When planning a kitchen remodel, it’s easy to focus on cabinets, countertops, and backsplash. But appliances are a huge part of the equation, both in function and aesthetics.
If you’re looking to create a sleek, high-end kitchen design, appliance panels—sometimes called cabinet panels for appliances or hidden kitchen appliances—are a game-changer. Let’s break down what appliance cabinet panels are, how they work, and how you can use them to achieve a seamless, custom kitchen.
What Are Cabinet Panels for Appliances?
Appliance cabinet panels are custom fronts that match your kitchen cabinets and are attached to appliances. This design trick allows refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances to blend into the cabinetry, creating a clean and unified look.
These panels are especially popular in kitchens designed for a built-in appliance setup, where appliances are designed to fit flush with your cabinets. More on that later.
Favorite Hidden Kitchen Appliances
Refrigerator cabinet panels cover the front of your fridge so it looks like a tall pantry cabinet rather than a bulky appliance.
Dishwasher cabinet panels hide the dishwasher behind a seamless cabinet face.
Panel-ready appliances like a free-standing range or over the range microwave are specifically designed to accommodate these custom panels, offering homeowners flexibility to match their cabinets perfectly.
Why Choose Appliance Panels?
There are several benefits to incorporating appliance panels into your kitchen design.
- Aesthetic Appeal
Hidden appliances create a streamlined and cohesive kitchen appearance. Say goodbye to mismatched appliance finishes and hello to a polished, unified look.
- High-End Vibe
Panel-ready appliances are common in luxury kitchens. Adding appliance cabinet panels gives your kitchen that built-in, custom feel without the high cost of custom cabinetry.
- Timeless Design
By hiding appliances, your kitchen design is less likely to be impacted by changing trends in appliance finishes (e.g., stainless steel, matte black, white, etc.).
The Importance of Cabinet Depth Appliances
When it comes to panel-ready appliances, cabinet depth is a critical consideration. Cabinet-depth, or counter-depth, appliances are designed to align perfectly with standard kitchen cabinetry (typically 24” deep). This alignment ensures a flush, built-in look that complements your appliance cabinet panels.
For refrigerators, this means choosing a counter-depth option to avoid it sticking out awkwardly. For other appliances like dishwashers or built-in ovens, ensuring the appliance dimensions match your cabinetry depth is key to maintaining clean lines.
Here’s why cabinet-depth appliances matter.
- Flush Finish
Unlike traditional appliances that can stick out beyond cabinets, cabinet-depth appliances sit flush with the cabinetry, creating a seamless and custom-built appearance.
- Space-Saving Design
For smaller kitchens, cabinet-depth appliances take up less floor space while still offering ample functionality.
- Enhanced Aesthetics
Cabinet-depth refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens provide a clean and uncluttered look, especially when paired with appliance panels that match your cabinets.
- Higher-End Appeal
In luxury and custom kitchens, cabinet-depth appliances are a must-have for achieving a designer-inspired finish.
Common Appliances That Work with Cabinet Panels
Not every appliance can be hidden behind a cabinet face, but several key kitchen elements are perfect for this upgrade. Here are the most common appliances you can customize with appliance panels.
1. Refrigerators
Refrigerators are often the largest and most noticeable appliance in the kitchen. Opting for a refrigerator cabinet panel transforms your fridge into a statement piece that blends seamlessly with your cabinetry. Panel-ready refrigerators come in standard cabinet depths (24”) and wider options such as 36”, 42”, or even 48” for a built-in look.
Tip: Standard cabinet hardware probably won’t cut it for large or heavy doors like the refrigerator. Select the same color or style hardware in a larger size to ensure it aligns with the rest of your cabinetry’s style.
2. Dishwashers
Panel-ready dishwashers are increasingly popular. Standard dishwashers are 24” wide, and the dimensions remain the same even with a custom cabinet face. By adding a dishwasher cabinet panel, you can hide the appliance completely, maintaining the kitchen’s clean lines.
Tip: Plan your dishwasher placement during the kitchen design phase to ensure it works with your paneling and cabinet layout.
3. Built-In Ovens
While ovens aren’t typically hidden behind cabinet panels, built-in ovens (single, double, or microwave/oven combos) are designed to seamlessly integrate into cabinetry. This provides a custom, upscale feel to the space.
4. Other Appliances
Smaller built-in appliances like warming drawers, built-in microwaves, and even range hoods can be planned into the cabinetry for a uniform aesthetic. While these appliances may not be completely hidden, they can be framed or installed to align perfectly with your cabinets.
Planning Your Kitchen for Hidden Appliances
To successfully incorporate hidden appliance cabinets into your remodel, planning is key. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Choose Panel-Ready Appliances
Not all appliances can accommodate cabinet panels. Look for panel-ready options when selecting your refrigerator, dishwasher, or other appliances.
- Plan During the Design Phase
Built-in and panel-ready appliances require precise measurements and cabinet cutouts. Trying to add appliance panels after installation can lead to headaches and costly adjustments.
- Coordinate with Your Cabinet Style
Whether you opt for modern flat-panel cabinets or traditional raised-panel doors, your appliance cabinet panels should match the rest of your kitchen for a seamless look.
- Consider Functionality
While hidden appliances look stunning, don’t sacrifice accessibility. Make sure handles and hinges are functional with the added cabinet weight.
Hidden Kitchen Appliances: Achieve a Seamless Look
Using hidden appliance cabinets transforms your kitchen into a sophisticated and harmonious space. Whether you’re covering your refrigerator, dishwasher, or built-in microwave, adding appliance panels eliminates visual clutter and highlights the beauty of your cabinetry.
At RTA Cabinet Store, our ready-to-assemble cabinets are perfect for creating a custom look without the custom price tag. Pair our high-quality cabinets with panel-ready appliances for a kitchen that’s as functional as it is stunning.
Ready to get started? Explore our wide selection of cabinets today and see how easy it is to design the kitchen of your dreams with hidden appliances!