What Are Panel-Ready Appliances?
The integrated appearance of panel-ready appliances can transform any kitchen work area into a sophisticated living space. Read on to learn how to customize your panel-ready suite like an appliance expert and check out all our top picks have to offer.
A panel-ready appliance comes ready to accept a custom cabinet panel over its front. Typically, this panel matches surrounding cabinetry, so the appliance and its controls are completely hidden from site. The most popular panel-ready major appliances are refrigerators and dishwashers which create a consistent, streamlined look across the whole kitchen, but there are plenty of other appliances that have this customization option. With appliance finishes often going in and out of style in less than a few years, panel-ready options can be easily grandfathered into new kitchen renovations, matching your new layout without costly replacements. Simply swap panels for a new look instead of swapping entire appliances.
As your appliance authority, AJ Madison not only wants to offer you the best panel-ready appliances for your home, but also empower you to shop our wide selection of panel-ready options like an appliance pro! Let’s go through all there is to know about panel-ready appliances before checking out what our top picks have to offer.
Which Appliances Can Be Panel-Ready?
Are Panel-Ready Appliances Built-In?
To enable a minimalist, streamlined appearance, panel-ready appliances must sit flush with surrounding cabinetry. As such, they need to have built-in installation capabilities to conceal as much of the appliance as possible. Regarding installation, there are a few considerations when purchasing a panel-ready appliance. Since fasteners and handles are usually not included, you must purchase them separately. You can find handles and fasteners through your cabinet dealer, carpenter, or hardware store. Installation of the panels can also be challenging. We recommend that you consult an installer familiar with panel-ready appliances as the process can be complicated and time-consuming.
Benefits of Panel-Ready Appliances
According to Homes & Gardens, integrated appliances have reigned supreme in kitchen trends over the last few years, introducing cohesion and a seamless finish to kitchen schemes. However, there are plenty of other advantages to panel-ready units that make them so coveted in both form and function.
Appearance Customization – With the industrial trend of stainless steel appliances fading, many homeowners are opting for a timeless feel. Recent kitchen trends have leaned towards creating expressions of personal style rather than meeting any industry standard, leading consumers to prefer custom appliance options. Panel-ready units match the rest of your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a more high-end look and feel.
Hardware and Showcase Options – You’re not limited solely to panel customization! Panels can be equipped with unique cabinet hardware, stainless steel handles, or even be left handleless for seamless integration depending on your preference. Select cold storage units like wine fridges have custom panels framing a display window, so you can showcase your bottle collection under multi-colored LED lighting.
Quiet Operation – To preserve their low-profile designs, panel-ready appliances are built with components such as brushless motors that minimize noise when they are active.
Wi-Fi and Smart Features – The quiet operation of most panel-ready appliances can make it hard to know when they’re running or if something is wrong. That’s why many units come with Wi-Fi and smart features to notify you. This can include everything from floor projector lights to indicate when dishwasher cycles are running to push notifications on your smartphone that alert you when the fridge door is left open.
Mix and Match Brands – Panel-ready appliances are a huge convenience when replacing entire appliance suites. Most renovations require appliance packages from the same brand to maintain a cohesive aesthetic. Panel-ready units eliminate this hurdle since they will all look the same under your custom panels.
Long-Lasting Construction – Since panel-ready appliances are a significant investment that require specialized installation and removal, they are built with durable components that can make them last over 15 years (accounting for regular, proper maintenance).
Are Panel-Ready Appliances More Expensive?
Built-in, panel-ready appliances tend to cost more than their freestanding counterparts during the initial purchase, but there are several additional value propositions they include which make them worth it.
Resale Value – The high-end, cohesive designs of panel-ready units can significantly increase your home’s value should you choose to sell it.
Energy Savings – Many panel-ready appliances are built to be energy-efficient, leading to lower utility bills. Look for models with ENERGY STAR certification to ensure maximum savings.
Tax Incentives – In some areas, purchasing energy-efficient appliances may qualify for tax credits or rebates. Check local and federal programs for financial incentives that reward upgrading to energy-efficient, panel-ready models.
Longevity – Since panel-ready units last longer than standard appliances, they can save you from the cost of frequent replacements.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance – Seamless integration with cabinets makes cleaning easier since there are fewer gaps and crevices for dirt and dust to accumulate. This can save you money on cleaning supplies and time spent maintaining these units. In fact, some components are easier to reach on built-in units than on freestanding units when cleaning, such as a fridge compressor. Built-in fridges typically have their compressors on the top, whereas freestanding units have them on the back, requiring you to pull them out when cleaning.
When considering the overall ambiance of your kitchen, panel-ready appliances are a top choice for luxurious designs. While this choice may incur a higher cost than typical appliances, imagining a timeless and personalized kitchen concept has never been more attainable once the panels are purchased, and installation is complete.
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