The Bosch 800 Series and KitchenAid 604 Series dishwashers are both premium appliances, but they cater to different priorities. The Bosch 800 excels in ultra-quiet operation and advanced drying technology for plastics, all packaged in a sleek, minimalist design. The KitchenAid 604, on the other hand, focuses on powerful cleaning performance and a robust, professional-style build at a slightly more accessible price point.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right dishwasher from Bosch or KitchenAid for your home.
Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
The Bosch 800 is a favorite in modern, open-concept homes where noise reduction is critical. This series sets the industry standard for quiet performance, thanks to precision German engineering and superior insulation. Beyond its silence, it’s most famous for its CrystalDry technology, which delivers exceptionally dry dishes - even plastics - at the end of a cycle.
- What it is: A premium dishwasher engineered for ultra-quiet operation, energy efficiency, and advanced drying capabilities.
- Key features: CrystalDry technology uses natural minerals to dry dishes completely, PrecisionWash sensors scan dishes throughout the cycle for a perfect clean, operates as low as 42 dBA, and a flexible third rack provides extra space for utensils and small items.
- Price: Ranges from $1,099 to $1,399.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist with flush installation options. Many models feature a clean, handle-free look (pocket handle) or are panel-ready to blend seamlessly with cabinetry.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-grade stainless steel interior, multiple layers of advanced insulation for sound dampening, and durable, easy-glide racks.
- Pros: Extremely quiet, making it ideal for open-plan kitchens. Outstanding drying performance, especially on plastics. Sleek, integrated aesthetic fits modern decor. Very energy and water-efficient.
- Cons: Higher price point than many competitors. Standard wash cycles can be longer to conserve energy. The sophisticated rack system can take some time to get used to.
The discerning homeowner who values peace and quiet, wants the best drying technology, and desires a dishwasher that virtually disappears into their modern kitchen will find the Bosch 800 is a perfect fit.
Shop this product: bosch-home.com/us/products/dishwashers/800-series
KitchenAid 604 Series Dishwasher
The KitchenAid 604 is built for the passionate home cook who needs reliable, powerful cleaning performance. Drawing on its legacy of robust kitchen equipment, this dishwasher focuses on scrubbing away tough food soils and offering flexible loading options for a wide range of dishes, pots, and pans. It combines this power with a classic, professional-style aesthetic.
- What it is: A high-performance dishwasher designed for powerful cleaning action and durability, with a focus on interior flexibility.
- Key features: The ProWash Cycle automatically adapts cycle time and water usage to soil levels, the FreeFlex Third Rack has a deep, angled design to fit glasses and mugs, and the PrintShield Finish resists smudges and fingerprints.
- Price: Ranges from $899 to $1,199.
- Style: A classic, professional-inspired look featuring a prominent towel-bar handle. It's designed to make a statement and match other pro-style kitchen appliances.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable stainless steel tub, heavy-duty racks with smooth SatinGlide rails, and a robust construction meant for long-term use.
- Pros: Excellent cleaning of heavily soiled dishes. The versatile third rack offers significantly more capacity for small items. Generally more affordable than the Bosch 800. The smudge-resistant finish is great for families.
- Cons: Not as quiet as the Bosch 800 (typically around 44 dBA). Lacks the advanced drying technology found in the Bosch, so plastics may come out damp. The design is less minimalist and may not suit all kitchen styles.
This dishwasher is an excellent choice for busy cooks and families who prioritize cleaning power and loading capacity and appreciate a durable appliance with a timeless, professional appearance.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/major-appliances/dishwashers/premium-dishwashers.html
Bosch 800 vs. KitchenAid 604 Comparison
Cleaning & Drying Performance
Both dishwashers deliver a powerful clean, but they go about it differently. KitchenAid’s ProWash Cycle aggressively tackles baked-on food with its high-pressure wash arms, making it a workhorse for messy pots and pans. Bosch’s PrecisionWash uses intelligent sensors to continuously monitor soil levels and adjust the spray, optimizing for efficiency and a gentler, yet thorough, clean.
The biggest difference is in drying. Bosch’s CrystalDry technology is unmatched - it uses zeolite minerals to absorb moisture and create heat, leaving even notoriously tricky plastics bone-dry. KitchenAid uses a more traditional heated dry system combined with a fan (ProDry), which is effective on most items but often leaves plastic containers and lids with some residual moisture.
Noise Level
This is a clear win for the Bosch 800 Series. Operating as low as 42 decibels (dBA), it’s effectively silent. You often need to check the InfoLight - a red beam projected onto the floor - just to know if it's running. The KitchenAid 604 is also quiet at around 44 dBA, but the ~2 dBA difference is noticeable. While quiet for most homes, it’s not as whisper-quiet as the Bosch, making Bosch the superior choice for open-concept layouts where kitchen and living areas merge.
Materials & Construction
Both brands use high-quality, durable stainless steel tubs that aid in drying and resist stains and odors. The construction quality reflects their brand identities. Bosch feels like a finely tuned piece of German engineering, with an emphasis on seamless integration and hidden technology like sound insulation. The KitchenAid 604 feels like a robust American-made tool - heavy-duty racks, strong handles, and SatinGlide rails that feel substantial and built to last under heavy use for years to come.
Price & Value
The KitchenAid 604 is consistently the more budget-friendly option, often saving you a few hundred dollars upfront. It delivers tremendous value with its powerful cleaning, large capacity, and durable build. The Bosch 800 commands a premium price, but that extra cost pays for industry-leading quietness, superior drying, and a more integrated, high-end look. The best value depends on your priorities: pay less for raw cleaning power with KitchenAid, or pay more for advanced technology and silent operation with Bosch.
Style & Aesthetics
The two dishwashers offer very different aesthetic approaches. The Bosch 800 is made for a minimalist kitchen. With its pocket handles and panel-ready options, it’s designed to disappear. It looks sleek, modern, and unobtrusive. The KitchenAid 604, with its bold towel-bar handle and sturdy appearance, embraces a classic professional look. It’s meant to be seen and to coordinate with other substantial, chef-inspired appliances.
Who Each One Works Best For
The best dishwasher for you comes down to how you live and what you cook. The Bosch 800 is the clear choice for homeowners with open-concept floor plans, light sleepers, or anyone who simply despises appliance noise. It's also ideal for those who wash a lot of reusable plastic containers and demand perfect drying results every time.
The KitchenAid 604 is better suited for avid home cooks and large families who generate a lot of heavily soiled dishes. If your top priority is scrubbing power to handle lasagna pans and greasy pots, and you love the versatility of a third rack that can hold small bowls and mugs, this dishwasher offers practical performance and a timeless design.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent dishwashers from reputable brands, but they serve different needs.
Choose the Bosch 800 if:
- Silent operation is your absolute top priority and you have an open-concept kitchen.
- You are frustrated with wet dishes, especially plastics, at the end of a cycle.
- You want a sleek, modern, integrated look that doesn't interrupt your cabinetry.
- Energy and water efficiency are important factors in your decision.
Choose the KitchenAid 604 if:
- You regularly wash heavily soiled pots, pans, and casserole dishes.
- You want maximum loading flexibility, including a third rack that can fit small cups and bowls.
- You prefer the classic, durable look of a professional-style kitchen appliance.
- You are looking for top-tier cleaning performance at a more moderate price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Bosch 800 and KitchenAid 604?
The three main differences are noise, drying, and style. The Bosch 800 is significantly quieter and has superior CrystalDry technology for plastics, with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The KitchenAid 604 focuses on powerful cleaning cycles and has a more traditional, pro-style look.
Which dishwasher is quieter?
The Bosch 800 Series is quieter. With models rated as low as 42 dBA, it is one of the quietest dishwasher series available and is often considered virtually silent during operation.
Which one dries plastic better?
The Bosch 800 is the clear winner here due to its patented CrystalDry feature. This technology uses zeolite minerals to transform moisture into heat, quickly drying everything, including tough-to-dry plastic items like Tupperware and water bottles.
Is the third rack better on the Bosch or KitchenAid?
It depends on your needs. KitchenAid’s FreeFlex Third Rack is often considered more versatile because it’s deep enough to hold mugs, small bowls, and glassware. Bosch’s third rack is typically shallower, designed primarily for silverware and small utensils, which frees up space in the basket below.
Are panel-ready options available for both?
Yes, both the Bosch 800 Series and KitchenAid 604 Series offer panel-ready models that allow you to install a custom cabinet front for a truly seamless, integrated look.
Which brand is more reliable?
Both Bosch and KitchenAid are well-regarded for reliability and have strong reputations in the appliance industry. Repair rates for both are typically low, and they are considered dependable, long-term investments.
Which one fits more dishes?
While both are standard 24-inch dishwashers with similar place-setting capacities on paper, the usable space can feel different. The deeper third rack on the KitchenAid 604 can give it an edge in practical capacity for families who use lots of small cups and bowls.
How do I know if the silent Bosch dishwasher is even running?
Most Bosch 800 Series models include an "InfoLight," which is a small red LED light that shines on the floor below the dishwasher to indicate that a cycle is in progress. The light turns off when the cycle is complete.
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