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 centers 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 solution that blend seamlessly into cabinetry, making them perfect for creating a clean, uncluttered look in the home. Ideal for hidden or secondary zones—such as coffee bars, guest suites, home offices, or wet bars—drawer appliances combine functionality and flexibility without disrupting the flow or aesthetic of a space.

Types of Drawer Appliances & Top Picks

Microwave Drawers

Microwave Drawers tuck neatly into lower cabinetry, offering a hidden, space-saving alternative to bulky countertop or over-the-range models. Its slide-out design provides easy, ergonomic access without disrupting sightlines or workspace. Ideal for streamlined kitchens, it combines powerful performance with a minimalist look that keeps surfaces clean and clutter-free.

Expert Picks

Sharp Microwave Drawer (SMD2470ASY): Easy touch-open with sensor cooking

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

Refrigerator Drawers

Refrigerator Drawers are perfect for snacks, beverages, or overflow storage. They offer concealed, built-in cold storage, keeping beverages and perishables easily accessible in secondary zones like kitchen islands, bars, or guest suites.

Expert Picks

True Residential 24" Refrigerator Drawers (TUR24DSSC): Add on the drawer pan accessory (pictured) for accessible storage of prepared and frequently used ingredients.

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

Fisher & Paykel Series 9 (RB36S25MKIWN1): Switches between fridge, freezer, and pantry modes

Dishwasher Drawers

Dishwasher Drawers are great for small spaces like city apartments, or secondary spaces like coffee and beverage stations. They delivers powerful, efficient cleaning in a compact, pull-out design that fits seamlessly into tight or unconventional spaces. It can be installed under a sink, in a kitchen island, or within a beverage station—making it ideal for smaller households, guest suites, or entertaining zones.

Expert Pick

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

Warming Drawers

Warming Drawers are designed to keep food warm without drying it out, making them ideal for entertaining, everyday meals, or busy households. Typically installed beneath wall ovens, in kitchen islands, or even dining areas, they deliver gentle, consistent heat—perfect for holding dishes, warming plates, or proofing dough. For added versatility, consider placing a warming drawer in the bathroom to heat towels and robes, or in the mudroom to warm mittens and outerwear.

Expert Picks

Wolf Panel Ready 30" Warming Drawer (WWD30): Equipped with automatic shut off and hidden temperature controls

Miele VetroLine Warming Drawer (ESW7670OB): Handless for a seamless look + smart capabilities once connected to WiFi

Fisher & Paykel Panel Ready Warming Drawer (WB30SDEI1): Equipped with 16 place settings, delay start and soft close drawer

Room-by-Room Integration Guide for Hidden Appliances

Seamless Kitchens

Full Panel-Ready Appliance Suites behind cabinetry including refrigerators, dishwashers, wine coolers, trash compactors, and ice makers

Flush or overlay panel installs for a seamless finish

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

Spa Bathrooms

Warming Drawers for towels and robes

Dish Drawer to sanitize brushes or beauty tools

Undercounter Refrigerator for skincare

Panel-Ready Trash Compactor for a seamless waste solution

Home Bar or Beverage Station

Panel-Ready Wine Cooler for optimal wine storage

Panel-Ready Ice Maker for on-demand drinks

Drawer Refrigerator for beverages, mixers, and garnishes

Compact Dish Drawer for easy post-entertaining clean up

Outdoor Kitchens

Refrigerator Drawers for weatherproof cold storage

Warming Drawer to keep grilled food hot and ready to serve

Trash Compactor for effortless waste management

Grill Storage Drawer to tuck away fuel tanks, tools, or wood chips

Ice Maker to deliver fresh ice on demand

Mudrooms and Family Zones

Refrigerator Drawer to store pet food, snacks, or water bottles—ideal for quick grab-and-go convenience on the way out.

Warming Drawer to keep mittens, hats, or even towels toasty during cold seasons, turning your entry into a cozy transition space.

FAQ: Panel-Ready Appliance Basics

Q: Do panel-ready appliances come with cabinet panels?

No. You’ll need a custom panel made by your cabinet maker to match your design.

Q: Can I mix appliance brands in a panel-ready kitchen?

Yes—just coordinate details like handle styles and panel sizing.

Q: Any performance trade-offs?

Not at all. Panel-ready appliances perform just like standard models.

Q: Panel-ready vs. fully integrated?

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

Q: Is installation more difficult for panel-ready appliances?

Yes, installation requires precision. Work with a designer and certified installer.

Q: Do panel-ready appliances fit in any kitchen?

Panel-ready appliances work best with custom or semi-custom cabinetry for a tailored fit.

Q: Are drawer appliances available panel-ready?

Yes—many options are now designed for hidden integration.

Tips for Designing with Hidden Appliances

1. Start Early

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

2. Coordinate With Your Cabinet Maker

Ensure custom panels align with appliance specs. Discuss toe kicks, trim, and handle styles in advance.

3. Measure Everything

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

4. Don’t Forget Ventilation

Some hidden appliances require airflow. Plan accordingly.

5. Coordinate Handles

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

6. Design for Real Life

Pick appliances that suit your daily routine, not just your design goals.

“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.” — Amy Chernoff, VP of Marketing, AjMadison