Removing the top cover of a Bosch dishwasher

Installing an undercounter dishwasher is a rather painstaking task, especially when the furniture was ordered before purchasing the dishwasher. In this case, there's a high risk of getting the dimensions wrong for the cabinet and the appliance itself.

What should you do if your dishwasher won't fit into your cabinetry? You can gain a few centimeters by removing the top cover of your Bosch dishwasher. We'll show you how to properly remove one of the dishwasher's panels.

Why remove the lid?

The top panel can be removed from stationary dishwashers. If the dishwasher's dimensions match the niche's height, the appliance will not fit under the countertop. Typically, freestanding dishwashers take up 85 cm in height, and by removing the lid, you can “save 1.5-2 cm. Then it will be possible to install the device into a furniture set.

Before disassembling the cabinet, measure whether the dishwasher, without the lid, will fit under the countertop. If even this doesn't allow the machine to fit in the niche, consider remodeling the kitchen. The cabinetry can be raised using additional legs—a solution often used by designers.

Removing the lid yourself

Removing the cover of a Bosch dishwasher is easier than with other brands, such as Beko or Whirlpool. All you need is a screwdriver. Sometimes you can even do it without one. The procedure is as follows:

• go around the dishwasher – you will have to work on the rear part of the case;
• Locate the latches located on the top, on both sides of the dishwasher body;
• release the latches (if they don’t respond, use a screwdriver to help, but be careful not to damage the plastic fasteners);
• Once you have secured the fasteners, slide the cover off, removing it from the grooves.

On some Bosch dishwasher models, another method for removing the lid may work:

• open the dishwasher door completely;
• take a teaspoon;
• Use the handle of a spoon to press down on the left and right latches that secure the lid;
• remove the top panel of the PMM Bosch.

After removing the dishwasher lid, be sure to insulate the space underneath with a special material.

Before placing a dishwasher without a lid under a countertop, insulate the exposed space with a sheet of foil or other non-flammable material. This is necessary firstly to protect the dishwasher's interior from water ingress. Secondly, it prevents metal parts from causing a furniture fire or electric shock to users.

If the area isn't sealed, water entering the dishwasher could cause a short circuit and fire. This is a truly crucial step that shouldn't be overlooked. Therefore, carefully seal the dishwasher's internal components before installing it in your kitchen cabinets.

How do you remove the lids on dishwashers of other brands?

Removing the lid by simply releasing the latches isn't always possible. For other brands of dishwashers, the process will be different. For example, owners of Indesit and Hotpoint-Ariston dishwashers will need to:

• turn the dishwasher so that the back side is facing you;
• find two screws located on the side;
• unscrew the screws;
• slide the cover and remove it.

Owners of Beko dishwashers will need to proceed as follows:

• Find the mounting bolts in the upper corners of the back wall;
• Unscrew the screws using a screwdriver;
• slide the top panel back slightly;
• Remove the dishwasher lid.

There are Beko models where the case cover can only be removed when assembled with the back panel. In this case, the procedure is as follows:

• turn the machine with its back facing you;
• unscrew the screws securing the rear panel of the dishwasher case (usually it is secured with 5 bolts);
• move the wall to the side at an angle of 90 degrees to the body;
• remove the panel from the grooves, together with the top cover.

If this happens with a new dishwasher, it's worth considering the warranty card. For the warranty to remain valid, it is important that the cover removal process is permitted by the manufacturer. If the user does not have permission to perform such work, the coupon will be cancelled, and in the future it will no longer be possible to repair the dishwasher free of charge at a service center.

Removing the top panel of a Bosch dishwasher, like any other brand, is generally easy. The key is to do it carefully to avoid deforming the latches that hold the panel in place. If removing screws requires removing them, store them in a designated area. This will make it difficult to find similar fasteners to reattach the top panel in the future.

   

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