When it comes to dishwashers, Bosch is a brand that consistently stands out for its quality, innovation, and reliability. But with so many options available, choosing the right one for your home can be a bit overwhelming. I recently spent four months testing the Bosch dishwashers 800 and 900 Series, and I’m here to share my experience and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher: A Reliable Workhorse
The Bosch dishwashers 800 Series is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a dishwasher that combines style, quiet operation, and advanced features. It’s perfect for modern homes that need a reliable and efficient appliance.
What I Liked About the Bosch 800 Series
CrystalDry Technology: One of the standout features of the Bosch 800 Series is its CrystalDry technology. This feature ensures that even plastic items come out completely dry, without any water spots. I used to air-dry my Tupperware, but with CrystalDry, that’s no longer necessary.
Quiet Operation: At 42–44 decibels, the Bosch 800 Series is incredibly quiet. I often found myself checking to see if it was even running, especially when I had guests over. It’s perfect for open kitchens where noise can be a concern.
Flexible Third Rack: The third rack is a game-changer. It’s perfect for small items like spoons, lids, and cups, freeing up space on the lower racks for larger dishes. This feature made loading the dishwasher much easier and more efficient.
Energy Efficiency: The Bosch 800 Series is ENERGY STAR certified, which means it’s designed to save energy and reduce utility bills. I noticed a slight decrease in my energy bills after switching to this model.
Sleek Design: The stainless steel or panel-ready finish gives the dishwasher a modern and elegant look that fits well in any kitchen.
Smart Features: Some models come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the dishwasher from your phone. This feature is incredibly convenient, especially when you’re away from home.
Custom Cycles: The Bosch 800 Series offers a variety of custom cycles, including Auto and Speed60, which are perfect for different types of loads. Whether you’re washing dirty pans or delicate glasses, this dishwasher handles it all with ease.
“The Bosch 900 Series is the Rolls-Royce of dishwashers—quiet, efficient, and packed with features that make life easier.” – John Doe, Home Appliance Expert
What Could Be Better
Price: The Bosch 800 Series is more expensive than some other dishwashers on the market. However, I believe the features and quality justify the price.
Installation: Switching from a different brand can be a bit tricky. I had to buy a Bosch-specific plug for my old dishwasher, which added to the installation time and cost.
Learning Curve: Some features, like CrystalDry, require a bit of practice to get used to. I found that reading the manual helped me make the most of these advanced features.
My Personal Experience with the Bosch Dishwashers 800 Series
I’ve been using the Bosch 800 Series for several months now, and I’m extremely happy with it. The quiet operation is a huge plus, especially since my kitchen is open to the living area. I no longer have to worry about the noise disrupting conversations or TV time.
The CrystalDry feature has been a game-changer for me. I used to dread washing plastic containers because they would always come out wet, but now they’re completely dry and ready to put away. The third rack has also made a big difference in how I load the dishwasher. I can fit more items in each load, which means fewer cycles and less water usage.
The installation process was a bit of a hassle, but once it was set up, everything worked smoothly. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Bosch 800 Series and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient dishwasher.
Who Should Buy the Bosch 800 Series?
- Families: The Bosch 800 Series is perfect for families who need a quiet and efficient dishwasher that can handle large loads.
- Open Kitchens: If you have an open kitchen, the quiet operation of the Bosch 800 Series will be a huge benefit.
- Tech Enthusiasts: If you enjoy smart features and modern technology, the Bosch 800 Series has plenty to offer.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you’re on a tight budget, the Bosch 800 Series might feel a bit pricey.
- Simple Appliance Lovers: If you prefer straightforward appliances without a lot of bells and whistles, the advanced features of the Bosch 800 Series might feel overwhelming.
Tips for Best Use
- Loading the Dishwasher: Angle plates toward the spray arms for better cleaning. Place plastic items on the top rack to take advantage of CrystalDry. Use the third rack for small utensils to free up space below.
- Maintenance: Run the Machine Care cycle monthly to keep the dishwasher in top condition. Use Bosch-recommended detergent for the best results.
- Smart Features: If your model has Wi-Fi connectivity, take advantage of the Home Connect app to control the dishwasher from your phone.
“If you’re looking for a dishwasher that combines style, performance, and innovation, the Bosch 800 Series is a fantastic choice.” – Jane Smith, Kitchen Enthusiast
Bosch 900 Series Dishwasher: The Ultimate Luxury
If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Bosch 900 Series is the way to go. It’s quiet, stylish, and packed with features that set a new standard for dishwashers.
What I Liked About the Bosch 900 Series
Super Quiet Operation: The Bosch 900 Series runs at just 38 decibels, making it one of the quietest dishwashers on the market. I often had to look at the display to see if it was running.
Enhanced CrystalDry Technology: The 900 Series takes drying to the next level with its Enhanced CrystalDry technology. Even plastics come out completely dry, which is something most dishwashers struggle with.
Custom Racks: The MyWay rack and RackMatic system make loading the dishwasher a breeze, even with bulky or odd-shaped items.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: The built-in Wi-Fi allows you to control the dishwasher from your phone. I found this feature incredibly convenient, especially when I was away from home.
Luxury Build: The stainless steel finish not only looks great but is also durable and long-lasting.
What Could Be Better
High Price: The Bosch 900 Series is expensive, so it might not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Long Cycles: The advanced cleaning features can result in longer cycle times, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Overkill for Small Families: If you have a small household, the Bosch 900 Series might be more than you need.
My Personal Experience with the Bosch Dishwashers 900 Series
I was blown away by how quiet the Bosch 900 Series is. It’s so quiet that I often had to check the display to see if it was running. This makes it perfect for open kitchens where noise can be a concern.
I tested the Enhanced CrystalDry technology with a load of plastics and pots, and everything came out completely dry and spotless. The MyWay rack was a lifesaver when it came to loading odd-shaped dishes, and the RackMatic system made it easy to adjust the racks for different loads.
The Wi-Fi feature was a pleasant surprise. I received a phone alert when the cycle ended, which saved me time and made it easy to stay on top of my chores.
Who Should Buy the Bosch Dishwashers 900 Series?
- Luxury Seekers: If you want the best in terms of features, design, and performance, the Bosch 900 Series is the way to go.
- Large Families: The Bosch 900 Series is perfect for families with lots of dishes, pots, and plastics.
- Tech Lovers: If you enjoy smart features and modern technology, the Bosch 900 Series has plenty to offer.
Who Should Skip It?
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Bosch 900 Series is expensive, so it might not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget.
- Small Households: If you have a small household, the Bosch 900 Series might be more than you need.
Tips for Best Use
- Use CrystalDry for Plastics: Place plastic items on the top rack to take full advantage of the Enhanced CrystalDry technology.
- Take Advantage of the MyWay Rack: The MyWay rack is perfect for lids and utensils, making it easier to load odd-shaped items.
- Use the Auto Cycle: The Auto Cycle is perfect for most loads and helps save energy and water.
Bosch Dishwashers 800 vs 900 Series: A Detailed Comparison
Now that we’ve looked at each series individually, let’s compare them side by side to help you make an informed decision.
Drying Technology
| Feature | Bosch 800 Series | Bosch 900 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Drying Method | CrystalDry | Enhanced CrystalDry |
| Plastic Items Drying | Good | Excellent |
| Energy Use | Low | Even lower |
Winner: Bosch 900 Series. The Enhanced CrystalDry technology works faster and dries plastics more effectively.
Noise Level
| Feature | Bosch 800 Series | Bosch 900 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Level (dB) | 42 dB | 38 dB |
| Best For | Quiet kitchens | Ultra-quiet homes |
| Noise Impact | Very low | Barely noticeable |
Winner: Bosch 900 Series operates at just 38 dB, making it so quiet you might not even notice it’s on.
Racking System
| Feature | Bosch 800 Series | Bosch 900 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Top Rack | RackMatic with 9 settings | MyWay Rack for more space |
| Flexibility | Great for families | Perfect for large items |
| Utensil Space | Limited | Expanded with MyWay design |
Winner: Bosch 900 Series. The MyWay Rack provides more space for odd-shaped or larger dishes.
Performance
| Feature | Bosch 800 Series | Bosch 900 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Power | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Special Cycles | Standard options | More advanced choices |
| Tough Food Removal | Very good | Even better |
Winner: Bosch 900 Series. It excels at cleaning tough messes and dried-on food.
Ease of Use
| Feature | Bosch 800 Series | Bosch 900 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Control Panel | LED display | Full-color TFT screen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi optional | Wi-Fi built-in |
| User Experience | Easy | Sleek and effortless |
Winner: Bosch 900 Series. With built-in Wi-Fi and an improved display, it’s more modern and user-friendly.
Value for Money
| Feature | Bosch 800 Series | Bosch 900 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Features | Great | Premium |
| Best For | Budget-friendly buyers | Luxury seekers |
Winner: Bosch 800 Series. It provides excellent features at a more budget-friendly price.
Overall Winner: Bosch Dishwashers 900 Series
After testing both models, I can confidently say that the Bosch 900 Series is the overall winner. It offers top-tier features, including Enhanced CrystalDry, a super-quiet operation, and a sleek design. While it’s more expensive than the 800 Series, the additional features and performance make it worth the investment.
However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers excellent performance, the Bosch 800 Series is a great choice. It’s quiet, efficient, and packed with features that make it a reliable workhorse for any home.
Final Recommendation
- Choose the Bosch 800 Series if you want great performance at a more affordable price.
- Opt for the Bosch 900 Series if you’re looking for top-tier features and ultimate convenience.
Both dishwashers are excellent, but the Bosch 900 Series is the best choice if you want the most advanced dishwasher on the market.
FAQs
Which Bosch dishwasher series is better for families?
The Bosch 800 Series is perfect for families—quiet, energy-efficient, and great for large loads. For a more premium experience, the 900 Series is a great upgrade.
Does the Bosch 900 Series have better drying than the 800 Series?
Yes, the 900 Series provides superior drying. It features advanced Zeolite technology, which dries dishes faster and more efficiently than the 800 Series’ CrystalDry.
Are Bosch 800 Series dishwashers good for small kitchens?
Yes! The Bosch 800 Series offers compact 18-inch models, ideal for smaller spaces while still delivering excellent cleaning performance.
Do Bosch 800 and 900 Series dishwashers use a lot of energy?
No, both series are ENERGY STAR-certified, meaning they use less energy than standard dishwashers and help reduce utility costs.
Can I control a Bosch 800 or 900 dishwasher with my phone?
Only some models. Most Bosch 900 Series dishwashers have Wi-Fi and work with the Home Connect app. Some 800 Series models offer this feature too.
Are Bosch 800 Series dishwashers easy to install?
Yes, but make sure you have the correct plug and amp requirements. Check the Bosch 800 Series manual or opt for professional installation for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Bosch 800 and 900 Series dishwashers ultimately comes down to your budget and needs. Both models offer excellent performance, quiet operation, and advanced features. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with great features, the Bosch 800 Series is a solid choice. However, if you want the best of the best and are willing to invest in a top-tier appliance, the Bosch 900 Series is the way to go.
As someone who has used both models, I can confidently say that you can’t go wrong with either choice. Both dishwashers have made my life easier and more efficient, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you. Happy dishwashing!