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Have you ever looked at your kitchen and wanted a more streamlined look? If so, you’re not alone! For homeowners seeking a cohesive and unified kitchen design, panel ready appliances are the perfect option. That’s a large reason why they have experienced recent rapid growth in popularity across the United States.
In this guide, we'll explore the essentials of what you need to know about these appliances, including panel ready dishwashers and panel ready refrigerators. Keep reading to learn how these appliances can transform and streamline your kitchen.
What Are Panel Ready Appliances?
When we talk about panel ready appliances, we're referring to kitchen appliances designed to accept custom panels that match your kitchen cabinets to blend in. However, some people also prefer to customize their panels to stand out and make a statement. These custom panels are often made of wood, metal, or any material that complements a kitchen aesthetic. They are then affixed to the front of the appliance for a completely customized appearance.
Panel ready appliance options are most commonly available for refrigerators and dishwashers due to their bulky size and relatively limited visual appeal. For example, can you spot the dishwasher in the image below? It's to the left of the sink, below the dish rack! While dishwashers and refrigerators are common, ovens, ranges, and microwaves can also be found, offering panel ready options. We’ll explore refrigerator and dishwasher choices in more detail later.
How to Install Panel Ready Appliances
Installing panel ready appliances can be a bit more involved than traditional ones, but the results are worth the effort. As usual, we recommend hiring a professional to install any appliance. Installation varies from brand to brand, so it’s also a good idea to check the manual and the manufacturer’s website before beginning installation.
Here's a general step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect when selecting and installing these appliances:
- Measure and Plan: Before purchasing your appliance, measure the space carefully to ensure it fits snugly. Plan the placement of the appliance within your cabinetry layout.
- Choose Custom Panels: The fun part of panel ready appliances is choosing the custom panel design. Select or have custom panels made to match your desired kitchen aesthetic. These panels should be the same size as the appliance's front.
- Prepare the Appliance: Remove the existing front panel of the appliance (if applicable). Check the manufacturer's instructions for any specific preparation steps.
- Attach the Panels: Use brackets or mounting hardware provided by the appliance manufacturer to securely attach the custom panels to the appliance's front. Ensure they are aligned correctly.
- Slide into Place: Carefully slide the appliance into its designated spot in the cabinetry. Make sure it fits snugly and sits flush with the surrounding cabinets.
- Secure the Appliance: Depending on the appliance type, secure it in place with screws or brackets to prevent it from moving.
- Connect Utilities: Connect the necessary utilities, such as water and electricity, for your appliance. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for these connections.
- Test the Appliance: Before using the appliance, perform a test run to ensure it functions correctly and doesn't interfere with the custom panels.
Panel Ready Dishwashers
Panel ready dishwashers are an excellent choice for those who want their dishwasher to blend seamlessly into their kitchen cabinetry. These appliances offer the same functionality as regular dishwashers but with a customized exterior. They come in various sizes and styles, including compact 18-inch dishwasher models, to suit your kitchen design.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, panel ready dishwashers are often designed with the latest technology and come with advanced features like top controls and 3rd racks. When shopping for one, consider the size, capacity, and features that best fit your needs.
ZLINE 24 in. Tallac Series 3rd Rack Tall Tub Dishwasher in Custom Panel Ready with Stainless Steel Tub, 51dBa (DWV-24)
$1,124.99
$1,249.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 24 in. Tallac Series 3rd Rack Tall Tub Dishwasher in Custom Panel Ready with Stainless Steel Tub, 51dBa (DWV-24) features 8 unique wash cycles and a… Read More
Panel Ready Refrigerators
Panel ready refrigerators are designed to integrate seamlessly with your kitchen's cabinetry, giving your kitchen a polished and cohesive appearance. These refrigerators come in various configurations, including column, French door, and extra-large options, allowing you to choose the style that suits your kitchen layout.
Shop Panel Ready Refrigerators
When selecting a panel ready refrigerator, consider factors such as capacity, storage options, and energy efficiency. Some models also offer advanced features like temperature control zones and smart technology for added convenience.
ZLINE 36 in. 19.6 cu. ft. Panel Ready French Door Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Water Dispenser and Ice Maker (RBIV-36)
$8,099.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 36 in. 19.6 cu. ft. Panel Ready French Door Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with Water Dispenser and Ice Maker (RBIV-36) provides the ultimate upgrade to the… Read More
Panel Ready Undercounter Refrigeration
A growing subsegment of panel ready refrigerators is undercounter refrigeration, which includes a wide variety of panel ready refrigeration options such as beverage fridges, wine coolers, refrigerator drawers, and ice makers.
ZLINE’s Touchstone line of undercounter refrigeration is an example of this concept that includes a suite of refrigeration solutions that blend with custom cabinetry to complement a variety of interiors.
Shop ZLINE Touchstone Refrigeration
Together, ZLINE’s Touchstone beverage fridges, wine coolers, refrigerator drawers, and ice makers offer a comprehensive undercounter refrigeration solution that enhances your kitchen and entertaining areas. With professional performance, customizable integration, and thoughtful features, these units create a polished and practical environment for everyday living and elevated entertaining.
ZLINE 24 in. Touchstone 151 Can Beverage Fridge with Panel Ready Glass Door (RBSPO-24)
$2,379.99
$2,799.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be desired - it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 24 in. Touchstone 151 Can Beverage Fridge With Panel Ready Glass Door (RBSPO-24) features an outdoor-compatible cooling system and an integrated panel-ready glass door, giving you… Read More
Are You Ready for Panel Ready?
Panel ready appliances, whether dishwashers or refrigerators, offer a sophisticated and streamlined look for your kitchen. With proper installation and careful selection of custom panels, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing kitchen space that reflects your unique style and taste. Upgrade your kitchen with panel ready appliances and enjoy the seamless integration they bring to your home.
Panel ready appliances allow a kitchen to be designed as a cohesive, architectural space rather than a collection of visible appliances. By accepting custom cabinet panels, these appliances visually disappear into surrounding cabinetry, creating clean sightlines and a streamlined aesthetic that feels intentional and high end. This approach is especially valuable in open concept homes, where the kitchen is always in view and design continuity matters as much as performance. Panel ready refrigeration, dishwashers, and specialty undercounter units support minimalist, modern, and transitional designs by letting materials, finishes, and layout take visual priority over branding or stainless steel surfaces.
Beyond aesthetics, panel ready appliances add flexibility and customization to kitchen planning. Designers can place refrigeration and specialty cooling exactly where it is needed, such as under islands, in beverage centers, or near entertaining zones, without disrupting the overall look of the space. Lines like ZLINE Touchstone make it possible to integrate beverage fridges, wine coolers, refrigerator drawers, and ice makers into a unified design language, improving workflow while maintaining a built-in appearance. The result is a kitchen that feels tailored, balanced, and purpose-built, combining professional-grade functionality with a seamless, furniture-like finish.
If you’re ready to upgrade to panel ready appliances, call us at 1 (866) 212-9706 or book a consultation with one of our panel ready appliance experts!
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FAQs
What does “panel ready” mean for kitchen appliances?
Panel ready appliances are designed to accept a custom front panel that matches your cabinetry or chosen design material. Instead of a visible stainless steel or branded exterior, the appliance blends seamlessly into the surrounding cabinets, creating a built-in, furniture-like appearance.
Why are panel ready appliances so popular right now?
Panel ready appliances have grown in popularity because homeowners increasingly want cohesive, streamlined kitchens. As open-concept layouts become more common, appliances that visually disappear into cabinetry help kitchens feel intentional, uncluttered, and design-forward.
Which appliances are most commonly panel ready?
Panel ready options are most commonly available for refrigerators and dishwashers due to their size and prominent placement. However, undercounter refrigeration such as wine coolers, beverage fridges, refrigerator drawers, and ice makers are also frequently offered in panel ready configurations.
Do panel ready appliances only blend in, or can they stand out?
While most homeowners use panel ready appliances to blend into cabinetry, they can also be designed to stand out. Panels can be made from contrasting wood, metal, or specialty finishes to turn an appliance into a subtle design feature rather than hiding it completely.
Are panel ready appliances more expensive than standard appliances?
Panel ready appliances may have a slightly higher upfront cost, and custom panels are an additional expense. However, many homeowners feel the investment is worthwhile for the elevated, custom look and long-term design flexibility they provide.
Do panel ready appliances perform differently than standard appliances?
No. Panel ready appliances offer the same performance, features, and reliability as their standard counterparts. The difference is purely aesthetic, focused on how the appliance integrates visually into the kitchen.
Do panel ready appliances come with the custom panels included?
Typically, panel ready appliances do not include panels. The panels are custom-made separately, often by a cabinet manufacturer or millworker, to ensure a perfect match with your cabinetry.
Is installation more complicated for panel ready appliances?
Installation can be slightly more involved than standard appliances because the custom panel must be properly aligned, weighted, and secured. For this reason, professional installation is strongly recommended, especially for panel ready refrigerators.
Can I install panel ready appliances in an existing kitchen?
Yes, panel ready appliances can be installed in existing kitchens, but careful measurement and planning are essential. Cabinet dimensions, panel thickness, and hinge clearance all need to be considered to ensure proper fit and operation.
What should I consider when choosing a panel ready dishwasher?
When selecting a panel ready dishwasher, consider size, noise level, control placement, and interior features such as third racks. Many panel ready dishwashers feature top controls so the control panel remains hidden when the door is closed.
What types of panel ready refrigerators are available?
Panel ready refrigerators are available in several configurations, including French door built-in models, column refrigerators, and undercounter units. This flexibility allows homeowners to design refrigeration layouts that fit their cooking and entertaining needs.
What is panel ready undercounter refrigeration?
Panel ready undercounter refrigeration includes beverage fridges, wine coolers, refrigerator drawers, and ice makers designed to fit below countertops. These appliances maintain a built-in appearance while adding convenience in kitchens, bars, and entertaining areas.
Are panel ready appliances good for open-concept kitchens?
Yes. Panel ready appliances are especially well-suited for open-concept homes because they reduce visual clutter and allow the kitchen to feel like an extension of the surrounding living space rather than a collection of visible appliances.
Can panel ready appliances increase home value?
In many cases, yes. A well-executed panel ready kitchen can enhance perceived quality and design cohesion, which can be attractive to buyers looking for a custom, high-end feel.
Are panel ready appliances right for every kitchen?
Panel ready appliances are ideal for homeowners who prioritize design cohesion and customization. However, those who prefer visible stainless steel finishes or want a more traditional appliance-forward look may prefer standard models.
What are the biggest benefits of choosing panel ready appliances?
The primary benefits include a seamless, built-in appearance, greater design flexibility, improved visual flow, and the ability to customize appliances to match cabinetry and finishes throughout the kitchen.
Is panel ready a good long-term design choice?
Yes. Panel ready appliances offer long-term flexibility because panels can often be replaced or updated if your kitchen style changes, allowing the appliance to adapt without a full replacement.
Who should consider panel ready appliances the most?
Panel ready appliances are especially appealing to homeowners designing custom kitchens, renovating high-end spaces, or creating minimalist, modern, or transitional interiors where visual consistency is a priority.
