Let’s be honest, nobody gets excited about doing the dishes. It’s the chore that caps off a great meal, the lingering task before you can finally relax. That’s where a great dishwasher comes in, and for years, Bosch has been a name whispered with reverence in kitchen design circles. Today, we’re diving deep into a comprehensive Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher Review to see if this premium appliance is truly the kitchen hero it’s made out to be. Is it just a quiet operator, or does it deliver a clean that justifies its price tag? Let’s find out.
What’s the Big Deal with the Bosch 800 Series Anyway?
When you start shopping for a dishwasher, the Bosch 800 Series inevitably pops up as a top contender. But why? It’s not the cheapest on the market, nor is it the most basic. The brand has built its reputation on three core pillars: whisper-quiet operation, rock-solid German engineering, and, most importantly, sparkling clean dishes.
The 800 Series is Bosch’s premium line, sitting just below their ultra-high-end Benchmark series. It’s designed for the homeowner who values performance and innovative features that solve real-world problems—like finally getting plastics completely dry.
A Deep Dive into the Standout Features
A spec sheet is one thing, but how do those features translate to your daily life? We’re breaking down the key technologies that set the 800 Series apart.
CrystalDry Technology: A Game Changer for Plastics?
If you’ve ever opened your dishwasher to find perfectly clean but sopping wet Tupperware, you know the frustration. Bosch’s answer is CrystalDry. This isn’t just a hotter heating element. It uses a natural mineral called zeolite, which absorbs moisture and releases heat.
- How it works: In the final drying phase, moist air is circulated over a bed of zeolite minerals. The zeolite captures the moisture, triggering a chemical reaction that creates significant heat. This hot, dry air is then circulated back into the dishwasher tub, drying everything—especially plastics—to a degree that traditional condensation or heated drying simply can’t match.
- The Verdict: It actually works. I used to have a “drying rack” next to my dishwasher just for plastics. With CrystalDry, my food storage containers, kids’ cups, and silicone utensils come out bone dry and ready to be put away. It’s one of those features you don’t think you need until you have it, and then you can’t live without it.
The MyWay Third Rack: More Than Just a Cutlery Tray
The third rack isn’t a new concept, but Bosch has refined it. The MyWay rack in the 800 Series offers more depth and a unique v-shape, providing enough space not just for silverware, but for small bowls, ramekins, and large utensils like ladles and whisks. This frees up an incredible amount of space on the lower racks for your pots and pans. It’s a masterclass in efficient kitchen space management.
The PowerControl Spray Arm: Targeting the Grime
Newer models in the 800 Series feature the PowerControl spray arm. Think of it as a pressure washer for your dirtiest dishes. You can load a casserole dish with baked-on cheese, place it in the designated zone, and tell the dishwasher to focus its cleaning power there. It’s a smart solution that eliminates the need for pre-scrubbing, saving you time and effort.
So Quiet, You’ll Check if It’s Running
One of Bosch’s most famous attributes is its quiet operation. The 800 Series models typically range from 40 to 42 decibels (dBA). To put that into perspective, a quiet library is about 40 dBA.
“In my 15 years as an appliance technician, the most common feedback I get on Bosch 800 Series dishwashers is from customers who initially thought their new unit was broken because they couldn’t hear it running. Their reliability and low noise levels mean fewer service calls and happier clients.” – James Peterson, Veteran Appliance Technician
Many models include an InfoLight, which projects a small red dot onto the floor to let you know a cycle is in progress. It’s a necessary feature because, trust me, you won’t hear it otherwise.
The Real-World Test: Our In-Depth Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher Review
Features are great, but performance is everything. How does this machine handle the aftermath of a family dinner?
Cleaning Performance
Simply put, it’s exceptional. We threw everything at it:
- Oatmeal left to dry in a bowl overnight
- A lasagna pan with baked-on cheese
- Peanut butter smeared on a knife
- Red wine residue in glasses
Using a quality detergent and the Auto cycle, the 800 Series handled it all without a single pre-rinse. The combination of precision spray arms and intelligent sensors that adjust water temperature and cycle time based on soil levels delivers a consistently brilliant clean.
Drying Performance
As mentioned with CrystalDry, the drying is top-tier. Glasses emerge spotless and streak-free. Silverware is gleaming. And most impressively, plastics are ready for the cupboard. It significantly reduces the amount of “towel-finishing” you have to do after a cycle.
Loading and Flexibility
The adjustable racks are a dream. The EasyGlide rack system ensures the racks pull out smoothly, even when fully loaded. You can raise or lower the middle rack to accommodate tall items like wine glasses or large platters below. The foldable tines give you endless configurations for loading bulky pots, pans, and mixing bowls.
A Candid Look: The Pros and Cons
No appliance is perfect. A balanced Bosch 800 Series dishwasher review must acknowledge both its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Unbelievably Quiet: You will forget it’s running.
- Superior Drying: CrystalDry technology is the best in the business, especially for plastics.
- Excellent Cleaning Power: Tackles tough, stuck-on food with ease.
- Flexible Loading: The MyWay third rack and adjustable tines offer incredible capacity and versatility.
- Premium Build Quality: It feels solid and well-engineered, from the stainless steel tub to the smooth-gliding racks.
Cons:
- The Price: This is a premium appliance, and it comes with a premium price tag.
- Longer Cycle Times: To achieve its amazing efficiency and quietness, cycles can run longer than some other brands, often over two hours.
- Learning Curve: With so many cycles and options, it can take a few runs to figure out the best settings for your typical loads.
Bosch 800 Series vs. Its Siblings: 500 and Benchmark
A common question is whether it’s worth stepping up to the 800 Series from the very capable 500 Series. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Bosch 500 Series | Bosch 800 Series | Bosch Benchmark Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drying Tech | AutoAir (door pops open) | CrystalDry | CrystalDry |
| Noise Level (dBA) | ~44 dBA | ~40-42 dBA | ~38-40 dBA |
| Third Rack | Standard Third Rack | MyWay Rack | MyWay Rack |
| Interior | Stainless Steel Tub | Stainless Steel Tub | Stainless Steel Tub |
| Price Point | Mid-Range | Premium | Ultra-Premium |
The key difference is CrystalDry. If you use a lot of plastics and hate drying them by hand, the upgrade to the 800 Series is easily justified. The 500 Series is a fantastic dishwasher, but the 800 Series solves a problem the 500 doesn’t.
Is the Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher Right for You?
So, after all this, should you buy one?
You should seriously consider the Bosch 800 Series if:
- You have an open-concept living space. The quiet operation is a non-negotiable feature when your kitchen flows into your living room.
- You wash a lot of plastics. If your cabinets are full of food containers, kids’ plates, and reusable water bottles, CrystalDry will change your life.
- You value build quality and longevity. This is an investment in an appliance that is built to last. For more on this, check out our guide on [dishwasher maintenance tips to extend its life].
- You hate pre-rinsing. You want a machine you can trust to clean off tough messes without extra work.
You might want to consider other options if:
- You’re on a tight budget. The Bosch 100 or 300 Series offer great Bosch quality at a more accessible price point.
- You prioritize speed over all else. If you need dishes turned around in under 90 minutes consistently, other brands may offer faster (though often louder and less efficient) cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher last?
With proper care and maintenance, a Bosch dishwasher can be expected to last 10-12 years, and often longer. Their reputation for durability is a major reason for their popularity.
2. Is Bosch CrystalDry technology worth the extra money?
Yes, if you frequently wash plastic items. It is the most effective drying system on the consumer market for plastics, saving you the time and hassle of towel-drying. If you only wash glass and ceramics, you may not see as dramatic a benefit.
3. What is the best detergent to use in a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher?
Bosch recommends using a high-quality tablet detergent, like Finish Quantum, along with a rinse aid. This combination is optimized for their wash systems and will yield the best cleaning and drying results.
4. Can I install a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher myself?
If you have experience with plumbing and electrical work, DIY installation is possible. However, due to the precision fit and to ensure the warranty is not voided, professional installation is highly recommended.
5. How do you clean the filter on a Bosch 800 Series dishwasher?
The filter is easily accessible at the bottom of the tub. Simply unscrew the cylindrical filter assembly, rinse the components under running water to remove food debris, and screw it back into place. This should be done about once a month.
The Final Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, this Bosch 800 Series dishwasher review concludes that the machine absolutely lives up to the hype. It is a thoughtfully designed, brilliantly engineered appliance that excels at its primary job: cleaning and drying dishes with remarkable efficiency and almost no noise. While the initial investment is significant, the daily convenience, superior performance, and long-term reliability make it a worthwhile addition to any modern kitchen. It’s not just a dishwasher; it’s a solution to one of life’s most persistent chores.