Have you been looking for the best panel-ready dishwasher?
Then you are in the right place!
Listed below, you will find reviews of the best models with this design. I wrote about their design, compared their features and prices to ensure that you easily find the perfect one that fits into your budget.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
The Rundown
Z Line Top Control Dishwasher
★★★★★
The quietest dishwasher that produces noise around only 40 decibels and comes with EcoWash technology.
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Fisher Paykel DD24SI9N Dishwasher
★★★★☆
A small drawer dishwasher that provides powerful cleaning and drying performance and a simple knock-to-pause function.
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Blomberg DW51600FBI Dishwasher
★★★★☆
A high-quality dishwasher that provides you with a multi-level wash and comes with built-in sensors that prevent water leakage.
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What Does Panel Ready Mean For A Dishwasher?
It means that appliance allows the custom panel to be installed on the face front of the dishwasher in order to match the rest of the cabinetry. Besides dishwashers, this is often seen on refrigerators. The feature is used to create a consistent look across the whole kitchen. These dishwashers feature are built-in models with top control settings.
How Does This Model Differ From A Standard Dishwasher?
Only by the ready panel and customizable front face, that’s it. The rest of the specifications and features are practically the same as with any other built-in dishwasher.
Can I Put A Panel On Any Dishwasher?
No, you can’t. It has to be panel-ready. That means that it needs to have unfinished doors which are suitable to have the panel installed. However, this trend is increasing and more models in this style are available so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Which Brands Make This Type Of Dishwasher?
As this is a popular trend, there are many brands you can count on. The most popular and reliable ones are Bosch, Frigidaire, Thermador, Monogram, and KitchenAid.
What Is A Price Range For These Models?
These models are a bit expensive. The price range goes from $700 to $1,600. Usually, high-quality classic dishwasher models are priced between $500 and $1,000.
What Is So Great About This Design?
There are 2 great advantages of buying this dishwasher type, besides its functions and specifications.
Custom Design
As simple as that. Rarely you will find a kitchen appliance that allows you to customize its design in order for it to perfectly match the rest of the kitchen.
Top Control Panel
As you’re installing the front face of the dishwasher, the control panel is placed at the top of the dishwasher’s door. This is really convenient as you won’t be able to accidentally push the buttons and disturb the ongoing cleaning cycle. Plus, if you have kids, they won’t be tempted to play with the buttons as they won’t be able to see them.
What Functions Do Panel-Ready Designed Dishwashers Have?
These models have almost identical functions and features like any other built-in dishwasher type. Here are all the details and specifications.
What Are These Models Made Of?
As they do have a higher price, most of them have stainless steel construction. Now, this material of the making is ideal as it is strong and durable, as well as resistant to high temperatures and corrosion. Stainless steel material also eases up the drying performance.
Usual Size Range
With these built-in dishwashers, you can count between 18 and 24 inches big units. This is the usual size range that fits most kitchen cabinetry.
Capacity: How Many Place Settings?
This depends on the model, but the number goes from as low as 7 place settings to as high as 20 place settings. So this dishwasher type can basically be ideal for both smaller and larger families.
Multiple Wash Cycles
All the models you can find on the market provide you with multiple wash cycles. Usually, we’re talking about 6 to 15 different cleaning cycles. Besides the usual features, dishwashers can also have half-load options and dual-zone wash systems which save you both energy and water.
Powerful Drying Performance
These customizable dishwashers come with great drying functions too. Some models have fan-assisted drying and they ensure evenly dried dishes throughout the unit. However, the models with the air-dry option use less energy and are eco-friendly. So you need to choose a model according to your preferences.
Is A Quiet Performance An Option?
Absolutely. This dishwasher type comes with a noise range between 40 and 50 dB. That is a rather quiet cleaning operation.
What About Energy Star Certificate?
Of course. There are many models that are certificated with Energy Star. That means that your dishwasher will use less water and energy. In numbers, we’re talking about only 3 gallons of water per load, compared to 15 gallons used by a standard model. For energy, these models use 0.87 kWh per load compared to 1.59 kWh used by a standard model.
Best 6 Panel-Ready Dishwashers
Z Line Top Control Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 23 x 24 x 32 inches
Noise: 40 dB
Controls Type: Touch
Capacity: 20 Place Settings
Simple Control Panel
This dishwasher model comes with a built-in control panel that is located atop the dishwasher’s door. Jut like other models, it provides you with multiple washing cycles and options and a time delay feature to ensure that you can program the dishwasher according to your schedule.
EcoWash Technology
Another great thing about this dishwasher is that it comes with EcoWash technology that can detect the load size and soil level inside the tub. It will automatically determine the most eco-friendly cycle and adjust the water consumption according to the soil level.
Three Mesh Filters
The three mesh filters that come built-in with this quiet dishwasher will separate clean and soiled water into different chambers. By doing this, the dishwasher will ensure that your dishes are washed with clean water and it will use less water and electrical energy.
Quiet Performance
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it is the quietest model on this list. It produces only 40 dBAs which means that it is whisper quiet. Additionally, the echo-resistant 430-grade stainless steel serves as an insulator and keeps the heat and noise emission to a bare minimum.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $800 to $1,400
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) and discounts
Short Description:
- accommodates up to twenty place settings
- sanitizing washing performance at 156°F
- determines load size and soil level inside the tub
- quiet performance at only 40 decibels
- multiple filtration system with three mesh filters
- echo-resistant 430-grade stainless steel construction
Fisher Paykel DD24SI9N Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 24 x 23 x 17 inches
Noise: 44 dB
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 7 Place Settings
Drawer-Style Design
Unlike other dishwashers in this post, this dishwasher type features a highly practical and somewhat smaller drawer-style design. This means that it is much easier to load and unload and it doesn’t require too much floor-space.
Spacious Interior
Eben though this dishwasher is a bit smaller it will still provide you with a lot of interior capacity. It is designed to accommodate up to seven place settings and it features foldable tines and a cutlery basket to ensure that all of your dishes get a thorough wash.
Knock To Pause
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it provides you with a specially designed “knock to pause” function. Thanks to that feature you can additionally add dishes you forgot to place inside the tub. Simply knock on the door and the dishwasher will automatically stop.
Powerful Drying Performance
Apart from its cleaning performance, this dishwasher will also provide a very powerful drying performance. Thanks to that feature you can forget all about drying your dishes manually with a kitchen towel. You will get perfectly dry, table-ready dishes the minute the dishwasher is done.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $1,000 to $1,200
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart) and discounts
Short Description:
- drawer-style built-in dishwasher
- accommodates up to seven place settings
- provides powerful cleaning performance
- fan assisted drying cycle
- user-friendly knock-to-pause function
Blomberg DW51600FBI Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 33 inches
Noise: 48 dB
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 14 Place Settings
Multi-Level Wash
This dishwasher features a multi-level wash system that consists of two spray arms on the bottom and in the middle of the tub and the third one at the top. They are designed to reach even the farthest corners of the tub and provide the dishes with full coverage.
Built-in High Loop
Another great thing about this panel-ready designed dishwasher is that it comes with a built-in high loop with an air gap. Thanks to that feature you never have to worry that the dirty drained water will be pulled back into the water system.
Two Float Sensors
The two built-in float sensors that come with this large capacity dishwasher are specially designed to detect the excess water inside the tub. Because of this double motion float system, you can be sure that this dishwasher won’t cause any water damages to your floors.
Low Operating Noise
The best thing about this dishwasher is that it is so quiet that you can run it any time you want. It features three-layered noise suppressing insulation and a high-quality Brushless DC motor that lowers the noise of the set washing cycle.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $850 to $1,100
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
Short Description:
- fully integrated user-friendly control panel
- provides multiple cleaning cycles
- LED display with time display
- advanced Brushless DC motor technology
- an enhanced anti-leak protection system
- noise level around 48 dBAs
- comes with an Energy Star certificate
Smeg STU8647 Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 21 x 24 x 33 inches
Noise: 47 dB
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 13 Place Settings
User-Friendly Control Panel
This model comes with a simple user-friendly control panel that is “hidden” atop the dishwasher’s door. It features five different cleaning cycles and functions to ensure that you can easily adjust its performance according to your needs.
Water Softener
Thanks to the specially designed water softener, this dishwasher will provide you with perfectly clean results. This feature makes this model the perfect choice for households with hard water. You can forget about those water spots on your glassware.
FlexiZone Option
Another amazing thing about this dishwasher for hard water is that it provides you with a half load FlexiZone option. That means that you will be able to run only a half load and, even better, chose whether you want to clean the bottom or the top part of the dishwasher.
Powerful Leak Protection
The best thing about this model is that it provides you with very powerful AquaStop leak protection. Because of that feature, you never have to worry that the dishwasher might overflow and cause water damages to your kitchen floors.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $1,300 to $1,600
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
Short Description:
- thirteen standard place settings
- simple top-mounted control panel
- five different cleaning cycles and controls
- powerful orbital washing system
- delay start for up to 24 hours
Dacor Modernist Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 21.5 x 23.7 x 32.2 inches
Noise: 22 dB
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 14 Place Settings
Large Capacity
Since this model comes in a larger 24-inch size, it will provide you with a lot of interior space. It features two dish racks, a cutlery rack, and a cutlery basket to ensure that you can easily fit all of your dishes inside.
Zone Booster
Another amazing feature that this dishwasher provides you with is a zone booster that allows you to boost the pressure of water jets in one part of the dishwasher. For example, you can load the bottom rack with heavily soiled dishes and set the booster on the bottom part.
WaterWall Technology
You can be sure that this dishwasher will always provide you with very powerful cleaning performance. It features specially designed WaterWall technology that will provide complete coverage and much stronger water pressure than other rotary systems.
Energy Star Certificate
This dishwasher also comes with an Energy Star certificate that ensures low water and power consumption. Thanks to that feature you don’t have to worry that any energy might go to waste.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $1,300 to $1,800
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon, Walmart) and discounts
Short Description:
- accommodates fourteen standard place settings
- provides you with a zone boost option
- high-temp sanitizing wash
- delay start with built-in time display
- specially designed powerful water-wall technology
- comes with an Energy Star certificate
Beko DIS25841 Dishwasher
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 21 inches
Noise: 48 dB
Controls Type: Fully Integrated
Capacity: 8 Place Settings
Slim Design
Even though this 18-inch dishwasher features a bit slimmer design than the large 24-inch units it will still provide you with a spacious interior. It is a great choice for everyone who doesn’t have too much space inside their kitchen.
Stainless Steel Tub
This dishwasher will provide you with amazing durability and a very long life span. Its tub is entirely made out of high-quality stainless steel material which is resistant to rust, corrosion, and any other damages that may be caused by high temperatures or dish detergents.
Half Load Option
Another amazing thing about this dishwasher is that it provides you with a half load option. This feature can come in handy especially when you don’t have enough dishes for a full load. You don’t have to worry that large amounts of water will go to waste because the dishwasher will adjust the water consumption accordingly.
Concealed Heating Element
The heating element that comes with this dishwasher model is completely integrated into the wash pump assembly. It is entirely concealed so you never have to worry that you might accidentally touch it or that something might fall into it and damage it.
Safety:
Size:
Funcionality:
PRICE RANGE
from $700 to $1,1000
depending on eCommerce offer (Amazon) and discounts
Short Description:
- slim 18-inch wide design
- accommodates up to eight place settings
- highly durable stainless steel interior
- provides you with a half load option
- fully integrated concealed heating element
- noise level up to 48 dBAs
What Makes These Dishwashers Safe?
Like any other dishwasher model, this too is designed to meet the highest safety standards. That includes built-in float sensors and an alarm buzzer. And those are all the safety features you need.
How Do You Install A Custom Dishwasher Panel?
It is pretty easy to install a custom panel on the dishwasher. Here are the short instructions.
- Prep the panel with primer and paint to match the rest of the cabinetry.
- Attach alignment bracket to panel.
- Attach cabinet hardware.
- Test fit and adjust if necessary.
- Attach the panel to the dishwasher.
For a more detailed walkthrough, check out this video.
To Wrap It Up
The best dishwasher you can match into your kitchen design is the Z Line Panel-Ready Dishwasher. It comes with EcoWash technology and three mesh filters, and it produces minimal noise possible during the cleaning process. The design of this and all models of this type is similar to top control dishwashers but it’s important to make a difference.
