Dishwasher installation instruction will have all the info you need.

All the panels I've had were finished on the front and the four edges. The screws were hidden - they're installed from inside the DW door and screw into the back of the panel. Most panel-ready DWs will come with a spec sheet that includes a template for predrilling the panel.

I can't answer the question about the specific products you want to use, but if you reach the fine print on the spec sheets, you should be able to answer the question. Focus on comparing the Ikea panel to the specs for the Asko DW - look at all dimensions (width, height, and thickness), and also the total weight of the panel. DW hinges are pretty strong, and having an under-weight panel will require excessive force to open and close the door (ask me how I know this :) ).

I'd check youtube to see if there is a video showing how it is done. I always find videos in addition to written instructions, helpful.

The reason there is a height difference is so that you can get a door panel the same height as the cabinetry next to the dishwasher.

Thanks for all the tips.

I've been reading install stuff from Asko (finally found the info I was looking for). It says minimum thickness for the panel 3/4". The IKEA doors are 5/8". Would this 1/8" make all that big of a difference?

I know Salex said I shouldn't go with a door that is too lightweight.

That 1/8" might make a difference if the installation screws protrude through the front of your panel. See if the specs show the screw length (I'm guessing that won't work though).

To check the weight, I actually weighed my door. I made it, so I took a scale into my shop, and when it weighted too little I added masonite onto the back of the panel. You can't see the masonite. If you can, check Ikea's spec to see if they include a weight for the panel.

Final question (I hope). Is it pricey to have someone put the door panel on? Is it super complicated or something people who are pretty handy could DIY? My husband has assembled and hung IKEA kitchen cabinets and he's installed dishwashers.

It’s fussy. Not complicated or hard. It just takes patience and the willingness to read and follow instructions.

Measure , measure and just when you think its right - measure one more time.

And watch the depth of the screws used.

Good luck!

Thanks to all of you. I think I am probably going to go for it since this is a new out of the box and priced at significant savings.

This may be a really dumb question, but I don't know. Do I need to provide my own handle with a panel ready, of does it come with a standard handle that I can then choose to use or not?

You have to provide a handle- typically matching the rest of the cabinets.

Did you read the installation instructions? Step 4 shows how to level the dishwasher and push it into place. Step 5 shows the panel width, panel height range, allowable weight of the door, and how the door handle is attached (screws must be countersunk). Step 6 shows how to adjust the door height to match adjacent cabinets. Step 9 shows how the panel is attached to the appliance, and Step 13 shows how to adjust the door to accommodate panel weight.

wdccruise

Thank you for breaking down the various steps. I had looked at this but not in depth. I was mainly concerned that a standard IKEA 24" x 30" door would work. It looks like it will (I think).

Thanks all. We've had many dishwashers but never had one with a paneled front, so this is new to me.

To be risk averse, you could follow Steps 1-4 (which you'll have to do anyway) and measure to confirm the proposed panels will fit and work with the adjacent cabinets.

Better understand the reality of (lack of) service for Asko, and the parts availability, before committing to a niche brand. It’s never received very good support in this country, despite being a decently enough engineered product.

Actually we purposely sought out an Asko dishwasher. This is a second home we recently purchased, and we plan to split our time between our winter and summer places. We have had an Asko in our primary home for 6 or 7 years now and have been so impressed with it that we automatically decided we'd want another one. Knock on wood, no service necessary thus far.