Bosch’s 800 series has some of the best-performing dishwashers in the industry. As you can expect from this luxe model, it comes with a pretty hefty price tag—but it’s worth every penny.
If you’re looking for a high-end dishwasher to invest in, the Bosch 800 series is a great place to start. No matter what quirks you encounter, its top-tier cleaning and drying performance will always outweigh them.
Since this is a high-end series, it’s not the best choice for those looking for an affordable deal. The Bosch 500 series has excellent alternatives that can offer nearly identical cleaning and drying abilities for a lower price.
Miele also has great similar-priced alternatives that have nearly identical cleaning and drying power. However, if you prefer faster cycles, the Bosch 800 should be right up your alley.
Keep reading to learn more about the Bosch 800 series dishwashers.
How We Reviewed the Bosch 800
Bosch’s flagship dishwasher series is known for its precision cleaning system and its energy-efficient drying technology. Just for these two features, it’s worth splurging your hard-earned money on—but it offers you so much more.
Here at ApplianceGeeked, we review and rate appliances to help you make a well-informed and confident purchasing decision that you won’t regret.
In evaluating the Bosch 800 series dishwashers, we perused thousands of reviews and ratings from Bosch, Best Buy, and other retailers to gauge the average user experience.
Such data helped us understand how satisfied users were with their dishwashers. It also helped us identify their frustrations.
We do not own a machine. We also did not perform actual tests to assess the dishwasher’s performance.
Instead, we gathered reliable data from independent reviews conducted by Wirecutter, USA Today, and DesignerAppliances.
Reviewing this data helped us gauge the consistency and effectiveness of the dishwasher’s performance. It also helped us compare the 800 series with other Bosch line-ups and other similar-priced dishwashers on the market.
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher Specs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bosch |
| Series | 800 Series |
| Dimensions | 33.88″ (H) x 23.56” (W) x 23.75″ (D) |
| Weight | 96 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 42 dBA |
| Control Type | Touch Controls and remote controls via the Home Connect app |
| Programs | Heavy, Auto, Normal, Speed60, and Favorite |
| Special Features | EasyGlide rack system, CrystalDry, and PrecisionWash with PowerControl |
| Tub Material | Stainless steel |
| Number of Place Settings | 16 |
| Installation Type | Built-Under |
| Energy Star Certification | Yes |
New iterations in the Bosch 800 series have significant upgrades that boost the customization and loading opportunities of the dishwashers.
One of the updates they rolled out is the PowerControl drying technology, which enables users to program the spray arms and rotate them in their preferred path.
Such precise control over the cleaning performance of the dishwashers is possible via the Home Connect app. Through the revamped app, users can now select the wash settings, start a cycle, and control the spray arms remotely.
Since Bosch has transferred other programs like the temperature and Delay Wash settings to the app, they can no longer be accessed through the dishwasher’s control panel.
Although Home Connect is a welcome addition to any smart household, it might be a little confusing for those who aren’t as tech-savvy. Nevertheless, it’s a feature that you can do without as the Bosch 800 has more to offer.
Equally impressive and versatile, the rack design of the 800 series surpasses other Bosch racks in terms of space. According to Bosch, it’s the most spacious third rack in the entire industry.
With its V-shaped layout, this rack can accommodate larger items without taking away space from the main compartment. It can also offer extra space for stemware in the middle rack.
Our Overall Rating: 9.4/10
The Bosch 800 series offers strong cleaning and drying abilities, versatile loading opportunities, and unparalleled customization options.
Here’s a summary of how we evaluated the Bosch 800 series.
Cleaning performance
We rated the series based on its ability to clean the toughest stains from different food sources, including proteins, starches, leafy greens, and grease.
We checked how the various cycles on the dishwasher were able to handle the stains on a wide range of cookware and tableware.
Drying performance
To gauge the drying performance of the 800 series, we considered its drying system and programs. Then, we assessed its ability to dry metal, ceramic, glass, and plastic items.
We used data from our previous reviews to compare its drying performance with other Bosch dishwashers. We also looked at data from other independent reviewers to determine how the series performs compared to its competition.
Features
In our assessment of the range of operations, we examined the dishwashers alongside other Bosch dishwasher series, such as the 500 and 300 series.
We collected reliable data from independent reviews conducted by USA Today, Wirecutter, and Designer Appliances to gauge how the series’ range of features compares to other similar-priced models on the market.
Additionally, we used customer testimonials to weigh user satisfaction and dissatisfaction levels.
Loading flexibility
We scrutinized the layout of the racks to check how much space and loading opportunities they offer. Aside from the capacity, we looked at the variety of dishes that can fit in the racks in a single load.
We also relied on user reviews and ratings to determine how usable the racks were. Such data helped us understand the ease, comfort, and speed when it comes to loading and unloading the dishes.
Reliability
A very important factor that should weigh heavily on one’s purchasing decision is reliability. Since the Bosch 800 is a high-end series, we wanted to determine if the dishwashers in this line-up would stand the test of time.
We meticulously checked thousands of customer testimonials to understand the frequency of malfunctions and the quality of user support provided.
What do experts say?
It has powerful and precise cleaning abilities.
The Bosch 800 series does not disappoint when it comes to cleaning. On its Heavy cycle, it can easily get rid of the most stubborn stains, including dried-on sugar and leafy greens, which many dishwashers we’ve reviewed struggle to handle.
Other wash cycles are also pretty thorough at removing baked-on stains. Compared to the competition, the 800 series does a more effective job.
Its powerful cleaning ability can be attributed to its new design, which features a three-pronged wash arm that rotates as it sprays water. It enables water to cover more angles, ensuring that all the dishes get washed and rinsed off properly.
PowerControl takes this feature up a notch by allowing users to program the spray arms’ path manually or via the app. We’ve yet to come across a dishwasher with similar capabilities.
Although the precision control does work, tests from Wirecutter reveal that it doesn’t offer a significant improvement in cleaning. A Normal wash cycle can be just as effective as this precision wash program.
It offers energy-efficient drying technology.
Equipped with the Bosch Crystal Dry technology, the 800 series dishwashers use zeolite granules to boost the drying process without raising the energy bill.
Zeolite is a mineral that can transform humidity into heat. Aside from being energy-efficient, it doesn’t require any upkeep as it lasts as long as the dishwasher without requiring any replacements.
Using this technology, cookware, tableware, and glassware will end up dry to the touch. Even hard-to-dry plastic containers will come out of the racks dry with little to no water droplets.
It cleans quietly and quickly.
The Bosch 800 series is made of stainless steel inside and out, which helps it keep its operating noise at very low levels. With a noise level measuring 42 dBA, it’s as quiet as the ambient sounds in a library.
Although it isn’t the quietest on the market, it can operate without waking up the entire household. On the other hand, it’s one of the most time-efficient dishwashers we’ve reviewed by far.
The Heavy cycle can finish in 2 hours and 5 minutes while producing spotless results. Some dishwashers on the market, even the higher-end models, may take about 3 hours or more, but they can’t deliver the same results.
It has WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring and control.
Bosch’s Home Connect app delivers powerful customization options that can be accessed anywhere through a smart device.
The downside to this update is that some of the best features of Bosch’s flagship dishwasher series can no longer be accessed through the unit. Thus, users must download the Home Connect app, and choose the programs from there.
It might be a little tricky to figure out for the less tech-savvy older generation. However, it should be convenient and hassle-free for everyone, especially since the touch-activate control panel can be extra sensitive.
What do customers say?
- The whisper-quiet operation of the Bosch 800 series never disappoints. Whether the dishwasher is washing, draining, or drying, its noise level is so low that it’s perfect for apartments with little space.
- The PowerControl is a handy bonus cleaning program, but it isn’t entirely necessary. Even without the precision wash system, users can expect sparkling clean dishes after every wash.
- HomeConnect is a very convenient feature to have, allowing users to monitor and control their dishwashers from their smart devices.
- Featuring 3 racks with adjustable tines, the racks can fold down to accommodate bulkier items like measuring cups and bulkier ladles. It can fit a variety of cookware and tableware in a single load.
Summary of Reviews
The Bosch 800 series dishwashers are a standout choice because of their powerful cleaning and drying performance, flexible loading opportunities, and extensive customization options.
Smart connectivity is one of the advantages of getting the 800 series. From the convenience of a smart device, users can control and monitor their dishwashers, so they never have to come home to dirty dishes again.
Although the Bosch’s 800 series isn’t the most affordable, it can deliver incredible value that will surely last for decades to come.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Its cleaning and drying abilities are top-tier.
- It enables remote control and monitoring via the Home Connect app.
- It has a low operating noise.
Cons
- Its control buttons are finicky.
- Some functions are only accessible via the Home Connect app.
- PowerControl makes no significant difference in cleaning.
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/
- https://reviewed.usatoday.com/dishwashers/content/bosch-800-series-shp78cm5n-dishwasher-review
- https://prudentreviews.com/bosch-500-vs-800-dishwashers/
