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Why Choose a Panel Ready Dishwasher?

by Albert Lee Appliance

The KitchenAid KDTM704LPA dishwasher shown with a custom wood front along with other KitchenAid appliances

At a Glance:

What is a Panel Ready Dishwasher?

Panel Ready Dishwashers vs Stainless Steel Dishwashers (and More)

Our Top Panel Ready Dishwasher Picks

Why Trust Us?

When presentation matters in the kitchen, not much else is as impressive as revealing a beautiful, hidden dishwasher that coordinates with the rest of the kitchen. That’s the magic of a panel ready dishwasher, but the look does come at a cost, and deciding which is the best panel ready dishwasher goes beyond appearances. The information you’re looking for can be find inside this guide, including comparisons to other popular dishwasher finishes, as well as a personal list of panel ready dishwasher models that excel in looks and performance.

Discover the Best Panel Ready Diswasher Deals

Performance you can see, designs that you don't—see why panel ready dishwashers are the ultimate in function and style.

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What is a Panel Ready Dishwasher?

 The Bosch 800 Series  SGV78C53UC dishwasher with a custom panel front in a farmhouse kitchen

A panel ready dishwasher comes with a reversible front panel that can be customized to match the style, color, and design of the kitchen cabinets. The purpose is to create a cohesive and integrated look for the kitchen, with the dishwasher appearing as a seamless part of the cabinetry, hidden as only panel ready appliances can be.

The custom dishwasher front panels, however, are not typically included with panel-ready dishwashers. Homeowners and kitchen designers will need to purchase these dishwasher front panel covers separately. These panels can be made of various materials, such as wood or stainless steel, to complement a kitchen's aesthetic or to appear as a dishwasher with cabinet front.

How to Install a Dishwasher Front Panel

The process of fitting a panel ready dishwasher with a custom front involves attaching the chosen dishwasher cabinet panel to the front of the dishwasher. This is usually done by securing the panel to the dishwasher's door using screws or other mounting mechanisms. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions for proper installation to ensure a secure and aesthetically pleasing integration.

How Much Are Panel Ready Dishwashers?

In terms of costs, the average price for a panel-ready dishwasher can vary depending on the brand, features, and capacity. Typically, panel ready dishwashers range from $1,200 to $2,000 or more. The cost of custom panel dishwashers also varies based on the material, design, and customization options. Wooden panels might be more expensive than stainless steel, for example. Custom front prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

Installation costs will depend on whether you choose to install the custom front yourself or hire a professional. If you opt for professional installation, it could add a few hundred dollars to the overall cost of a dishwasher.

Panel Ready Dishwashers vs Stainless Steel Dishwashers (and More)

Embarking on the journey of selecting a dishwasher involves exploring various finishes, each contributing distinctively to your kitchen's aesthetics. Each finish option caters to diverse tastes and styles, presenting a spectrum of choices to complement your kitchen's design with elegance and functionality.

  • Panel ready dishwashers provide the pinnacle of customization, integrating seamlessly with cabinetry for a refined appearance.
  • White dishwashers evoke a classic and timeless charm, and they also tend to be the most affordable options.

Dishwasher Finishes Compared

Panel Ready vs. Stainless Steel Dishwashers

Panel ready dishwashers and stainless steel dishwashers each have their unique features and aesthetic appeal. Panel-ready dishwashers are designed to blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinets by allowing the installation of custom front panels that match the cabinetry. This customization offers a cohesive and integrated look, making the dishwasher practically invisible in a kitchen design. The main benefit of a panel ready dishwasher is its ability to provide a tailored appearance that complements the overall kitchen aesthetic. If you want your dishwasher to blend in as a dishwasher that looks like a cabinet, you can do that with a panel ready dishwasher.

Panel Ready vs. Black Stainless Steel Dishwashers

Black stainless steel dishwashers offer modern sophistication with their sleek finish, offering a bold design statement in contemporary kitchens. In contrast, panel ready dishwashers prioritize customization, seamlessly blending into cabinetry for a discreet appearance. While black stainless steel appliances make a striking visual impact, panel ready dishwashers provide the flexibility to match your kitchen's overall aesthetic. Choose between bold, modern elegance or subtle, tailored integration based on your design preferences with black stainless steel or panel-ready dishwashers, respectively.

Panel Ready vs. White Dishwashers

White dishwashers exude a timeless and clean aesthetic, providing a classic touch to any kitchen. Additionally, the neutral hue seamlessly integrates into various design schemes. In contrast, panel-ready dishwashers offer a heightened level of customization, allowing you to match the dishwasher's front panel with your cabinetry for a cohesive and integrated appearance. While white dishwashers evoke simplicity and timelessness, panel-ready options take personalization to the next level, offering a discreet yet tailored look that enhances the overall kitchen design.

The Verdict:

Your choice between a panel-ready dishwasher, stainless steel (and its variations), or a white dishwasher depends on your design preferences and the overall style of your kitchen. Panel-ready dishwashers offer the advantage of customization, seamlessly integrating with the cabinetry for a discreet look. Consider your style, maintenance preferences, and how you want your dishwasher to contribute to the overall look of your kitchen when making your decision.


Learn More: Albert Lee's Dishwashers Under $600

Our Top Panel Ready Dishwasher Picks

Of course, what’s on the inside is just as important as what’s on the outside, so choosing a panel ready dishwasher that complements its looks with stunning performance is the win-win you want. Here are a few of our top-rated models that take style and function to new levels for a dish washing experience that is anything but standard.

Bosch® 800 Series 24" Custom Panel Top Control Built In Dishwasher

 Front view of the Bosch 800 Series SHV78B73UC dishwasher

Shop This Bosch Dishwasher

This Bosch panel ready dishwasher is known for its exceptional performance and sleek design.. Featuring advanced Precision Washing technology, it ensures thorough cleaning while maintaining quiet operation at a decibel rating of just 42 dBA. The custom panel option allows seamless integration with kitchen cabinetry, providing a tailored and cohesive look, while the top control interface enhances accessibility and ease of use for a premium dishwasher experience.

⭐Featured Bosch SHV78B73UC Review:

“The dishwasher is efficient and works well. Very quiet. And it allows for remote connection via your phone - wonderful!”

KitchenAid® 24" Panel Ready Built In Dishwasher

 Front view of the KitchenAid KDTM704LPA dishwasher

Shop This KitchenAid Dishwasher

This KitchenAid panel ready dishwasher has the customizable look along with the signature professionally designed handle that says “quality.” Its top features include a ProScrub option for powerful cleaning of stubborn messes, a third-level rack for additional loading capacity, and the exclusive ProDry system that ensures dishes come out dry and ready for use. With a stainless steel tub, advanced filtration system, and Whisper Quiet technology, this dishwasher combines high-performance features with a discreet and stylish appearance—everything a modern kitchen wants and needs.

⭐Featured KitchenAid KDTM704LPA Review:

“Everything I have found about the unit is perfect. The rack system is amazing and fits my needs precisely, the performance of the unit is outstanding in terms of cleanliness and shine, the small features - internal light - utensil basket versatility - add up to a first rate product. You could not ask for a quieter performing dishwasher.”

⭐Featured KitchenAid KDTM704LPA Review:

“Everything I have found about the unit is perfect. The rack system is amazing and fits my needs precisely, the performance of the unit is outstanding in terms of cleanliness and shine, the small features - internal light - utensil basket versatility - add up to a first rate product. You could not ask for a quieter performing dishwasher.”

Miele 24" Panel Ready Built In Dishwasher - Panel Ready

 Front view of the Miele G 7596 SCVi dishwasher

Shop This Miele Dishwasher

This Miele panel ready dishwasher is pure, utter sophistication with a no-handle front design that truly allows it to camouflage with its surroundings. As a leader in dishwashing technology, this Miele dishwasher comes with all the advanced technologies, like an AutoSensor for optimized water and detergent usage, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly operation. With a spacious interior, adjustable racks, and diverse wash programs, the Miele customizable dishwasher offers both versatility and a discreet aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance, tailored solution for their kitchen.

GE® 24" Custom Panel Built In Dishwasher

 Front view of the GE GDT226SILII dishwasher

Shop This GE Dishwasher

A GE panel ready dishwasher is a great option for buyers who want a familiar brand in the kitchen, as well as a panel ready model that won’t cost as much as a luxury machine. Despite its ranking in class, this dishwasher boasts advanced cleaning technology, adjustable racks for flexible loading, and a third rack for additional capacity. We also like the stainless steel interior, which ensures durability and helps with drying, while features like bottle jets, Piranha Hard Food Disposer, and various wash cycles contribute to its efficient and versatile performance. If you love dishwashers that look like cabinets, this model might be the dishwasher you’ve been searching for.

⭐Featured GE GDT226SILII Review:

“I was surprised at how easy it was to install and start using. Very quiet machine, could not even tell it was running.”

Thermador® Sapphire® 24" Custom Panel Ready Built In Dishwasher

 Front view of the Thermador Sapphire collection DWHD760CPR dishwasher

Shop This Thermador Dishwasher

Venture into true luxury with this Thermador panel ready dishwasher from the Sapphire collection.  With a focus on high-performance cleaning, it features a StarDry system for exceptional drying results and a Time Remaining PowerBeam that projects the cycle time onto the floor (that’s how quiet it is!). Best of all, this Thermador Sapphire dishwasher incorporates innovations like the Sens-A-Wash system, ensuring optimal washing results by automatically adjusting settings based on the cleanliness of the water, so you get the looks and the performance you’ve always wanted from a dishwasher.

Fisher & Paykel Series 7 24" Panel Ready Integrated Dishwasher

 Front view of the Fisher & Paykel DW24U6I1 dishwasher

Shop This Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher

This Fisher Paykel panel ready dishwasher has a unique and customizable design, allowing for the integration of custom front panels that match kitchen cabinetry. With its knock-to-pause function, users can easily pause the dishwasher cycle to add items. This advanced dishwasher features multiple wash programs, adjustable racks, and smart technology for efficient and personalized cleaning, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-end, customizable, and technologically advanced appliance.

⭐Featured Fisher Paykel DW24U6I1 Review:

“We replaced our ten-year-old F & P dishwasher and absolutely love this new integrated dishwasher. So quiet and has a great range of features. Highly recommend.”

Learn More: Seattle's Top 9 GE Dishwashers

No other dishwasher finish offers the customization or the ability for homeowners to get creative than a panel ready dishwasher. Whether you’re remodeling, upgrading, or purchasing for the first time, a panel ready dishwashing machine is worth considering, and Albert Lee has a wide selection to choose from. Visit Albert Lee for an unparalleled shopping experience, where expert guidance and a diverse range of panel ready kitchen appliances!

Why Trust Albert Lee?

Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the Pacific Northwest with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).

Shop Panel Ready Dishwashers at Albert Lee

At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop dishwashers online or visit us today at one of our six locations in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you explore our panel ready dishwasher line, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!

Learn More: Albert Lee's Top 10 Dishwashers On The Market