If you’re dreaming of a high-end, designer kitchen with a seamless, integrated look, panel-ready appliances are the way to go.
These appliances come with unfinished fronts that can be covered with custom panels matching your cabinetry, allowing you to create a FULLY cohesive and personalized aesthetic. It’s like the appliances disappear into the woodwork (literally)!
I recently worked with a client who was renovating their luxury home. They had their heart set on a sleek, modern kitchen with minimalist white cabinets and quartz countertops. By opting for panel-ready appliances across the board – fridge, dishwasher, wine fridge, the works – we were able to achieve an incredibly clean, seamless look. The appliances completely blended in, as if they were part of the cabinetry itself. My client was absolutely thrilled with the result – they said it was like something out of a magazine spread!
How Much Do Panel-Ready Appliances Cost?
I won’t sugarcoat it—panel-ready appliances are pricier than standard models.
High-end brands like Monogram, Thermador, and JennAir offer panel-ready fridges ranging from $7k to a whopping $15k each. Mid-range options from Bosch, KitchenAid, and JennAir run $3k to $8k. For comparison, regular fridges typically cost $1k to $5k.
Panel-ready dishwashers are a bit more reasonable. A Miele model is around $1,299, not drastically more than a standard dishwasher. Bosch and KitchenAid have options in the $1k to $2k range. Don’t forget the custom panels themselves, which can add $500 to $2,500 to the tab depending on size and style.
All in, expect to pay double or triple what you would for regular standalone appliances. But for that perfect, built-in look? Many of my clients say it’s totally worth it. I had one customer who initially balked at the price of panel-ready appliances for his kitchen remodel. But once we priced out gorgeous custom cabinets and high-end countertops, he realized that spending more on the appliances to get that fully integrated look was a drop in the bucket compared to his overall budget. And in the end, those panel-ready appliances totally MADE the space – he said he couldn’t imagine his new kitchen without them!
Types of Panel-Ready Appliances
You can find panel-ready versions of nearly any kitchen appliance.
- Refrigerators in side-by-side, French door, and other configurations, from compact to extra-large. I’m a big fan of the 48″ Sub Zero models for larger families – they have incredible storage capacity and keep food fresh for ages.
- Dishwashers in various sizes with features like ultra-quiet operation and advanced cleaning tech. Miele and Bosch are my go-tos for whisper-quiet cleaning performance that won’t disrupt your dinner party conversation. Meanwhile, KitchenAid panel-ready dishwashers are client favorites for their large capacity and adjustable racks.
- Wine coolers that hold anywhere from a few bottles to hundreds. For serious oenophiles, a 150+ bottle capacity wine column is a MUST.
- Freezers in upright and chest models with perks like fast freezing. Perfect for stocking up on gourmet goodies or saving that leftover pot of homemade chicken stock.
- Warming drawers to keep food toasty without drying it out (though not all heated appliances can take panels). These are SUCH a necessity for dinner parties – you can cook in advance and keep everything warm until it’s time to serve.
One of my favorite recent projects was a sleek contemporary kitchen with panel-ready EVERYTHING – a massive 72″ side-by-side fridge/freezer, two (yes, two!) dishwashers flanking the sink, a microwave drawer, and even a built-in coffee system. It had incredibly clean lines while still feeling warm and inviting thanks to the white oak cabinetry. The clients love to entertain, so we included both a 300-bottle wine room and an outdoor kitchen with a panel-ready ice maker and refrigerator drawers. No schlepping back to the house for another bottle of rosé!
Advantages of Going Panel-Ready
There are SO many reasons to love panel-ready appliances:
1. Unparalleled customization
Choose any color, finish, and door style to match your dream decor. I once did a beach house kitchen with panel-ready appliances in a gorgeous driftwood gray finish. Swoon!
2. Seamless integration
Panel-ready appliances provide a a cohesive, uncluttered, modern look that makes your kitchen feel larger. It’s amazing how much more spacious a kitchen feels when the appliances blend right in.
3. Flexibility
Going panel-ready means you can change the panels if you update your cabinets or countertops later on. You’re not married to one appliance finish for life!
4. Potential to increase your home’s value
With that high-end, custom vibe, you can expect a bump in your home’s appraisal. I’ve had clients recoup their panel-ready appliance investment and then some when they sold their home.
5. Timeless style
Defy passing trends; simply swap your panels to stay current! I had clients who loved their panel-ready fridge so much, they took it with them to their new home and had a cabinetmaker craft new panels to match the new kitchen.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
As fabulous as panel-ready appliances are, there are a few potential downsides:
1. Hefty price
Panel-ready appliances come at a significantly higher cost, especially with the custom panels factored in. But I always encourage my clients to think of them as an investment in both their daily quality of life and their home’s value.
2. Not DIY-friendly
Panel-ready appliances require a complex installation process to achieve that perfect built-in look, often requiring a pro. This isn’t something you can do alone unless you’re an experienced cabinetmaker!
3. Fewer finishes
There are fewer customization options for panel-ready models compared to the huge range of finishes on standard ones. But I’ve found that most manufacturers offer enough panel-ready finish options to suit the vast majority of kitchen designs.
4. Specialized cleaning
Panels may need special care and cleaning to stay pristine over time. But it’s SO worth it to maintain that flawless built-in look. I always recommend gentle, non-abrasive cleaners.
5. Limited size compatibility
These special appliances are not compatible with all kitchen layouts, which can limit placement options. It’s crucial to plan for panel-ready appliances early in the design process to ensure the right fit.
Popular Panel-Ready Luxury Models
A few of the most sought-after panel-ready appliances I’ve worked with are
- KitchenAid® 24″ Panel Ready Built In Dishwasher. The Third Rack is a game-changer when it comes to fitting everything in the dishwasher. With adjustable tines that easily accommodate glasses, mugs, bowls, silverware and cooking tools, it frees up valuable real estate on the racks below for your bulkier pots, pans and serving dishes.
- JennAir® 20.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator. The JennAir 20.9 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is a true gem for those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a high-end, feature-rich fridge. Its FreshFlow™ Air Filter, crisper drawers, and produce preserver work together to keep your food fresh and flavorful for longer.If you’re willing to invest in quality, I think you’ll find that the JennAir’s superior construction, precise cooling, and ample storage space are well worth it. In my experience, customers who take the leap are consistently thrilled with their choice.
- Marvel 23.875″ Beverage Centre Refrigerator (MLBV224-IG01A). Love this endlessly customizable storage for wine, drinks & more. Perfect for entertaining.
- Miele 24″ Built-In Dishwasher. Featuring EcoPower tech, spacious cutlery tray & AutoDos for effortless clean, this one’s a bestseller. My clients rave about the AutoDos feature.
At the end of the day, panel-ready appliances are a game-changer if you’re after that fully custom, high-end kitchen. Just be prepared for the bigger budget and carefully vet your space for the right fit. Otherwise, you can always choose easy-to-match appliances that follow a timeless theme. For example, you can fill your kitchen with light-colored appliances such as the popular Frigidaire White Free-standing Electric Range.
Let me know if you have any other questions as you weigh your options. I’m always happy to talk shop and help you find the perfect panel-ready picks for your dream kitchen!
