Best Panel Ready Dishwasher

Everyone I know who has remodeled a kitchen recently has opted for a panel-ready dishwasher. These dishwashers are a winning aesthetic trend right now. They look great without sacrificing any dishwashing function – that is, if you choose the right one. Today my goal is to help you choose the best panel-ready dishwasher for your kitchen. 

• Best Overall: Bosch 800 Series SHVM78Z53N 
• Best Splurge: Bosch Benchmark Series SHV89PW73N
• Best WiFi Connected: Samsung Bespoke Smart 42dBA DW80B7070AP
• Best Compact: ZLINE 18″ Compact Panel Ready Top Control Dishwasher

What is a Panel Ready Dishwasher?

Panel-ready dishwashers have all the functions of a regular dishwasher, with the appealing aesthetic of built-in cabinetry. Panel-ready means the face of the dishwasher is blank and ready to be re-faced with a panel that matches the rest of your cabinetry. So instead of a dishwasher interrupting the cohesive look of your lower cabinets, panel-ready dishwashers blend in seamlessly. 

Best Panel Ready Dishwashers

Best Overall: Bosch 800 Series SHVM78Z53N

This Bosch 800 series is packed with features to make dishwashing easier. It’s quiet, so you can run it without disturbing your evening TV time. It includes a system that safely allows for dishwasher-safe plastic dishware to be placed anywhere in the dishwasher – no longer limited to the top rack only! With a third rack and an adjustable middle rack, it accommodates many dishes (although some reviewers said the placement of the tines in the racks didn’t allow for packing a full load in). 

This dishwasher has advanced leak protection and a sanitizing feature to ensure your dishes come out completely clean. Some customers did note that the control panel is very sensitive, so that’s something to be aware of before purchasing. This model is a great option for those looking for a super quiet machine with many helpful features.

Pros:

• PureDry: a system included with Bosch dishwashers that allows plastic dishware to be placed anywhere inside the machine
• Advanced leak protection
• Adjustable middle rack 
• Third rack
• Quiet wash cycle
• Sanitize feature 

Cons:

• Sensitive control panel
• The arrangement of the tines can limit the amount of space for dishes
• No heating cycle options 

Specs:

• Dimensions: H 33.8 in x W 23.563 in x D 23.06 in
• Noise: 42 dBa
• Wash Cycles: 9 (Auto, Delay Start, Half Load, High-Temperature Wash, Pots and Pans, Quick Wash, Rinse and Hold, Sanitize, Sensor Wash)
• Tub Material: Stainless Steel
• Number of Racks: 3
• Dry Option: No Cycle Options

Best Splurge: Bosch Benchmark Series SHV89PW73N

This top-of-the-line high-performance dishwasher is expensive, but you get what you pay for. It has three racks with a 15-place setting capacity. That means you can wash an entire dinner party’s worth of dishes all in one go! This dishwasher is one of the quietest models available on the market, with a water softener and leak protection technology built in.

This model might be a splurge, but it’s ENERGY STAR certified, saving thousands of gallons of water over its lifetime and saving you money on your water bill. The only downside to this dishwasher is that some reviewers said that when the bottom rack is empty, the door springs shut a little aggressively, so that’s something to consider. 

Pros:

• Third rack
• Super quiet 
• 15-place setting capacity
• Water softener
• Leak protection technology

Cons:

• When the bottom rack is empty, the door tends to spring closed.

Specs:

• Dimensions: H 34.06 in x W 23.56 in x D 21.625 in 
• Noise: 39 dBa
• Wash Cycles: 7
• Tub Material: Stainless Steel
• Number of Racks: 3
• Dry Option: Heated

Best WiFi Connected: Samsung Bespoke Smart 42dBA DW80B7070AP

This Samsung dishwasher boasts a SmartWash system that eliminates the need for pre-washing dishes, which saves a lot of water every cycle. It’s fingerprint resistant for easy cleaning and connects via WiFi to an app that allows you to start and stop each cycle from afar. It also has an AutoRelease door that opens automatically when the cycle is finished to help ensure dishes dry completely. 

Several reviewers noted that it doesn’t hold a lot of dishes per load, so if you have a larger family or host often, this might not be the option for you. Reviewers also said that the installation of this model was a little tricky, so if you plan to install it yourself, be prepared. 

Pros:

• StormWash+ system means no more pre-rinsing dishes, which saves water
• AutoRelease door 
• WiFi Connection means you can start and stop the dishwasher from an app

Cons:

• Smaller capacity
• Tricky installation

Specs:

• Dimensions: H 35in x W 23.875in x D 27.325
• Noise: 42 dBa
• Wash Cycles: 7
• Tub Material: Stainless Steel
• Number of Racks: 3
• Dry Option: Heated

Best Compact: ZLINE 18″ Compact Panel Ready Top Control Dishwasher 

If you want to incorporate a panel ready dishwasher in a small space, then this might be the right option for you. While you may sacrifice on capacity (this model accommodates only up to 8 place settings) and noise (the loudest on this list at 52 dBa), you will still be able to accomplish that high-end, built-in look for less. 

At only 18” wide, this panel ready dishwasher is a full 6” narrower than full size models, making it perfect for smaller kitchens. It’s ENERGY STAR certified with CEE Tier 1 rating, meaning this machine is at least 15% more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard (source: Kiwi Energy).

Pros:

• Top control for a sleek, concealed look
• Adjustable upper dishwasher rack, providing flexibility for you to load large dishes up to 11 inches in height
• ENERGY STAR certified with CEE Tier 1 rating
• 1 year parts warranty

Cons:

• Least quiet on the list
• On the smaller side only accommodating up to 8 place settings per wash
• Some customers complained about customer service frustrations when they ran into installation challenges

Specs:

• Dimensions:  H 32.50 in, W 17.63 in, D 22.4 in
• Noise: 52 dBa
• Wash Cycles: 6
• Tub Material: Stainless Steel
• Number of Racks: 2
• Dry Option: Heated

Features to Consider in Panel-Ready Dishwashers

Different features in each dishwasher model might make a big difference in your household. Everything from performance to capacity impacts whether or not each model will work for your specific needs.

Performance

A high-performance dishwasher does what it’s supposed to without any issues. Is it working effectively and efficiently? Does it work with your household’s needs? Are the dishes clean at the end of the cycle?

Some performance features to consider before purchasing: 

• Cleaning power
• AutoRelease doors for extra drying
• Whether or not a pre-rinse is needed 

Noise

Current models are all pretty quiet but vary anywhere from 38 to 48 dBa. If you run your dishwasher at night, a super quiet model is probably on your priority list. Any dishwasher with a dBa level of 44 or lower is considered a “quiet” machine. If less noise is important to you, look for a machine with a dBa of that level or lower. 

Number of Wash Cycles

Wash cycles vary between 5-10 options, including a quick wash and a sanitize cycle. Consider how many of these wash cycles you need and will use before purchasing. 

The most common dishwashing cycles are:

1. Quick wash cycle: This short cycle typically lasts around 30 minutes and is used for lightly soiled dishes.
2. Normal wash cycle: This cycle lasts about 60-90 minutes and is used for regular dishwashing with average levels of soiling.
3. Heavy-duty wash cycle: This cycle is intended for heavily soiled dishes, pots, and pans with stubborn food residue. It typically runs for 2-3 hours.
4. Eco cycle: This cycle is designed to use less water and energy than a normal wash cycle, making it an eco-friendly option. It usually runs for 2-3 hours.
5. Rinse cycle: This cycle is used to rinse any remaining soap and food residue from the dishes. It typically runs for 5-10 minutes.
6. Sanitize cycle: This cycle uses high temperatures to kill bacteria and other germs on dishware, making it ideal for households with young children or people with compromised immune systems. It usually runs for 1-2 hours.

Capacity

When considering capacity, anywhere from 14 – 16 place setting capacity is average. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and note how the dishwasher is organized and how many dishes users were actually able to load into that organizational system.

3rd rack

The third rack in the dishwasher is used for cutlery, shallow dishes like ramekins, mixing spoons, pot lids, and other small dishes. Most panel-ready dishwashers come with this extra handy feature, but not all. 

Before You Make a Purchase

There are several important steps to take and things to consider before you buy a panel-ready dishwasher for your kitchen. 

Double Check the Measurements

Before purchasing a dishwasher, double-check your measurements to ensure a perfect fit in your kitchen, especially the depth. Measure twice, buy once! 

Consider the Handle Design of Your Panel

Make sure your dishwasher will fit and function properly in your kitchen. Some handles stick out of the front of the dishwasher. Suppose your dishwasher is installed perpendicular to a drawer or a cabinet (e.g. in the corner of your kitchen). Opening that perpendicular drawer or cabinet might be hard (or impossible!) when the dishwasher is closed. Checking these details before buying is essential. 

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not install an electrical outlet directly behind the dishwasher: it will block access to the outlet and could make the dishwasher stick out. 
• Don’t install plumbing fixtures behind the dishwasher either: it will once again make the dishwasher stick out and might interfere with proper drainage.
• Don’t leave parts tied: manufacturers tie up these parts so they don’t catch during shipping, but make sure to untie them as you install instead of leaving them hanging.

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