Bosch vs. Kitchenaid Dishwashers: The Cleaning Crown

Weighing up your decision between going for a Bosch or a Kitchenaid dishwasher?

They’re both great companies – but they do tend to have some differences between them. Especially when it comes to dishwashers.

In this article, you’ll learn the advantages of Bosch and Kitchenaid dishwashers on points like price, energy efficiency, ease of use, and more.

If you stick around to the end of the article, you’ll get a comprehensive list of the best and brightest parts of each company, and a winner will be declared for each category.

Keep reading to discover the winner!

Comparing Bosch vs KitchenAid

If you’re in a bit of a hurry and want to get a general idea of this comparison, please check out this table below, where you’ll find the advantages and areas of opportunity each one has.

Do you want to dive deep into the best features for each brand so you can make the right decision for your home? Then keep on scrolling!

World-class Technology in Cars versus Home Appliances

Bosch started as a “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart, Germany. Throughout the years, and with its penchant for innovation, Bosch created the first engine of its kind that was electronically controlled gas injection, clean enough for the state of California, and the standard lambda sensor which can reduce emissions by 90 percent. Among many other world-changing inventions, Bosch is a world leader in energy efficiency that has been innovating in technology since the dawn of the telephone.

Kitchenaid had firmly established itself as the best in the kitchen mixer market by 1919, inventing patented mixing technology worlds above the competition. In 1949, Kitchenaid debuted its first dishwasher, a miracle of a machine that didn’t just “splash water” on the dishes. 1986 enabled them to launch their first full-line of home appliances with the release of their first refrigerator.

In this round: Bosch takes the lead in innovation and world-impact, while Kitchenaid establishes itself as a home appliance leader. 

Comparisons

In the next round, you’ll see everything each brand has to offer and how they compare to each other in order to make the best choice for your household.

Price

The wide range of options between companies offers several price point comparisons. In comparing similar features, you can see similar pricing.

• Bosch third rack 800 series 24” washer $1,199 vs. Kitchenaid third rack $1,199
• Bosch 300 series with Precision Wash $849 vs. Kitchenaid with ProWash $809
• Bosch 44dBA 800 series 17 ¾” $999 vs. Kitchenaid 39dBA $999

In this round: It’s a tie!

Are Bosch Dishwashers Worth the Money?

Bosch’s prices don’t differ too much from other top brands. They may offer more expensive options, but that’s because they offer more options in general. There are low-cost options that save you money at check-out and in the long run with their energy-efficient models.

After reading the rest of the article, I think you’ll agree Bosch is worth the price.

Features

Each brand places emphasis on different customization options, so while each brand offers a wide array of features, they’re not all comparable.

Special features in Bosch washers:

• CrystalDry which gets dishes 60% drier, including plastics
• EasyGlide Rack system
• Energy Star Qualified meaning it is EPA certified to save more energy and cost less per year
• ExtraDry which raises the temperature and extends drying time
• 3rd Rack with 30% more rack space
• RackMatic Adjustable racks with 9 different positions
• PrecisionWash intelligent sensors scan dishes to ensure a thorough cycle
• Half-Load Option which reduces wash time and energy consumption
• AquaStop leak protection contains leaks through a tub and sensor system
• ExtraShine ensures clean-looking dishes by raising the temperature and increasing dry time
• Sanitize Option cleans dishes to National Sanitation Foundation Standards
• 24 Hour Delay Smart Timer enables you to plan washes during low water usage times in your household
• HomeConnect App allows you to monitor and control your dishwasher when away from home

Special features in Kitchenaid Washers:

• Fold-shelf with stemware holder which offers secure placement for wine glasses that you can fold up when not in use
• ProWash cycle senses how dirty the dishes are and adjusts cycle time and water usage in real-time
• Printshield is a smudge-resistant exterior
• SatinGlide Max for a smooth upper-rack rollout even when fully loaded
• Stainless Steel interior to resist stains, streaks, and odors and facilitates drying
• Heat Dry option engages recessed heating to ensure dry dishes
• Filter-Based Wash system with wash arms to target high-need areas of the washer
• Express Wash cycle cleans dishes in less time
• SaniRinse Option cleans on high heat to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria
• Extended Heat Dry Option increases dry time
• 2-4-8 hour delay wash that allows you to schedule optimum wash times
• LED interior lighting

In this round: Bosch offers more options for dishwasher functioning, but Kitchenaid offers more options for ease of use and cosmetics.

Is Kitchenaid Considered High-End?

Kitchenaid offers a quality product, but they are not a luxury brand. One of the appeals of Kitchenaid is its simplicity. Yes, Kitchenaid is a high-quality product, but it isn’t a high-end brand.

Serviceability

Since Bosch has shot ahead in terms of featured, let’s lay up a slam dunk for Kitchenaid.

When it comes to servicing or repairing a dishwasher, not all appliance repair companies will work on a Bosch appliance, but are happy to handle a Kitchenaid model. This is because of Bosch’s more complex setup, and the more specific parts that they use. Equally, if it’s your doing a repair, Kitchenaid parts are much easier to find (especially since they’re built by Whirlpool) whereas Bosch parts might take a bit more effort.

It’s like trying to go to the auto-parts store and buy a starter for a Ford F150. They will likely have one vs a starter for a BMW. They might be able to get one, but it might require waiting for it to arrive vs having one sitting on the shelf.

Ease of Use

To decide the washer that’s easiest for you, compare these ease-of-use features:

Adjustability:

• Both brands offer third rack options
• Bosh’s flexible tines and nine different rack positions vs. Kitchenaid’s foldable stemware holder
• 24-hour adjustable scheduling vs. Kitchenaid’s 2, 4, and 8-hour plan-ahead options
• Bosch remote app operation
• Bosch offers size options as thin as 17” for tight fits

Button Control:

• Bosch offers front controls, top controls (on the inside face of the dishwasher when opened), and custom panels vs. Kitchenaid’s front and top controls

User Manual:

• Bosch offers online user manuals and how-to videos on the website
• Kitchenaid offers an energy guide, Quick-Start Guide, Cycle Guide, Eco Owner’s Manual, Owner’s Manual, and Dimension Guide

Customer Support:

• Bosch offers a 24/7 call-center, text support, and email support
• Kitchenaid offers limited hours of operation for Live Chat support and limited hours for call support.

Ease of maintenance:

• Bosch offers online cleaning tips and stainless steel options
• Kitchenaid offers stainless steel and smudge-resistant exterior
• Both offer a servicer finder on their websites but Kitchenaid offers service plans

In this round: Bosch offers more customization and features, but Kitchenaid is probably much simpler and easier to use if you don’t care about features.

Power

One of the primary concerns when it comes to home appliances is how much you’ll spend on your energy bill per year. While both appliances offer uniquely efficient options, Bosch may take the cake on low-cost, energy-efficient options.

• Both brands offer sensor-enabled washes that can tailor water and energy uses per wash
• Bosch offers a half-full wash option to save water and energy
• Both brands offer extra dry and sanitization features which would use more water and energy
• Bosch is EPA certified for energy-efficiency
• Kitchenaid offers cost estimates for energy usage per year

In this round: Bosch offers more cost and energy-efficient products.

Noise

Both brands offer low decibel options, but Bosch claims the title of “Quietest Dishwasher Brand in the US,” even though Kitchenaid actually offers lower dBA options.

• The lowest dBA option on Bosch’s website is 44 while the lowest on Kitchenaid is 39. Anything below 45 is “virtually silent” – so there’s not much difference between these quiet dishwashers.

In this round: Kitchenaid takes the prize for the quietest washer options.

Warranty

In terms of warranty, Bosch offers more coverage than Kitchenaid.

Bosch warranties:

• Limited warranty, entire appliance, parts and labor (1 year)
• Limited warranty for microprocessor or printed circuit board; parts only (2nd to 5th year)
• Limited warranty for racks (does not include rack components); parts only (2nd to 5th year)
• Limited warranty for rust-through on inner tub liner; parts only (Lifetime)

Kitchenaid warranty:

• ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE (PARTS AND LABOR
• INCLUDED) will pay for factory-specified replacement parts and labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship that existed when this major appliance was purchased, or at its sole discretion, replace the product. In the event of product replacement, your appliance will be warranted for the remaining term of the original unit’s warranty period.

In this round: Bosch offers more options for parts and replacement and a longer-term for warranties.

Customer Satisfaction

Bosch customers are very satisfied with ratings on the website ranging from 4.4 to 5 stars on different washers. Kitchenaid’s reviews range from 3.7 to 5 stars on their website. It’s also important to consider that Bosch’s products have hundreds of reviews per washer, while reviews are as low as 11 per product on Kitchenaid’s website.

In this round: Bosch customers review more frequently and are generally more satisfied.

Conclusion

Unsure about which product is for you? Then consult the list below to see which options might fit best into your routine and preferences.

Choose Bosch if you want:

• Energy-efficient options
• More cleaning cycle options
• More than just front and top button panels
• Well-reviewed washers
• Size options as thin as 17”
• Remote control from the app in case you forget to start the washer often
• More warranty coverage
• 24/7 customer support
• More rack adjustability
• More range in schedule ahead options

If you like a wider range of options and technologically advanced features, Bosch will fit nicely into your home no matter the space availability.

Choose Kitchenaid if you want:

• More cosmetic options
• Quieter washers
• Simpler, easier to use options
• Brand trust for home appliances
• Service plans
• Transparency about energy costs per year
• Easy to clean, smudge-resistant exterior
• Easier to navigate user manual

If you’d just like a washer that isn’t all that complicated and will look nice in your kitchen with transparent manuals and energy costs, Kitchenaid will keep it simple and do the job.

Thanks for reading and taking this washer journey with us! If you’re interested in more articles like this, check out your options below.

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