Bosch Series 2 60cm 12 Place Setting Dishwasher - White vs Series 4 60cm 14 Place Setting Dishwasher - White — Comparison

The Bosch SMS26AW08G (Series 2) is a 12-place-setting full-size dishwasher at £399, and the Bosch SMS4EMW06G (Series 4) is a 14-place-setting model at £599. Both are white, 600mm wide and 845mm high, with four wash temperatures and six programmes. The £200 difference buys more capacity, a quieter and more efficient machine, and smart features on the Series 4.

The Series 2 is rated E at 92 kWh a year, uses 9.5 litres of water and carries a 46dB noise rating in class C. It offers a removable cutlery basket, a height-adjustable top basket, a silence programme and DosageAssist, but no half-load option. The Series 4 is rated B at 65 kWh, uses 9 litres of water and runs at 42dB, a class B noise rating. It has a cutlery tray, VarioFlex baskets, a half-load option, Home Connect and ExtraDry.

Series 2 buyers say it cleans well, runs quietly and is easy to use, and they like the useful delay start. Some call it good value and a straightforward replacement for an older Bosch, although one reviewer feels it is more fragile than the machine it replaced. Series 4 buyers praise its quiet cleaning and simple controls. The main complaints centre on the cutlery tray, which one reviewer says takes up too much room and stops pint glasses fitting in the top drawer, and on one unit that arrived with faulty electronics.

Bottom line: choose the SMS26AW08G if you need 12 place settings at the lowest price and do not want smart features. Choose the SMS4EMW06G if you want 14 place settings, a B energy rating, quieter running, a half-load option and Home Connect, and can accept a cutlery tray instead of a basket.