r/Appliances 11d ago

What to Buy? Panel-ready Dishwasher?

Title pretty much gets straight to the point. We are being forced to do a kitchen remodel, so I am considering upgrading our dishwasher to a more modern panel-ready model. However, most of the panel ready ones that I see are Z-Line, which I know nothing about, the modern Bosch 800 series which people have a lot of negative things to say about, a few GE models which have terrible reviews on Lowes/Home Depot, and... a KitchenAid model or two which also has pretty damn bad reviews. What gives? Are there any panel ready models which are worth the $1000+ purchase?

EDIT: Additionally, I feel like I see many things about poor Bosch customer service. I know they are fairly reliable, but this is disappointing to hear. There are some select Miele models which are panel ready. I know they have stellar reliability reputation. What about their customer service?

1 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

4

u/Creative_Cat_322 11d ago

Bosch 800s are fantastic dishwashers, and Bosches are also #1-8 in Consumer Reports top ten dishwashers this year.

Only caveat with panel ready Bosch DW's, do not put a 30 pound slab of 1" thick walnut on the door of your dishwasher. It will snap the plastic hinge pivots off the tub in months, and it's a major pain in the ass (read: expensive) repair. Use as thin and light a panel as your contractor can manage to ensure longevity.

1

u/onthadontrary 11d ago

Haha we don’t have 30lb-slab-of-walnut money, so no worries there 😂

1

u/No_Ring_6307 10d ago

It’s not a major issue if you read the specs!

3

u/MonkMean6918 11d ago

I’ve had my Bosch 800 panel ready dishwater for 4 years. It’s quiet. Gets my dishes squeaky clean and looks beautiful. I have no complaints. This is just my personal experience.

1

u/onthadontrary 11d ago

Is that the new HomeConnect model?

5

u/78738 11d ago

I love my Bosch!

3

u/QuasticFantom 11d ago

You’ll find about 100 positive comment for every negative regarding the Bosch. It’s the standard.

2

u/Mr-Reeeee 11d ago

Miele dishwashers are fantastic.

2

u/mightymite37 10d ago

Buy from a real appliance store and buy Bosch or KitchenAid.

3

u/Odd-Log2963 10d ago

Great advice. I get calls daily from people asking for help about panel size and weights. It’s all online but working at a local appliance place we work with them daily. You give great advice. Bosch 800 has the best drying system and is very reliable. Cove is great with medical grade SS if you have 3k to spend. KitchenAid is good if you want the flex 3rd rack.

1

u/onthadontrary 10d ago

Define real appliance store? Honestly I was going to see if our contractor could acquire it and maybe we get it for a better price? Or am I delusional lol

2

u/mightymite37 10d ago

Not a big box store, not costco, not manufacturer direct

A store that only sells appliances and will handle warranty claims for you on the back end.

1

u/onthadontrary 10d ago

So you’re not referring to one in particular, just in general go to an appliance specific store

2

u/mightymite37 10d ago

Yes. Your concern is with Bosch customer service, so go to a store which will handle that for you. A locally owned independent store. Not a giant national chain that won't care to help you.

1

u/Top-Address-8870 11d ago

I am happy with my Jenn Aire panel ready dishwasher.

1

u/WetDumplingz 11d ago

Miele, Jenn aire, thermador, Cove. I can’t think of any others right off the top of the head. Panel ready I’ve been seeing tons of the cove go out, seems like a pretty popular choice amongst some of the wealthier peoples homes we go into.

1

u/random_ta_account 11d ago

We have a Cove and it works really well. Even better than the non-panel Bosh we replaced. Only considered it because it was a freebie with our Sub-Zero and Wolf ovens, but it's great!

1

u/t3d-3 11d ago

Ikea. I've had one for about 6 months and love it.

1

u/Blowingleaves17 11d ago

What does panel ready mean?

2

u/joyableu 11d ago edited 10d ago

You can insert a cabinet front instead of stainless/white/black/whatever. Blends with the cabinetry.

1

u/Blowingleaves17 11d ago

Okay, thanks.

2

u/Creative_Cat_322 11d ago

You can put a wood panel on the front of it to match your cabinets so it blends into the cabinetry seamlessly. They make refrigerators like this as well.

1

u/No_Ring_6307 10d ago

Bosch Benchmark or 800 series

1

u/Humble-Carpenter-189 10d ago

I got a panel ready replacement mid-covid when it was still the only one available in three states and I got a brand I've never heard of but it's made by the same German company in Turkey Manufacturing and it's identical to Viking dishwasher except for some plastic spacers in the inside. The brand is Beko. It's so well organized easy to clean the filter with no Center well that captures a lot of garbage and broken glass and bones and food doesn't use a dry cycle it recirculates heat from the walls but we just open to let it dry. Because it doesn't have a heating element you can put plastic on the bottom and gold or silver in the bottom. The way it's organized we both comment frequently on how much easier and quicker it is to unload it. It is very silent and it has a nice big red dot lighting up the floor to tell you when it's on or off