Bosch’s 100 dishwasher series is a budget-friendly alternative to the cult-favorite Ascenta series with its brushless motor technology, making it quieter, more energy-efficient, and more reliable than ever.
As the brand’s entry-level series, it offers great value for its price sans the flashy features and functions of its higher-end counterparts.
If you don’t want to pay top dollar for a dishwasher but you want the best bang for your buck, Bosch’s 100 series is an excellent option. However, its limited space and loading capabilities are not suitable for large families with plus-size dishwashing needs.
Compared to other budget-friendly line-ups like Maytag, you might prefer the Bosch 100 more for its 60-minute wash-and-dry cycles. It’s as effective at cleaning as the auto wash cycle but does it in less than half the time.
How We Reviewed the Bosch 100
Buying an appliance doesn’t have to be daunting. Here at Appliance Geeked, we have comprehensive reviews to help you find only the best for your household.
In creating this Bosch 100 dishwasher review, we didn’t perform actual tests on the machine. Instead, we spent hundreds of hours gathering data on the dishwasher, as well as comparing it with other models.
We evaluated the dishwasher based on performance, features, range of operations, and reliability to help you make a well-informed purchasing decision. We analyzed a dizzying number of customer reviews and ratings from Bosch and Best Buy.
To understand how it compares to other Bosch models, as well as other similar-priced dishwashers, we checked out other independent reviews by experts, including Wirecutter, USA Today, and Designer Appliances.
Keep reading to know more about the Bosch 100 dishwasher.
Bosch 100 Dishwasher Specs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bosch |
| Series | 100 Series |
| Model Names and Numbers | SHE3AEM2N, SH3AEM5N, SHE3AEE5N, SHE3AEM6N |
| Dimensions | 33 7/8” x 23 9/16” x 22 9/16” |
| Weight | 73 lbs |
| Noise Level | 48 to 50 dBA |
| Control Type | Touchpad |
| Indicators | End of Program (audible), InfoLight, Sanitized LED, Time Remaining |
| Programs | Favorite, Heavy, Normal, Speed 60, Auto |
| Cycle Options | Extra Dry, Remote Start, and Sanitize |
| Number of Place Settings | 14 |
| Installation Type | Built-Under |
| Connectivity | Remote Monitoring and Control |
| Best For | Families |
The Bosch 100 series is more advanced than the well-loved Ascenta series in that it features PureDry and AquaStop technologies.
More energy-efficient than ever, the PureDry is a closed drying system that whisks moisture away from the dishes as they cool instead of drawing in outside air to dry them. This gives the series better drying ability than Ascenta models.
Now, it’s also equipped with an advanced leak prevention and containment system called the AquaStop. Using sensors, the system automatically turns off the inlet valve and turns on the drain pump when it detects a possible leak.
Not only that, the series is Wi-Fi enabled via Home Connect, allowing you to control and monitor your dishwasher remotely. It enhances the cleaning experience and makes it smarter by helping you find the best program combination that suits your needs.
Our Overall Rating: 7.2/10
The Bosch 100 series doesn’t quite have the same sleek look that its higher-end models have. However, its reliable wash performance and low noise levels make it worth its price.
Some of the drawbacks of the series are its plastic base, rack design, and drying performance. Since the racks aren’t adjustable, figuring out the best way to load the dishes will take a while.
If you want more loading space and flexibility, we recommend an upgrade. Instead of the 100 Premium models, which have a third standard rack, you might want to look into Bosch 300 dishwashers because they are spacious and have better drying power.
Even the higher-priced iterations in the Bosch 100 series have a plastic base. It doesn’t last as long as its stainless steel counterpart, and it’s most likely the reason why these dishwashers have poor drying performance.
Here’s a summary of how we evaluated the Bosch 100 series.
Reliability
We went over thousands of customer reviews and reliability ratings to understand how dependable the Bosch 100 dishwashers are.
With proper care and maintenance, the dishwashers are less prone to malfunctions and breakdowns. They can last up to 10 years if maintained properly.
Cleaning performance
The dishwashers consistently deliver clean, streak-free dishes, no matter what dishwashing detergent you use.
In our assessment, we considered how well it can clean greasy, saucy, and sticky dishes and utensils.
Drying performance
Entry-level dishwashers don’t always have the best drying performance, especially when it comes to plastic.
When we evaluated the series, we looked at how it compared to Bosch’s Ascenta dishwashers. We also reviewed how well it dries different dishes, including dry metal, ceramic, glass, and plastics.
Loading functionality
We assessed how well the dishwashers can fit dishes both large and small. We also considered the adjustability of the racks and how they affect the loading process.
Features
We rated the dishwasher’s range of operations based on customer satisfaction. To determine how usable and convenient its features are, we relied on customer reviews and ratings.
We also checked independent reviews to determine how its features compare to similar-priced dishwashers from other brands.
What do experts say?
Its cleaning performance is top-notch but drying could be better.
Compared to the well-loved Ascenta series, the Bosch 100 dishwasher series offers significant upgrades that make it a more reliable choice for a budget-friendly price.
It has overflow leak protection, a 24-hour delay start timer, and a delicate wash for fine China. With 6 wash cycles and 2 wash options (including Sanitize), you can clean up to 14 dishes in the tub.
Cycle after cycle, it will consistently clean your plates, making it one of the best at the sub-$500 price point. According to the New York Times, the earlier iterations of the Bosch 100 series clean just as well as the higher-priced Bosch 300 dishwashers.
The drying performance, on the other hand, has received mixed reviews. While it’s significantly better than the Ascenta line in drying plastics, its performance isn’t quite up to par with other dishwashers in its price range. This is one of the biggest drawbacks mentioned by experts.
If you don’t want to spend your free time hand-drying the dishes, and you’re willing to spend a little extra for better drying capabilities, we recommend the Bosch 300 series instead of the 100 Premium models.
Depending on which model you get, it will have more or less the same price as a 100 Premium model. Aside from having better drying performance, you will get a stainless steel tub and a third rack, which are all upgrade-worthy features.
It’s ultra-quiet.
At 48 to 50 dBA, the series is so quiet that it uses InfoLight to project a red beam of light onto the floor just to let users know that the dishwasher is running. It’s a great choice for families, according to Designer Appliances.
You’re more likely to disturb other members in the house with your talking than with a dishwashing cycle on this appliance. For context, a normal conversation measures 60 dBA, which is significantly less than this dishwasher’s noise level.
If not for the plastic tub of the dishwashers, they would be as quiet as their stainless steel counterparts with only 46 dBA.
It has a new, improved design and features.
The Bosch 100 dishwashers have three categories: the 100 series, 100 Plus, and 100 Premium. With every upgrade, the brand has added more features and finish options.
Still, in terms of design, the series doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles that higher-tier dishwashers offer.
According to USA Today, there are far too many secret menus, which are a result of Bosch’s effort to keep the design very minimal. Unfortunately, this has also made the controls slightly complicated and confusing for users.
Some models also don’t have a third rack, but they have the option to upgrade to add more flexibility and adjustability.
The models that have a third rack and a silverware basket, similar to the 300 series, can accommodate up to 15-place settings. Costing about $200+ more than the models without a third rack, they offer the best value in their class.
Take note that the higher-priced models in the series don’t come with a Home Connect feature, which enables remote control and monitoring.
Although it’s very convenient, it isn’t the most important feature to look for in a dishwasher, especially a budget-friendly one. You can do without it.
What do customers say?
- It fits comfortably and discreetly into any kitchen.
- It’s very quiet in operation.
- Fixed and narrow interior racks make loading large dishes and bowls tricky.
- Great cleaning performance but drying performance is middling.
Summary of Reviews
The Bosch 100 dishwasher series offers great value that won’t break the bank. Its low noise operation and great wash performance make it worth its price.
Some of the disadvantages, however, include its plastic tub, non-adjustable racks, and inconsistent drying performance. You’ll have to put up with hand drying your dishes if you choose this low-cost dishwasher.
Overall, space is quite limited, but it will vary greatly per model. The higher you go in the line-up, the more spacious the dishwasher gets with the addition of a third standard rack for utensils.
Pros
- Low noise operation
- Reliable wash performance
- Affordable price
Cons
- Plastic tub
- Non-adjustable interior racks
- Inconsistent drying performance
Comparison
Sources:
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-dishwasher/
- https://www.designerappliances.com/blog/bosch-dishwasher-review-100-vs-300-vs-500-vs-800-series/#prosreasonstobuy
- https://reviewed.usatoday.com/dishwashers/content/bosch-series-100-shem3ay52n-dishwasher-review
