How to Plan for Custom Panel Appliances

A custom panel frame for a dishwasher, refrigerator or other appliance lets consumers design the look of their kitchen as well as its functionality Custom panels are made of wood, fascia or plastic and allow homeowners to coordinate the look of new appliances with existing woodwork or overall kitchen design. Some appliances are suitable for custom panels; others are sold “as is”, with little or no way to change the product’s physical appearance. There are many factors to consider before choosing this option for a range or dishwasher, including the size and structure of your kitchen, the amount of time and work needed to install a custom panel appliance, and the cost, which varies according to the model and options chosen. A custom panel adds a modern, sleek design to a kitchen, eliminating the scattershot look caused by appliances that work well, but don’t necessarily look good together.

Unless you don’t mind mismatched kitchen appliances, you’ll need to plan not only the overall look but the specific size and type of appliance you’ll need. Viking Dishwashers are a great choice although Bosch, Thermador and Bertazzoni all offer custom panel appliances, most with all-inclusive kits for easy installation. Look at the product measurements, height, width and depth of the appliance these are usually included on the product literature or on the manufacturer website. Check with dealer to make sure that the refrigerator, dishwasher or other appliance has all the bells and whistles you need for cooking, freezing or cleaning. Then verify needed panel sizes with manufacturer before preparing the area. Talk to a customer service rep directly, if possible. Don’t rely solely on printed material. In some cases, homeowners may want a totally original cabinet or panel for an appliance; this may require the time and expertise of a local craftsman. Under such circumstances, compare and contrast different colors and material types before committing to a final product. Adjusting panels after the fact can run into hundreds of extra dollars.

Gather the proper support materials prior to installation. Check to be sure that you have all the necessary tools, including screwdrivers, and that the location you’ve chosen allows for proper water passage (for dishwashers) and easy access to electrical outlets.

While the actual installation technique varies from model to model, the procedure consists of a few basic steps. If installing a lower dishwasher panel, remove the metal trim on the side and/or bottom and slide the new custom panel into place. Then screw it securely to the front of the unit. Slide the custom upper panel into place after removing the existing metal strip. Then screw the strip back into place. If a panel is slightly smaller than the space, installing a shim behind the piece will keep it in place. The appliance should run quietly after you’ve added the panel. If not, adjust it. It shouldn’t rattle or make any other noise. Mill panels that are too large to fit a space, don’t push them in as-is. Wipe off a hardwood custom panel on a refrigerator as soon as it gets wet or risk damage to the material. Here's a good DIY reference for installing the panel.