How to install a front panel on an Electrolux dishwasher

After purchasing a new built-in dishwasher, the owner faces several challenges. First, the machine needs to be connected to water, sewer, and power. Second, the door panel needs to be installed. You can do this yourself, without hiring a professional. Let's explore the nuances.

You can't do without the facade part

Installing a front panel on an Electrolux dishwasher isn't all that difficult. You can easily do it yourself; you'll need minimal tools, and all fasteners are included with the dishwasher. Let's explore the purpose of this decorative "panel."

A dishwasher front is a panel made of a material similar or identical to that of the rest of the kitchen cabinets. It is used to conceal the dishwasher from view. The front is attached to the dishwasher door.

Fully built-in Electrolux appliances with a hinged front offer several advantages.

• They simplify and speed up the appliance selection process. Buyers don't have to search for a dishwasher that matches the color of their other appliances and furniture. This is easier from a design standpoint. The dishwasher's front panel is concealed, creating a unified style throughout the interior.
• Not so interesting for small children. The control panel, which flashes during operation, is also hidden behind a decorative panel, so little ones won't have to poke the sensor too often.
• They're quieter than conventional dishwashers. The hinged front panel makes the dishwasher less audible.

The dishwasher front is made from the same material as the rest of the kitchen cabinet doors, usually MDF.

The thickness of fiberboard is almost always 1.6 cm. The facade can be laminated or coated with a film in various colors. Therefore, creating a decorative panel to match the color and texture of your furniture set is easy.

Dimensions of the dishwasher and its front

Buying a built-in dishwasher is a serious undertaking. It's essential to accurately measure the dimensions of both the machine and the space where it's to be installed. The size of the front panel depends on the size of the dishwasher. Electrolux.

Standard fully integrated dishwashers are 45 or 60 cm wide and 82 cm high. However, compact models are also available in stores, measuring 50 or 60 cm in height. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to measure the dishwasher's dimensions down to the millimeter.

The best option is to select a dishwasher and other built-in appliances before ordering the cabinetry. This way, the chances of getting the niche and cabinet front dimensions wrong are minimal. After all, a dishwasher may actually have a width of 59.4 cm, not the 60 cm listed on the website, which is a significant difference.

The width and height of the door façade must be precisely calculated. It will be impossible to cut off excess material without ruining the door's appearance, as the sides and front of the decorative panel are laminated and covered with film.

The height of the front panel should be a few millimeters higher than the dishwasher door. To align the decorative panel with the rest of the cabinetry, you'll need to adjust the dishwasher's feet. This will ensure the panel fits perfectly.

The size of the front panel for partially integrated Electrolux dishwashers will depend on the width of their control panel. The buttons and indicators on these machines are located on the door and should be left exposed. Installing the wall panel in this case is even easier than with fully integrated dishwashers.

Hanging the facade yourself

The decorative panel should be installed after connecting the dishwasher to the water and sewer lines. Next, place the machine in the designated niche. During installation, you'll need to have the following items on hand:

• screwdriver;
• Phillips and slotted screwdrivers;
• drill;
• awl;
• roulette;
• felt-tip pen or pencil for marking;
• ruler;
• building level.

Before installing the front panel, the dishwasher must be secured in place. The machine is attached to the side walls of adjacent cabinets and to the countertop. Next, screw the handle to the front of the decorative panel to allow for opening and closing the door.

Attaching the handle is simple. First, drill a hole for the screw. Then, secure the handle to the decorative panel with a screw. Experts recommend starting from the front to avoid chipping the panel.

Next, you need to calculate the distance between the front mounting points. The edges of the decorative panel should be flush with the adjacent cabinets. Use a tape measure and measure:

• the gap between the countertop and the front of the nearest cabinet;
• distance from the top of the cabinet door to the countertop.

Next, subtract the first value from the second. The result will be the distance where the door mount should be located. Don't just measure the door right away; in this case, you need to double-check everything several times.

So, take the mounting template (included) and tape it to the inside of the door panel at the desired distance. Place the door against the cabinet. If everything is aligned, mark the drilling locations.

Then take the drill. The holes for the fasteners should not be through-holes, but rather extend 3/4 of the thickness of the facade. It is possible to do without drilling, simply screwing screws into the MDF.

Next, you can attach the front panel to the Electrolux dishwasher door. The screws included with the dishwasher are used for fastening. After that, all that's left to do is provide moisture protection for the countertop.

After hanging the front panel, check how tightly it fits to the dishwasher, whether it is securely fixed, and whether there are any obstacles when opening/closing the door.

If you make a mistake in your calculations, you may notice that the front panel rests against the base when the door is opened. In this case, you'll need to create a small gap in the base (equal to the thickness of the decorative panel plus an additional 2-3 mm). This option is acceptable, especially when adjusting the dishwasher's level by adjusting the feet is not possible.

   

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