Bosch 300 vs 500 vs 800 Series Dishwashers: What Changes at Each Level
How Bosch's 300, 500 and 800 Series dishwashers differ on noise, drying and loading, with one model from each series compared side by side.
Bosch sorts its dishwashers into the 300, 500 and 800 Series. All three are 24-inch built-in models, so the choice is not about size. It comes down to how quietly the dishwasher runs, how well it dries and how much loading flexibility you want.
This guide compares one model from each series that we carry, using the specs listed on each product page. You can browse the full range of Bosch dishwashers once you know which series fits.
- 300 Series (SHP53EM2N): 15 place settings, PureDry, 46 dBA, Wi-Fi.
- 500 Series (SHP65DM5N): 16 place settings, AutoAir drying, 44 dBA, Wi-Fi.
- 800 Series (SHP78DM5N): 16 place settings, CrystalDry, 42 dBA, flexible third rack.
- All three list Sanitize and Energy Star certification.
Our top picks at a glance
Compare them side by sideWhat Changes From the 300 to the 500 to the 800 Series
Noise drops by 2 dBA at each step in this lineup, from 46 dBA on the 300 Series model to 42 dBA on the 800 Series model. Drying improves too: PureDry on the 300 Series, AutoAir on the 500 Series, which opens the door at the end of the cycle, and CrystalDry on the 800 Series.
Wi-Fi, Sanitize and Energy Star certification are listed on all three models, so smart control is not a reason to move up a series.
300 Series: Bosch SHP53EM2N
The SHP53EM2N is a 300 Series dishwasher with 15 place settings, a third rack, PureDry drying, Home Connect Wi-Fi, NSF-certified Sanitize and Energy Star certification. Its listed noise level is 46 dBA, the highest of the three models here, but still quiet enough for most kitchens. It comes in white, which suits kitchens with white cabinetry or other white appliances. Choose it if you want Bosch's core wash features and connected control without the extra drying and loading upgrades of the higher series.
- 15 place settings with a third rack
- Home Connect Wi-Fi
- NSF-certified Sanitize
- Energy Star certified
- 46 dBA, the loudest of the three models here
- PureDry rather than AutoAir or CrystalDry drying
- White finish only on this model
500 Series: Bosch SHP65DM5N
Bosch SHP65DM5N 24 inch 500 Series Smart Pocket Handle Dishwasher with 16 Place Settings, 3rd Rack, AutoAir Drying and Home Connect (Stainless Steel)
The SHP65DM5N moves up to 16 place settings and a 44 dBA noise level. Its headline upgrade is AutoAir drying, which opens the door at the end of the cycle to let steam out and help dishes dry. It keeps Home Connect Wi-Fi, Sanitize, a third rack and Energy Star certification, and has a stainless steel finish with a pocket handle. For many households this is the sensible middle step: quieter and better at drying than the 300 Series, without moving to the 800 Series.
- 16 place settings
- AutoAir drying
- 44 dBA listed noise level
- Home Connect Wi-Fi and Sanitize
- Not as quiet as the 800 Series model
- No CrystalDry
800 Series: Bosch SHP78DM5N
Bosch 800 Series SHP78DM5N 24 Inch Fully Integrated Built-In Smart Dishwasher with with Pocket Handle in Stainless Steel
The SHP78DM5N is the 800 Series model in this guide and the quietest, with a listed noise level of 42 dBA. It has CrystalDry, which helps dry plastics as well as glass and ceramics, plus PrecisionWash and a flexible third rack. Like the others, it has 16 place settings, Home Connect Wi-Fi, Sanitize and Energy Star certification. It suits open-plan kitchens where dishwasher noise carries, or anyone who regularly runs loads with plastic containers.
- 42 dBA, the quietest model here
- CrystalDry drying
- Flexible third rack
- PrecisionWash
- More features than some households need
- Same 16 place settings as the 500 Series model
How to Choose a Bosch Dishwasher Series
- 01
Confirm the openingAll three models are 24-inch built-in dishwashers, so measure your cabinet opening and confirm it is a standard 24-inch space.
- 02
Decide how much quiet you needIn an open-plan kitchen, the 2 to 4 dBA difference between series is easier to notice. The 800 Series model is the quietest here.
- 03
Think about dryingIf you wash a lot of plastics, CrystalDry on the 800 Series is the feature to look for. AutoAir on the 500 Series is a good middle ground.
- 04
Pick your finishThe 300 Series model here is white, and the 500 and 800 Series models are stainless steel.
Compare every Bosch dishwasher we carry by series, finish and features.
Shop Bosch DishwashersFrequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Bosch 300, 500 and 800 Series dishwashers?
Drying and noise are the biggest differences. In this guide, the 300 Series SHP53EM2N uses PureDry and lists 46 dBA, the 500 Series SHP65DM5N adds AutoAir drying at 44 dBA, and the 800 Series SHP78DM5N adds CrystalDry at 42 dBA. All three are 24-inch built-in models with Wi-Fi and Sanitize.
Is the Bosch 500 Series worth it over the 300 Series?
If drying matters to you, the 500 Series is usually the step that makes a difference. The SHP65DM5N adds AutoAir drying, one more place setting and a quieter 44 dBA rating compared with the 300 Series SHP53EM2N.
What is CrystalDry?
CrystalDry is the drying system on the 800 Series SHP78DM5N in this guide. It is designed to dry plastics as well as glass and ceramics, which other drying systems often leave wet.
Do Bosch 300 Series dishwashers have Wi-Fi?
The 300 Series SHP53EM2N in this guide lists Wi-Fi and Home Connect, so you can monitor and start cycles from your phone. Check the product page of any other model, because connectivity varies.
Which Bosch series is quietest?
Of the three models here, the 800 Series SHP78DM5N is quietest at 42 dBA, followed by the 500 Series SHP65DM5N at 44 dBA and the 300 Series SHP53EM2N at 46 dBA.
