The Bosch 800 Series scored 95.5 across all dimensions because it does two things no competitor matches: it dries everything (including plastics) and it runs so quietly you need the indicator light to confirm it's on.
The CrystalDry system uses zeolite minerals to generate 176°F heat inside the tub. Penny Modern loaded it with nothing but plastic cups and Tupperware. They came out bone-dry without warping. Every other dishwasher in this price range left plastic items dripping.
Boulevard Home, who has repaired appliances for 30 years, bought the 500 Series for his parents based on Bosch's track record alone. He moved to the 800 for the PowerControl wash arm, which lets you direct heavier water pressure at specific zones in the bottom rack. Crusty casserole on the left, delicate stemware on the right. Smart Home ran it against baked-on oatmeal, dried Bloody Mary residue, and cake batter. It handled all three without pre-rinsing.
At 42 dB, it barely registers above room noise. Penny Modern tested with a decibel meter and couldn't detect it from the next room. If your kitchen opens into the living space, that number matters more than any spec on the sheet.
What It Won't Do
Bosch removed the physical Delay Start button. Scheduling a wash for off-peak energy hours now requires opening the Home Connect app on your phone. Penny Modern called this a genuine regression, not a feature. The front-panel touch controls can also be unresponsive, requiring harder presses than expected. And the newest models can't be hardwired into your home's electrical system directly. They need a dedicated outlet and plug, which can add $100-200 in electrician costs if your kitchen wasn't set up for it.
The Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ costs $649 at Best Buy and cleans as well as dishwashers twice its price. Smart Home put it through their toughest test: crusty casserole residue, dried cake batter, glasses coated in Bloody Mary mix. It beat several $1,000+ competitors on raw cleaning power.
What makes it unusual at this price is the stainless steel tub. Most sub-$700 dishwashers use plastic tubs that retain odors, dry poorly, and stain over time. The Whirlpool's stainless interior retains heat for better drying and stays odor-free, matching premium machines on the one spec that matters most for longevity.
Frugal Choice and Smart Home both praised its repairability. Whirlpool designs are straightforward. Replacement parts cost a fraction of Bosch or Miele equivalents. Every appliance technician in the country knows how to fix one. Over a 10-year ownership span, that saves hundreds in service calls compared to a Bosch where the tech has to special-order a part from Germany.
What It Won't Do
The best wash cycles take over three hours. The quick cycle exists, but Smart Home noted it's measurably less effective on heavy soil. At 47 dB, it's fine behind a closed kitchen door but you'll hear it in an open floor plan. There's no WiFi, no app, no interior lighting. And capacity tops out at 13 place settings compared to 16 for the Bosch and KitchenAid.
Who Should Buy Which
Bosch 800 Series
CrystalDry zeolite drying and 42 dB silence in one machine
- You have an open-concept kitchen and need near-silent operation (42 dB is barely audible from the next room)
- You wash lots of plastic containers, kids' cups, or Tupperware that other dishwashers leave wet
- You want to skip pre-rinsing and let the PowerControl arm handle heavy baked-on messes
- You're comfortable using a smartphone app for cycle scheduling and want Home Connect integration
- You'd rather invest $1,349 once in a machine with a 10+ year track record
Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ
Stainless-tub cleaning power at half the premium price
- You want stainless-tub build quality without paying premium prices ($649 vs $1,349)
- You cook heavily and need cleaning power that matches $1,000+ competitors
- You prefer simple physical controls with no app dependency or WiFi requirement
- You plan to own long-term and value cheap, universally available repair parts
- You have an enclosed kitchen where 47 dB won't carry into the living room