The Ultimate Guide to Hidden Appliances

Everything You Need to Know About Panel-Ready and Drawer Appliances

In today’s homes, functionality doesn’t have to come at the expense of aesthetics. Designers and homeowners alike are embracing hidden appliances—a growing category of thoughtfully integrated solutions like panel-ready refrigerators and drawer dishwashers that blend right into the cabinetry.

At AjMadison, we’ve seen firsthand how customizable, design-forward appliances can transform a space. From luxury kitchens and spa-inspired bathrooms to multifunctional butler’s pantries, custom coffee stations, and family-friendly mudrooms, hidden appliances deliver performance without visual clutter.

Homeowners today want more than a high-performing kitchen—they want it to feel curated, intentional, and personal. Hidden appliances help make that vision a reality — Amy Chernoff, VP of Marketing at AjMadison

Panel-Ready Appliances: Built to Disappear

What Is a Panel-Ready Appliance?

A panel-ready appliance is a built-in model designed to accommodate a custom cabinet panel on its front. Instead of a stainless steel or black exterior, it features a decorative panel—typically created by your cabinet maker—that matches the surrounding cabinetry. Many panel-ready appliances also allow you to choose custom handles or push-to-open mechanisms for a fully integrated look.

Why Choose Panel-Ready Appliances?

Clean, uniform appearance

Design continuity in open-concept spaces

Luxury-level customization

Suitable for modern, transitional, and traditional styles

Common Panel-Ready Appliances:

Refrigerators and freezers

Dishwashers

Beverage and wine coolers

Ice makers

Trash compactors

Drawer appliances

Top Brands for Panel-Ready Appliances:

Sub-Zero

Miele

Bosch

Fisher & Paykel

Thermador

True Residential

These brands offer flush installations, seamless panel integration, and customizable hardware options.

Drawer Appliances: Sleek, Smart, and Convenient

What Are Drawer Appliances?

Drawer-style appliances are ergonomic, space-saving, and ideal for secondary zones like coffee bars, guest suites, or home offices.

Types of Drawer Appliances & Top Picks

Microwave Drawers Installed under the counter for a streamlined look.

Sharp Microwave Drawer (SMD2470AS): Easy touch-open with sensor cooking

Wolf Transitional Drawer Microwave (MD24TE/S): High-end design, built to blend

Refrigerator Drawers Perfect for snacks, beverages, or overflow storage.

Sub-Zero 24” Refrigerator Drawers (ID-24R): Smart storage with custom panels

Fisher & Paykel CoolDrawer™ (RB90S64MKIW1): Switches between fridge, freezer, and pantry modes

Dishwasher Drawers Great for small loads or secondary spaces.

Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer™ (DD24DAX9N): Use one drawer at a time or both; panel-ready options available

Warming Drawers Versatile for food, towels, or even mittens in winter.

Thermador Warming Drawer (WD30W): Adjustable temps, moisture control

Bosch 500 Series Warming Drawer: Sleek and panel-ready

Creative Applications Across the Home for Drawer Appliances

Beverage Stations Pair a panel-ready refrigerator drawer with a built-in ice maker and wine fridge.

Try: U-Line 24" Panel-Ready Beverage Center

Spa Bathrooms Warm towels and robes in a vanity or linen closet.

Try: JennAir RISE Warming Drawer in a side-by-side vanity layout

Mudrooms & Family Zones Refrigerated drawers keep snacks, drinks, and sports gear chilled.

Guest Suites & Home Offices Compact fridges and dish drawers provide convenience without sacrificing design.

Outdoor Kitchens Weatherproof drawer appliances from Hestan and True Residential keep drinks cold and essentials close at hand.

Room-by-Room Integration Guide

1. Seamless Kitchens

Full appliance suites behind cabinetry

Flush or overlay panel installs

Push-to-open mechanisms for a sleek, handle-free look

2. Spa Bathrooms

Towel-warming drawers

Undercounter fridges for skincare

Small dish drawers for tools and makeup brushes

3. Home Bars

Panel-ready wine coolers and icemakers

Warming drawers for garnishes

Compact dish drawers for glassware

4. Small Spaces

Multi-function drawer combos (e.g., microwave + convection)

Undersink dish drawers

Panel-ready refrigeration to reduce visual noise

FAQ: Panel-Ready Appliance Basics

Do panel-ready appliances come with cabinet panels? No. You’ll need a custom panel made by your cabinet maker to match your design.

Can I mix appliance brands in a panel-ready kitchen? Yes—just coordinate details like handle styles and panel sizing.

Any performance trade-offs? Not at all. Panel-ready appliances perform just like standard models.

Panel-ready vs. fully integrated? Panel-ready may still show controls or handles; fully integrated appliances disappear completely.

Is installation more difficult? Installation requires precision. Work with a designer and certified installer.

Do they fit any kitchen? They work best with custom or semi-custom cabinetry for a tailored fit.

Are drawer appliances available panel-ready? Yes—many options are now designed for hidden integration.

Measuring for Hidden Appliances

Proper planning ensures a flawless finish:

Start with the appliance spec sheet for panel dimensions and mounting instructions

Measure cabinet opening height, width, and depth

Account for door swing and handle clearance

Work closely with your cabinet maker to align panels with adjacent doors and drawers

👉 Want the full checklist? Read our complete guide to sizing panels for panel-ready appliances.

Tips for Designing with Hidden Appliances

Start Early Appliances impact cabinet design, electrical, plumbing, and ventilation. Select them early to streamline your project.

Coordinate With Your Cabinet Maker Ensure custom panels align with appliance specs. Discuss toe kicks, trim, and handle styles in advance.

Measure Everything Precision matters. Consider depth, door swing, and adjacent cabinet clearances.

Don’t Forget Ventilation Some hidden appliances require airflow. Plan accordingly.

Coordinate Handles Maintain visual consistency with matching handles—or opt for push-to-open.

Design for Real Life Pick appliances that suit your daily routine, not just your design goals.

Think Beyond the Kitchen

Warming drawers in a bathroom for towels

Refrigerator drawers in a mudroom

Dish drawers in a butler’s pantry

Microwave drawers in a home office

“It’s the thoughtful integration of appliances that elevates a good kitchen to a great one. Hidden appliances make your space feel more like furniture and less like a showroom.” — AjMadison Expert Installer Partner

Why Shop Hidden Appliances at AjMadison?

Whether you're designing a dream kitchen or upgrading your guest suite, hidden appliances are a game-changer. AjMadison offers: