If you’re looking for the best dishwasher, then you’re probably considering Miele and Bosch.
Both are considered the best for several reasons, but which is better?
That really depends on a variety of factors.
So in this article, you’ll learn about features, problems, plus reliability based on 37,000 plus real service calls.
At the end, you’ll know which dishwasher is right for you.
Table of Contents
Similarities
Let’s start with what they have in common.
You can place a panel on either of these dishwashers seamlessly. They’ll look like a cabinet, not like a dishwasher with a panel because they do not protrude past the cabinet.
Miele has a double insulated tub to prevent leaks. Bosch has the Aqua stop so you don’t flood your kitchen or your downstairs neighbors.
They both have stainless tubs. Then again, most premium dishwashers do. Stainless is more hygienic than plastic and doesn’t retain odors.
Bosch has five styles, one being paneled. Miele has three, with one being paneled.
Normally, I don’t mention styles. However, with product scarcities, you can buy a dishwasher with the same features a number of different ways.
So if it’s not available with a towel bar handle, for example, buy it with a pocket handle.
Problems
Both brands have availability issues and will have problems into 2022 and maybe beyond.
Both brands have an expensive dishwasher over $2,000. At a certain point, the added features don’t justify the added price.
For example, the $2,149 Bosch benchmark doesn’t have the best Crystal dry drying the brand is now known for.
Miele is a bit better over $2,000 with their G75 and G79 models. But most of Miele’s core features are available in the $1,999 G73 series.
We’ll see other problems revolve around quietness and what is really needed in your home.
Sound Level
For a quiet Dishwasher 44 decibels is the standard threshold, so you won’t hear it running in an open kitchen.
You can buy them as low as 38 decibels, but the noticeable noise difference is not that great.
I say that because people tend to over buy for quietness. For example, you can buy a 44 decibel Bosch at $899, a 40 decibel Bosch for $1349 or 38 decibel Bosch at $2149.
Assuming you want basic main features, the $899 is fine for quietness.
The new G5000 series Mieles are now 44 decibels, so every model in this comparison meets the 44 decibel threshold.
Just know, you don’t need a 38 decibel dishwasher unless you like some other features.
Washing
Both will wash your dishes. However, if you look closely, Miele has a better washing system.
It has a full wash arm on the top versus a sprinkler head for Bosch. It may be an issue if you load up that third rack.
Miele should be considered slightly better. On Miele’s better G73, 75, and 79 series dishwashers you have their automatic dispenser, dubbed the Auto Dose.
You can load up to 20 washes, and it releases the right amount of detergent at the right time for the cleanest dishes.
Miele also has the quick, intense wash, a 58 minutes cycle, which adds pressure to the dishes for faster clean.
The Bosch speed 60 cleans in 60 minutes just without the added pressure.
Cycles
The Germans, Miele don’t believe in a ton of cycles, whereas the German Americans, Bosch do.
At $999, both Miele and Bosch will have five cycles, but Bosch adds five options. That’s a consistent theme. You will be able to choose more cycles and options in a Bosch versus a similarly priced Miele.
Drying
Miele is known for drying with it’s clean air system. It’s so simple you have to wonder why others don’t copy it.
In a Miele dishwasher, the port on the bottom allows air to the side of the dishwasher. The steam and heat are attracted to the cooler side, and it’s dissipated as water.
On the better Mieles you have two ports, so air sent to both sides. Miele also pops the door open and the one $1499 plus G7000 designated dishwashers.
It’s a great feature, especially if you wash overnight. The steam doesn’t leave residual moisture on your dishes.
Bosch calls their similar dishwasher opening Auto air, but you can buy that feature in the $1,090 – $1,199 range.
However, the best drying dishwashers of the Bosch with Crystal dryer at $1299 to $1399. In additional auto air, it uses zeolite of volcanic mineral to absorb moisture in amid heat.
It actually works, so if you use a lot of plastics, then Bosch Crystal dry is probably the best dishwash to consider.
At $1,000, Miele is better with their clean air system, but Bosch will be close with auto air.
Racking
Miele again was the first with a third rack for silverware. Everyone copied it to a certain extent, including Bosch.
Third racks are a good way to add more room for plates at the bottom by moving the silverware up top.
Now Bosch has their MyWay rack so you can fit more on the third rack. Miele has their fold down threeway rack so you can fit larger items on the second rack.
What’s better is it depends on how you use it.
Miele’s 3rd rack will be better if you have fine silverware because it locks it in place. The silverware won’t budge during the wash.
Reliability
Lots of other reviewers proclaim Bosch and Miele to be the most reliable dishwasher, that’s not true.
Here the exact service percentages of both brands in comparison to others.
This is just for last year, Miele had a return to excellence after a few years of issues like frozen motors and buzzing solenoids.
8.2% is a decent percentage, especially for a higher priced, well featured dishwasher.
Bosch had an off year after being one of the most reliable for the last five years. It’s still a good reliability rate for a higher end dishwasher, especially with the new innovations. Bosch should improve in the future.
Which Should You Buy?
First, both are great brands. They both set the standard for better dishwashers.
There will be availability problems with both brands into 2022, so you should consider both and all the different handle styles in your dishwasher search.
For Bosch the advantages are better quietness and drying at lower prices. You also have the best drawing with Crystal dry at a better price than Miele.
Miele has the best wash system racking with excellent drying and for this year better availability,
You also have some interesting usable features like the auto dose at higher prices, which Bosch does not.
So it really depends on the features you’re considering along with your budget.
That’s Miele versus Bosch.