At a Glance:
What Is a Panel Ready Dishwasher?
Pros & Cons of Panel Ready Dishwashers
How to Choose the Perfect Panel Ready Dishwasher
Featured Panel Ready Dishwashers
When it comes to designing a stylish and functional kitchen, every detail matters—including your dishwasher. Panel ready appliances make your appliances blend seamlessly into your cabinetry. While some love the modern look of stainless steel, panel ready appliances offer a custom look to create an elegant and cohesive kitchen design. Here, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about panel ready dishwashers—from the pros and cons to the best panel ready dishwasher options—-so you can make the right choice for your home.
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If you're looking for a stylish new dishwasher, browse panel ready options from leading brands at FBS Appliance, today!
Shop Panel Ready DishwashersWhat Is a Panel Ready Dishwasher?
A panel ready dishwasher is designed to accommodate a custom cabinet panel on its exterior, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with surrounding cabinetry. Unlike standard dishwashers with visible fronts, panel ready models give kitchens a unified, high-end look. The control panel is typically concealed on the top edge of the door, maintaining a streamlined appearance while providing easy access.
Panel ready dishwashers are popular in modern and transitional kitchen designs where the focus is on clean lines and cohesive design elements. By integrating a dishwasher panel ready into your kitchen, you can enjoy the convenience of a high-performance appliance without disrupting your carefully planned aesthetic.
For those seeking an alternative design, drawer dishwashers offer a versatile and space-saving solution. These units come in single or double-drawer configurations and can also be panel ready for a custom fit. Drawer dishwashers are perfect for smaller households or secondary kitchens, offering targeted cleaning for lighter loads while maintaining a sleek and integrated aesthetic.
If you’re in the middle of a kitchen remodel, It’s also important to note that dishwashers, refrigerators, trash compactors, and wine coolers come in panel ready designs, but ovens and microwaves do not because of the heat they emit.
Pros & Cons of Panel Ready Dishwashers
Like any appliance, panel ready dishwashers have their advantages and drawbacks. Here’s what to consider:
Pros
✅ Customizable Appearance: The ability to match your dishwasher with your cabinetry creates a polished, cohesive look.
✅ High-End Aesthetic: Panel ready dishwashers are often associated with luxury kitchens, elevating the overall design of your space.
✅ Hidden Controls: The top-mounted control panel keeps the exterior clean and uncluttered.
✅ Flexibility in Design: These dishwashers work well in both contemporary and traditional kitchens, adapting to your style.
✅ Fingerprint Free: Many brands offer fingerprint-resistant finishes to try to mitigate having constantly smudged appliances, but panel ready appliances solve this problem, so you don’t have to worry about visible fingerprints.
Cons
❌ Higher Price Point: Panel ready dishwashers are often more expensive than standard models due to their customizable features.
❌ Cabinet Panel Costs: You’ll need to factor in the cost of creating or purchasing a custom panel.
❌ Installation Complexity: Proper alignment of the panel requires professional installation to ensure a seamless fit.
How to Choose the Perfect Panel Ready Dishwasher
Selecting the right panel ready dishwasher involves several considerations to ensure it meets your needs and fits your kitchen design. Here are key factors to keep in mind:
- Measure Your Space: Before shopping, measure the space where your dishwasher will go. Standard panel ready dishwashers are 24 inches wide, but compact models (18 inches) are available for smaller kitchens. Ensure you leave room for plumbing and electrical connections.
- Match Your Kitchen Style: Choose a panel that matches your cabinetry to create a harmonious look. Consider factors like color, material, and handle design. Your panel ready dishwasher should enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic, whether it’s sleek and modern or warm and traditional.
- Look for Quiet Operation: Dishwasher noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). A rating below 44 dB is considered very quiet, making it ideal for open-concept kitchens or households where noise is a concern.
- Consider Features and Cycles: Modern panel ready dishwashers offer advanced features like adjustable racks, third racks, Wi-Fi connectivity, and eco-friendly wash cycles. Think about your household’s needs and prioritize features that enhance convenience and performance.
- Check Energy Efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated models that reduce water and energy consumption without sacrificing cleaning power. This not only benefits the environment but also lowers utility bills.
- Review Brand Reputation: Investing in a panel ready dishwasher from a trusted brand ensures durability and reliable performance. At Factory Builder Stores, we offer top-quality models from brands like Bosch, Miele, and Thermador.
Featured Panel Ready Dishwashers
Check out these eight top panel ready dishwasher picks from FBS Appliance.
Miele 18" Panel Ready Built-in Dishwasher
Shop this Miele Panel Ready Dishwasher
This Miele panel ready dishwasher is an ENERGY STAR®-certified model with three racks. In terms of performance, this dishwasher features a QuickIntense Wash cycle for sparkling dishes in less than an hour. AutoOpen drying keeps you from having to dry your dishes by hand. A 18” panel ready dishwasher is a more compact option that’s ideal for small kitchen layouts or secondary kitchens. We love special features, such as the ability to do half a load, the delayed start function, and the impressively low noise levels—42 dB.
Bosch 800 Series 24” Custom Panel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop this Bosch Panel Ready Dishwasher
This Bosch 800 series panel ready dishwasher is another quiet option with three racks. We love the convenience of a third rack for small, miscellaneous items. You can connect this 24” Bosch panel ready dishwasher to Wi-FI with Home Connect, and the Smart Cycle function identifies and saves the best cycle settings for your needs. In addition to having a third rack, RackMatic easily adjusts to three different heights and up to nine separate rack positions so that there’s a place for every item, whether tall or bulky. For powerful (and energy efficient!) cleaning performance, this dishwasher features PrecisionWash with PowerControl, which eliminates pre-rinsing, and CrystalDry, which gets dishes 60% drier.
Thermador Sapphire 24” Custom Panel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop this Thermador Panel Ready Dishwasher
Another 24” option, this Thermador panel ready dishwasher gets your dishes impressively clean every time. The ZoneControl spray arm allows you to specify up to four customized lower rack cleaning zones so that every nook and cranny receives powerful cleaning coverage. StarDry with Zeolite combines Thermador’s drying system with Zeolite, an exclusive Thermador drying solution that is natural and chemical-free. This Wi-Fi-enabled dishwasher saves you time and increases convenience on every count—from eliminating pre-rinsing to hand drying to offering Remote Start.
KitchenAid 24” Panel Ready Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop this KitchenAid Panel Ready Dishwasher
This KitchenAid panel ready dishwasher is designed to sit flush with your cabinetry and countertops to help you achieve the timeless and cohesive look you’re going for. We love the triple filtration system, which removes food particles and ensures clean water circulates throughout the dishwasher. The door-open dry system is one of the eco-friendly features of this ENERGY STAR®-certified dishwasher, opening after the final rinse to release hot air and take in fresh air. Whether you have a big family or love to host, this dishwasher will suit your needs, thanks to its adjustable upper rack and ability to hold 14 place settings.
Cove 24” Panel Ready Built In Dishwasher
Shop this Cove Panel Ready Dishwasher
Cove is a brand from the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove family, so you already know you can expect greatness. This triple-rack dishwasher features a height-adjustable middle rack and an effective food filter. Rather than opening the door like some other dishwashers in our lineup, this one utilizes a hot rinse and fan-assist to dry your dishes. Depending on what each load includes, you can choose from a vast array of custom wash and dry options to choose the right settings to get everything clean. Ultimately, this dishwasher stands apart because of its premium-grade materials, 20+ year lifespan, and full five-year warranty on all parts and service.
Fisher & Paykel Series 11 24” Panel Ready Double Drawer Dishwasher
Shop this Fisher & Paykel Panel Ready Dishwasher
Next up is this double drawer dishwasher from Fisher & Paykel. This ENERGY STAR®-certified dishwasher allows you to wash a half load, which is ideal for a small household or when you need a few place settings clean because guests are coming over. You can put your larger plates and dishes in the tall top drawer of these dishwasher drawers panel ready and wash smaller loads in the bottom drawer. To get the job done, you can choose from eight wash cycles Heavy to Light, including Auto, 60min, and Glassware. You can be confident in this dishwasher’s high-end design quality and energy efficient cleaning performance.
Fisher & Paykel Series 9 24” Panel Ready Single DishDrawer Dishwasher
Shop this Fisher & Paykel Panel Ready Dishwasher
This single dishwasher drawer is ideal for use in a secondary kitchen, whether you have a bar in the basement or a kitchenette in your home. Don’t underestimate its cleaning power just because of its size. This panel ready dishwasher drawer features six wash programs, as well as Quick Wash, Sanitize, and Extra Dry options. You can adjust the racks to accommodate dishes of all sizes. Overall, this panel ready drawer dishwasher quietly and efficiently cleans your dishes, and it’s easy to load and unload with minimal bending.
ASKO Logic Series 24” Panel Ready Custom Panel Built In Dishwasher
Shop this ASKO Panel Ready Dishwasher
Our final pick is this ENERGY STAR®-certified panel ready dishwasher from ASKO. The Super Cleaning System is the only program you need to get your dishes impressively clean every time. The Turbo Combi Drying combines Turbo Drying with natural drying by opening the door to let in fresh air. There is room for everything, thanks to the adjustable Flexiracks, a top cutlery tray, and the XXL dishwasher design. In terms of quality and durability, no dishwasher has as many components made from steel instead of plastic as ASKO dishwashers, which means this panel ready dishwasher will last much longer.
→ Learn more: Rating the Year’s Best Top Load Washing Machines
Choosing the perfect panel ready dishwasher is about finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. At FBS Appliance, we’re here to help you make an informed decision, whether you’re designing a new kitchen or upgrading your appliances.
Visit one of our Texas showrooms to explore our selection of panel ready dishwashers, and let our knowledgeable team guide you toward the ideal model for your home. Together, we’ll make your dream kitchen a reality!
FAQ
What does panel ready dishwasher mean?
A panel ready dishwasher is designed to accommodate a custom cabinet panel on its front, allowing it to blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinetry. This creates a cohesive, built-in look that matches the rest of your kitchen’s design. The controls are often located on the top edge of the door, maintaining a clean and streamlined exterior.
How to install panel ready dishwasher?
Installing a panel ready dishwasher involves securing the appliance in place, attaching the custom panel to the dishwasher’s front, and ensuring proper alignment for a seamless fit. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the panel’s weight and dimensions. While some homeowners tackle installation themselves, professional installation is recommended for optimal results and to prevent alignment or functionality issues.
Where to buy a panel ready dishwasher near me?
At Factory Builder Stores, we carry a wide selection of panel ready dishwashers from top brands like Bosch, Miele, and Cove. With multiple locations across Texas, including Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, our showrooms offer hands-on access to premium appliances. Visit your nearest location or browse our inventory online for expert assistance in finding the perfect model for your home.
Why Trust FBS?
FBS Appliance, formerly known as Factory Builder Stores, was formally established in 1988 and is proudly locally owned and operated. It stands as the largest contract distributor in Texas with nine showrooms spanning Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, and Houston areas. Our extensive inventory features over 40 different name-brand appliances, including premium refrigerators, professional-grade ranges, energy-efficient dishwashers, stylish wall ovens, versatile cooktops, powerful ventilation systems, compact microwaves, and innovative laundry equipment.
Built on a foundation of repeat business, we combine competitive pricing with expert knowledge and a commitment to industry excellence through partnerships with NKBA, ASID, IDS, and HBA organizations. From concept to completion, our professional team goes above and beyond to get it right the first time, making us the ultimate destination for all your appliance needs.
ShopPanel Ready Dishwashers at FBS Appliance
At FBS Appliance, we are dedicated to providing the ultimate appliance sales experience. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or outfitting a new home, our expert team is here to guide you through the process, offering personalized recommendations. Give us a call to learn more about panel ready dishwashers or visit one of our Texas showrooms today!
→ Learn More: Drawer Dishwashers: Pros, Cons, and Best Brands