We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?

Bosch vs. LG dishwashers provoke different thoughts in most people's minds. Bosch is known for its quiet and high-end dishwashers; LG, on the other hand, is a brand synonymous with innovation. So what's the difference between these brands, and which is better?

I'm the founder of Designer Appliances, a premier appliance store in New Jersey, and I have 15+ years of experience. I've test-driven these Bosch and LG dishwashers (and their predecessors), and sat through countless hours of training. Most importantly, I've heard real-life feedback from our customers in real-time.

Here, I'll share my experience explaining what distinguishes Bosch and LG dishwashers (especially regarding interior and door design and cleaning technology.) Also, I'll point out interesting products from each brand.


My cofounder John reviews Bosch dishwashers.

Appliance Matchmaker

Are Bosch or LG a match for you?

Pros and Cons of Bosch vs LG Dishwashers

We owe many practical technologies, such as the brake systems in our cars, to Bosch (reputation for quality that goes back to 1886.) Making the world's quietest and best-performing dishwashers is a particular source of pride for Bosch. With over 100 models to choose from, the Bosch dishwasher offers high-quality for every budget.

While LG dishwashers feature less than 10 models (excluding color combinations), the design fit with the rest of the LG kitchen appliances, making them a viable choice for some families. We are also impressed by the unique conveniences, such as the LG dishwasher's steam wash.

Here are the essential factors to consider when purchasing a dishwasher and how Bosch and LG stack up head-to-head.


1) Quiet Operation

If you ever had one of those noisy dishwashers that you could only put on when you left the house, you'll be pleased to know that quiet operation is a massive focus for manufacturers today. Since energy and water efficient cycles are generally around 1-2 hours long, having a dishwasher that you can put on at any time of day is crucial.

So what noise level (in dB) should you be looking for?
Every dishwasher has a noise rating measured in decibels (dB), with a smaller number meaning a quieter machine. As an example a normal conversation measures around 55 dB. We recommend looking for something under 45 dB.

The ultimately quiet dishwashers are just under 40 dB, but as you'd expect, these do come with a heftier price tag (over $1,200). A dishwasher between 44 and 48 dB will allow you to go about your daily business and will cost you well under $799

Quietest dishwashers with live audible sound test

Thankfully, Bosch is famous for their quietness ratings with noise levels as silent as 38 db's. LG dishwashers on the other hand have acceptable levels of noise levels from 44 db to 48 db. LG Signature, the luxury model for LG boasts 40 dB operational noise level.

Winner: Bosch - The brand has a wide selection of quiet dishwashers.


2) Design

While LG's dishwasher line is still developing, they currently have about 10 models - all with innovative features. LG is producing both standard front control dishwashers as well as hidden control models, with stainless steel, black stainless steel. LG most recently stoppe making designer colors such as matte black and matte white.

LG dishwasher styles

LG has two major design statement concepts with ther LG signature and LG Studio product lines. These concepts however do not bring meaninful additional features to LG dishwashers.

The LG Studio concept brings artistic design in to your kitchen with upgraded features and unique lines in their dishwashers, refrigerators, cooktops, ranges, ovens, and microwaves.

The LG Signature series is the premium and luxury series of the LG Appliance line that is aimed toward perfection. With extraordinary designs and premium features, this series has eye catching lines that you cannot find in any regular home appliance.

LG dishwashers

As a well-known and reliable dishwasher manufacturer, Bosch produces a wide range of models from their sub $600 budget-friendly 100 series (formerly knowns as Ascenta series) right through to their $2,000 luxury Benchmark series, and even ADA dishwashers.

Like LG, you'll find different styles of dishwashers such as front control, hidden control, and also 18-inch dishwashers for smaller spaces. Besides the regular color and stainless steel finishes, Bosch offers panel ready dishwasher designs on some models that allow customers to customize their own front door finishes to match in with their existing kitchen cabinetry. Both manufacturers do not offer any portable dishwasher models at the moment.

A quick look at the various Bosch dishwasher lines:

  • 100 series are the budget-friendly lines, with basic functions and hybrid tubs that combine stainless steel & plastic.
  • 300 series dishwashers have more functions. A stainless steel tub is standard and you have more flexibility with the interior.
  • 500 series brings increased technology. The EasyGlide rack system has smooth movement and the famous pocket design appears in the front door. AirDry auto open door is part of the 500 series Bosch dishwashers.
  • 800 series are the most famous Bosch dishwashers. The MyWay Rack technology makes for smooth moving and easier loading plus you get more wash cycle options. Bosch starts featuring its amazing drying system CrystalDry on the 800 series selection.
  • Benchmark series dishwashers are Bosch's luxury choice, with premium features and finishes making a big difference. This super silent series are ultra-modern and absolutely shine in your kitchen.

Winner: Bosch - The company has the largest selection in the world for door designs.

Bosch dishwasher

3) Cleaning and Drying

It's all good and well having a beautifully designed and super quiet dishwasher, but washing and drying cycles are also extremely important when buying a new one. While most brands offer a number of options, it's good to know just what you are going to be getting, and if the options are going to suit your household needs effectively.

Program Cycles & Options
Thankfully, both LG and Bosch dishwashers have excellent cleaning performances. Both brands cover all soil types: LG has 9 washing cycles and 8 options at most, and Bosch uses 7 wash cycles and 7 options. While LG uses steam technology, Bosch heats up water intensively to also produce steam.
Both Bosch and LG include quick, normal, and heavy cycles, as well as covering half loads and economical washing options that use less water and energy. You'll also find rinse options to get rid of food waste before cleaning in both brands.

LG QuadWash dishwashers have adjustable racks and a four-arm cleaning system - double the amount of an ordinary dishwasher. This technology cleans even the dirtiest and hard to remove spots on dishes, with no need to pre-rinse - even on a turbo cycle.

Bosch keeps it simple with a regular two-arm system, but still manage to obtain crystal clear dishes.

Stainless Steel Interiors
Stainless steel tubs provide a longer life for a dishwasher and have a better drying performance than those with plastic tubs. Both brands have these, apart from the Bosch Ascenta/100 series that offer the benefit of a cheaper dishwasher with the inclusion of a plastic bottom and stainless steel walls.

Both manufacturers have a condensation drying system that uses their stainless steel walls to condensate the vapor inside and wash down the moisture. Bosch adds extra heat generated from the wash cycle to vaporize the moisture, and LG uses a hybrid system with the addition of a fan to make drying faster.

Auto Wash
One of the most crucial things in today's appliance industry is automation, with sensors playing the most important role. Modern dishwashers have internal soil sensors that measure the soil level in the water and are able to determine the washing time, temperature and intensity. This feature is extremely useful and takes away the guesswork when choosing a wash cycle - especially when you have loads with mixed soil levels. Both Bosch and LG are using this smart technology, giving you greater confidence that your dishes are going to come out clean.

TrueSteam™ Technology
Sticky and baked-on soils are a big problem for dishwashers, and often regular cycle temperatures are just not enough to remove them. By using steam pumped into the tub as a solution, LG dishwashers are able to soften these soils before the wash cycle begins, resulting in them being easier to remove through the regular wash.

While Bosch doesn't have this exact technology, their dishwashers do make the wash water extremely hot to be able to soften the hard-to-remove soils.
By choosing either brand, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your dishes are going to come out clean, no matter how dirty they were in the first place.

Water Softener
Living in an area with hard water usually means that your crystal, glasses, and plastics often come out of a cycle with water spots and streaks. Instead of resorting to a separately sold water-softener system, you'll find an integrated system on Bosch's high-end models and some of the 300 series.

Rack Technologies
With different sized pots, pans, dishes, and glasses, flexible rack systems are important for people who need to be able to use different placements in order to fit all their dishes in. Features such as height-adjustable racks, a 3rd rack, and foldable tines, are all useful in loading your dishwasher with maximum efficiency. Fortunately both LG and Bosch include their own rack technologies - they may be named differently but still offer you the same kind of flexibility.

In LG you'll find the EasyRackPlus system that allows you to easily adjust the height of all racks and foldable tines for convenient loading.

Bosch MyWay Rack third rack affords you more space and a better look. This 3rd rack allows you to put in larger items, not only silverware. Bosch also has EasyGlideRack, which makes for smoother and easier moving and you also have FlexSpace foldable tines. We can say that the MyWay Rack is doing a better job for a 3rd rack since it can hold much more than just cutlery, which is a limitation in other brands. Our Bosch's MyWay Rack article has much more information on this feature for you to peruse.

Smart Technologies
Smart home appliances are the new popular trend in kitchens due to their convenience. Smartphones are now being used to control dishwashers, and with the help of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can even control your dishwasher with your voice - a feature found in higher end models of both brands.

Bosch has the Home Connect app that you can use to start a wash cycle, see when it finishes, receive leakage warnings, or know when the detergent tablets are running low.

LG has the SmartThinQ® app, which more or less has the same functions. This brand also uses NFC Tag-on Technology so your dishwasher can communicate with your smartphone while they are close to each other - something similar to BlueTooth. This technology can download new custom cycles onto your smartphone app and then transfer them to your machine by holding your phone next to your dishwasher.

Winner: Bosch


4) Durability and Longevity

Even though LG is relatively new to the dishwasher market, they certainly are an innovative company who are working hard to develop their features and make things in style. But, it is harder to find repair services across the US than it is for Bosch, which lets them down a bit.

Bosch has proved their durability and have some of the most reliable dishwashers on the market, with the promise of 10 years of perfect life out of their models.

Winner: Bosch


5) Pricing

Low-end and high-end dishwashers have a substantial difference in price. Both brands offer quality machines for all budgets and Bosch has definitely more selection in premium and luxury categories.

LG certainly packs in a lot in their budget models: you can get a front control, QuadWash, 48 dB model with EasyRackPlus for only $580 at promotion time. For just $715 you can have smart options included, and the LG Studio line comes in at just over $1000. The beautiful Signature series LG LUDP8997SN is available for a promotional price of $1,500.

Bosch's budget models, the Ascenta/100 series, are slightly more affordable at a starting price of around $450. As we move up through the series, the prices increase: the 300 series start around $600, the 800 series at $850, and you can get your hands on a Benchmark series model for over $1,000.

Winner: Bosch


Our Top Picks for Bosch and LG Dishwashers

So, which models should you be looking at? While there are many great options for you to choose from, these are some of our favorites from LG and Bosch.

1) Best Budget Bosch Dishwasher: 300 Series Bosch SHEM63W55N

Bosch Dishwasher SHEM63W55N

On or around $699 during promotions, the 300 Series Bosch SHEM63W55N is a great budget dishwasher with hidden controls and a full stainless steel tub. Its 3rd rack feature offers you more space, and you can decide how you want to use that space with the ability to arrange the height of each rack and adjust the FlexSpace tines for larger items.

With a decent noise level of 44dB, you will barely know that the many wash cycles are running. Five washing cycles are offered by this dishwasher including the Speed60 cycle for faster washes, and when the cycle is over, the InfoLight turns red and reflects light on the floor to let you know. This is a satisfying dishwasher that will certainly meet the needs of most households.


2) Best Overall Bosch Dishwasher: 800 Series Bosch SHPM78Z55N

Bosch Dishwasher SHPM78Z55N

If you want a ultra-quiet dishwasher, then look no further than the SHPM78Z55N from the Bosch 800 series. This 42 dB model is available for less than $999 during promotions, and is able to efficiently clean all soil levels with its 6 wash cycles and 6 wash options.

Loading this dishwasher is a breeze, thanks to the uniquely designed 3rd rack feature, as well as the EasyGlide and RackMatic systems. The CrystaDry technology means that all dishes come out bone dry, and you get additional features such as a long silverware basket, leakage protection, plus express and eco washes. The SHPM78Z55N is a joy for larger families, with space for 16 place settings, and will certainly meet all the needs that you have.


3) Best Budget LG Dishwasher: LG LDFN4542S

LG LDFN4542S

With a price tag of around $699, LDFN4542S is one dishwasher that we are really impressed by just what you get for your money. Even though this model is not the quietest at 48 dB, the number of features will certainly leave your household feeling satisfied and the noise will not disturb your daily routines.

LG's standard features, even for budget models, are included such as QuadWash, EasyRackPlus, and DualControl, plus you get a stainless steel tub that is an advantage in this price range. Nine wash cycles are plentiful (Auto, Heavy, Delicate, Normal, Turbo, Download Cycle, Machine Clean, Rinse, Express) and 8 Wash Options (Dual Zone, Half Load, Energy Saver, High Temp, Extra Dry, Delay Start (up to 12 hrs), Control Lock, Night Dry) mean that you are covered for all load and soil levels. An added bonus that you don't find in many budget models is NFC technology - something usually only found in high-end models of other brands.

All of this value should really be costing more, so it's safe to say that the LDFN4542S is a great buy.


4) Best Overall LG Dishwasher: LG LDP6810SS

LG LDP6810SS

The LG LDP6810SS is a more advanced 24-inch dishwasher model with no visible controls, available for around $899 depending on seasonal promotions.

Being Energy Star certified, this model is environment-friendly and comes with a few more extra features such as TrueSteam, SmartThinQ® Technology and Wi-Fi. The TrueSteam technology ensures crystal clear dishes while with SmartThinQ® technology lets you set your dishwasher cycles and the start time from your mobile phone. This sleekly-designed dishwasher comes in stainless steel, black stainless, or matte black stainless steel, and suits your modern kitchen fashionably.

At just 38 dB, the LDP6810SS is ultra quiet and makes handing around in the kitchen so much more pleasurable.


Conclusion

We do not think about our dishwashers during our daily routine. Dishwashers are there to tackle our chores. But, when the time comes to replace them it is a good idea to spend the time to research what's best for our needs.

Bosch's long-standing presence on the dishwasher market, proven track record ,and vast selection makes it most appealing to a wider variety of households. LG is a reliable brand, and we definitely like them based on their unique styles as well as their feature-packed budget models. LG makes it appealing to purchase a package with all LG appliances. In those cases, we recommend LG dishwashers to realize extra savings. Otherwise, Bosch dishwashers are a clear first choice.