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ltlwillie1280

Anyone experience issues installing their panels on Bosch dishwasher??

6 years ago

We've got a new Bosch dishwasher, SGV68U53UC/F1, which is a panel ready model. It was installed under our counter height granite counter tops as directed. However, when i go to install the panel on the front, again, as directed, you can no longer open the door all the way. The panel hits on the bottom about 2/3rds of the way down. Our panel is the standard 30" tall and it appears like it's about 1/2" to long.

I didn't see anyplace in the manual that says if installing under granite or if your panel is over a certain size that you need to make XX adjustments to the install.


The fix seems to be that i need to lower the diswasher and add a block above it to fill the gap. This will essentially raise the bottom of the panel edge up relative to the hinge point of the door. However, this seems like an ugly fix to have to install something above the dishwasher to fill the gap.


Any input?


All Bosch says is they'll send out a tech.

Comments (27)

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    You should have a panel template that shows both the max overall height and the placement of pins for install. I've done many.

  • 6 years ago

    I'm not understanding the fix you're proposing here. You want to lower the dishwasher so you can raise the bottom edge of the panel and then fill the gap that this creates with another filler piece at the top? Seems like if you move the panel up you won't have any room for a filler at the top. Who built this panel for you? Correct measurements should have been part of the design, and you shouldn't require an extra filler piece as not only would this be expensive but it would be unsightly. Perhaps the Bosch tech will help out.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The Bosch panels are pretty easy to put on if your measurements are correct. I've done dozens of them with no issue.

    I believe there are 2 different panel ready dishwashers from Bosch and they are 2 different tub heights. Is it possible you have the shorter tub unit but took measurements for the tall tub unit?

  • 6 years ago

    Do you have a toekick installed in front of the bottom of the DW? If so, you might need to rip the width of the toekick along the length of the DW. I had that issue - the panel was hitting the top of the toekick. I ripped it about 1/2" narrower and it fixed the problem.

  • 6 years ago

    I just looked up your product dimensions and the SGV68U53 is the short tub design.

    So it is highly likely that your panel dimensions were taken from the tall tub SHV89PW73 which is the tall tub and if this is the case it will cause your exact issue. because the tall tub uses a longer panel.

  • 6 years ago

    Jakvis, you've found the piece i apparently missed. I indeed have the shorter version (not sure why Lowe's offers that size anyway), so that is why my panel is hitting.


    It sounds like I have two options. Option 1, which is a long shot, call Lowe's and see if they would let me exchange from a larger size. I'm not optimitic about this as we bought the dishwasher at the start of the remodel so we are 3 days shy of 1 year, even though we just installed it 3 weeks ago.

    Option 2 is to lower my dishwasher as i described above. Lowering the dishwash puts the hinge point closer to the floor. The panel would stay in line with the cabinet doors. This essentially raises the bottom edge of the panel closer to the hinge point, therefor it won't interfere with the base of the dishwasher thus allowing the door to open all the way.



  • 6 years ago

    Why not just have the correct size panel made?

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Did you also buy the cabinet face at Lowes? They have obligation to actually read the appliance specifications.

  • 6 years ago

    The panel is the correct size.

    Because the diswasher is designed for lower height countertops, our 30" tall base cabinet panels are too tall for that model of dishwasher.

    I spoke with a manager at Lowe's this morning, he's going to see what he can do about taking mine back and allowing us to purchase the larger more $$$ unit.

  • 6 years ago

    According to the SGV68U53UC specs, this ADA dishwasher requires a minimum under-cabinet height of 32-1/8" while the SHVM78Z53N has a minimum under-cabinet height of 33-7/8". Given that the height of the ADA dishwasher can be changed by adjusting its feet, one would think that this dishwasher would fit underneath a 30" cabinet and look acceptable. Even at its lowest height, the toe kick height would still be 3-5/8" for either model.

  • 6 years ago

    Geez, just get the right sized panel. What’s the disconnect here?

  • 6 years ago

    From the Bosch website, for your particular model, the maximum panel height is 28-1/4”.

    Your panel is too long.

    If you lower the dishwasher and reposition your panel it will stick up above the control panel. The escaping steam will affect that exposed section whenever you open the door.

    I would just get a new panel or have your present panel resized.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The panel is not the right size for that dishwasher. if you bought them both at lowes, via their kitchen designers, they need to fix. Just finished one where they failed to read several appliance specs.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    I have the exact same problem with my 300 series dishwasher. There is no kick bpard or panel installed at this point. Model SHVM63W53N. Here is the problem I am sharing for others down the road who are searching for answers. Your Panel is too long. The supplied template has the max panel length in the bottom corner. It is not mentioned anywhere else. The only solution is to lower the dishwasher. In my case, it was 5/8th of an inch. I put a filler underneath the countertop to fill the gap which you will not see. The amount you lower the dishwasher will be the difference between the max panel length and the measured panel length.

  • 5 years ago

    We are having this same problem with our new Bosch D/W. It was just installed into a new build after we had possession for over a year but, didn't know it was a problem until we put the panel on. We bought it as Pacific Sales and I don't think they'll take it back since we've had it for so long.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Remove the panel.

    Lower the dishwasher by adjusting the feet. Remember to unscrew the brackets on the sides (or top) that hold your dishwasher in place.

    I had to lower mine by 5/8th of an inch.

    You will have to redrill the holes and mount the panel again.

    Many kitchen companies will not install panels on appliances for this vary reason.

    I was upset myself when it happened to me. Bosch not clear at all on this in their instructions. Located in small print in bottom corner of template.

    Even though I submitted the dishwasher to the cabinet maker in advance, they never told me.

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you for your response. This is a head scratcher for all of us. We're going to double check which model we have and see if this'll work. I really hope it does.

  • 3 years ago

    yes! have the same dishwasher but in 18inch version, wish I didn't go w custom panel now, the fix looks weird as the dw custom panel is shorter that the cabinet next to it. but at least it opens

  • 3 years ago



    Put a spacer on the top between the countertop and dishwasher. There will be a gap when you lower it.

  • 3 years ago

    Thanks for the info. I'm having the same issue and considered the same solution. Now that it's been a couple months, are you having any issues with the panel from the steam?

  • 3 years ago

    Yes, if you have a MDF panel, like in the pictures above, moisture can cause a problem along the edge seams. I have to paint them, as it is swelling. I try not to open the door until the next morning. People with doors that auto open after washing (Miele) will have problems. Panel dishwashers are a real pain in the long run. Not really worth it.

  • 2 years ago

    @jborge - stumbled on this chat when researching the same problem - my Bosch 800 is ADA compliant and too short for the rest of the cabinets. In order for the bottom to line up I have to lower it pretty significantly and put the filler on top / have the cabinet door stick up above the metal dishwasher door. How are things going for you? Is your door holding up? Do you have a picture of what the top of the dishwasher door looks like? Thank you!

  • 2 years ago

    Hi Kate. You will see a picture of my dishwasher with the filler below. You can't see the filler at standing height. Find out what your panel is made out of. If it is mdf, be disciplined when opening the door. Do not allow steam to flow against the top of the panel. So do not crack open the door after the cycle is completed.

    I did not lower it as much as yours. Will measure again.

  • 2 years ago

    Hi Kate. You will see a picture of my dishwasher with the filler below. You can't see the filler at standing height. Find out what your panel is made out of. If it is mdf, be disciplined when opening the door. Do not allow steam to flow against the top of the panel. So do not crack open the door after the cycle is completed.

    I did not lower it as much as yours. Will measure again.

  • 2 years ago

    Hi Kate. You will see a picture of my dishwasher with the filler below. You can't see the filler at standing height. Find out what your panel is made out of. If it is mdf, be disciplined when opening the door. Do not allow steam to flow against the top of the panel. So do not crack open the door after the cycle is completed.

    I did not lower it as much as yours. Will measure again.

  • 2 years ago

    Thank you. It’s helpful. I had to reorder the appliance panel because it was too long. Hopefully I measured things right… But in order for the door to open all the way I’ll need a spacer on top. It’s good to know things are holding up ok