How Much Does It Cost To Install A Dishwasher?

Dishwasher installation cost: Factors that affect your price

Putting in a new dishwasher can save you money over time - it's an investment in lower water consumption, and in some cases, lower energy use. There are a few factors that affect the cost to install a dishwasher. The most significant factor is whether you need new plumbing to have the dishwasher installed or if you opt for a larger dishwasher and need to alter the space. In both scenarios, you’ll need a contractor or plumber and may even incur an inspection fee, which will bring the cost up.

Paying for the removal of your old dishwasher, purchasing a protection plan or extended warranty, or the make and size of your chosen dishwasher may also boost the price. Don’t forget to ask the installer what they charge for labor so you can factor that cost into your overall expense.

Dishwasher prices by type

Dishwashers come in several types, and which one you choose will affect the dishwasher installation cost. The size, the brand, and the finish all affect how much your new appliance is worth. Economic, no-frills dishwashers can be found relatively cheap, but luxury dishwashers are another option. High-end dishwashers connect to your smartphone or digital home assistant and cost upwards of $1,000. 

Some dishwashers are pretty easy to install, whereas others — such as fully integrated dishwashers — may be trickier and therefore have a higher install cost.

When considering dishwashers, keep in mind the machine’s size and your needs within the kitchen. Apartment dwellers might prefer washers that sit on your counter, while those with more space might only look at traditional built-in dishwashers.

Built-in dishwasher cost

Built-in dishwashers are the most common type of dishwasher. They have two racks and cost between $300 and $1,000. Most people shell out around $650 for one of these models. Some built-in dishwashers are designed to match your kitchen cabinets and other kitchen finishes, while others come in materials like stainless steel or durable plastic. Unlike free-standing dishwashers, these are permanently installed. They are also known as integrated or built-under dishwashers. Replacing these is labor-intensive as a result.

Built-in dishwashers are permanently installed under your counter, so the front will have a nice finish, while the sides and back are plain. These dishwashers generally connect directly to your sink, and this integrated plumbing feature means you’ll hear the water drain through the sink when the dishwasher runs. The brand you choose plays the biggest role in the price you pay.

Drawer dishwasher cost

Drawer dishwashers fit into the cabinetry, and two can be stacked on top of each other. They cost between $300 to $1,400, and the average person spends $825 on this appliance. These styles of dishwashers are great for smaller kitchens. They’re only 24 to 35 inches wide — roughly the size of a cabinet. True to their name, drawer dishwashers function like a drawer you load from the top down. You can also find double-drawer varieties.

Because they’re designed to fit into your kitchen cabinets, these appliances offer various finishes. They tend to save on energy costs because they’re smaller than other dishwashers, but their compact design often comes with a higher price tag than other styles.

Countertop, compact and portable dishwasher cost

Countertop dishwashers are between $200 to $400. Because these eco-friendly dishwashers sit on the counter like a microwave, they have the lowest dishwasher installation cost. They are also known as compact dishwashers, and if you’re limited on cabinet space, these dishwashers are an excellent choice. Some models are just as powerful as built-in dishwashers but use less energy and water due to their size, making them budget-friendly and easy on the environment, too.

Portable dishwashers stand on wheels and can be moved. They connect to the sink, so they’re easy to install. They cost between $400 to $700. A countertop dishwasher is technically portable, so you’ll find a variety of options for portable dishwashers. Depending on your setup, your sink might be unusable while the dishwasher is running.

Fully integrated dishwasher cost

Fully integrated dishwashers are built-in dishwashers designed to blend into your kitchen cabinets. Most fully integrated dishwashers have the cabinet face mounted on the front and are outfitted with a handle that matches the surrounding cabinets. These appliances run flush with the rest of the kitchen and are invisible until you open them up. The control panel is generally located inside the top of the door, so you won’t see it when the machine is closed.

These dishwashers cost anywhere from $650 to $3,000. As they need to blend in with the kitchen, the cost will vary based on the appliance, the space, and if you want added features, such as smart features that connect your phone, tablet, or smart home system.

Dishwasher cost by size

The size of the dishwasher you choose, regardless of the style, will also impact its cost. It could also have an effect on your dishwasher installation cost - the total that your contractor bills you for putting it in your home. The installation cost is likely to increase if your contractor has to replace pipes or hoses, remove or cut away cabinetry, or remove and replace your countertop.

Small and slimline dishwasher cost

A slimline dishwasher is usually 18 inches wide, and any dishwasher under 24 inches wide is considered small or compact. These styles tend to have extra features, such as noise reduction, a third rack, or even a built-in water softener. The cost for a compact dishwasher ranges between $600 to $1,500.

Standard-sized dishwasher cost

A standard dishwasher costs between $400 to $3,000, depending on your chosen brand. A standard dishwasher is a broad term, usually referring to a built-in dishwasher that stands 35 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. Features, such as quiet operation, can raise the price.

Oversized dishwasher cost

An oversized dishwasher is exactly what it sounds like — a bigger dishwasher that can fit more dishes. Anything larger than the standard (35 inches tall, 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep) is considered oversized. These appliances start at $700 and go as high as several thousand dollars. They can handle larger loads, and extra features are available if you want them.

How much does it cost to install dishwasher plumbing?

When asking, “how much does it cost to install a dishwasher?” you’ll want to factor in whether your home is compatible with one. If not, you’ll need to pay a plumber to outfit your kitchen. For each plumbing fixture, you’re looking at $600 to $1,600. If you need to upgrade your pipes further to accommodate your dishwasher, you may even pay as high as $3,200. If you don’t want to install new pipes, you can opt for a compact or portable dishwasher, which hooks up to the sink. This is a common choice for people in older homes who don’t have a dishwasher space cut out and don’t want to remodel their kitchen to add one.

Dishwasher installation costs and additional considerations

Before installing a dishwasher, take some time and grab quotes from nearby contractors. You’ll want to find out whether you need plumbing, wiring, or other modifications that will affect the price. Ask the contractor if you need any permit or inspection fees, and what those fees are. Because of the variables involved in dishwasher installations, most contractors will give you a proper quote based on your scenario rather than ballpark it.

DIY dishwasher installation versus hiring a professional: What's right for you?

Portable and compact dishwashers don’t really have an installation process. You simply attach them to the sink, and they’re ready to go. These are very friendly DIY appliances. For a standard built-in dishwasher, it’s possible to do it yourself, but you’ll need to carefully cut the power and the water, then follow the instructions laid out by the manufacturer.

If you need new plumbing or are unfamiliar with electrical and plumbing systems, it’s a great idea to go with a professional. The same applies if your home isn’t set up for a dishwasher. The last thing you want is to flood your kitchen or damage the appliance accidentally. Built-in dishwashers are also quite heavy, so you can save yourself some back pain by letting a professional handle transportation and installation.