Bosch Series 4 SMS4EMW06G

For most households the Series 4 SMS4EMW06G is the value sweet spot. It gives you Bosch's reliability reputation, 14 place settings, a third-level cutlery tray and Home Connect Wi-Fi at an indicative price of around £579-£599, well under the Series 6. It is quiet at 42dB and carries a B energy rating. The compromises versus the Series 6 are real but narrow: it uses standard condensation drying rather than zeolith, drops a rating band on energy and offers a narrower programme range than the wider Series 6 spread. Owner feedback is strong, with a high average score across many John Lewis reviews. If you want a dependable full-size Bosch and can live with hand-drying the odd plastic tub, this is the one to beat, and it comfortably outranks the budget Beko on build and finish.