Bosch SHPM78Z55N 800 Series dishwasher review with CrystalDry technology and flexible 3rd rack

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The Bosch SHPM78Z55N 800 Series Dishwasher immediately impressed me with its sleek stainless steel finish. It fits seamlessly into my kitchen, blending with other modern appliances. The pocket handle design is a nice touch, giving it a minimalist aesthetic while maintaining functionality. It’s built-in, which adds to its clean, integrated look. At 95 pounds, the build feels sturdy, and you can tell this machine is crafted with high-quality stainless steel materials. I appreciated the smooth, fingerprint-resistant surface—a lifesaver for those of us with kids or roommates who are constantly touching everything.

Performance and Cleaning Power

This dishwasher doesn’t just look good—it performs exceptionally well. I tested out the PrecisionWash technology, and it’s no exaggeration to say it delivers a sparkling clean on every load. The intelligent sensors are no gimmick; they adjust throughout the cycle to ensure that stubborn grime is removed. One of the standout features for me was the CrystalDry technology, which even dried stubborn plastics to perfection. The dishes came out bone-dry and ready to be put away without the usual towel-drying hassle.

With six cycle options like Delicate, Sanitize, and the impressive CrystalDry, I could customize the wash depending on the load. The Sanitize option was particularly useful for baby bottles and cutting boards. Even when I loaded it with greasy pans and sticky utensils, everything came out spotless.

Flexible 3rd Rack

The flexible 3rd rack is one of the best design features of this dishwasher. It’s ideal for loading silverware, cooking utensils, and even those small random items like measuring spoons that often get lost in traditional baskets. I found it easy to adjust the rack to fit taller items in the lower racks, which added to the dishwasher’s versatility. This is perfect for families or anyone who tends to cook with a lot of tools and needs the extra space.

InfoLight: A Clever Feature

The InfoLight projected onto the floor was an unexpected feature that I grew to love. It tells you when the dishwasher is running, which is incredibly useful because this machine is nearly silent. I’ve used dishwashers before that were so loud I couldn’t watch TV in the next room. This one, however, is whisper quiet. The light is a simple but thoughtful addition, avoiding the need to guess whether the cycle is finished.

Key Benefits

• CrystalDry technology delivers exceptional drying, even for plastics.
• Flexible 3rd rack increases capacity and usability.
• PrecisionWash sensors ensure a thorough clean every time.
• Quiet operation eliminates household noise distractions.
• InfoLight feature keeps you informed without disrupting the sleek design.

Areas for Improvement

• The installation process could be easier. While the dishwasher comes with a 3-prong power cord, the junction box for hardwiring is sold separately, which might be inconvenient for some users.
• Customer reviews indicate that a few individuals experienced durability concerns over time, particularly with the drying system.
• At times, the LED display can be hard to read in bright light, which might frustrate users wanting quick cycle updates.

Competing Products

Compared to similar models like the Samsung DW80R9950, the Bosch stands out for its superior drying capabilities. Samsung’s model has a sleek design and decent cleaning power but lacks something as innovative as the CrystalDry technology. On the other hand, the KitchenAid KDTE204KPS offers comparable cleaning performance but can be noisier during operation. Bosch’s whisper-quiet performance and flexible rack system give it an edge over these competitors. However, Samsung does offer a more straightforward installation process, which might appeal to those not looking to hire a professional.

Financial Value

In terms of value for money, this dishwasher is a solid investment. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the premium features like CrystalDry, PrecisionWash, and the flexible 3rd rack justify the cost. If you’re someone who values convenience, durability, and consistent performance, this is a choice that offers excellent cost efficiency. That said, if you’re on a tight budget, you might consider simpler models that forgo some of the advanced features.

This dishwasher is a fantastic option for households looking for a reliable and stylish addition to their kitchen. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the overall performance and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile contender in the built-in dishwasher market.

Additional information