Bosch 300 Series Dishwasher Review

Bosch updated its entire dishwasher lineup for 2017 to include some new features and improve a few old ones.

That includes the 300, 500, 800, and Benchmark series models—which are largely identical when it comes to cleaning, but differ widely when it comes to design and features. We tested the Bosch 300 Series SHXM63WS5N , and can confidently say a great dishwasher is now even better.

What's New

Based on consumer feedback, Bosch changed some things up in their new dishwashers. New models dry better, fit bigger dishes, and take less time. At this point, most (if not all) of the following features can be expected on every 300 Series model:

• Reduced Noise – 300 Series dishwashers are now between 44 and 46 dBA • RackMatic – An adjustable upper rack with three different height levels, formerly available only on the 500 series and up, now comes standard on the 300 Series • 24/7 AquaStop – A redesigned base meant to contain leaks, complete with a sensor and pump that will shut down the dishwasher and drain water if a leak should occur at any time, not just when the dishwasher is in use • New 3rd Rack – All Bosch dishwashers get a 3rd rack, and they've been tweaked to fit more than just silverware • Speed60 Cycle – A quick cycle that's designed to clean and dry in about an hour (a few models feature a less-intense half-hour Clean30 cycle for less-soiled dishes) • ExtraDry – Raises temperatures during the drying phase for improved moisture evaporation • FlexSpace Tines – Most 300 Series dishwashers have a redesigned adjustable tine format for easier loading of thicker dishes, including adjustable tines on both the upper and lower racks. • EasyGlide Wheels – Both upper and lower racks slide in and out more smoothly • Water Softener – The SGE53U55UC comes with a built-in water softener, which can prevent spotting and etching on glass. Such an option is normally reserved only for higher-end models

What's the difference?

There are 25 dishwashers in the Bosch 300 Series, which is built in New Bern, NC. You can order a 300 Series in stainless, black, white, or panel-ready for an integrated look. A traditional bar-style handle and hidden controls look great in a luxe or traditional kitchen, while models with a recessed "pocket" handle gives a modern look, and dishwashers with front-mounted controls are easy to see.

In fact, there are more options in the 300 Series than in the mid-range 500 Series, as front controls, water softeners, and panel-ready designs skip the 500 Series.

We recommend the 300 Series over the entry-level Bosch Ascenta models, which we don't think clean as well as other affordable dishwashers.

How does it clean?

We love how the new Bosch dishwashers feel. But to find out how well they cleaned, we had to put one through the standard lab tests we subject all dishwashers to.

We tested the SHXM63WS5N, part of the new 300 Series. It features a stainless panel and hidden controls.

The Normal cycle removed all but a few flecks of baked-on spinach, which is as good as any dishwasher gets in our tough tests. The hour-long Speed60 cycle did well, too, which is quite a feat. The Heavy option obliterated every stain we threw at it; only two dishes showed any redeposited food, and even then it was a minute amount. In other words, once again, Bosch gets the closest we’ve come to a perfect clean.

While other Bosch dishwashers have additional cycles, the 300 Series includes only four: Auto, Normal, Heavy, and Speed60—plus a nine-minute Rinse option. Features include a cycle delay in hour increments from 1 to 24, Half Load, Extra Dry, and a Sanitize option that can be activated on any of the three full-length cycles.

An Easy Choice

Considering how much we like the 500 and 800 Series Bosch dishwashers, it's no surprise that the 300 Series did so well in our tests.

No a 300 Series dishwasher won't be as quiet as one of Bosch's pricier models, and its third rack won't be able to fit as many items—but it will clean quickly, quietly, and thoroughly.