ᐅ Dishwasher front panels

Created on: 26 Mar 2014 11:26
S
Sektionschef
Hello
Has anyone here already looked into the installation options for dishwasher fronts in the new Metod kitchen system? I have spent some time researching this topic and would like to share my current findings with you:
As I understand it, IKEA now offers the option in Metod to have the dishwasher fronts divided, so they appear as if the dishwasher has multiple drawers. Alternatively, you can install a continuous door as before. This can also be selected in the online planner, which will then display the desired front layout.
Additionally, I found out that Metod requires a special mechanism where the dishwasher fronts slide along rails attached to the dishwasher door. I think it works similarly to the sliding doors on refrigerators.
What isn’t clear to me yet is whether this special sliding mechanism is mandatory with Metod, or if you can still mount the front fixed directly to the dishwasher door as before. Does this have something to do with the different plinth height between Metod and Faktum?
If you want to attach multiple partial fronts to the dishwasher door, you need the Vaglig (20250663) product. This consists of two rails that hold the partial fronts together. But as far as I understand, this does not include the sliding mechanism itself.
For the sliding mechanism, you then need either Resonlig (50248348) or Behjälplig (50242426). The difference between these two seems to be that they fit different dishwasher models (Resonlig for Skinande, Rengöra, and LAGAN; Behjälplig for Hjälpsam). However, I have not yet figured out which one is needed for a non-IKEA dishwasher.
There is also Ersättare (00250664), which appears to be an installation solution for semi-integrated dishwashers. Since IKEA does not offer semi-integrated appliances in their range, Ersättare is probably designed specifically for non-IKEA models that you want to install in Metod. I have also looked at the installation instructions for Ersättare, but some things are still unclear to me:
As I understand it, the lower part of the front must be a partial front with a height of 20cm (8 inches), which is hinged in such a way that it flips open when the dishwasher door is opened. Does this mean that a continuous front is not possible with semi-integrated dishwashers???
Additionally, the instructions state that the upper partial front, also 20cm (8 inches) high, must be cut to size depending on the dishwasher’s trim height. I assume this would only apply to fronts without embossed patterns, because if, for example, I cut a Lidingö front (which has an embossed pattern) in the middle at 20cm (8 inches), I would be cutting through the design?
Since I want to install an existing dishwasher with a semi-integrated front in my new Metod kitchen with Lidingö/Bodbyn fronts, I am currently puzzled about how the installation should actually look.
Since Metod will be available in Austria from April 1st, I will definitely ask IKEA then.
Does anyone already know the answers to my questions?
Best regards
Sektionschef
B
Bines
13 Dec 2014 22:40
The SX76... must have a VarioHinge – otherwise, the maximum front panel width would not be limited to 800mm (31.5 inches). Also, VarioHinge is mentioned directly on the Siemens homepage, so that should be accurate.

Since I will be assembling my kitchen starting from January 2nd, I face a similar issue as most of you here. I would prefer to use a VarioHinge to avoid potential problems in the first place. However, I don’t understand why this, combined with Zeolith drying (which I had in my old dishwasher and want again), has to lead to a market price of over 1200 EUR (around 1300 USD). As mentioned before, this combination limits you to Siemens; Bosch and Neff are not options. I don’t need AutoOpen or other fancy features. So I am considering getting a dishwasher without a hinge and trying the Stefan method, and if that fails, then using IKEA’s Behjälplig hinge. Hopefully, it’s not that bad.

My question: If I simply raise the front panel by 2.5cm (1 inch), the dishwasher’s buttons will, of course, be noticeably lower. But how does this work with the VarioHinge and Behjälplig? It seems natural that the dishwasher itself would sit noticeably lower than the front panel beyond a certain opening angle, or am I mistaken? In that case, both solutions would have the same disadvantage—that your fingertips are covered by the front panel when turning it on—but only from the perspective of my 2-year-old daughter.

What are your general arguments against Behjälplig – if you have any? Is it less stable than the VarioHinge? Saving 600 EUR (about 650 USD) on IKEA hinges for 30 EUR (around 33 USD) is quite an argument...
I
IKEA-Experte
14 Dec 2014 00:11
I recently looked up the Vario hinge on the Siemens spare parts website, and if I saw correctly, it only costs 28 € (about $30). However, the exploded diagrams are not clear enough to fully understand how it works. So, other parts might also be relevant.

Jelimi used BEHJÄLPLIG on his Neff dishwasher. For that model, the front panel is still attached with three screws on each side. Other models have different attachments (you need to check the installation manual). Four brackets are screwed onto the front panel, with two located quite low. BEHJÄLPLIG will be too short to use with those brackets. It will be quite tricky to get BEHJÄLPLIG attached properly.

In the former American ikeafans forum, some UK users reported that BEHJÄLPLIG broke quickly. However, these might have been just initial problems, since METOD was introduced in Scandinavia a year earlier.
E
Excpt
18 Dec 2014 13:42
Hi,

first of all, thank you for the helpful tips and shared experiences! They were a great help in the initial kitchen planning. I bought the SX76P030EU dishwasher together with my new Ikea Metod kitchen.

However, based on the Siemens installation manual, I’m still not entirely sure how to attach the 80cm (31.5 inches) Metod front panel to the dishwasher. The Vario hinge doesn’t cover this, so I assume that’s just the type of hinge used and the clearance needed at the bottom or the leveling feet of the appliance. There are no adjustments to be made on the hinge itself, right?

If I align the front panel flush with the top edge of the dishwasher and then open the door, the panel hits the bottom. (I’ve only held the panel in place so far, haven’t drilled or screwed it yet.)
From what I’ve understood here, I don’t need any additional adapters like BEHJÄLPLIG for this machine and Metod front panel, nor does the front need to be trimmed.

Where am I going wrong? Does the front panel need to be higher than the top edge of the dishwasher? But then the dishwasher wouldn’t fit tightly against the moisture barrier of the countertop.

Thanks in advance for your help,
I hope the kitchen will be finished before Christmas.
L
lepole
18 Dec 2014 14:00
Hello IKEA expert.
I’m currently working on the front panel of the dishwasher. I have the Vaglig from IKEA.
Is there a photo guide on how to install it? Or could you describe the process?
Regards, lepole
I
IKEA-Experte
18 Dec 2014 14:19
Hello, so far no one here has shared practical experiences with the Vario hinge.
If you look closely at image 13 of the installation manual, it appears that the two lower mounting brackets on the dishwasher door can move upwards when the door is opened. This would mean that the front panel shifts slightly upward when opening the door. Whether it actually works that way or not, please feel free to share your experience with us.
E
Excpt
18 Dec 2014 14:38
Hi,

I think you’re right. I simply didn’t understand how the Vario hinge works. But here you can see it quite clearly again:

Youtube.be/x4w9KXtbK9U

I’ll report back on how it goes for me.