The Bosch 800 Series gets all the attention, but the 500 Series might be the smarter buy for most kitchens. We break down what the Bosch 500 Series SHP65DM5N actually delivers and whether it makes sense to save over the pricier 800 Series.
Our Verdict: The Sweet Spot in Bosch’s Lineup
The Bosch 500 Series SHP65DM5N (available at Masters Wholesale for $1,099) delivers about 90% of what makes Bosch great at a noticeably lower price. This is the model we point most shoppers toward when they want Bosch quality without overpaying for features they may never use.
At 44 dBA, it runs quieter than a library. AutoAir drying pops the door open automatically to let steam escape. The stainless steel tub handles heavy loads without showing wear. If you want a quiet, reliable dishwasher that cleans well and looks sharp, this is the one to beat at its price point.
Best for: Buyers who want Bosch build quality and quiet operation without paying 800 Series prices.
Price and Availability at Masters
The Bosch SHP65DM5N sells for $1,099 at Masters Wholesale, saving $150 off the $1,249 MSRP. That works out to a 12% discount.
Compared to the 800 Series, which typically runs $1,500 or more, the 500 Series saves between $400 and $500 while sharing the same build quality and quiet operation. The main trade-off is drying technology, which we cover in detail below.
This model is available as a special order with a 5-6 day lead time. The anti-fingerprint stainless steel finish resists smudges from daily use.
Key Specs at a Glance
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Model | SHP65DM5N |
Price at Masters | $1,099 (MSRP $1,249) |
Noise Level | 44 dBA |
Capacity | 16 place settings |
Finish | Anti-fingerprint stainless steel |
Control Type | Top control, pocket-recessed handle |
Tub Material | Stainless steel |
Drying System | AutoAir (condensation + door release) |
Water Usage | 3.2 gallons per cycle |
Annual Energy | 240 kWh |
Energy Star | Yes |
The 44 dBA noise rating makes this one of the quietest dishwashers on the market. One owner at Bob Vila actually measured it at 38 dBA during normal operation, with the 44 dBA rating likely accounting for brief louder moments during cycle transitions.
What Makes the 500 Series Special
The 500 Series sits in the middle of Bosch’s lineup, above the 300 Series and below the 800 Series and Benchmark lines. This positioning means it gets the features that actually matter while skipping the premium-priced extras that many households never use.
AutoAir Drying Sets It Apart
AutoAir is what separates the 500 Series from cheaper Bosch models. At the end of the wash cycle, the door automatically opens about four inches. This lets steam escape and fresh air circulate, which Bosch claims results in dishes that are 40% drier than models with PureDry alone.
In practice, this works well for ceramic plates, glassware, and metal cookware. One verified owner put it simply: “Glad I got the 500 with the auto dry which opens the door automatically. The dishes are completely dry in the morning.”
Running cycles overnight gives AutoAir the most time to work. We cover the limitations with plastic items in the drying section below.
Quiet at 44 dBA
At 44 dBA, this dishwasher runs quieter than normal conversation. For open-concept kitchens where the living room connects to the cooking area, this matters more than almost any other feature.
Bosch markets itself as the quietest dishwasher brand in the U.S., and the 500 Series delivers on that claim. Customers consistently praise the quiet operation. One verified buyer noted: “Can’t even tell it’s running. I don’t know how it cleans better than anything else I’ve used in the past, but it does.”
This means running the dishwasher during dinner parties or while watching TV in the next room. No shouting over machine noise or waiting until everyone goes to bed.
Cleaning Performance
Consumer Reports rates the 500 Series as “Very Good” for heavily soiled dishes and “Excellent” for energy efficiency. In testing at Reviewed.com, the Auto cycle removed 95% of test stains on average.
The key insight from professional testing: use the Auto cycle instead of Normal. The Auto cycle uses sensors to detect soil levels and adjusts water temperature and cycle time accordingly. The Normal cycle showed some inconsistencies from load to load in lab testing.
Zone Wash technology directs three times more water power to the lower rack’s intensive zone. This handles stuck-on lasagna or baked-on casserole dishes without pre-rinsing.
One verified buyer summed it up: “This is the best dishwasher I have owned. It works exactly as I hoped.”
The main trade-off for strong cleaning is cycle time. Consumer Reports rated cycle time only “Fair,” and full cycles can run two hours or longer. If quick 30-minute washes are important, be aware that this model does not offer that option.
How Well It Dries (The Honest Take)
Glass, ceramic, and metal items come out dry. This is where the 500 Series performs well. AutoAir helps significantly compared to cheaper models that rely on condensation alone.
Plastic containers are a different story. This is the most common complaint in customer reviews, and it affects all condensation-based drying systems, not just Bosch.
The Plastic Drying Reality
Plastics do not hold heat the way ceramics and metals do. In condensation drying, hot rinse water heats the dishes, then steam condenses on the cool stainless steel walls and drains away. Plastics cool down faster and collect water droplets that do not evaporate.
One verified reviewer was blunt: “Washes fine. Love the look and fit. But drying is so so. Plastic is especially wet when cycle is done.”
This is not a defect. It is physics. The 800 Series addresses this with CrystalDry, which uses zeolite crystals to absorb moisture and release heat, actively drying plastics. The 500 Series AutoAir helps but cannot match CrystalDry performance on plastic items.
Tips for better plastic drying:
- Always use rinse aid. All modern dishwashers need it for proper drying.
- Place plastic items on the top rack where airflow is better.
- Enable the Sanitize option, which raises water temperature above 150 degrees.
- Run cycles overnight so AutoAir has hours to work instead of minutes.
- Unload the bottom rack first to prevent drips from top-rack items.
If bone-dry plastic containers are essential to your household, consider the 800 Series with CrystalDry or be prepared to towel-dry a few items.
500 Series vs 800 Series: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
This is the question most Bosch shoppers wrestle with. The 500 Series costs around $1,099 while the 800 Series typically runs $1,500 or more. That is a $400 to $500 difference. What do you actually get?
What You Get with the 800 Series
CrystalDry technology is the headline feature. It uses zeolite crystals that absorb moisture during the dry cycle and release heat, actively drying dishes including plastics. If plastic containers make up a large portion of your dishwasher loads, CrystalDry makes a real difference.
MyWay third rack options offer more flexibility than the standard third rack on the 500 Series. Some 800 Series models fit larger items in the third rack.
Interior lighting helps with loading in dim kitchens.
Slightly better cleaning in some test scenarios. The 800 Series edges out the 500 Series in professional lab testing, though both clean well.
What You Save with the 500 Series
$400 to $500 in savings goes toward other kitchen upgrades or straight into your pocket.
Same build quality. Both use stainless steel tubs, stainless steel interiors, and German engineering.
Same quiet operation. Both run at 44 dBA or quieter.
Same reliability. Industry service data shows Bosch dishwashers run a 7.7% to 8.1% service rate, regardless of series.
Same cleaning on most loads. Unless you run professional-level testing equipment, most households will not notice a cleaning difference.
For shoppers exploring the full Bosch range, our best Bosch dishwashers guide compares every series side by side.
Who Should Buy This Dishwasher
The 500 Series is ideal for:
- Households that want Bosch quality without paying 800 Series prices
- Open-concept kitchens where quiet operation matters
- Buyers comfortable towel-drying a few plastic items occasionally
- Anyone replacing an older or louder dishwasher
- Tech enthusiasts who want Home Connect smart features at a mid-range price
Consider a different model if:
- Perfectly dry plastic containers are non-negotiable (look at the 800 Series with CrystalDry)
- You need quick 30-minute wash cycles (cycle times run 2+ hours)
- You frequently wash oversized pots and large baking dishes (the rack layout limits bottom-rack flexibility for very large items)
- Budget is the primary concern (the LG LDPS6762S offers comparable features at $799)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bosch 500 Series quiet enough for open kitchens?
Yes. At 44 dBA, it runs quieter than normal conversation. In independent testing, one reviewer measured it at just 38 dBA during standard operation. Many owners report forgetting the dishwasher is running because they cannot hear it.
Does the Bosch 500 Series dry dishes completely?
Ceramics, glass, and metal items come out dry. Plastic containers often retain water droplets due to how condensation drying works. Using rinse aid, enabling Sanitize mode, and running cycles overnight improves results.
What is the difference between AutoAir and CrystalDry?
AutoAir (500 Series) opens the door at the end of the cycle to release steam. CrystalDry (800 Series) uses zeolite crystals to absorb moisture and generate heat, actively drying dishes including plastics. CrystalDry is more effective but adds $400 or more to the price.
Should I use Auto or Normal cycle?
Use Auto. Professional testing at Reviewed.com showed the Auto cycle delivers more consistent cleaning because sensors adjust to soil levels. The Normal cycle had some inconsistencies from load to load.
How long do Bosch dishwashers last?
Previous Bosch owners routinely report 10+ year lifespans. Industry service data shows Bosch running a 7.7% to 8.1% annual service rate across their lineup, which is solid for the industry.
What about the rack layout for large items?
The lower rack uses closely spaced tines optimized for standard plates. Some owners note that very large pots, baking dishes, and dinner plates over 11 inches do not fit as easily as they might in dishwashers designed for American cookware sizes. The adjustable RackMatic system helps by offering three height settings and nine positions.
The Bosch 500 Series SHP65DM5N hits the sweet spot between price and performance. For most households, the 500 Series delivers everything that makes Bosch worth owning at a price that makes sense.
Get the Bosch 500 Series SHP65DM5N at Masters Wholesale for $1,099 and save $150 off MSRP.
