Bosch Dishwashers

Buying a Bosch Dishwasher

Bosch as a Manufacturer

Bosch was Established in 1886 and has since achieved an excellent reputation for reliability and quality in the production of domestic electrical goods, not least of which is their range of dishwashers. Bosch dishwashers frequently receive strong reviews in the UK's leading consumer publications.

Dishwasher Energy Efficiency

With our ever increasing focus on environmental issues, dishwashers have evolved to consume less and less energy to the extent that today's dishwashers use less energy than it requires to wash up dishes by hand! A household of 4 that washes dishes by hand uses anything up to 1050 kW a year in contrast to a mere 380 kW a year if a dishwasher is used. This assumes that the dishes are not pre-rinsed in hot water and that the dishwasher is fully loaded each time.  These things are worthy of note: you can minimise energy consumption regardless of which dishwasher you choose by simply avoiding pre-rinsing dishes under the hot water tap (just scrape loose material from them and let the dishwasher do its work); by using off-peak electricity where it is available; by always fully loading the machine before use; by using the economy cycle unless the dishes are heavily soiled and by connecting to the cold water supply (see temperature information below).

Other Key Features and Things to Consider

Dimensions

Smaller 'counter top' dishwasher models usually measure some 45 x 55 x 45 cm. Full size models measure approximately 82 x 90 x 58 cm (height x width x depth). If you need something narrower, look at a slimline model. Whatever you decide, do make sure you have measured the space accurately!

Guarantee

All manufacturers give twelve month parts and labour guarantees. Many offer extended guarantees but they may require you to use their own engineers - at a premium cost.

Half Load

Many dishwashers offer a 'half load' function, which means you can program the dishwasher to wash a smaller load in the top tray only. Energy-wise it is however always best to fill the dishwasher as certain elements of the machine operate fully whether or not a half load is requested.

Noise

Bosch machines have an excellent reputation for quietness. 50 db or below is deemed to be an acceptable noise threshold.

Programmes and Temperatures

All dishwashers have a regular cycle. Most also have a rinse cycle and a delicate cycle using a lower temperature. The temperature should be at most 55°C although some dishwashers may have a higher temperature than 55°C during the drying cycle. A reduction in temperature from 65°C to 55°C lowers energy consumption by 25%. That means that you should avoid using the drying cycle when washing very delicate glasses for example. To save energy, the economy cycle can often be used for lightly soiled dishes.

Reliability and Longevity

German-engineered Bosch dishwashers have an excellent reliability record. When looking at reliability, think about lifetime costs - cheaper models may cost less to buy but may require more engineer time and not last as well, thus costing more over the same period.

Timer

Many households have the option to use 'off-peak' electricity at cheaper rates (almost always at night). If you wish to use this approach, consider a machine with a delay timer function that allows the machine to wait until a designated time before commencing its cycle, thus reducing energy consumption and costs.

Water Supply

Remember that both water and heating are expensive which is why a dishwasher with low water consumption is preferable. Nearly all dishwashers can be connected to either cold or hot water. Connecting to the cold water supply uses less energy since the water is heated in the machine only during the cleaning sequence and the final rinse - but it does lengthen the cycle. In contrast, when the dishwasher is connected to the hot water supply, it uses hot water with all sequences including rinsing and pre-washing.

Water Softener

If you live in a hard water area, you will probably be familiar with calcium stains on your glasses and cutlery. Most current dishwashers have a built in water softener. For this to work, you need to fill it up with iodine free salt. Some advanced models offer an electronically controlled water softener which is only activated when needed. You set a threshold depending on how hard the water is in your area.

Other Functions / Options

Features and options vary wildly. Examples include movable upper trays; special holders for glasses, vases and bottles; and child safety functions.