I have a stainless steel DD603, 6 years old, so no panel warping here. It it a potential issue for integrated models. As you know, the airflow during drying vents at the lower front-center of each drawer and must escape/evaporate somehow. The standard model has a slight recessed gap between the two drawers where the upper one vents. There can also be some moisture released from the top when the lid(s) unseal at end of the drying period, although the blower continues running for a while to keep pulling air down and out the vent. I personally wouldn't install an integrated model without sealing the panels against moisture with polyurethane or some such. Some cabinetry finishes may not be sealed very well for moisture protection.

It might be too HIGH. They need a little space to vent. (I just watched my panels finally get installed on my over-a-year-old DW. I do NOT normally know tidbits of random dishwasher installation!)

Here is a link that might be useful: see page 2--did your installer get that right?

Fori and Dadoes...
Thanks so much for your thoughtful responses.
We will use your ideas to further investigate the issue.

DadoES identified the moisture escaping when the lid opens at the end of the cycle. My cherry panel was wet with condensation along the top edge of the top drawer which I noticed soon after installation over 4 years ago.

At DadoES recommendation at that time, I have always locked the lid when I start the cycle. Whenever I get to it after the end of the cycle, I unlock the lid and open the drawer. This has prevented any further condensation accumulation on the panel and I have had no panel or finish damage.

This only happens on the top drawer. The drawers both vent in the space between them. The condenstation is related to the lid opening. I believe the warm, moist air is hitting the cool granite and condensing on the panel. I have never had condensation on the bottom drawer and never lock that lid.

judeny...I appreciate your response. Do you think the lock button provides a tighter seal throughout the entire cycle or does it just prevent moisture from escaping at the end of the cycle? Are you unlocking/opening the drawer right after the bell rings or waiting until the fan has stopped running...which in our machine is long after the bell rings? Thank you for the information.

PepperPie,

The lock function does not make for a tighter seal during use, it just keeps the lid closed after the cycle ends until you manually unlock it with the button. You can leave it closed/locked as long as you want. In practice, just leave it until you're ready to unload. Unlock the drawer, pull it fully open and leave it for a while so the residual moisture can evaporate.

Note that the lock button has two levels of locking. Press and hold it for a beep, that locks just the controls so kids playing can't turn the machine on or off, although the drawer can still be opened. Continue to hold the lock button past the 1st beep until a 2nd beep, and that locks the controls AND the lid so the drawer can't be opened until it's unlocked again. The 2nd lock function is a further child safety so kids can't get in and be hurt on sharp knives or whatever. Both levels of locking can be engaged whether the drawer is running or not. To unlock (from either level), press and hold Lock until it beeps once.

Locking at the 2nd level is what you want to defend against the moisture problem.

You might also want to check your instruction manual for an Enhanced Drying option. Some DD models have this feature, which leaves the lid sealed and the drying blower running for 4 hrs after the cycle ends. Otherwise the lid unseals immediately after the cycle's programmed drying period, although the blower will run for 30 mins longer unless the drawer is opened.

Dadoes....Many thanks for such a detailed response! I wish we had been aware of these specs eighteen months ago. I am hoping that with all this new information we can perhaps forestall any more warping and can get away without replacing the wood panel. Again, many thanks!

What DadoES said.

This wasn't part of the specs just the experience of early adopters. Seems like FP should have fixed this problem by now.

I work as a defects coordinator for a builder in Melbourne.

I can tell you among the many brands we use at various apartment complexes,

I have found that this issue with water damage and panel warping only seems to be with this brand, not sure if that's a coincidence or because of the design of their seals with the splits in the corners. At home I have a cheaper brand that has been going for 12 years strong and no water damage or warping panels, is it because the seals continue all the way around? Perhaps just lucky I guess!