Picking a dishwasher isn’t easy. At the end of the day, you want a product that helps you, rather than causing more problems. And a Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher can solve a lot of problems. Bosch is an industry leader with innovative products. And the 500 series has some standout machines.
I used to work as an appliance professional at Best Buy, selling kitchen packaged to new and experienced homeowners alike.
In the course of my work, I used to advise my customers that appliances are meant to solve problems. Could a Bosch 500 series dishwasher be the answer to your dishwashing needs?
How We Reviewed
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One of the best ways to get a handle on these products is with experience. When I worked for Best Buy, I sold some kitchen packages to all kinds of customers. All looked for the same things — value for the money spent. Some didn’t mind missing out on certain features if it meant that they could buy it for a lower price. Some wanted top-of-the-line quality. Most wanted something in-between.
This review focuses on the Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher because that’s exactly what it is — a solid series of machines between the high-end and the bargain line. You may miss out on certain features from the 800, and you may not get the same price as a 300, but with a 500, you’ll be getting a quality product at a reasonable price.
In addition to that firsthand experience, we wanted to get a feel for what customers say about these products — good, bad, and otherwise. This puts the power in your hands. So what are people saying about it?
The Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher
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The Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher group is for customers who want a bit more from their dishwasher. Here are the standard features for all dishwashers in the 500 line:
- A sound rating of about 44 dBa
- Smoother-rolling EasyGlide ball bearing racks
- An upgraded third rack with more room for stemware below
- A 60-minute Speed60 wash
- ExtraDry kicks up the temperature and increases drying time to evaporate more moisture from the dishes.
- Standard AquaStop leak protection
A feature of the 500s is that they have hidden top-mounted controls, invisible when the dishwasher is closed. This, combined with the stainless steel model, adds a sleek look to your kitchen. Bar handles vs. recessed “pocket handles” are also available on most models.
Another helpful component of the 500s is the InfoLight, which allows you to see whether or not the appliance is in use. This reduces the chances of opening it accidentally while on.
Further, with the Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher, you’ll be getting a tub made out of stainless steel. This makes the condensation drying possible, and also contributes to the overall health of your appliance.
Even the black and white models have stainless steel tubs inside. Lastly, there’s a handy basket for cutlery that you don’t put on the third rack, such as large spoons and other utensils.
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What Are People Saying About The Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher Group?
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Here we’ve collected some diverse opinions about the 500 series. Let’s visit the positives first.
Quiet
As we’ve mentioned before, the noise rating on these dishwashers is 44 dBa. Customers appreciate a machine that can get the job done without waking them up. One reviewer even rated the SHP865WD5N as “dead quiet,” and another said that the red InfoLight was the only way they could tell whether or not the dishwasher was running. The steel tub that is standard in the Bosch 500 series dishwasher is a big part of its quiet running.
Easy To Install
One customer, in a review collected as part of a promotion, boasted about the ease of install, saying that their dishwasher was installed and doing dishes within 45 minutes to an hour. This ensures that whether you hire service people to install it for you, or you do it yourself, it will be a relatively painless process.
Gets The Job Done
More than one reviewer claimed that the unit had their dishes cleaner than they had been in years. This can be especially important if you have good glassware, or if you like to throw parties.
So what are the negatives?
Read The Instructions
This is not so much a negative as a suggestion. Some customers can be underwhelmed by a product simply because they don’t know how to work it. And the most common reason for that is not reading the instructions. The last thing you want to do with a shiny new piece of hardware is reading a dense, technical manual. But if you do, you’ll lower the chances of buyer’s remorse.
Relatedly, some consumers report the buttons on the dishwasher being confusing to use. Reading your manual will also help with this. This also reveals the bonus of having professionals install your dishwasher. They will give you the most relevant information on your new product.
Design Flaws
Some customers report the bottom rack slipping out of place when they pull it out. It could be annoying if you had to re-center the rack every time you pulled it out.
Overall, the Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher is a product with very few detractors or unhappy customers.
Price
With appliance purchases, the cost of the item is not the only thing to think about. With a dishwasher of that price, most of the time, the accessories are included, but you must check beforehand. Also, protections plans are available to cover you longer than the manufacturer’s warranty.
The standard Bosch warranty on home appliances is two years, but you can buy protections plans that last you five. Once you factor in the price of the product, the accessories, and any extended warranties you may want, you’re in good shape to choose your appliance.
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The Bosch Company
Bosch started out as an automotive equipment manufacturer. But the founder, Robert Bosch, was a deep and forward thinker. While becoming a more global corporation, they even created the diesel injection pump, which is still in use to this day.
However, innovation wasn’t all that mattered to Mr. Bosch. Mr. Bosch was a committed pacifist, socially conscious, and used his company to oppose German nationalism, and rescue Jewish associates facing persecution.
In 1931, he said, “Never forget your humanity, and respect human dignity in your dealings with others.” Statements like these define the ethos of the company and their stated commitment to social responsibility. And this commitment continues to this day.
The Company Now
Bosch has since moved into many more markets but aims to carry on Robert Bosch’s unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit and social commitment. They’re privately owned, which means they make their own decisions that are not solely based on the stock market. A
nd through the Robert Bosch Stiftung foundation, they make donations for the conservation of the environment and focus on sustainability long-term. All this means that when you buy a Bosch dishwasher, you’re buying from a company that cares about more than just the bottom line.
Bosch Dishwashers
Let’s start with a few qualities that most Bosch dishwashers have in common. Then you can decide if you want to pop out of your price range for special features.
Adjustable racks
One thing that most customers love about Bosch is the adjustable racks. This makes it easier to fit oblong objects into the dishwasher. The third rack also serves as the perfect space for utensils and other strange kitchen objects you don’t want to fall through the racks. A primary difference between the 300 series and 800 series, for instance, is the inclusion of a Flexible Third Rack in the 800 series.
Smooth Sound
One thing that can ruin any dishwasher is the sound. The Series Ascenta, 300 series, and 800 series are all rated at 46, 44, and 42 decibels, respectively. Even though the differences may seem small, every decibel you can knock off can dramatically reduce noise. As it stands, the 42-46 range is going to be around the volume of a library (and they’re even quieter when everyone listens to the librarian.)
Dual Motors
Many big brands go with one motor, but one of the ways Bosch achieves such low decibel ratings is that its dishwashers have two. These motors wash and drain simultaneously. Rather than having one huge motor do all the heavy lifting, and make a lot of noise while doing it, Bosch divides the duty between two quieter engines.
Water Heaters
The feature customers love most about their Bosch dishwashers is the water heaters. They can quickly heat the water to 161 degrees. This means they’re far more likely to get the hard-to-clean gunk off your dishes. Most other dishwashers use a heating element, but Bosch’s system pushes water through a heating chamber and small heat coils.
Condensation Drying
Sometimes, companies can view social responsibility as a drag. In Bosch’s case, their commitment to it could save you more money. To conserve energy, Bosch dishwashers don’t have a drying element. They use heat from the water in the last cycle to dry the dishes without wasting energy. In the end, it saves you water and electricity.
Further, the Bosch 500 Series dishwasher, just like every one Bosch makes, is an EnergyStar appliance. And depending on where you live, you can get kickbacks on your utility bills for that. In this instance, it pays to be environmentally friendly.
Warnings and Tips
Based on experience, here are some things you should do or know before making any major home appliance purchase.
Measure First
You must measure the space. If this seems rudimentary to you, that’s great. But more than one home appliance shopper has wasted valuable time and money because they didn’t make sure their appliance fit in the designated space. Measure the space.
Shop Around
One of the benefits of reading reviews like this is that you’ll have a clearer understanding of what you want. As the customer, it’s in your best interest to look around before committing. The same $850 dishwasher might be $100 off as an open-box item at a store down the street. Also, pricing around helps you take advantage of sales and offers in your area, as well as price matching between competitors.
Caveat Emptor
Be extremely careful when purchasing from the internet. Appliances are not easy to return, customer service with online vendors is not always great, delivery can be unreliable, and you don’t want to sit at home all day waiting. Sometimes, buying an appliance online works out great, especially in the area of price.
Just make sure that you don’t jump at a great price, only to spend more money getting it right. In my experience, there is less chance of that happening at a brick-and-mortar store. Not because they don’t mess up, but because, when they do, you have a real person to send complaints to, not an email someone can ignore.
None of this is to say you shouldn’t buy online — it’s to say that buying online without caution is a very bad idea. Ensure the quality of vendors before purchasing. Know their return and exchange policy. Be present at delivery.
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The Verdict
All in all, the Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher group is great value for the money. While more expensive than other models, it will deliver an impeccably clean, and do it quietly.
You’ll have a product that is EnergyStar certified, meaning you’ll save water and electricity. With the black, white, and stainless steel options, you’ll have an addition to your home that fits. And you’ll have all this from a company that leads the industry.
Neither the entry-level Ascenta nor the 300 line is going to deliver the same kind of performance. The 800 will, and comes with a few more bells and whistles. But if you want to be modern without breaking the bank, get a quality clean, and have features similar to even higher-end models, the Bosch 500 series dishwasher is a solid choice. Happy hunting!