Dishwsher panels are the visible outer part of the dishwasher. Normally these are false fronts, meaning they are not part of the dishwasher, but are secured with hardware. They can be made to match other appliances in the kitchen, or they may have a wood covering to match the lower cabinets. Sometimes the dishwasher controls are visible on the front, but the may also be hidden and on top of the dishwasher panel.