How to Install a Dishwasher Panel

Cathy and Garrett talk panel-ready dishwashers and show how simple it is to make the dishwasher blend into the cabinets. This is an easy DIY for your average handy person. For ordering your own dishwasher panel check this post out on the Grit and Polish: bit.ly/TheGPCab... and this video on ordering a door panel: • How to Replace a Cabin...

[@EverFlo777]

Can Garrett fly 3000 miles to put a panel on our dishwasher? I would ask hubby but he doesn't even know how to use a drill. It really does look good. Well done Cathy and Garrett.

[@TheGRITandPolish]

Thanks! We do like to travel!.... ; )

[@DrCisco]

Hey how did you insert the bracket into the dishwasher before screwing it all together? You skipped that in the video and I’m having trouble using the bracket to keep it in place

[@TheGRITandPolish]

So in the case of this specific Blomberg model, the plastic bracket has four different "hooks" on one side that slide into catches on the dishwasher door. You can see them as the dark grey rectangles at the beginning of the video.

[@sharadnishabhavnani7295]

What about the toe kick or front panel at the bottom of the dishwasher? Does that have to be ordered with the cabinet company or comes with the dishwasher?

[@TheGRITandPolish]

Typically the dishwasher does come with a metal toe kick but I always make one that looks continuous with the cabinetry. You can do this by securing the toe kick (I use wood 1"X4") with screws so it can be removed to service the dishwasher.

[@GR-cn5zx]

What is the dishwasher model you installed? I found your video searching for Borsh SHSM63W5, but maybe it is an other model. thank you

[@TheGRITandPolish]

This is a Blomberg: www.blombergappliances.com/24-inch-top-control-dishwasher-dwt56502fbi.html

[@ariellemallen6385]

Great vid. I’m struggling to find countertops and loved yours - do you know what you used? Brand or style number?

[@TheGRITandPolish]

Thanks! These counters are natural marble with a honed finish. We picked up the raw slabs at local shop and fabricated them onsite.

[@YouTubeUserToo]

Can I simply attach a panel to the front of a regular dishwasher and push it back a little? Or do I actually need a “panel ready” dishwasher?

[@TheGRITandPolish]

I think you could make this work as long as you do have room to slide the dishwasher back. Other things to check are handle hardware that would need to be removed, controls located on top of the door, and the spring tension that closes the door will need adjusted otherwise the door will always fall open due to the weight of the panel.

[@jamesmarin5055]

Nice video. When you made the door did you have a weight you were trying not to exceed?

[@TheGRITandPolish]

Thanks! There is typically some adjustment in the springs to ensure a heavier door can still close and light ones don't shoot up too fast. I didn't have to adjust anything for this one!

[@isabelsfoodandtravel4769]

DO you have a link for the bracket?

[@TheGRITandPolish]

So that bracket came with the dishwasher and will be unique to each manufacturer/model. Also although the bracket is helpful for aligning the door, you don't actually need it. You can use a couple clamps to hold the panel in place while you fasten it.

[@kourtniewebb7867]

could this be done with the dishwasher we already have? if it's not panel ready or integrated?

[@TheGRITandPolish]

Unfortunately no : ( At the very least you'd have to order a new door for your dw that can accept a panel. But keep it in mind if you current dw goes out!

[@raysrcsandtech]

How do you work out the size of the door, we just ordered a Bosch and it will not arrive until April but I want to get a door ready for it, the sales person could not tell us and I contact Bosch but they could not give me a definitive answer. I downloaded the instruction but it again does not say the size of the door

[@TheGRITandPolish]

So the panel size is going to be determined by how it fits into the cabinetry where the dishwasher is placed. Each installation will be a little different in this respect since the opening may be just at 24" or perhaps slightly larger. This opening for my dishwasher was 24.125" between the sink base frame and the adjacent cabinet frame so I ordered the door 1/4" smaller (23.875") to leave an 1/8" gap on either side. You'll want the height to be the same as the frame for the adjacent cabinet (or maybe 1/8" less) so that it matches up nicely once you have it on the dishwasher. The thickness should be the same as a standard cabinet door 3/4". Does that make sense?

[@raysrcsandtech]

@@TheGRITandPolish Yes it does thank you. I was going about it all wrong I'm franticly trying to find out what size the machine door is to match that. it make more sense to match the size of the current cabinet doors that easier to do. :)

[@deborahriles3573]

What brand of dishwasher do you have

[@TheGRITandPolish]

The one shown in this video is a Blomberg and we've been really happy with this brand. The units are well designed and insulated making them quiet and reliable.

[@jakeandbricapek3353]

You mentioned a video link on how to order your cabinet panel. Can you link that, please. :)

[@TheGRITandPolish]

Forgot to do that! Thanks

[@mikefranze4388]

@@TheGRITandPolish do you have the link to order the panel

[@michilelam1426]

Not very helpful.

[@TheGRITandPolish]

You know I watched the video just now and I can see how it's not that helpful cause it doesn't say what the measurements should be for the bracket? We didn't include specifics for that step cause it's likely each model of dishwasher will be a little different. And then it also depends on how high/low the dishwasher is set relative to the counter top. Also you actually don't need the bracket as long as you position the panel on the dishwasher door so it lines up correctly when closed. Use a clamp to hold it in place, then secure it with screws and you're good to go.

[@bobbolitho2554]

This do not show the process of singing up the door panel. That is the hard part I sought help with.

[@TheGRITandPolish]

Yes that is the tricky part but each manufacturer will be a little different as far as how they attach it. If you want a surefire way without having to measure or use the plastic bracket, place your panel on the door and use clamps to hold it in place. Then open and use a couple screws to hold it in place. Then release the clamps and see how it fits. If you need to make minor adjustments re-clamp and back the screws out, adjust, and then attach through two different holes. Re-check and then fasten through the other holes.