Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher SHPM78Z55N Review Ultimate Cleaning and Drying Performance

Description

Overall Experience with the Bosch SHPM78Z55N Dishwasher

The Bosch SHPM78Z55N 24″ 800 Series Dishwasher has been a game-changer in my kitchen. As someone who is constantly juggling cooking, cleaning, and work, I needed a reliable dishwasher that could handle everything I throw at it. This machine is sleek, efficient, and packed with features that make life easier. However, there are a few quirks worth noting.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things that struck me about this dishwasher is its stainless steel finish, which not only looks premium but also resists fingerprints better than I expected. It’s a built-in model with a pocket handle, which gives it a minimalist appearance that blends seamlessly into my kitchen cabinetry. The LED display on the interior is subtle yet functional, providing all the information I need without being intrusive.

The 95-pound build feels sturdy and well-constructed, and I appreciate the smooth operation of the door and racks. The flexible 3rd rack is a standout feature, offering extra space for silverware and oddly-shaped utensils. It’s surprising how much easier it makes loading and organizing dishes. However, I did notice that the lower rack sometimes struggles to glide as effortlessly when heavily loaded.

Performance and Cleaning Power

The cleaning performance of this dishwasher is nothing short of impressive. The PrecisionWash technology gets a huge thumbs-up from me. It uses intelligent sensors to monitor the cleaning process, ensuring that every dish, no matter how dirty, comes out spotless. Even baked-on casserole dishes, which usually require soaking, were handled with ease.

The six cycle options, including CrystalDry, Delicate, Half Load, and Sanitize, cover all possible dishwashing needs. I was particularly impressed by the CrystalDry feature, which uses heat up to 176°F to leave dishes completely dry, even those tricky plastic containers. That said, the drying process can leave a slight warmth on items, which might bother some users. But for me, the trade-off of bone-dry dishes is worth it.

Noise Levels

With an open-plan kitchen and living area, I’m always cautious about how noisy my appliances are. This dishwasher is so quiet that I often rely on the InfoLight feature, which shines a red beam on the floor to indicate the cycle is running. Without it, I would sometimes forget it’s even on. The low noise level is one of the key benefits of this model, especially if you’re sensitive to loud appliances.

Highlights

• Patented CrystalDry technology ensures dishes are completely dry, even plastics.
• Flexible 3rd rack provides space for additional utensils and small items.
• PrecisionWash sensors continuously scan for optimal cleaning.
• InfoLight feature lets you know the cycle is running without opening the door.

Energy Efficiency and Utility

This dishwasher is rated energy-efficient, which was a big selling point for me. I try to be mindful of my electricity usage, and the 120-volt operation paired with the BEE Star Rating helps ease my conscience. The cycles are thoughtfully designed to balance thorough cleaning with water and energy conservation. However, I did notice that the Sanitize cycle uses more water and energy, which might not be ideal for daily loads.

Areas of Concern

While this dishwasher excels in many areas, there are a few areas of concern that I experienced:

• The lower rack can feel a bit flimsy when fully loaded, making it tricky to slide in and out.
• CrystalDry technology is amazing, but items like Tupperware lids sometimes come out slightly warped if placed too close to the heating element.
• Installation instructions could be clearer, especially for those looking to hardwire the unit.

Despite these minor flaws, none of them were dealbreakers for me, but they’re worth considering depending on your needs.

Competing Products

Comparing this dishwasher to other options, such as the KitchenAid KDTE334GPS and the Samsung DW80R9950UT, gave me a better appreciation for its strengths. The Bosch model’s CrystalDry technology outperforms the drying abilities of both competitors, especially on plastics. However, the Samsung option offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which might appeal to those looking for a smart kitchen appliance.

The KitchenAid dishwasher, on the other hand, has slightly better rack adjustability and feels more robust in terms of construction. Still, the Bosch model holds its own with its quiet operation and high cleaning precision, making it a better fit for users prioritizing performance over extra bells and whistles.

Quality for Price

When it comes to quality for price, this dishwasher is a solid investment. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the combination of advanced features like PrecisionWash and CrystalDry, along with its quiet operation and sleek design, make it worth considering. For someone like me who values time-saving appliances that deliver consistent results, the price feels justified.

That said, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need advanced drying features, there are more affordable models that can still provide great cleaning performance. However, for those who want a premium experience without skimping on functionality, this dishwasher is a standout choice.

Additional information