A new dishwasher costs about $970, but it can go up to $3,500 with special features
On average, a new dishwasher costs about $970, although you can spend $250 for a basic model or upward of $3,500 for special features like steam-cleaning and noise control. If you don’t know how to install a dishwasher, you’ll want to budget about $200 for professional dishwasher installation costs. Buying a dishwasher is an exciting upgrade, but choosing the right dishwasher for your kitchen gets more complicated. Built-in dishwashers are the most common, but portable, countertop, and drawer washers are other options.
| National Average | High End | Low End |
|---|---|---|
| $970 | $3,500 | $250 |
Dishwasher Installation Cost Breakdown
Your dishwasher installation cost depends primarily on two factors: the dishwasher itself plus the cost of professional installation. If you’re replacing an old dishwasher, your installation costs will be lower than if you were installing a dishwasher in your home for the first time.
Cost of a New Dishwasher
Most new dishwashers cost around $970. A new dishwasher ranges from around $250 for a basic model, which may not have a dryer or timer functions, to over $3,500 for a high-end dishwasher with special features, like smart home connectivity, quick-dry settings, or specialized wash cycles for delicate items.
Labor
Professional dishwasher installation costs about $200 if you’re adding a standard dishwasher in a kitchen with existing space and plumbing connections for a dishwasher. You can hire an appliance specialist, or the company you purchased the dishwasher from may offer installation services ranging from around $100 to $450.
If you need to add wiring or plumbing to your kitchen for a new dishwasher, the price will be around $500 or more. To retrofit an older kitchen to accommodate a new dishwasher, you could spend $1,900 to $8,300 or more on renovation costs.
Materials
Many dishwashers won’t require special equipment; instead, you or the delivery person can plug in the dishwasher and connect it to the water valves to set it up. You might need a new water supply line if you haven’t replaced it in a long time.
New Dishwasher Cost by Type
Are you looking for a freestanding dishwasher to set up in the corner of your kitchen, or do you need a small countertop option for your studio apartment? The type of dishwasher that works best for your kitchen can influence the cost.
Built-In Dishwasher
A new built-in dishwasher costs around $250 on the low-end or around $1,000 for a luxury model. This is the most common dishwasher, making it easy to find one that suits your needs. Built-in dishwashers are usually around 24-inches wide with two racks.
Drawer Dishwasher
A drawer dishwasher, which will offer a seamless look with your kitchen cabinets and drawers, costs around $300 to $1,400. If you’re installing a drawer dishwasher for the first time, you may spend another $500 or more.
Countertop Dishwasher
Countertop dishwashers are typically the least expensive, ranging from around $250 to $400. These small dishwashers only hold a few place settings at a time but are convenient for apartments or tiny homes. The unit sits on a counter, plugs into the wall, and attaches to the sink rather than requiring a plumbing hookup.
Portable Dishwasher
A portable dishwasher, also known as a freestanding dishwasher, costs around $400 to $700. This type of dishwasher doesn’t go into the cabinets; instead, it stands alone in the kitchen, similar to a kitchen island. Many portable dishwashers have wheels, so you can move them out of the way as needed. One benefit of portable dishwashers is they offer more counter space on top.
Under-Sink Dishwasher
Under-sink dishwashers are rare and cost about $1,000 to $1,200. While you may love the funky kitchen in your century-old home, an odd layout may make it difficult to install a dishwasher. Under-the-sink models make it possible to squeeze in a dishwasher. Just keep in mind that these models have a smaller top rack to accommodate space for the sink.
Additional Costs to Consider
Once you’ve picked out a dishwasher that fits your kitchen layout and needs, you may need to haul out the old dishwasher or update your plumbing setup for the new one. Here are some additional costs to familiarize yourself with when budgeting for the cost of a new dishwasher.
Removing an Existing Dishwasher
Out with the old, and in with the new. While some companies will offer to remove and haul away your old dishwasher for free with the purchase of the new appliance, you may spend about $120 to $150 to have a local appliance removal pro take out the old dishwasher. If it’s in good working condition and you just wanted to upgrade to a more robust model, you may be able to sell your older model to recoup some costs.
Delivery Fees
Your dishwasher purchase may come with free delivery if you spend over a certain amount of money on the appliance. If not, expect to spend at least $60 for delivery plus the cost of installation. If you have a large vehicle or can borrow a friend’s truck, you can save money on the cost of appliance delivery.
Electrical Upgrades
A dishwasher doesn’t just need water to operate—it also requires electricity. Depending on your kitchen setup, you may need an electrician to rewire it before installing the dishwasher. Hiring an electrician costs about $50 to $100 per hour. If your kitchen requires electrical upgrades, you may also need to pay the cost of building permits, usually around $150.
Plumbing Upgrades
You may need a plumber’s expertise to connect the dishwasher to the home’s plumbing or install new drain lines or water connections. A plumber can also ensure the dishwasher is working properly, which will help prevent leaks or water damage in the kitchen. Hiring a plumber costs about $45 to $200 per hour.
Debris Cleanup and Disposal
A new dishwasher comes with a lot of packaging. If you don’t feel like breaking down and recycling the boxes yourself, the delivery team or appliance specialist typically includes debris cleanup and disposal in the delivery or installation costs. If not, they may charge a small fee to take care of the packaging for you.
Cost to Install a Dishwasher Yourself
If you’re replacing an older model and your kitchen can accommodate a dishwasher, the installation may only cost you a few hours of your time. Some dishwashers, like countertop or portable options, are easy to install. But no matter the type of dishwasher, you should have some plumbing and electrical knowledge to install it. Otherwise, you risk electrical problems or dishwasher leaks that can lead to costly water damage in your kitchen.
Cost to DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a dishwasher yourself means you’ll only pay for the cost of a new dishwasher, delivery fees if necessary, and any tools and supplies you don’t own. On the other hand, paying for professional installation costs around $100 to $450. You’ll spend another $1,900 to $8,300 or more if you need to renovate a kitchen that doesn’t have the plumbing and electrical connections for a dishwasher. Call a plumber near you for a quote and get your new dishwasher up and running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dishwashers have an average life expectancy of about 10 to 15 years, with regular deep cleanings and ongoing maintenance. Lower quality or older models may only last 7 to 9 years.
Some signs that your dishwasher is going out include:
The door no longer latches
Dishes are still dirty after a cycle
Dishes are cold after a cycle
Rust inside or outside the unit
Cracks inside the dishwasher tub
Water collecting at the bottom or outside the unit
If your dishwasher is not energy-efficient or is older than 10 years, you should also consider replacing it. Repairing an older model may be more expensive than replacing it with something newer and more energy- or water-efficient.
You should deep-clean your dishwasher every month for optimal performance. A simple scrub down using a homemade vinegar liquid solution is all you need, but don’t use cleaners that aren’t for dishwashers.
If your dishwasher needs repair, expect to spend between $50 and $100 or $100 to $200 per hour to hire a dishwasher repair technician to service your machine.
Treat hard water with water treatment tablets to keep your dishes from getting spotty in between washes. Drop one of these into your dishwasher monthly and run a basic cycle with the machine empty.
It might be time to buy a new dishwasher if you notice a lot of water left over after a cycle, rust, or overly hot dishes after a drying cycle. These are all indications that it might be time to replace your dishwasher.
