Miele vs. Bosch Dishwashers: 8 Differences to Know Before Buying

When it comes to high-end dishwashers, Miele and Bosch are two of the most renowned brands on the market. 

But which is better? What are the key differences?

In this comparison of Miele vs. Bosch, you’ll learn how their dishwashers differ in reliability, performance, price, warranty, features, and much more.

So, if you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen but aren’t sure which high-end dishwasher brand is right for you, keep reading. 

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• Miele vs. Bosch Dishwashers: Key Takeaways
• Difference 1: Reliability
• Difference 2: Price
• Difference 3: Warranty
• Difference 4: Features
• Difference 5: Quietness
• Difference 6: Number of Spray Arms
• Difference 7: Longevity
• Difference 8: Models and Options
• What Others Say
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Miele or Bosch Dishwasher?

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Difference 1: Reliability 

Reliability is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a dishwasher, especially if you’re considering expensive brands like Miele and Bosch.

So, how do these brands compare in this category?

As part of my research for my guide to the most reliable dishwasher brands, I contacted 15 different appliance repair companies and asked the technicians two simple questions:

• Which dishwasher brands are the most reliable?
• Which dishwasher brands are the least reliable?

Of the 15 companies I spoke to, 11 said Bosch is one of the most reliable and two said Miele falls in that category. Fortunately, none had anything negative to say about either brand. 

Here are some direct quotes from my conversations.

Synergy Appliances in Wyoming, Michigan, said, “Bosch makes really solid units. Bosch is known for its outstanding dishwasher engineering. However, it is much harder to find Bosch options in stock due to the high demand.”

Appliance Advantage, based in Kennebunk, Maine, said, “Although it’s hard to get right now, the least serviced and longest-lasting dishwasher brand on the market is Miele.”

Dey Distributing, a parts distributor in Minnesota said, “For reliability, Bosch is the best dishwasher brand.”

Nawara Brothers Home Store, an appliance sales and service company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said, “Bosch dishwashers are the most reliable.”

Appliance Service Unlimited in Middleton, Wisconsin, said, “We recommend Bosch for dishwashers. Stay away from Samsung.”

AM Appliance Repair, a service company in Fitchburg, WI, told me, “Bosch is the best brand. Its better models cost around $1000, but they’re almost always worth it.”

Appliance Dean, an Atlanta, Georgia company, said, “Bosch 800 series and above, Miele, and Asko are all great.”

Here are the full results, so you can see how Bosch and Miele stack up against the rest of the industry:

Brand	Votes for Most Reliable Dishwasher	Votes for Least Reliable Dishwasher
Bosch	11	0
GE	4	2
KitchenAid	4	1
Whirlpool	3	0
Miele	2	0
Asko	2	0
Frigidaire	1	0
Cove (Sub-Zero/Wolf)	1	0
LG	2	3
Samsung	0	5

In addition to my conversations with appliance repair experts, I reviewed several years of reliability data in Yale Appliance’s annual reports.

Yale is a Boston-area appliance sales and service company that’s been in business for decades. Every year they publish service rate data on the brands they sell. Service rate is the percentage of appliances sold that needed service within the first year. 

As you’ll see below, Bosch’s average service rate is 5.9%, and Miele’s is 6.2% over the last several years. In other words, roughly 6 out of 100 dishwashers sold require service within the first year.  

Year	Bosch Service Rate	Miele Service Rate
2024	5.9%	6.2%
2023	5.1%	6.7%
2022	10.1%	8.9%
2021	12.8%	8.2%
2020	11.1%	20.5%
2019	11.1%	14.4%
2018	10.4%	6.0%

When it comes to reliability, you can trust both Bosch and Miele to deliver. However, I give Bosch the edge in this category based on the feedback from appliance repair experts. Nearly all the professionals I consulted named Bosch as one of the most reliable dishwasher brands, while only a couple singled out Miele. 

Difference 2: Price

One of the most significant differences between Miele and Bosch dishwashers is price. 

Bosch offers a wider range of prices. Here’s a quick rundown:

• The entry-level 100 Series cost between $550 and $900
• The next step up is the 300 series which costs $1000 to $1100.
• The 500 series costs $1100 to $1150
• The 800 series costs $1300 to $1350
• And the pinnacle of Bosch’s offerings is the Benchmark series, with prices between $1,800 and $2,300.

As you go up in series and price, you get quieter, more flexible dishwashers with more powerful wash systems and more effective drying systems. Read this in-depth guide to learn the key differences between each Bosch series.

Miele, positioned more firmly in the luxury segment, doesn’t have offerings in the lower price range like Bosch. Their dishwashers start at just over $1,000, with the G5000 series comparable in price to Bosch’s 800 series. 

The chart below compares the number of Miele and Bosch dishwasher models across different price ranges.

Price Range	Bosch Models	Miele Models
$999 & Under	22	0
$1000-1500	27	6
$1501-2000	2	8
$2001-2500	4	5
$2500+	0	6

Difference 3: Warranty

Bosch dishwashers come with a one-year limited warranty that covers both parts and labor — meaning any malfunction within this period won’t cost you extra for repairs. 

From the second to the fifth year, Bosch narrows its coverage to include only certain parts: the microprocessor, printed circuit board, and racks — though not the components of those racks. If these parts fail, Bosch provides the replacement part, but you’ll foot the bill for labor.

Bosch’s warranty also covers rust on the inner tub liner for the lifetime of the appliance. If rust damages your dishwasher’s inner tub, Bosch replaces it at no cost. However, you’re responsible for the labor charges.

Miele takes a different approach. The company offers a 2-year warranty covering parts and labor on all its domestic appliances, including dishwashers. You can opt for a 5-year warranty for an additional $319 or go with a 10-year warranty for $649.

Difference 4: Features

Miele and Bosch dishwashers come with advanced features that enhance performance, convenience, and customization. While specific features vary across different models, here is an overview of some of the standout offerings available within each brand:

Bosch Dishwasher Features

Third-Rack Options: Excluding the 100 series, Bosch dishwashers come with a third rack for utensils and small cups or plates. The 500, 800, and Benchmark series models come with a flexible third rack that you can adjust to fit taller items or keep shallow to fit more underneath.

EasyGlide Rack System: Bosch’s EasyGlide rack system makes loading and unloading easy. The racks slide smoothly on ball-bearing wheels, even when fully loaded.

FlexSpace Tines: The FlexSpace Tines are adjustable, giving you the flexibility to make room for those awkwardly shaped or larger dishes.

RackMatic: The RackMatic feature allows you to adjust the middle rack to one of nine positions, ensuring space for whatever you need to wash.

Home Connect: The Home Connect App brings your dishwasher into the digital world, enabling you to control it via a smartphone app.

AutoAir and CrystalDry: Bosch’s innovative drying technologies include AutoAir, which pops the door open slightly at the end of a cycle, and CrystalDry, leveraging zeolite for drier dishes faster. AutoAir is available in 500 series dishwashers; the 800 and Benchmark dishwashers have CrystalDry.

Speed60 Wash: Need clean dishes fast? The Speed60 Wash cycle cleans and dries lightly soiled dishes in just 60 minutes.

InfoLight: The InfoLight feature projects a red light onto the floor to indicate when the dishwasher is operating, ideal for the super-quiet Bosch dishwashers. Benchmark models have a TimeLight feature that displays the time remaining in the cycle on the floor for added convenience.

Miele Dishwasher Features

Stainless Steel Interior: All Miele dishwashers boast a sleek and durable stainless steel interior — a step up from plastic tubs (Bosch 100 series dishwashers have a plastic tub bottom).

Cleaning and Drying Cycles: Miele offers a vast array of up to 14 cleaning cycles, ensuring a perfect match for every type of load. To give you an idea, some of the most commonly used cycles are Normal, Rinse and Hold, QuickIntense, Sani-Wash, Pots & Pans, and China & Crystal.

QuickIntense Wash Cycle: QuickIntense Wash is Miele’s answer to Bosch’s Speed60, but this cycle cleans your dishes in just 58 minutes.

Sensor Wash: Miele’s Sensor wash is precise, taking three turbidity readings during a cycle to tailor the washing conditions optimally.

AutoDos Automatic Detergent Dispenser: The AutoDos system, exclusive to the G7000 series, dispenses detergent automatically for up to 20 cycles. Insert a PowerDisk inside the door, and you’re set — there’s no need to add detergent for each cycle.

Auto Open Door for Drying: Similar to Bosch’s AutoAir, Miele dishwashers feature an Auto Open Door. This mechanism automatically opens the door at the end of a cycle, letting air circulate to dry your dishes, particularly plastic items, more effectively.

Knock2Open: Select Miele dishwashers feature a knock-to-open function, allowing you to gently knock on the dishwasher to open the door. These handless models have an ultra-sleek and modern look.

AutoClose: The door closes softly and quietly with just a light touch.

Built-in Water Softener: A built-in water softener in most Miele models ensures optimal performance, even if you have hard water.

Flexible Third Rack: The Flexible third rack in Miele dishwashers offers extensive adjustability for customized loading. The innovative 3D third rack design has sliding side sections that move to accommodate taller items in the middle rack below. 

Wi-Fi Connectivity: Selected Miele models in the G7000 series feature Wi-Fi Connectivity, offering the convenience of starting your dishwasher remotely.

Difference 5: Quietness

Quietness in dishwashers is gauged in decibels (dBA). For reference, a library’s quiet environment is around 40 dBA, while a whisper is just 30 dBA. A difference of just a few decibels can significantly affect how you perceive the sound of your dishwasher. Keep in mind that most dishwashers are between 46 and 60 dBA.

Bosch dishwashers are known for their quiet performance. In fact, they are some of the quietest in the world. They operate in the range of 42 to 46 dBA across most models.

The table below shows Bosch’s noise level by series:

Bosch Dishwasher Series	Quietness (dBA)
100 Series	46 – 50
300 Series	46
500 Series	44
800 Series	42
Benchmark	38 – 39

Miele dishwashers are also quiet. The G5000 series is as quiet as Bosch’s 300 or 500 series, so you’re not likely to notice it’s running unless you’re right next to it. Here are the specifics:

• G5000 Series: Ranges from 42 to 44 dBA, similar to background noise you’d easily talk over.
• G7000 Series: With 38-42 dBA, it’s like a quiet office space.

Select models include an ExtraQuiet wash cycle that emits just 38 dBA. This option is ideal when you’re hosting, watching TV, sleeping, or you have an open-concept kitchen. 

Difference 6: Number of Spray Arms

Miele dishwashers feature three full-size stainless steel spray arms — one dedicated for each rack. This design ensures consistent cleaning performance regardless of how many items are loaded across the dishwasher.

In contrast, Bosch dishwashers have two full-size spray arms. One spray arm is below the bottom rack and another is above the middle rack. The third rack relies on a smaller half-dollar-sized circular sprayer. 

Since this sprayer is less powerful than a full-size spray arm, the third rack relies on water pressure from the middle rack’s spray arm to aid in cleaning utensils.

Difference 7: Longevity

While both Miele and Bosch make reliable dishwashers designed to last, Miele appliances tend to have greater longevity.

I spoke with the sales manager at Poirier, an appliance sales and service company in Norwood, Massachusetts, that has sold both brands for years. He said, “Bosch dishwashers typically last 8-10 years, while Miele models can operate reliably for 15-20 years.”

He explained that Miele’s extended lifespan is due to the company manufacturing every component in-house at their facilities in Germany. By not outsourcing any parts or production, Miele can closely oversee quality control and craftsmanship. This results in robust appliances built to provide decades of service.

He mentioned that some Bosch dishwasher parts are sourced or assembled at third-party sites in the US and overseas rather than at the company’s primary manufacturing facilities in Germany.

Difference 8: Models and Options

Bosch makes over 50 dishwasher models. Choose from white, black, classic stainless, and modern black stainless door finishes. You can also opt for a panel-ready door that blends seamlessly with your cabinetry. 

They offer a variety of handles, including bar, pocket, recessed, scoop, and custom. 

Control panels are available at the top or front, offering the flexibility to pick what’s best for your kitchen’s design and ease of use.

Miele offers fewer models — around 30 — but each is thoughtfully designed. The finishes include clean touch stainless, fingerprint-resistant black stainless, and panel-ready. 

Miele provides bar or pocket handles, and for a sleeker design, the G7000 series features a handless door with a knock-to-open function — knock, and the dishwasher discreetly opens. 

Miele also offers top or front controls. Top-of-the-line models have digital controls that respond like a smartphone screen.

What Others Say About Miele and Bosch Dishwashers

Let’s take a look at what other independent outlets are saying about Bosch and Miele dishwashers. 

Miele Accolades:

• The New York Times named the Miele G7106 their “Upgrade Pick” due to its exceptional cleaning ability, elevated features, and Miele’s reputation for reliability. Based on their testing, it performed well at cleaning baked-on foods thanks to its QuickIntenseWash technology and Express Mode. It also has sturdy, roomy racks that are easy to load. At 43 decibels, it was the quietest model tested.
• Forbes named Miele G7316SCU the Best High-End Dishwasher for its quick wash cycle, Wi-Fi connectivity, power, and the fact that you don’t need to pre-rinse. Its layout is customizable and automatically senses and dispenses the right detergent amount.
• Good Housekeeping voted the Miele Smart Dishwasher with AutoDos Best Overall for stellar cleaning ability, even on tough messes. Its AutoDos system dispenses precise detergent amounts without adding more detergent for each load. While expensive, Miele dishwashers offer valuable extras.

Bosch Accolades:

• CNET named the Bosch 300 Series SHEM63W55N Best Overall for combining great features at a reasonable price.
• Forbes included two Bosch models among the Best Dishwashers; the 100 series for its half-load cycle, versatile racks, and sleekness; and the 500 Series for its range of features and flexible third rack.
• The New York Times has long endorsed Bosch, specifically the 300 Series SHEM63W55N and its replacement SHE53C85N, for outstanding cleaning, flexible racks, quietness, and strong reliability.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Miele or Bosch Dishwasher?

When deciding between Miele and Bosch dishwashers, it comes down to your budget and which features are most important to you. 

Miele dishwashers start at over $1,000, placing them firmly in the luxury appliance category. For the premium price, you get a better warranty (2-year vs. 1-year) and extra conveniences like the knock-to-open door, AutoDos automatic detergent dispenser, and interior lights. If these features appeal to you and the price fits your budget, Miele is a great option. 

However, Bosch is likely the better value and more practical choice for most people. While still highly rated for reliability and performance, Bosch dishwashers start at just $550, offering powerful cleaning and effective drying capabilities without as many fancy extras. 

Either way, you can trust both brands to get your dishes sparkling clean.