “Really well made. It is quiet, so I can put it on before we go to bed, and everything comes out really clean. We bought a cheap dishwasher last time, but it wasn’t worth the money. Love the red light on the floor telling me the dishwasher is switched on. Glad I purchased a Bosch."

Pros

  • Great value
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Poor energy rating

Bosch Series 4

Best Bosch Dishwasher for smaller kitchens

This Slimline, fully-integrated dishwasher from Bosch is a good option if you need something smaller. Sometimes, you need to go for compact to cram everything in your kitchen – or utility room. The Slimline model from Bosch has your solution. Alongside the size difference, the dishwasher has plenty of remarkable features like Home Connect, TimeLight and Favourite Function. They’re all incredibly handy. Available as a full-sized dishwasher, too, of course.

Customer review: “I bought this dishwasher to replace my old one, which was the same model. I wanted the same as my old one because it has been so good. The new one has not disappointed. It has a few upgrades from the old one, the best being the timer reflected on the floor, so you know exactly what stage the dishwasher is at. It cleans the dishes beautifully even if I push extra things in!!! It's very quiet when running. Would highly recommend it. The John Lewis fitters cannot be faulted, fitted the dishwasher perfectly. Absolutely no mess, very polite and friendly.”

Pros

  • Quiet
  • Compact

Cons

  • Holds only 10 Place Settings

Best freestanding Bosch Dishwasher

If you’re looking for something freestanding on your table-top, this compact dishwasher from Bosch may just be the thing. With a Load Sensor and EcoSilence drive, this small dishwasher produces maximum efficiency and performance, while staying silent and not using too much water. The LED display, ExtraDry and AquaStop features make it a good choice if you have a smaller household.

Customer review: “After using this appliance for a month now, I can honestly say I am delighted with it. Glasses come out sparkling; china and cutlery are perfectly clean. The dishwasher is quiet and its capacity is more than sufficient for the washing-up generated by my husband and I. However, it easily copes with extra items if friends should drop in.”

Pros

  • Long lasting
  • Quick cycle is good
  • Dries well

Cons

  • Poor energy rating

Bosch Series 6

Best adjustable Bosch Dishwasher

Bosch Serie 6 SMS6ZCI00G Freestanding Dishwasher, Silver Inox
Price: £749 (was £779)

www.currys.co.uk

Next on the list, is a freestanding dishwasher from the Series 6 range. With six programmes, automatic washing sensors, an extra quiet motor and Home Connect - Bosch has packed everything you could want in this dishwasher, and then some. Our favourite features include PerfectDry and the Load sensor. Plus, if you're in a rush, the 15-minute quick cycle helps you out. Also, with this model, the cutlery rack has even more adjustment options for maximum flexibility.

Customer review: “Delighted with this Bosch Dishwasher - in use for two months now - and in heavy use over Christmas. It is very quiet and the dishes and cutlery are sparkling clean and dry. There are no chalk marks on the glassware either - which my previous machine left. We are in a hard water area too. Highly recommended.”

Pros

  • Good energy rating
  • Quiet

Cons

  • WiFi connectivity intermittent

Best Bosch Dishwasher for high-tech kitchens

From Bosch’s Series 6 range, this fully integrated dishwasher has a two-year guarantee and an energy rating of C, which means it is doing a lot of work to cut running costs for you with features like PerfectDry and Max Flex Baskets. This dishwasher also has HomeConnect, and putting on a load of dishes has never been easier. We’re big fans of how accessible this dishwasher is, especially with the TimeLight, which is projected onto the floor in high resolution.

Customer review: “We've always bought Bosch products because of the good value and quality so this is no exception. Amazingly quiet, the illuminated countdown is useful to know the machine is working but also tells you where in the process it is and how long is left. The programmes are long, but the energy-saving is excellent. I miss the cutlery basket but there is more space on the bottom, you just can't get tall glasses on the top.”

Pros

  • Good energy rating
  • Great for open-plan living

Cons

  • Cutlery tray rather than basket

Bosch Series 8

Best Bosch Dishwasher for heavy duty cleaning

Bosch Serie 8 SMS8YCI01E Freestanding Dishwasher, Silver Inox
Price: £999

ao.com

Perfect for heavy-duty stains with perfect drying results, this B rated dishwasher is efficient and saves energy. With more flexibility in the easy sliding racks, you can pop even more in this dishwasher. So, if you’re tired after a big dinner party, you can rely on this spacious appliance. Also, it remembers your favourite function and is eligible for Home Connect, too.

Customer review: “I have used most wash programmes so far but the Eco wash with Extra Dry is simply fantastic, so far no rejected dishes or pans, the interior light is something I didn't think I'd need but I wouldn't buy a dishwasher without one now, it is super silent too and connection to my smart devices was a doddle.”

Pros

  • Great space
  • Quick wash
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Cutlery tray rather than basket

Best smart Bosch Dishwasher

Bosch Serie 8 SMD8YCX02G Fully Integrated Dishwasher, White
Price: £949 (was £999)

markselectrical.co.uk

Lastly, this Series 8 model from Bosch. Your appliance listens to you! With Home Connect, your Bosch dishwasher has smart connectivity capabilities for an easier everyday life – simply perfect for a busy household. This fully integrated, white appliance from Bosch promises a diverse range of useful features, designed to make your household chores more accessible. To sum up, this wouldn’t look out of place in your kitchen. 

Customer review: “Great dishwasher albeit slightly higher priced than most I needed a quality brand as previous ones have failed after a couple of years. The dishwasher so far is leagues ahead of my previous one. It washes to perfection, is quiet, has a cool floor projector showing time left. The ECO wash is a good cycle for every day. The Quick wash is handy and extremely effective.”

Pros

  • Quiet
  • Powerful jets

Cons

  • Cutlery tray rather than basket

Our Verdict: The Best Bosch Dishwasher

We recommend the BOSCH Series 6 SMD6ZCX60G Full-size Fully Integrated Dishwasher. This appliance ticks all the boxes: it's the ideal size for a family or busy shared household, super quiet, energy efficient and has a quick wash programme for when you're in a hurry. Additionally, if you love your tech, this model well delight with voice control and Home Connect app integration. Sparkling performance and sparkling dishes too from Bosch.

FAQs: Best Bosch Dishwasher

Why choose a Bosch dishwasher?

When it comes to how to choose a dishwasher, Bosch has won award after award for quality, innovation and design since 1960. Not only that, but it has 240 engineers across the UK – all extensively trained in repairing appliances. Everyone is an expert at Bosch.

Here are some of our favourite features in the dishwasher range, explained:

SpeedPerfect – time-saving cycle, giving you a wash that is up to 65 per cent faster than average while guaranteeing a clean wash every time.

Home Connect – With the Home Connect app, you choose when you need the cycle to start and finish from your smartphone.

PerfectDry – a clever function that saves energy by using natural minerals in Bosch’s Zeolith technology to dry everything to perfection – even plastics.

VarioSpeed – another time-saving cycle, giving you a wash that is up to 50 per cent faster than average while guaranteeing a clean and dry wash every time.

VarioFlex – offers flexibility when loading the dishwasher – with movable racks and trays.

SilencePlus – the programme that makes sure that the cycles are kept quiet.

InfoLight – projects the time remaining on the floor beside the dishwasher.

Bosch’s reliable dishwashers are categorised in “Series” – named 2, 4, 6 and 8. Each number is attributed to how much the dishwasher costs. The higher the number, the more expensive they are.

Though appliances in Series 2 are much cheaper than the other lines, these budget Bosch dishwashers lack some of the better features that Bosch has to offer. This is not to say that these dishwashers aren’t good – they are. Series 2 and 4 have great reviews. But, generally, the more you’re willing to pay, the more advanced the function and the better the energy rating.

Lastly, the price of your Bosch dishwasher. If you’re on a budget, Bosch’s Series 2 and 4 models generally sell for around £500. However, if you go for a cheaper model, you’ll have to forgo some impressive features and a better energy rating. If you’re unable to stretch a little, don’t worry. Bosch’s less expensive range still has great reviews and is very reliable.

What is dishwasher salt – and do I need it?

Though they’re said to be a bit tricky to maintain, dishwashers are simple to keep up with. Depending on the area you live in, you might have to deal with hard water.

According to manufacturers, dishwashers require very soft water to achieve good cleaning results. If you live in an area of hard water, dishwasher salt is essential to keep your appliance running. The salt compartment of your dishwasher is normally at the bottom of the machine, near the filter. Make sure to keep it full. Most appliances will let you know if there’s a shortage.

Some All-in-One dishwasher tablets will contain some salt for cleaning, but it is recommended to top up the dishwasher for the best results, especially in hard water areas. Also, Rinse-Aid is recommended for use in dishwashers as it prevents water spots and helps faster drying.

Read More: A Guide To Hard And Soft Water

Which detergent works best with a Bosch dishwasher?

Bosch recommends FINISH™ detergent. Below, there are some of their products.

FINISH ® Powerball® Tabs, which include a pre-soaking agent, rinse aid, and detergent.

FINISH ® Quantum®. Quantum® Tabs are similar to the Powerball® Tabs but contain an extra bleaching agent for whitening and enzymes to dissolve tough food residue.

FINISH ® Rinse Aid, assists the drying process by helping water droplets slide off dishes easily.

FINISH ® Salt, is required for households living in areas of Hard Water.

If you would like to compare alternative premium dishwasher brands, read our guide on the best Miele dishwashers and best Samsung dishwashers.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Gardens and Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in cookware. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Piper is re-watching a TV show or listening to a podcast.

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