ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Specifications
Cleaning Technology
The Bosch Ascenta 24" Recessed Handle dishwasher (SHE3AR5) is an Energy Star® qualified dishwasher. It uses about 279 k/Wh per year, and Bosch estimates that it will cost around $30 per year to run (estimate based on electric water heater, 4 wash loads/week and average national electricity prices from 2007). It has a triple filtration system, a five-level wash system and two spray arms that provide an exceptional and energy efficient clean. Although its filter is self-cleaning, it will still occasionally need to be checked for large food debris, which can obstruct the dishwasher from cleaning effectively. The SHE3AR5 also features sensor technology that can detect the load size and soil level and then adjust the wash cycle accordingly. Additionally, the dishwasher is designed with 24/7 Overflow Protection, so the water will automatically shut off or be pumped out if water levels get too high or if there is a leak or blockage detected in the machine. Lastly, the SHE3AR5 has a concealed heating element, so any plastic items that fall into the dishwasher won't be melted.
A view of the Bosch's lower spray arm, filtration system and five-level wash system.
Credit: Mary Griffin
The Ascenta SHE3AR5 is designed with four wash cycles including "Heavy Wash", "Auto Wash", "Normal Wash" and "Half Load". According to Bosch, a normal cycle should last about 95 - 115 minutes. The SHE3AR5 also comes with two options. The first is an NSF® certified sanitization option that will kill 99.9% of bacteria while also enhancing your drying results. The second is Variable Spray Pressure, which allows you to customize spray strength for the load you are washing and enhance overall cleaning performance. A non-heated dry is the default, and only, option for the dry cycle.
The exposed control panel on the SHE3AR56UC where you can program the wash cycle, delay the start of a cycle or check the status of cycle.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Rack System
The Bosch Ascenta 24" Recessed Handle dishwasher (SHE3AR5) has a two tier rack storage system with nylon coated racks for enhanced durability, and it can fit up to 14 place settings. The upper rack is not adjustable but has foldable tines and a cup rack with stemware holders. The lower rack has fixed tines and Bosch's standard silverware basket located on the right side. It is removable and designed with a cover to keep silverware separated, but, unfortunately, you are not able to split the basket to accommodate more dishes in the lower rack when necessary.
The upper rack isn't adjustable but has foldable tines and a cup rack.
Credit: Mary Griffin
The lower rack has fixed tines and a removable silverware basket.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Features
The Bosch Ascenta 24" Recessed Handle dishwasher (SHE3AR5) has an exposed control panel where you can program a wash cycle, delay the start of a cycle by 3, 6 or 9 hours, and check the status of a current cycle. You can also see if the rinse aid needs to be refilled and set a Child Lock to prevent little ones from opening the door mid-cycle. The dishwasher is relatively quiet with an average decibel rating of 50 dB. While there are some quieter dishwashers, Bosch dishwashers are designed with eighteen sound-reducing technologies to make them some of the quietest, most inexpensive and energy-efficient dishwashers on the market. The SHE3AR5 isn't ADA-compliant, but the door does have a self-latching lock and is designed to stay open even when at a an angle.
The door is designed to stay in place no matter what angle it is left open at.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Exterior Style
The Bosch Ascenta 24" Recessed Handle dishwasher (SHE3AR5) comes in three different finishes including White (SHE3AR52UC), Black (SHE3AR56UC) and Stainless Steel (SHE3AR55UC). Unfortunately, it cannot be fitted with a custom panel, but, if you prefer a fully-integrated control panel, there are other dishwashers available in the Ascenta line that you can choose from such as the SHX3AR5.
The SHE3AR5 is available in a White, Black or Stainless Steel finish.
Credit: Mary Griffin
Brand Reputation
As a brand, Bosch has received excellent feedback for manufacturing high quality, energy efficient and quiet dishwashers at an affordable price. In 2012, Bosch was named the #1 dishwasher brand by J.D. Power & Associates after it received the highest ratings in overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, Bosch has been awarded the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Energy Star® Sustained Excellence Award. Consumer Reports also has found Bosch to be the least repair-prone dishwasher brand when compared to other major dishwasher manufacturers (including high-end ones such as Miele). The Bosch Ascenta dishwashers are covered by a 1-year limited warranty, but Bosch dishwashers are also backed by the "Good Housekeeping Seal". The Good Housekeeping Seal is a limited warranty that will replace or refund any defective appliances for the full purchase price within the first two years of ownership.
User Feedback
The Bosch Ascenta 24" Recessed Handle dishwasher (SHE3AR5) has received very good feedback from customers online including a 4.2/5 on BestBuy.com (417 reviews). 81% of the Best Buy reviewers also said they would recommend the dishwasher to a friend. A minority of people did have complaints about things like cleaning performance, poor design of the rack system, a foul smell near the filter and an ineffective dry cycle. However, the vast majority of people were happy with the cleaning performance, price, noise level and overall value of the dishwasher. As a side note, we would recommend making sure your dishes fit in the dishwasher before purchasing it because there were some complaints that the tines were too close together to accommodate some items.
Need help purchasing a new dishwasher? We encourage you to read our Dishwasher Buying Advice.
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