This Bosch Diswasher Was The Best Upgrade I’ve Made to My Kitchen In Years

My last Bosch dishwasher lasted for 10 years—and I loved it—so when I was ready to upgrade, the only question was which Bosch model to choose. From the first cycle, I knew the 500 Series model was different, not just because it’s whisper-quiet, but because it left the dishes spotless. 

After weeks of using and testing the Bosch 500 Series model SHP65CM5N, I know I made the right choice. Here’s my review.

Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher Model SHP65CM5N: At a Glance

Our rating: 4.7/5

Top Pick

Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher

Buy at Lowe's

Testing the Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher

After carefully researching dozens of highly rated Bosch dishwashers, I chose the SHP65CM5N from the 500 Series. I bought it at Lowe’s, and the company offers free installation, but being a contractor—and someone who’s picky about installation—I opted to do it myself. 

Installation was straightforward. The biggest difference between this model and my old Bosch was its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. I scanned the QR code in the manual, downloaded Bosch’s HomeConnect app and followed the step-by-step instructions. The syncing process was seamless.

After using the dishwasher daily for a month, I’ve gotten familiar with its cycles, the app, and how to get the best cleaning performance. 

How quiet is the Bosch 500 Series dishwasher? 

Have I mentioned how quiet the dishwasher is? Bosch lists the noise level at 44 decibels (dB), but it registered just 38 dB on my sound tester while running. At one point, I literally questioned whether it was on—I even pressed my ear against the door to check. My guess is that the 44 dB rating accounts for a brief noise when the cycle transitions, but even then, it’s barely noticeable. 

I quickly learned that when a cycle is running, the dishwasher illuminates a small red light on the floor under the right corner. Once I noticed that, I knew it was working. 

How well does it clean and dry dishes? 

Funny story: I’m the type who skips the user manual if I can figure things out intuitively. Not my best habit—and in this case, it caused a family rift.

For a week, I kept noticing someone (not me) leaving the dishwasher door cracked open after a cycle. Annoying, since the kitchen is my domain, and my husband and son know better than to mess with my appliances. They denied it, but I wasn’t buying it.

Then one day, I caught the culprit. Right as the cycle ended, the door popped open by itself! Turns out, it was Bosch’s AutoAir feature, designed to let hot air escape so dishes dry naturally and quickly. The feature does an excellent job of allowing the dishes to dry thoroughly, as any leftover water doesn’t bead up as it does on dishes sealed inside other dishwashers at the end of the cycle—so don’t accuse family members of popping the door.

As for cleaning power, the 500 Series gets my dishes spotless—even without pre-rinsing. Even plastic items are usually dry, though once or twice, I’ve found one that wasn’t quite there. That’s a small tradeoff for an Energy Star-rated dishwasher that costs just $34 a year to run.

Is it worth the price? 

The Bosch 500 Series model SHP65CM5N is listed at $1,149 at several retailers, which is considered a mid-range price for dishwashers. I considered both higher- and lower-priced models, but this one won me over with its rack configuration and sleek, unobtrusive design. I’m not a fan of dishwashers with digital controls on the front, so I appreciate the discreet touch controls hidden on the top of the door—completely out of sight when closed.

It also comes with a third upper rack, which I use for awkwardly sized items that don’t fit elsewhere: tall spoons, plastic lids, spatulas, and oversized utensils that are too big for the silverware basket.

For my needs, the price is justified. It’s quiet, performs exceptionally well, and if it’s anything like my last Bosch—which makes our list of the best kitchen appliance brands—I expect to get at least a decade of reliable use.

Where to Buy the Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher

• Lowe’s for $1,149
• The Home Depot for $1,149
• Best Buy for $1,149

Product Comparisons

So, is this Bosch dishwasher right for you?

The Bosch 500 Series model SHP65CM5N is a good choice for anyone who prioritizes ultra-quiet operation, spotless cleaning, and a sleek, modern design. If you’re looking for a near-silent dishwasher that delivers powerful cleaning—even without pre-rinsing—this model is a standout. The AutoAir drying feature and third upper rack add to its convenience, making it a great fit for those who want an energy-efficient, well-organized dishwasher.

However, if you prefer a visible digital control panel over the hidden top-mounted buttons or want a simpler, non-connected model without Wi-Fi or app integration, you might want to explore other options. Additionally, if you’re on a tight budget, Bosch’s 300 Series or a competitor’s mid-range model might offer solid performance at a lower price. For me, the Bosch 500 Series is well worth the investment.

Meet the Tester

Glenda Taylor is a contractor and BobVila.com staff writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. 

 

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