Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Dishwashers

Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N vs LG LDTH7972S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Buyers who want the quietest possible 42 dBA cabinet, the best drying on plastics, and a US-supported build-quality story without paying Miele money. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Dishwashers
Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N
3 sourcesall derived

Spend around $1,300 and the Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N is the dishwasher most worth buying. It pairs the best wash and drying performance in its class with one of the quietest cabinets you can put in an open-plan kitchen, and Bosch's reliability record keeps it near the top of any service-rate chart that includes the major US brands.

Strengths
  • 42 dBA noise level is among the quietest in any built-in dishwasher under $1,500
  • CrystalDry zeolite system delivers genuinely dry plastics that most competitors leave wet
  • PrecisionWash with PowerControl spray arm targets dirtier zones without a full Heavy cycle
Watch-outs
  • Touch controls can feel finicky and several useful options live only in the Home Connect app
  • Normal cycle runs around 2 hours, which feels slow if you only run one load a day
  • Bar-handle SHX variant ships only in stainless; no panel-ready option at this price
LG LDTH7972S
Ranked #5 in Best Dishwashers
LG LDTH7972S
3 sourcesall derived

The LG LDTH7972S is the value pick that doesn't feel like one. At $949 it matches the Bosch 800 Series on noise (42 dBA), beats most everything in its class on warranty depth, and is the only machine in this comparison with a true steam generator. The lower rack has a documented cleaning dead-zone, though on the Heavy cycle with TrueSteam the LG removes over 99% of stains.

Strengths
  • 42 dBA noise level matches the Bosch 800 Series at $400 less
  • TrueSteam loosens baked-on food before the main wash, raising Heavy-cycle cleaning past 99%
  • 10-year warranty on the direct-drive motor and 2 years on the stainless tub and racks — one of the deepest warranty stacks in the segment
Watch-outs
  • Bottom-center of the lower rack can leave heavier stains during Normal cycles (Reviewed measured up to 70% residual staining there in testing)
  • Plastics still require a wipe after the dry cycle despite the Dynamic Heat Dry fan
  • Only 1 year on parts and labor — the deeper warranties are on specific components

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Bosch 800 Series SHX78CM5N

Cleans as well as the Miele G 7266 SCVi and the KitchenAid KDTM604KPS at a noticeably lower price than the Miele. Drying is a real step above the LG LDTH7972S because of CrystalDry, especially on plastic containers. Quieter than the KitchenAid KDTM604KPS by 2 dBA, and much quieter than the Farberware FCD06ABBWHA countertop unit. Lacks the AutoOpen door of the Miele but the zeolite drying largely compensates.

LG LDTH7972S

The single best value built-in in this comparison — matches the Bosch 800 SHX78CM5N on dBA and on Wi-Fi at $400 less. The Bosch and Miele G 7266 SCVi both clean more consistently across the full lower rack; the LG has a documented dead zone at the back-center bottom. Wins decisively over the KitchenAid KDTM604KPS on warranty depth (10-year motor coverage) and on cycle count (10 vs 5). Much louder and cycle-quicker than the Farberware FCD06ABBWHA countertop, as expected for a built-in.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBosch 800 Series SHX78CM5NLG LDTH7972S
Width24 inches24 inches
Noise Level42 dBA42 dBA
Place Settings1615
Wash Cycles8 (Auto, Heavy, Normal, Speed60, Eco, Rinse, Glass, Express)10 (Auto, Heavy, Normal, Delicate, Refresh, 1-Hour, Express, Rinse, Machine Clean, Download Cycle)
Third RackYes, flexible 3D MyWayYes, height-adjustable slider
Energy StarYes, certifiedYes, 238 kWh/year
Smart FeaturesHome Connect Wi-Fi app + voice (Alexa, Google)ThinQ Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google, leak detection
Warranty1-year full parts and labor1-year parts and labor, 10-year direct-drive motor, 2-year tub and racks
Dimensions36"D x 27"W x 26"H24.63"D x 23.75"W x 33.63"H
MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
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