What are open panel dishwashers?

open panel dishwashers Some users think that a dishwasher with an open panel is called that because its door does not allow for the placement of a furniture front. And in front, in the upper part of the case, there is a control panel, just like on a washing machine. Quite an interesting opinion. Let's figure out which of this is true and which is fiction. And in general, let's find out as much as possible about this type of dishwasher.

What kind of machine is this?

The dishwasher we are all familiar with has a control panel (push-button or touch-sensitive) on the top end of the door. There you can also see a display at the top end, but there are models of built-in dishwashers in which the control panel is moved forward, just like washing machines. This panel does not hide while washing dishes and can always be seen in front of you. The open panel is called that because the installed furniture facade does not cover it, which inevitably affects the aesthetics of the kitchen.

The open panel of the dishwasher can be electronic or mechanical.

What does it mean? There is a category of dishwasher users who categorically do not want to see the equipment in front of them, so they hide it behind a furniture facade. The dishwasher with a hidden panel is completely hidden and is no different from other cabinets and cabinets in the kitchen set. A dishwasher with an open panel cannot be completely hidden, and this is what doesn’t suit them, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

What are its advantages and disadvantages?

I would like to know more specifically what a dishwasher with an open panel is and whether it is worth buying it at all.To make a choice, you need to study the pros and cons of this technique. Let's start, according to established tradition, with the positives.

Access to the control panel at any time to change the washing program.
You can sometimes watch the washing process without even going near the dishwasher.
Stylish ergonomics that influence the interior composition of the entire kitchen.

The last advantage on our list is of an evaluative nature, but many will agree that a kitchen decorated in high-tech style will perfectly appreciate a bright panel glowing with multi-colored indicators. This element will beautifully complement the interior, giving it expressiveness. Now about the cons.

We have already mentioned one relative disadvantage, saying that the open panel is always visible. But, unfortunately, this is not the only drawback.

Firstly, models with this arrangement of control panels are considered exclusive. For this, the manufacturer adds 20-30% to the cost, regardless of any arguments.
Secondly, the open panel is more vulnerable to damage and dirt; it must be constantly wiped. And if water is accidentally spilled on it, a short circuit is possible.

In the kitchen, anything can happen while cooking. Once a small amount of moisture gets on the control panel, it is already a threat.

Thirdly, the open panel of the dishwasher is even better than candy for a baby, his hands are just reaching out. Child protection can save the situation, but, as it turns out, not all cars with an open panel have it. This is how you can’t keep track of your own child and you don’t know what might happen.

Examples of models

We have figured out the advantages and disadvantages of a dishwasher with an open panel, now let’s see what specific models of such machines the market offers us today. The offer is small, so our review will be short.

Smeg PLA6442X2 Let's start the review with the Bosch Serie 6 SCE 52M55 dishwasher. This is a compact model, partially built-in, which can also be used as a free-standing one. It holds 8 place settings and can wash dishes using 5 programs. The model is completely protected from leaks, has a width of 60 cm and a bunch of different functions. The delay start timer is well made. You can delay the start of the program from 1 to 24 hours. The machine is quite expensive. The current price, taking into account the discount, is $733, but what can you do, the notorious surcharge for an exclusive.

Smeg PLA6442X2. And this is a striking example of a full-size dishwasher with an open panel. You won’t be able to buy it cheap either, but unlike the previous model, it can accommodate 13 sets of dishes. You can wash a whole mountain. She, like all Smeg cars, is stuffed to capacity:

display and modern electronic controls;
9 washing modes;
half load function;
protection from child interference;
complete protection against leaks;
sensor that monitors water purity;
a set of indicators showing the presence of salt and rinse aid, etc.

The reliability of the machine is also beyond doubt among experts, but you will have to pay a lot for this reliability. The average price of the model is about $1,135, and this is also taking into account the discount.

Siemens iQ500 SK 76M544. Another compact dishwasher model with an open panel. The baskets of this machine can hold 6 sets of dishes, but the washing chamber is not large enough to wash large items. The machine operates quietly, it has six programs and a huge variety of different functions, including exclusive ones like Vario Speed Plus or Extra Dry.The model is notable for its low noise level during operation and good efficiency. The average cost is $932.

So you are convinced that dishwashers with an open panel can be very advanced technically, but their price is sometimes enormous. Are these cars worth the money or not? Experts and manufacturers say they are worth it, but we won’t take their word for it. Let's see what people say, maybe their feedback will shed light on our main question.

People's opinions

Natalya, Moscow

I purchased a Siemens iQ500 SK 76M544 last year. A very good car, and most importantly small. It doesn't hold much dishes, but this capacity alone is enough for me. It washes off almost any dirt, even old frying pans in this machine have been renewed over time. The countdown lights up on the display and you can always see how much time is left until the end of the wash. Not every car has such a “trick,” and my Siemens looks unusual, like everyone else’s. Five points!

Alexandra, Tver

The Siemens iQ500 SK 76M544 performs its function without any complaints. It processes 3-in-1 tablets well. I haven’t tried the powder yet, but I think it will wash it just fine with it. We live alone with our son, so such a small dishwasher is enough for us; it is not suitable for a large family. It's a bit expensive. I highly recommend it!

My recommendation is conditional because the price of the model is too high. In my opinion, this is in no way justified by the manufacturer’s costs, but maybe I’m wrong.

Ivan, Naberezhnye Chelny

A very stylish Smeg PLA6442X2 dishwasher with a control panel that is always at hand. It is made of very good materials and makes a favorable impression at first glance. The machine can do a lot. I don’t understand half the functions, and I don’t use them. It’s enough for me that it washes dishes perfectly and doesn’t break, but let the experts sort out the rest. I recommend!

Alena, Krasnodar

The Bosch Serie 6 SCE 52M55 dishwasher purchased last year did not even last a year and broke. The heating element has failed. They replaced it for us free of charge, since the warranty had not yet expired. Now it's over, and I'm terrified that something else will break. The dishwasher is expensive and I wouldn't want to lose it. Maybe it’s just a factory defect, or maybe the fact is that Bosch became insolent and started making equipment “to the point.”

Sergey, Moscow

The year before last I purchased my first dishwasher Hansa ZWM 416 WH 45 cm wide. The experience of its operation was unsuccessful. Firstly, as it turned out, I don’t need such a large machine alone, since I don’t accumulate so much dishes, and secondly, it broke down for the first time after five months, and then there were a second and third breakdown. As a result, the machine had to be used for spare parts.

After some time, I purchased a reliable and expensive Bosch Serie 6 SCE 52M55 compact size machine. What does “compact” mean, you ask? It’s very simple, this machine has very small dimensions of 60 x 50 x 60 cm. I placed this “crumb” right on the edge of the kitchen countertop and use it as needed. I’m very pleased, because my dishes always shine and stay clean!

So we found out what a dishwasher with an open panel is. We hope you find this information at least a little useful. We tried to be as objective as possible, and if somewhere, through thoughtlessness, we “went too far,” then forgive us for that. Good luck!