Bosch SHPM88Z75N Dishwasher Review

This Bosch's drying technology revolves around zeolite, a mineral that heats up when it comes in contact with water. Bosch has a patented treatment process (called CrystalDry here in the U.S.) that allows dishwashers to dry dishes and “replenish” the zeolite with a heating element. The combination creates a low-energy method of getting dry dishes and Tupperware.

Opening your dishwasher to find truly dry dishes at the end of the cycle is amazing, but you'll have to pay for the privilege. However, we should point out that Bosch offers CrystalDry on other models.

About the Bosch SHPM88Z75N

• Dimensions: 33.88" x 23.56" x 23.75" (H x W x D)
• Finishes: Stainless steel
• Cycles: Heavy, Auto, Delicate, Normal, Speed 60, Rinse
• Cycle options: Crystal Dry, Delicate, Eco US, Half-load, Sanitize
• Special features: Stainless steel tub, extra dry option, sanitize option, CrystalDry technology, adjustable upper rack

What we like

Strong stain removal

First and foremost, a dishwasher needs to clean dishes. This is where the SHPM88Z75N excels. It performed above average in our lab tests, which require dishwashers to clean dishes dirtied with everything from spinach to burnt sugar. We never scrape off our plates in the lab like a normal family would after dinner, and this dishwasher still managed to get plates 94.5% clean on the Normal cycle and 99.5% on the Heavy.

CrystalDry feature removes the need for towel-drying dishes

Bosch is currently the only company making dishwashers with zeolite, the mineral that powers its CrystalDry feature. Hidden in a small compartment in the back of the interior, this unassuming mineral naturally heats up when it comes in contact with water, producing enough heat to dry even stubborn plastics.

When we engaged the feature on the Auto cycle, 100% of dishes and plates came out dry, and it even extracted all the moisture out of the interior of Tupperware containers. Because of all the nooks and crannies, water still pooled on lids and the undersides of containers. However, when we angled our plastic containers the right way, the water slid right off, leaving us with cabinet-ready items.

Versatility to fit any household

Bosch dishwashers are often well-liked because their design caters to any lifestyle. The operation is whisper-quiet at 40 dBA, so it can work in a small apartment or a house.

The MyWay rack has a deep indentation so it can accommodate ladles, small bowls, and any number of utensils. On the more conventional side, the upper rack on the SHPM88Z75N can be adjusted to three different heights. This allows you to place tall items like vases or beer steins into the dishwasher without issue.

Finally, if you live alone or have a small family and can’t bring yourself to run a half-empty dishwasher, you can simply engage the half-load option to avoid waste.

The sanitize option helps in ultra-messy situations

Hey parents, did you know you can clean many high chair trays, teething rings, and plastic toys in the dishwasher? The SHPM88Z75N has a Sanitize option that our sensors showed reach temperatures north of 160°F. This Sanitize option uses a lot of power and adds a lot of time to a cycle, but it’s great for peace of mind when you want to get something as germ-free as you can get without resorting to bleach. Consider using it on one of the items in our list of things you didn’t know you can clean in the dishwasher.

What we don’t like

Stain-removal isn’t as strong for the price

The Bosch 800 series contains the best dishwashers we’ve ever tested, so the sibling rivalry is fierce. Even though it costs more, the stain removal performance of this SHPM88Z75N isn’t as good as the SHPM98W75N. You’re paying extra for the CrystalDry feature, which in our eyes is a tough trade. It’s called a dishwasher, not a dish dryer.

The controls can be frustrating

During testing, we found the controls to be a bit temperamental. They didn’t always respond at the first touch. Also, Bosch wants to make its control panels as seamless and minimalist as possible. That means all the secondary options are hidden behind obscure button sequences. For example, to increase the drying intensity, you have to push the Normal cycle button and the Start at the same time, then hit Normal until d:00 shows up on the screen, then tap the Rinse cycle button.

Warranty

The Bosch SHPM88Z75N comes with a limited one-year warranty, which includes parts and labor. A five-year warranty covers the circuit board, microprocessors, and racks for parts only. Finally, there is a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel interior that covers the parts.

What users are saying

We reviewed the Bosch SHPM88Z75N pretty early in its lifecycle so there are few user reviews. However, at the time of publication, this dishwasher is getting a 4.7-star rating at Home Depot. Users cite how much they like the removable cutlery basket and quiet operation.

Should you buy the Bosch SHPM88Z75N?

Yes

If you’re tired of your dishwasher not getting dishes clean or everything coming out sopping wet, the SHPM88Z75N is a good upgrade model. It can deal with baked-on grease on pots and pans or day-old oatmeal on bowls. It’s pricey, but you’re paying for quality. There are more powerful Bosch dishwashers out there, but none of them have CrystalDry yet. Anyone who likes to show off their kitchen appliances, will appreciate having this one up on every other dishwasher on the market.