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Bosch SMU4ECS21E Review | 59 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£620
  • Avg. price in US: ~$750
  • No. of place settings: 14
  • Energy efficiency class: B
  • Noise level: 39 dB
  • Overflow protection: yes
  • Height adjustable top basket: yes

Bosch SMU4ECS21E review. Compare 59 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Dishwashers category and whether it is worth buying.

8.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Dishwashers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Dishwashers category.

Score components:

80.0%

8.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Dishwashers category across these key areas: Performance, Programmes, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Dishwashers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

9.2

Performance

30.0%

9.7

Features

25.0%

7.3

Programmes

10.0%

8.2

Design

Excellent
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Dishwashers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Dishwashers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 9.8
    Efficient operation

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Energy consumption per cycle

    25.0%

    10

    Water usage per cycle

    20.0%

    9.0

    Energy efficiency class

    10.0%

    10

    Noise level

    10.0%

    10

    No. of place settings

  • 9.4
    Quiet operation

    Score components:

    45.0%

    10

    Noise level

    20.0%

    8.0

    Noise emission class

    15.0%

    9.0

    Energy efficiency class

    10.0%

    10

    Energy consumption per cycle

    10.0%

    10

    No. of place settings

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £620

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bosch SMU4ECS21E is a 60cm standard under-counter Serie 4 dishwasher featuring a 14 place setting capacity, a 3-stage Rackmatic height-adjustable upper basket, a dedicated VarioDrawer cutlery tray, and 6 wash programs powered by an EcoSilence Drive motor. Its primary advantages include high efficiency with a Class B energy rating (consuming 65 kWh per 100 cycles and 9 liters of water per Eco cycle), extremely quiet operation at 42 dB, automatic door-opening EfficientDry technology, and smart home control via the Home Connect app. On the downside, the Eco program cycle is notably long at 3 hours and 35 minutes, its stainless steel front lack a custom panel exchange option, and some users report that the lower crockery basket can slip off its guide rails if loaded unevenly at the back.

Technical Specifications of dishwasher Bosch SMU4ECS21E

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Dishwashers category across these key areas: Performance, Programmes, Features, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Dishwashers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

?

Performance

30.0%

?

Features

25.0%

?

Programmes

10.0%

?

Design

8.8
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a technical score of 8.78 points, which is higher than 92.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Dishwashers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Dishwashers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Dishwashers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Dishwashers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Dishwashers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Dishwashers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

8.8

Overall score

40.0%

7.2

Price

8.3
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.3 points, which is higher than 77.9% of products in this category.
Energy efficiency class
What it is: This attribute refers to Energy efficiency class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: HIGH

B
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has energy efficiency class B, which is better than that of 74.8% of dishwashers and equal to that of 13.4% of dishwashers.
Washing efficiency class
What it is: This attribute refers to Washing efficiency class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: MEDIUM

A
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has washing efficiency class A, which is better than that of 1.1% of dishwashers and equal to that of 98.9% of dishwashers.
Drying efficiency class
What it is: This attribute refers to Drying efficiency class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: MEDIUM

A
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has drying efficiency class A, which is better than that of 1.1% of dishwashers and equal to that of 98.9% of dishwashers.
Noise emission class
What it is: This attribute refers to Noise emission class.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: MEDIUM

B
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has noise emission class B, which is better than that of 44.6% of dishwashers and equal to that of 54.2% of dishwashers.
Energy consumption per cycle
What it is: This attribute refers to Energy consumption per cycle.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Energy consumption per cycle across dishwashers.

Importance: HIGH

0.59 kWh
Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses 0.59 kWh per cycle, which is lower than that of 83.8% of dishwashers and equal to that of 1.4% of dishwashers.
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No. of wash programs
What it is: This attribute refers to No. of wash programs.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare No. of wash programs across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

6
Bosch SMU4ECS21E offers 6 wash programs, which is more than that of 22.1% of dishwashers and equal to that of 30.3% of dishwashers.
Quick wash program
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Quick wash program.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a quick wash program. This feature is present in 99.6% of dishwashers.
Quick wash time
What it is: This attribute refers to Quick wash time.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Quick wash time across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

60 min
Bosch SMU4ECS21E completes its quick wash in 60 min, which is longer than that of 76.9% of dishwashers and equal to that of 19.9% of dishwashers.
Eco wash time
What it is: This attribute refers to Eco wash time.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Eco wash time across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

215 min
Bosch SMU4ECS21E completes its Eco wash in 215 min, which is shorter than that of 68.6% of dishwashers and equal to that of 7.6% of dishwashers.
Delicate wash program
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Delicate wash program.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

?
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Automatic door opening
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Automatic door opening.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has an automatic door-opening feature. This feature is present in 65.7% of dishwashers.
Touch screen
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Touch screen.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

no
Bosch SMU4ECS21E does not have a touch screen. This feature is present in 10.2% of dishwashers.
Load sensor
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Load sensor.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a load sensor. This feature is present in 69.6% of dishwashers.
Overflow protection
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Overflow protection.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has overflow protection. This feature is present in 97.1% of dishwashers.
Adjustable water softener
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Adjustable water softener.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has an adjustable water softener. This feature is present in 99% of dishwashers.
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Type of installation
What it is: This attribute refers to Type of installation.
When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

Importance: LOW

built-under
No. of place settings
What it is: This attribute refers to No. of place settings.
When it matters: This matters if you want to compare No. of place settings across dishwashers.

Importance: MEDIUM

14
Bosch SMU4ECS21E holds 14 place settings, which is more than that of 44.9% of dishwashers and equal to that of 43.7% of dishwashers.
Cutlery basket
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Cutlery basket.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

no
Bosch SMU4ECS21E does not have a cutlery basket. This feature is present in 58.5% of dishwashers.
Height adjustable top basket
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Height adjustable top basket.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

yes
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a height-adjustable top basket. This feature is present in 93% of dishwashers.
Digital display
What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Digital display.
When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

Importance: LOW

yes
Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a digital display. This feature is present in 90.3% of dishwashers.
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Bosch SMU4ECS21E vs the average dishwasher

  • Has a self-cleaning filter system
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a self-cleaning filter system, while the average dishwasher does not have a self-cleaning filter system. 33.8% of dishwashers have a self-cleaning filter system.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Self-cleaning filter system.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a self-cleaning filter system, while the average dishwasher does not have a self-cleaning filter system. 33.8% of dishwashers have a self-cleaning filter system.
  • 5 dB lower noise level
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a lower noise level than the average dishwasher (39 dB vs 44 dB).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Noise level.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Noise level across dishwashers.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a lower noise level than the average dishwasher (39 dB vs 44 dB).39 dB vs 44 dB
  • Better energy efficiency class
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a better energy efficiency class than the average dishwasher (B vs D).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Energy efficiency class.
    When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a better energy efficiency class than the average dishwasher (B vs D).B vs D
  • 0.16 kWh lower energy consumption per cycle
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses less energy per cycle than the average dishwasher (0.6 kWh vs 0.75 kWh).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Energy consumption per cycle.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Energy consumption per cycle across dishwashers.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses less energy per cycle than the average dishwasher (0.6 kWh vs 0.75 kWh).0.59 kWh vs 0.75 kWh
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports Wi-Fi, while the average dishwasher does not support Wi-Fi. 44.1% of dishwashers support Wi-Fi.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Wi-Fi.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports Wi-Fi, while the average dishwasher does not support Wi-Fi. 44.1% of dishwashers support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports Bluetooth, while the average dishwasher does not support Bluetooth. 16.3% of dishwashers support Bluetooth.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Bluetooth.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: LOW

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports Bluetooth, while the average dishwasher does not support Bluetooth. 16.3% of dishwashers support Bluetooth.
  • Supports voice control
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports voice control, while the average dishwasher does not support voice control. 39.8% of dishwashers support voice control.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Voice control.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: LOW

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports voice control, while the average dishwasher does not support voice control. 39.8% of dishwashers support voice control.
  • 0.5 L lower water usage per cycle
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses less water per cycle than the average dishwasher (9 L vs 9.5 L).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Water usage per cycle.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Water usage per cycle across dishwashers.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses less water per cycle than the average dishwasher (9 L vs 9.5 L).9 L vs 9.5 L
  • 5 dB lower noise level
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a lower noise level than the average dishwasher (39 dB vs 44 dB).
  • Better energy efficiency class
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a better energy efficiency class than the average dishwasher (B vs D).
  • 0.16 kWh lower energy consumption per cycle
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses less energy per cycle than the average dishwasher (0.6 kWh vs 0.75 kWh).
  • 0.5 L lower water usage per cycle
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses less water per cycle than the average dishwasher (9 L vs 9.5 L).
  • 140 L/year lower annual water consumption
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses less water annually than the average dishwasher (2520 L/year vs 2660 L/year).
  • 20 min shorter Eco wash time
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E finishes the Eco wash sooner than the average dishwasher (215 min vs 235 min).
  • Has a self-cleaning filter system
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a self-cleaning filter system, while the average dishwasher does not have a self-cleaning filter system. 33.8% of dishwashers have a self-cleaning filter system.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports Wi-Fi, while the average dishwasher does not support Wi-Fi. 44.1% of dishwashers support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports Bluetooth, while the average dishwasher does not support Bluetooth. 16.3% of dishwashers support Bluetooth.
  • Supports voice control
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E supports voice control, while the average dishwasher does not support voice control. 39.8% of dishwashers support voice control.
  • 0.25 m longer cable length
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a longer cable than the average dishwasher (1.8 m vs 1.5 m).
  • 0.1 m longer supply hose length
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E has a longer supply hose than the average dishwasher (1.7 m vs 1.55 m).
  • 0.5 cm shorter height
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E is shorter than the average dishwasher (81.5 cm vs 82 cm).
  • 1.5 kg lighter weight
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E is lighter than the average dishwasher (37.6 kg vs 39.1 kg).

Total
Overall
Performance
Programmes
Features
Design
  • Uses a different motor type
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses brushless, while the average dishwasher uses inverter.
  • 30 min longer quick wash time
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E takes longer to finish the quick wash than the average dishwasher (60 min vs 30 min).
  • Does not have a cutlery basket
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E does not have a cutlery basket, while the average dishwasher has a cutlery basket. 58.4% of dishwashers have a cutlery basket.
  • 1.3 cm deeper depth
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E is deeper than the average dishwasher (57.3 cm vs 56 cm).
  • Uses a different motor type
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses brushless, while the average dishwasher uses inverter.
    What it is: This attribute refers to Motor type.
    When it matters: This matters if you have a preference for this specification.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E uses brushless, while the average dishwasher uses inverter.brushless vs inverter
  • 30 min longer quick wash time
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E takes longer to finish the quick wash than the average dishwasher (60 min vs 30 min).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Quick wash time.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Quick wash time across dishwashers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E takes longer to finish the quick wash than the average dishwasher (60 min vs 30 min).60 min vs 30 min
  • Does not have a cutlery basket
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E does not have a cutlery basket, while the average dishwasher has a cutlery basket. 58.4% of dishwashers have a cutlery basket.
    What it is: This attribute shows whether the dishwasher has Cutlery basket.
    When it matters: This matters if you specifically want this feature.

    Importance: LOW

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E does not have a cutlery basket, while the average dishwasher has a cutlery basket. 58.4% of dishwashers have a cutlery basket.
  • 47.6% more expensive
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E is more expensive than the average dishwasher (£620 vs £420).
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E is more expensive than the average dishwasher (£620 vs £420).£620 vs £420
  • 1.3 cm deeper depth
    Bosch SMU4ECS21E is deeper than the average dishwasher (57.3 cm vs 56 cm).
    What it is: This attribute refers to Depth.
    When it matters: This matters if you want to compare Depth across dishwashers.

    Importance: LOW

    Bosch SMU4ECS21E is deeper than the average dishwasher (57.3 cm vs 56 cm).57.3 cm vs 56 cm
Total
Overall
Performance
Programmes
Design

Graphic comparison of Bosch SMU4ECS21E and other products in the Dishwashers category

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bosch SMU4ECS21E?

  • Efficient Dry technology automatically opens the door at the end of the cycle to improve air drying and reduce water stains.
  • Operates very quietly at 42 decibels, making it ideal for open-plan kitchens.
  • Smart connectivity via the Home Connect app allows for remote control, cycle customization, and push notifications.
  • Flexible loading choices with the three-level Rackmatic height-adjustable upper basket and a dedicated Vario drawer for cutlery.
  • Highly energy efficient with a Class B rating, ensuring low power and water consumption per cycle.
  • Speed Perfect Plus feature allows users to speed up wash programs significantly when needed.

What customers dislike about Bosch SMU4ECS21E?

  • Drying performance on plastic items is occasionally less effective compared to premium Bosch series with Zeolite technology.
  • Standard or automatic washing programs can feel quite long to complete.
  • The 13 place settings capacity can feel slightly restrictive for large households or heavy loads.
  • Connecting or maintaining a stable connection with the smartphone application can sometimes be finicky.
  • Manual loading of individual silverware pieces into the top cutlery drawer can be tedious compared to using a traditional basket.

Expert reviews

G
galaxus.ch
01/09/2026
Summary of the review
Bosch Appliances SMU4ECS21E - buy on Galaxus
(Translated)Show original

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