Bosch 300 vs. 800 Dishwashers: 7 Key Differences

Are you shopping for a new dishwasher but can’t decide between Bosch 300 and 800?

What’s the difference between these series? Is a Bosch 800 model worth the higher price?

In his comparison of Bosch 300 vs. 800 series dishwashers, I break down the differences in features, performance, noise level, finishes, price, and more.

I also reveal insights from appliance retailers about both series.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• Bosch 300 vs. 800 Series: Key Takeaways
• Comparison Chart
• Difference 1: Drying Technology
• Difference 2: Price
• Difference 3: Finishes
• Difference 4: Handle Design
• Difference 5: Control Panel
• Difference 6: Noise Level
• Difference 7: Rack Options
• Similarities Between Bosch 300 and 800 Series Dishwashers
• What Appliance Experts Say
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Bosch 300 or 800 Series Dishwasher?

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Comparison Chart

The chart below provides a quick side-by-side comparison of Bosch 300 and 800 series dishwashers.

	Bosch 300 Series	Bosch 800 Series
Capacity	10 – 16 place settings	10 -16 place settings
Noise Level	44 – 46	42
Finishes	Stainless steel, black, white, panel-ready	Stainless steel, black stainless, black, white, panel-ready
Handles	Recessed, towel bar, panel-ready	Recessed, towel bar, panel-ready, pocket
Control Panel	Push button	Touch activated
Front Controls	Yes	Yes
Top Controls	Yes	Yes
Info Light	Yes	Yes
3rd Rack	Standard 3rd Rack	Flexible 3rd rack
EasyGlide Racks	Yes	Yes
Drying Options	PureDry	CrystalDry
Water Softener	Available in one model (SHE53B75UC)	Available in select models
Wi-Fi Connectivity	Yes	Yes
Price*	$850 to $1,100	$1,099 to $1,699
Top Reason to Buy	Less expensive	Advanced drying technology; larger and more flexible 3rd rack
Top Reason to NOT Buy	Inferior drying technology; smaller 3rd rack	More expensive

Difference 1: Drying Technology

One of the most significant differences between Bosch 300 and 800 dishwashers is their drying technology.

The 300 series uses PureDry, Bosch’s standard condensation drying. The process is simple. Hot rinse water evaporates off dishes. That moisture condenses on the cooler stainless steel walls before dripping to the bottom and draining out.

Alternatively, the 800 series features CrystalDry technology. CrystalDry uses zeolite, a volcanic mineral, to transform moisture into heat. A fan directs the moist air inside the dishwasher toward this mineral, which sucks in the moisture and spits out hot, dry air. According to Bosch, this method dries your dishes, including plastic items, 60% better than PureDry.

The 300 series still provides effective drying with PureDry. But the 800 series takes it up a notch with CrystalDry. Dishes and plastics dry completely without spots or standing water. If avoiding water spots is important to you, CrystalDry in the 800 series is worth the investment.

Difference 2: Price

The second most notable difference between Bosch 300 and 800 dishwashers is price.

If you want the best value, go with the 300 series. It’s positioned just below Bosch’s mid-tier 500 series but still delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Expect to spend between $850 and $1,100 on a 300 series dishwasher.

The 800 series is one of Bosch’s most expensive and feature-rich set of dishwashers (the Benchmark series is one step up). These machines will set you back anywhere from $1,099 to $1,699.

Difference 3: Finishes

Bosch 300 and 800 series dishwashers come in various finishes, including stainless steel, black, and white.

Both series also offer panel-ready models. “Panel-ready” means a custom panel can be added to the dishwasher to blend seamlessly with your kitchen.

In addition to stainless steel, black, and white, the 800 series has a unique “black inox” finish that you can’t get with a 300 series model.

Black inox is essentially a sleek black stainless steel that can give your kitchen a premium and modern look. Unlike the standard black finish you can get with both series, black inox has a subtle shine.

Difference 4: Handle Design

The Bosch 300 series dishwashers offer three main types of handles:

• Recessed or Scoop Handle: This handle is flush with the door, giving the appliance a sleek look.
• Towel Bar: Unlike the recessed handle, this one protrudes, offering a better grip and space to hang towels.
• Panel-Ready: Like the finish options, you can add custom hardware to match your kitchen.

In addition to these options, you can buy an 800 series dishwasher with a pocket handle.

Pocket handles are wider than recessed handles, providing more room to grip. It’s a great option if you find recessed handles too small but want to avoid the protrusion of a towel bar.

Difference 5: Control Panel

Dishwashers have either front or top control panels.

Dishwashers with a front control panel have buttons positioned on the front of the door. You can access and see the controls with the door closed.

Top control panels hide the buttons on top and are only visible when the door is open.

Front control panels allow easy access and let you monitor cycles without opening the door. But top controls have a more seamless, integrated look. Toddlers and young kids are also less likely to mess with top controls.

Bosch 300 series dishwashers come with either a front or top control panel with a push-button design. You need to firmly press these buttons to select a cycle. Push buttons make it harder to press the wrong option accidentally.

Most 800 series models offers a sleek top control panel — only two models have a front control panel.

The touch controls on 800 series dishwashers are flat; a light tap is all they need to activate. Touch controls can seem more high-tech, but it’s easier to select the wrong cycle accidentally.

Difference 6: Noise Level

Bosch 300 series dishwashers make between 44-46 decibels of sound, similar to a fan’s gentle hum. To put this in context, it’s quieter than a typical conversation at home, which is around 60 decibels.

So, even when the dishwasher is running, you won’t need to raise your voice to chat with someone in the kitchen.

Bosch 800 series models are quieter, operating at around 42 decibels. This noise level is similar to a library whisper, which sits at approximately 40 decibels.

A 4-decibel difference might not sound like much, but decibels are logarithmic units (non-linear). That means the 800 series is substantially quieter than its 300 series counterpart.

Those extra decibels can make a difference for open-concept homes or small apartments where sound can be carried easily.

Difference 7: Rack Options

Bosch dishwashers come equipped with two rack options: Standard and Flexible. They previously offered a third, even larger option called the MyWay rack. But as of 2023, there are only two options.

The Standard rack has a unique V-shape design that creates ample space for flatware, large utensils, and measuring cups while leaving room on the middle rack for taller items like stemware.

The Flexible rack features expandable wings that lower to accommodate deeper items. Its adjustable tines can also be customized to fit bulkier or oddly shaped dishes, making this a flexible and adaptable rack option.

All Bosch 300 series dishwashers have a standard third rack with a removable silverware basket. Most people use the third rack for utensils and remove the utensil basket to fit more plates on the bottom rack.

Every Bosch 800 series model has a Flexible third rack, which you can shift up or down to make space for small cups, whisks, and odd-shaped items.

Similarities Between Bosch 300 and 800 Series Dishwashers

While the 300 and 800 series have their differences, they also share some standout features that make either choice a quality investment.

Tub Materials

Both series use all-stainless steel tubs, which are less likely to retain odors or stain over time than plastic tubs. The steel also helps in speeding up the drying process by retaining heat.

Capacity

Whether you have a spacious or compact kitchen, Bosch has you covered. Both series offer dishwashers in 24-inch and 17 ¾-inch sizes. To put it in perspective, a 24-inch model can hold up to 16 place settings, while a 17-inch unit can accommodate 10.

Reliability

I recently published a guide on the most (and least) reliable dishwasher brands, and as part of the research for that guide, I interviewed multiple appliance repair companies. Almost every expert I spoke to endorsed all Bosch series for their reliability. So, regardless of the model you buy, the risk of something breaking and needing service is equally low.

RackMatic

The RackMatic feature allows for easy adjustments to the middle rack’s height. With three height settings and up to nine rack positions, you can customize the dishwasher interior to fit items like tall wine glasses or bulky pots.

FlexSpace Tines

FlexSpace Tines can be folded back to create room for larger items. Imagine fitting in an oversized pot without doing a separate wash — FlexSpace Tines make it easy.

EasyGlide

Both series employ EasyGlide, which uses ball bearings to make pulling out a loaded rack incredibly smooth.

Water Softener

Hard water leaves spots on your glassware. Models from both series come with built-in water softeners, breaking down the minerals in the water to prevent spotting and mineral buildup.

AquaStop

AquaStop is Bosch’s answer to leak prevention. Sensors detect if water levels in the machine become too high or if a leak starts, automatically shutting off the machine and pumping out the water.

Child Lock

The child lock feature keeps the panel locked during operation. If your curious toddler tries to press buttons mid-cycle, nothing will happen.

PrecisionWash

Both series utilize intelligent sensors that continually monitor the progress of dishes and adjust the cycle as needed.

InfoLight

The 300 and 800 series Bosch dishwashers operate so quietly you may not realize a cycle is running. All top-control 300 and 800 series models have an InfoLight that indicates when a wash is in progress. A red light is projected on the floor below the dishwasher. The light stays on throughout the cycle and automatically turns off when the dishes are finished washing.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

All models in both series are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control basic dishwasher operations via the Home Connect app. This app is your remote control for the dishwasher, where you can start or stop cycles and even get notified if there’s a leak. Other benefits include:

• Monitoring dishwashing cycles: Know the status of your current wash cycle so you’re not guessing.
• Choosing wash features: You can tweak the wash cycle settings to meet your needs.
• Speeding up a wash cycle: In a hurry? Make the dishwasher run faster via the app.
• Creating favorite cycles: Set up your most-used cycles for easy access.
• Running diagnostics: If something feels off, run a test to check your appliance’s status.

What Appliance Retailers Say

To get further insight into Bosch 300 and 800 series dishwashers, I spoke with appliance sales managers at several local appliance retailers.

When I spoke to each expert, I asked two questions:

• What’s the difference between Bosch 300 and 800 dishwashers?
• Which series do you recommend?

The sales manager at Warrendale Appliance in Waltham, Massachusetts, said, “The main difference is 800 series dishwashers are more expensive and have a more advanced drying system. Besides that, 800 models are a bit quieter.”

When asked which series he recommends, he said, “The 300 series is a top seller because it’s more affordable. But the 800 series offers more advanced features, and you never have to wipe down your dishes after the dry cycle.”

The appliance expert at Jarvis Appliance in Wellesley, Massachusetts, said, “Both have steel tubs, precision washing, red indicator lights, and many different cycles. And both are highly reliable. The biggest difference is their price and rack options. 800 series dishwashers cost about twice as much, but they have a larger 3rd rack that can hold bowls and small glasses. If you’re looking for a good-quality machine to wash and dry your dishes, 300 is a better value. But an 800 model is worth the extra money if you want a larger third rack.”

The salesman at Yale Appliance in Boston, Massachusetts, said, “Bosch has had a ton of issues with lead times. We haven’t had 300 series models in stock in the last two years. Part of that is supply chain, but part is demand — more people want a 300 model because it’s less expensive. If you can afford it, though, 800 models have a better drying system, larger 3rd rack, and more adjustable rack options. Both are solid dishwashers, but you get more bells and whistles with the 800 series.”

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Bosch 300 or 800 Series Dishwasher?

If you’re looking for a dependable dishwasher with basic features and are on a budget, the 300 series is a great choice.

However, if you’re willing to invest in advanced features like a quieter operation, CrystalDry drying technology, and a larger 3rd rack, the 800 series is worth the extra cost.

Your final decision should align with your specific needs, lifestyle, and, of course, budget.