I am getting a panel for my new dishwasher. I really like the looks of
the panel. I did not want a Stainless Steel overload in my new kitchen.

What makes the drips and smudges? Is it dirty hands opening and closing? Spills from the counter?

I love paneled DWs, but have never had the drip/smudge problem. The panels clean just like cupboard doors.

Annesv...I actually had the same concern. I notice that my DW seems to always have water drips/streaks down the front and I wondered how a wood door would hold up over time...

However, I will note that I don't remember anyone here saying the panel on their paneled DW was destroyed over time due to drips, etc., so maybe it will be OK. We decided not to panel b/c (1) I actually like the look of appliances & dislike the look of some paneled appliances (like refrigerators) and (2) it was more expensive to panel and there were other things I wanted to spend my money on!

If I did panel anything, it would probably be the DW...assuming everyone says "it's OK" regarding those water drips/streaks.

On our old DW there wasn't really a handle that protruded. But on our paneled DW we installed an 8" pull that sticks out about an inch.

Maybe this is the difference. A handle that protrudes probably make it less likely to have drips? I haven't had ANY trouble so far. We've had the panel for about 1.5 months and I run the DW daily. I haven't had to wipe the panel down at all to be honest.

Thanks all! Plllog - I'm actually not sure why I get drips on my existing DW - my guess is that one of us probably has wet hands when opening it. Or maybe from cleaning the counter above it.

I have grand plans to become a neater family when we redo our kitchen! (yeah right, LOL!)

If you get a bar pull, you can keep a dish towel on it. This way when you go to open the DW with wet hands the towel will keep you from mucking up the panel. We've been keeping a neatly folded, pretty dish towel on our 8" bar pull because it's a handy location for wiping our hands after using the sink.

annesv - I never had a paneled DW in the past and when we remodeled, I didn't even consider getting a paneled one. I regret that decision. To change it now would be costly because it would involve buying a different DW in addition to the cost of the custom panel. Judydel's bar pull seems to have solved the problem with the panel getting wet.

Could you ask your KD for a mock-up photo of the kitchen with a paneled vs not paneled DW?

We have had 2 paneled DWs for 8 yr and have had no problem.

Judydel your cabinets are beautiful. A dishtowel is a great idea.

I agree, Judydel. What brand are your cabinets? I love how they are inset and I love the hinges. Thank you.

I've had both. Last reno, I had SS and it was a pain to keep clean. This time, I got a panel. The less SS, the better. Yes, the wood needs to be wiped down with all the rest of the cabinets every week or few, but that's mostly because the dark wood I chose shows every little speck. If I had a "normal" wood color, it would probably be less of an issue.

I'm getting a paneled DW. I have a small kitchen and I didn't want appliance overload.

One thing to keep in mind - if you want it to look integrated, then you have 2 options. You either need to get a european model that is shallower (bosch, miele, blomberg) or you need to be able to recess the d/w into the wall or pull your cabinets out an inch or two to align them.

Thanks patruska and dixie : ) They are from Cabico and are beaded inset with exposed barrel hinges.