Bosch and Miele are the best dishwasher brands on the market today. Both represent the pinnacle of dishwasher design and uphold an uncompromising focus on quality and cleaning performance. But what sets one apart from the other? How do you decide which of these two highly respected dishwasher brands is right for you?
As the founder of Designer Appliances and a seasoned professional in the appliance industry, I have had the opportunity to personally test Bosch and Miele dishwashers and visit the factories where they are made. I have also received in-depth training and gathered valuable insights from thousands of my customers about their experiences with the dishwashers we sell.
In this article, I'll share my insights on how to choose between a Miele and Bosch dishwasher based on my firsthand knowledge.
Is it a match for you?
Bosch and Miele dishwashers have many overlapping features and qualities. Let's cover the similarities first in terms of the pros and cons.
Pros: Reasons To Buy a Bosch or Miele Dishwasher
- Durable. Built and tested to last longer than any other dishwasher brand on the market.
- Great selection. Largest catalog of dishwashers. Each brand offers you many different price points, door styles, features, and even specialty products. No other manufacturer comes close to this level of selection.
- Extremely quiet. Both brands prioritize quiet design in their dishwashers, so you can run them anytime without disturbing your household. If you're sensitive to noise or live in a small space where a loud dishwasher would be a nuisance, either of these brands could be a good choice.
- Great wash performance. Both companies do not compromise on cleaning. They use the same motor and pump system across their dishwashers, from low-end to fancy models.
- Excellent drying. Both companies took condensation drying to a new level. Most of their dishwashers share innovations such as auto-open drying and CrystalDry for superior drying without melting your plastics.
- Doesn't stick out of your cabinets. Gives you a perfectly flush, seamless install (most important if you have inset cabinets or a modern kitchen design).
- Seamless cabinet front design options. From hidden pocket handles to specialty cases—like panel-ready dishwashers with doors to match your kitchen cabinets or a small, 18-inch dishwasher for a home bar—there's a Bosch or Miele model to suit your taste.
Cons - Reasons to Avoid
- Higher-end models can be pricey. However, if you factor in longevity, either brand is a worthwhile investment.
- Do you have thick stoneware dinnerware? Bosch and Miele tines tend to be perfect for slimmer plates and cups.
- Not every model is wifi enabled. Wifi and app support on select models rather than the entire lineup.
Bosch vs. Miele - Which Dishwasher Brand is Better?
How do these two brands stack up in six major measurements of dishwasher quality?
1) Is One Brand Quieter Than the Other?
When it comes to noise, Bosch has a reputation for making incredibly quiet dishwashers. The Bosch 800 series boasts models with noise levels capping out at 40 dB, with some as low as 39 dBA. The Bosch Benchmark series features a model with 38 dB rating, which is far softer than the sound of a quiet whisper.
But don’t worry -— your Miele dishwasher won’t be waking up anyone in your house, either. Many of their own models boast a 38 dB noise level, which means you won't hear them working.
Both manufacturers take noise levels seriously. Neither Bosch nor Miele resort to popular tricks such as measuring noise during wash operation while skipping water intake and pump out sequences.
Needless to say, if you’re opting for a Miele or Bosch dishwasher, the noisy operation will never be a concern.
2) How Do They Rank in Cleaning & Drying Performance?
With a wide range of dependable wash cycles and an interior tub design that allows for fast, safe drying, you can rest assured that both a Bosch and a Miele appliances will consistently clean your dishes while keeping them free from damage or other wear.
What it will come down to most when making your buying decision is what matters most to you — more robust and unique cycle types, or more effective and speedy drying? Maximum loading space or organized, versatile storage racks? Water softener to keep water marks away? (Check out the Features section below where we went over myriad of features offered by both manufacturers in detail.)
When comparing two of the most dependable, high-end and consistently award-winning dishwasher brands on the market, the differences in performance are minimal within equivalent price bands. It is important to note that Bosch offers many dishwasher options for under $800, while Miele dominates the high-end feature-rich segment of $1,399-$2,499.
Miele expertly crafts its own line of cleaning products. Miele detergent, rinse aid, cleaner, and salt are formulated for best cleaning results and can be used in any dishwasher. Recently, Miele also introduced the AutoDos PowerDisk, which automatically releases detergent for up to 20 cycles.
3) Are There Visual Design Differences?
As the cultural tastes of interior décor have changed over time, Bosch and Miele's designs have changed along with them. However, that’s not to say they’ve sacrificed quality for good looks—they’ve simply adapted their visual approach to suit what the market demands. The most common finish for models in both brands is stainless steel, a look that both Bosch and Miele pull off with effortless style and sophistication
One thing that has mainly stayed consistent across both brands’ success has been their dedication to minimalist, sleek design. Even their most fully-featured flagship models tend to present a sleek façade with as few visible buttons as possible. This is all in an effort to help their machines work not only as a functional home machine, but as an inspired element of the interior décor.
Having said that, Bosch features many unique styles such as their flagship pocket handle on the SHPM78Z55N, recessed handle, bar handle and so forth.
Both manufacturers offer specialty ADA dishwashers to accommodate raised floors, 18-inch width dishwashers for small kitchens, and panel ready dishwashers to blend with adjacent cabinetry.
Miele offers a unique style called "knock to open" a.k.a. "k2o". This style gives interior designers the ability to hide all controls and handles for a completely seamless front. The G7596SCVi in the luxurious Lumen series is a good example of knock to open technology. On the ultra-premium side, the Diamond series features model G7966SCVi with the knock to open design.
Miele has a minimalist design and a strong line up with different door styles as well as handles to match their suite of appliances. You'll often find a Miele dishwasher in exclusive kitchens, as they match well with any color and design.
It's important to note that unlike their North American counterparts, both Miele and Bosch dishwashers will not stick out of your kitchen cabinets. However, their interior design remains extremely efficient.
4) Comparison of Features
Both manufacturers offer all of the classic features expected from a modern dishwasher. In fact, both Bosch and Miele are the front-runners of innovation in dishwasher technology.
- Program cycles and Options: Bosch keeps it simple, even on most advanced units, at 7 cycles and 7 options (5 on basic models). Miele, on the other hand, offers up to 14 cycles and 7 options under each cycle. It's important to note that the entire line up for both manufacturers features express cycles. Sanitize, pots & pans and intensive wash cycles can also be found in most dishwashers.
- Stainless steel interior: Most of us hated the old white plastic tubs that discolored in our ancient dishwashers. Many people prefer a clean, stainless steel interior. Miele offers stainless steel interiors on all of their dishwashers. With the exception of the entry-level Ascenta series, Bosch features all stainless interiors.
- Sensor wash: Modern dishwashers are able to sense the turbidity (relative clarity/murkiness) of the water during the wash cycle to adjust the duration of the wash in a given program. However, only Miele dishwashers take three measurements during the wash cycle to make decisions on program duration, amount of water used, and water pressure coming out of the spray arms. Miele dishwashers also take the measurement at the sump level to minimize the risk of distortion from soap foam.
- Condensating dry without the plastic-melting heater element: Heating elements are common in North American dishwashers. While they dry dishes very well (how can you not when you have a giant metal that gets super hot at 170 F in a small box), they end up baking on any food residue or calcium on dishes. Not to mention that plastics, especially those on the lower rack, will not be spared.
Both Bosch and Miele offer condensation drying, which allows moisture to be absorbed by the stainless steel walls and washed down. Bosch enhanced this technology in their 2018 release by pumping extra heat to the dishwasher cavity. Most recently, Bosch introduced the highly effective CrystalDry feature on select high-end dishwashers. Miele elevated this technology even further with the ability to circulate ambient air to absorb remnant moisture.
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Auto Open Door for Drying: This used to be a unique Miele feature found on all Miele's except for the entry level Classic series. Becomes super handy when you start the cycle before you go to bed and you will find your dishes full clean and dry in the morning with the door open ajar. i.e. no musty smell inside the dishwasher. In the last 2 years, Bosch introduced the auto-open-door feature in its select 500 Series dishwashers. They called this feature the AutoAir Dry.
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Interior lights: Adds both luxury and convenience. Both manufacturers offer this in their premium models.
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Cutlery tray/3rd Rack: Originally invented by Miele, this third rack saves you space on the coveted bottom rack. Miele cutlery trays are super flexible and allow you to place long stem glasses on the rack below. Most Bosch dishwashers also come with a third rack, although they are not as flexible as Miele's. However, they are still far better in design than the competition. It is also worthwhile to mention the MyWay rack from Bosch is remarkable, as it allows for cups and large ladles. We also found the 800 Series and Benchmark third racks to be much more user friendly compared to that of the entry-level Bosch dishwasher series.
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Leak Prevention: Both manufacturers design their dishwashers to detect leaks to shutdown water source.
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Auto Close Door: Exclusive to Miele's Diamond series, this convenience feature softly closes the door when it is left ajar.
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Water Softener: This is an important feature for those who have hard water in their neighborhood (we're looking at you, Northern New Jersey!). Water softeners help combat calcium residue and get you crystal clear results without spots on your glassware. Bosch offers models with water softeners in select 800 Series and Benchmark models. Special application 300 models, such as ADA height products, also have water softeners. In turn, all Miele dishwashers on the Crystal series and above come with a water softener.
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Number of Spray Arms: Miele dishwashers come with three full size spray arms - one at the bottom of the cavity, one below the middle rack, and one on the top wall dedicated to the cutlery tray. Bosch also features strong water distribution from two full size spray arms and a sprayer head on the top wall.
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We get this following question a lot. "Do hoses and powercord come standard with dishwashers?" Unlike their North American competition, Bosch and Miele both include discharge hoses in the packaging. However, Miele is the only brand along with Asko and Fisher Paykel to include the intake water hose in standard packaging. Small detail may be but it shows the commitment from Miele not to compromise on any aspect of quality. As for the powercord, Miele dishwashers come with the powercord that you can plug to your outlet. You can also install them via hardwire connection. However, we recommend that you use a wall recepticle to make things clean while going through the trouble of replacing a dishwasher. Bosch dishwashers come with hardwire connections. You can also buy an additional Bosch part to accommodate a wall recepticle.
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China and crystals: You can trust both Miele and Bosch with your fine dishes and glasses. Starting at Miele's Crystal series and above, all models have special programs that adjust water hardness, dispense detergent based on need, and regulate water pressure to get the optimum clean while protecting your fine china. With Bosch dishwashers, all models in the 800 series and above are most suitable for this level of trust. Generally, the water softener models do a good job with fine dishes and glasses. It is worth mentioning that Miele's Diamond series dishwashers are great for wine glasses. Miele is the only dishwasher in the U.S. market that can wash dishes without rinse aid, to eliminate the chance of any element coming between the wine glass and the wine.
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Ability to handle partial loads: All models from both brands are able to handle partial loads to save water and energy.
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AutoDos automatic detergent dispenser: Miele is the only dishwasher on the market with an automatic detergent dispenser. Attaching a slender disk that is full of detergent, Miele lets you forget about adding detergent manually for approximately 20 cycles or so.
5) Durability and Longevity
Miele is often considered the most closely integrated manufacturer of appliances in the world. Nearly every single one of their parts is manufactured directly by the company itself. This has allowed them to advertise a 20-year lifespan of regular use without any drop in functionality. Miele machines are built to keep on going for decades, which is evident in every part from the buttons to the racks and the wheels they glide on.
But Bosch is no slouch when it comes to durability and longevity, either. They test their dishwashers to withstand a minimum of ten years of use. And their dedication to using only the highest-quality parts has long been a hallmark of the brand.
6) Price
Bosch Dishwasher Pricing
Bosch edges out Miele in terms of general affordability. As an example, Bosch 100 series dishwashers are stripped down in functionaly to the point of featuring plastic tubs and cost about $600.
Bosch's 300 and 500 Series possess most features desired by modern customers and are offered at a price point lower than $800. Bosch also runs many promotions during the year to help accelerate sales of these models.
Only at the Bosch 800 Series will you start noticing the advanced features and visible quality enhancements among Bosch dishwashers. (e.g. better racking, flexible interior, most quiet operation etc.).
Models in Bosch's Benchmark Series have all-luxury features and are priced between $1100 - $2000. Many Bosch Benchmark dishwashers come with rebates that might save you $200 per dishwasher. Keep in mind that Bosch also runs kitchen package promotions throughout the year with 10 - 15% savings opportunities.
Miele Dishwasher Pricing
Unlike Bosch and many other manufacturers, Miele does not compromise on the features and quality of their dishwashers based on model series. That’s not to say that Miele machines are overpriced—they simply occupy a slightly more high-end space within the market. Along with those premiums come more powerful operations, additional features, and added functionality. From the entry-level to the commercial line, all Miele dishwashers share the same industrial pump system. All parts are heavily tested and feature the latest technology.
Miele's Classic Plus series of dishwashers start at $999 during promotional times and fit the needs of most families.
The Miele G71 Series has some advanced features and offers other conveniences like water softener and an auto-open door. These models start at $1,499.
Miele's G73 Series features innovative new features such as AutoDos, AutoStart, and wifi connectivity. Their starting price point is $1,899.
Miele's G75 Series starts at $2,199 and is fully-stocked with almost every feature you could ask for, including interior lights, enhanced racks, and ultra-quiet operation.
The Miele G79 Series offers everything you could possibly want in a modern, luxury dishwasher. These models offer an enhanced 5-year warranty as well as M-Touch controls, which operate like an iPhone to switch between modes. These models start at $2,999.
Miele offers professional-grade dishwashers for home as well as commercial use. Miele professional dishwashers feature NSF-certified sanitization, super-fast cycles (6 minutes), and the ability to load with specialized racks.
As for the professional series, the residential short cycle pro dishwasher Miele PG8130I 120V is priced at $3,299. The fully-commercial NSF certified commercial model Miele PG8061 is offered at $5,999.
It’s all about deciding for yourself what exactly you want and need out of your dishwasher. Both Miele and Bosch machines demand a premium price for their premium quality, but good news is that there is a range of machines at various price points to choose from.
Conclusion
Choosing whether to purchase a Bosch or Miele dishwasher is a decision with no bad outcome. Both brands have a proven, decades-long history of providing consistent, long-lasting, durable, and downright beautiful machines that are a pleasure to use. They also get the job done time after time.
Which brand you ultimately decide on, Bosch vs Miele, will depend largely on your budget and which design features matter most to you. In the end, you’ve already made a wise choice by narrowing your search to these two world-class manufacturers.