Dishwasher Installation Cost Guide

A dishwasher adds a layer of convenience to your home, and it’s easy to justify your dishwasher installation cost when you’re doing a kitchen remodel and you want to add this to your space. A dishwasher is a very energy-efficient and convenient way to do your dishes each day, and it’s easy to customize them with more features to help them fit into your life better. Additionally, dishwashers come in a large range of styles and sizes that allow you to fit it into your design aesthetic without a problem. The different sizes can also fit well into different counter heights, even if space is at a premium. 

The national average dishwasher installation cost ranges from $700 to $2,000. A lot of homeowners find themselves paying just under $900 for their dishwasher installation cost, and this is for a standard 24-inch dishwasher that is built into the cabinets with an average sound rating. Your price range starts at $350 for a smaller portable model, and it can easily go up to $3,500 for a high-efficiency, extra-large model that features the quietest sound rating and leak sensors with temperature controls. 

Because it’s important to budget for any new addition to your home, you want to nail down a rough estimate for your dishwasher installation cost. This guide can help, but you have to consider fluctuations based on your area too. The type, size, and how many convenience factors the unit has are the three biggest price factors to worry about when you create your budget. 

This guide will outline all of the big points you should keep in mind when you start considering your dishwasher installation cost. We’ll also talk about the smaller factors that will dictate how your costs fluctuate, and this will allow you to see which features you can and can’t comfortably afford. 

Installing a dishwasher requires professionals to come in and help you since you’re working around plumbing, and you could have to cut into your counters or cabinets. Installation of the dishwasher by chrisforsyth / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Dishwasher Types and Price Points

There are several types of dishwashers available, and each one will affect your dishwasher installation cost. Your available space, where you want to install it, and how much you plan on using it contribute to each category, and the most popular types include: 

Built-In

A built-in model comes designed to match your kitchen cabinets. This can give you a sleek and cohesive look throughout your kitchen. These types of dishwashers get installed underneath your countertops and the cabinets box it in and surrounds it. You’ll find these models in all types of homes, especially more modern looks. A built-in model will take your dishwasher installation cost to $350 to $1,600. 

Countertop

This is a type of portable dishwasher that uses a hose to pull water from your faucet. As the name suggests, it sits right on your counter, and you’ll have to put them somewhere close to your sink. This is a convenient choice for small kitchens, but they lack a lot of the options full-sized models have. The smaller size and lower capacity means that you have to wash larger pans, pots, or dishes by hand. They’re great for when you’re renting a place because you can pack them up and move them with you. This model will increase your dishwasher installation cost by $250 to $290. 

Drawer

This is a non-traditional model that is quickly gaining in popularity. You’ll split the dishwasher’s upper and lower racks into two appliances that run independently. The drawers will slide out toward you instead of downward using a hinged door, and this is great for people who have trouble bending down. You can get a single or double drawer design. A single-drawer dishwasher ranges from $750 to $950. The dishwasher installation cost for a double-drawer model ranges from $1,200 to $1,500. 

Full Integrated

You can compare a fully integrated dishwasher with a built-in one because they both have very similar designs. These models come designed to blend in with your surrounding kitchen cabinets when you close the door all of the way. However, this is an extra customization, so this will increase your dishwasher installation cost by $630 to $3,000. The size and access restrictions will all factor in. 

Portable

A portable dishwasher is nice if you don’t have room for a built-in one, and it has a freestanding design that allows you to wheel it around as you need to move it. This makes it a great piece for your apartment decor or in mobile homes. They have a compact size that makes them convenient, but they have a very limited capacity. They also lack a lot of features, and they don’t require plumbing work. This makes the dishwasher installation cost lower, and it usually ranges between $300 and $750. 

Picking out a dishwasher type is one of the biggest factors that impacts your dishwasher installation costs, and some types may not be suitable for your space. New Dishwasher by Wil C. Fry / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

How Finish Impacts Dishwasher Costs

You want to pick the perfect finish to help tie your entire kitchen aesthetic together and create a cohesive look. Most dishwashers offer various finishes without impacting your overall dishwasher installation costs, and you can customize your look. Along with looking sleek, many finishes help to protect your dishwasher from wear and tear. 

Bisque

There is a soft orange tone with bisque that makes it a good alternative to pure white. It’s a lighter and more neutral color, so it blends well. You’ll want to have the rest of your appliances match if you choose bisque, and different variations of it can look messy. The dishwasher installation cost with this finish falls between $300 to $600. 

Black

Black appliances can make a statement, and they go very well with a more modern-looking design. It allows you to create contrast with stainless steel and white shades, and there are several different shades of black to choose from. However, too much black makes the room feel closed off and dull. You can find a dishwasher in black for $330 to $1,100. 

Black Slate

This finish gives your kitchen a modern look while being resistant to fingerprints. They have a very rich tone and they look great against white cabinets or tile flooring. Slate doesn’t go well with shiny finishes, so you need to pick one or the other for consistency’s sake. This finish will generally increase your dishwasher installation cost by $700 to $1,200. 

Black Stainless Steel

This is a very easy-to-clean finish that is less prone to holding fingerprints. They give your kitchen a modern and sleek look, but each brand will have a subtle tone difference that makes it challenging to match. This type of dishwasher will cost between $650 and $2,000. 

Bronze

Bronze is a warm finish that can completely upend the look and feel of your kitchen. It’s resistant to smudges, and it has a satin finish that gives it a stunning metallic texture. They add a unique look to many kitchens, and they can increase your dishwasher installation cost by $850 to $1,000. 

Copper

Copper is another warm tone that adds an elegant touch to your home. It’s also easy to maintain because copper will resist fingerprints, stains, and dust. This is a more expensive option, and you can find attractive copper finished models for $850 to $1,000. 

Matte Black

A matte black finish gives you a very sleek and modern tone. It works well to hide fingerprints if your kids have friends over for sleepovers who raid the dishwasher, and it also resists peeling and chipping. You’ll get a deeper shade than you’ll have with black slate, and this adds depth. Matte black dishwashers can boost your dishwasher installation costs by $950 to $1,300. 

Matte White

Matte white will give you a classic look, just as you’d get with an average white finish. When you pick out a matte finish, it eliminates the need to worry about fingerprints or smudges. It also lends a modern feel to your kitchen, and it’ll cost between $900 and $1,100. 

Slate

Slate gives you a cross between a matte finish and a metallic look. It mimics the look of stones, and this makes it slightly less monochromatic than traditional stainless steel. It can add a slightly warmer look to your kitchen, but it is easy to make it clash with more modern finishes on your cabinets. Slate finishes increase your dishwasher installation costs by $550 to $930, so it’s more cost-effective. 

Stainless Steel

This is a very popular go-to finish for many dishwashers, and it offers a classic look. Stainless steel is also prone to showing fingerprints, and this means that you’ll spend a lot of time cleaning it to keep it looking flawless. Traditional stainless steel finishes can make your dishwasher installation costs climb by $350 to $1,500. 

White

White is a very classic but safe choice for your appliance. They’re easy to clean, lower maintenance, and they come in several styles. However, cheaper models can slowly develop an unattractive yellowish hue over time, and this can give you space a worn down look. You can expect to spend between $330 and $1,100 for a white finish. 

Wood Grain

If you want to create a seamless look for your entire kitchen area, consider a wood grain finish on your dishwasher. This is a custom style that makes it very easy to ensure that all of your appliances blend flawlessly with your surrounding cabinetry. The dishwasher installation cost with this finish ranges from $850 to $1,000. This puts it at the upper end of the spectrum. 

The finish on your dishwasher will impact how your whole kitchen looks, so keep this in mind when you try to decide which finish you’re going to go for with your new unit. New Faucets by Lionel & Heidi / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Dishwasher Installation Costs by Size

Your dishwasher installation process can range from complex to straightforward, and a big component of your dishwasher installation cost will fall to size. You’ll need to get three critical measurements, including the height, width, and depth. They need to be exact because being even ¼-inch off can slow down or stall your installation process. When you’re replacing a current dishwasher, measure it and get a model that is very close to the same size. 

Small Size

The smallest sized dishwashers available on the current market sit right on top of your countertop. They’re around half of the size of a traditional dishwasher, and this can push your dishwasher installation cost down. They’re great if you plan to move or have a small kitchen. They can’t wash as many dishes at once due to the compact size, but the prices range between $250 and $300. 

Slimline Size

For smaller homes or smaller families, the slimline size is a good pick. Many of these models have a lot of the same features and benefits that you’d get with a traditional-sized model. The width is smaller, so it can’t fit as many dishes in one go. They’re also not as water or energy-efficient as other models. The dishwasher installation cost with this model fluctuates between $300 to $1,000. 

Standard Size

This is the most common size most people have in their homes. They’re large enough to fit complete table settings for 12 people and lower. Many of them come with adjustable legs to accommodate different cabinet heights or countertops. The average width is 24-inches, and it’ll slide under most countertops without having to perform any additional renovations. On average, you’ll pay between $350 and $1,600 for this size. 

Oversized Size

For larger families, you may need an oversized model. They usually have similar measurements when you compare them to standard models, but the interior differers. It has a much flatter dual motor instead of a bulky single motor, and this helps to free up space. However, it also makes them very challenging to install since it’s hard to reach the working parts. You can wash place settings for up to 16 people at one time with this model, but it’ll increase your dishwasher installation cost by $450 to $1,800. 

Breaking Down Dishwasher Installation Costs

If you don’t include the dishwasher itself, your dishwasher installation costs range between $100 and $300. How complex the installation process is will dictate the final price. Also, how much you pay for a basic compact unit will vary from a customized integrated unit. 

As a bonus, it’s easy to get a local company to perform the entire installation process, and they charge between $100 and $200 an hour. Between the unit, labor, and installation, your dishwasher installation cost will range between $700 and $2,000. If you choose a standard-sized freestanding unit, your prices will be closer to $700. If you want a more modern, bigger built-in unit with smart technology, hidden top controls, or matte finishes, your dishwasher installation costs will go toward the high end. 

Dishwasher Plumbing Installation Costs

If you need to reroute drain lines or if you need new connections, you might need extra plumbing installed. Plumbers can charge between $45.00 to $200 an hour, and the project can take several hours from start to finish. The length of the project depends on whether the plumber needs to run new lines or if they work on existing ones. Running new lines costs between $3.00 and $10.00 a linear foot. 

Dishwasher Wiring Costs

You may have to install new outlets, rewire, or form connections. Outlets cost approximately $140 to $175 for each grounded outlet you need installed. Most electricians will charge you between $40.00 to $120 an hour, depending on your location and how complex the project is. Wiring your new dishwasher shouldn’t take more than two or three hours. 

Adding Your Dishwasher to Existing Cabinetry 

You might have to make adjustments to your cabinetry to fit your dishwasher, and this can increase your dishwasher installation costs. You might have to trim the new dishwasher differently. Even if you picked out a freestanding dishwasher, you might want to include a stand-alone cabinet to help hide it between uses to give your kitchen a less cluttered look. 

If you have existing cabinets and want to add a dishwasher, you might have to make the opening bigger if you choose a built-in model. If you plan to cut cabinets for a dishwasher or attach it to granite countertops, you’ll need a professional to help. Most projects will take between an hour or two, and labor costs range from $50.00 to $100 an hour. 

Outlining your dishwasher installation costs will help you create a working budget for this project, and it can help reduce any unexpected expenses so you don’t blow your money. Dishwasher by Hidetsugu Tonomura / CC BY-NC 2.0

Replacing a Dishwasher Cost

It’s less expensive to replace an existing dishwasher than it is to install a whole new one because most of the work is already done at this stage. A plumber is usually able to hook up your replacement dishwasher in an hour or two, and this costs between $75.00 to $150 an hour. You also have to factor in the dishwasher removal cost, and it costs between $100 and $150 to get rid of the old one. 

You’ll replace your water inlet valve for $80.00 to $120. If you want to replace your old unit with one of the same type, model, and size, you can use the existing inlet valve. You’ll want to check the valve’s condition with the plumber. So, the dishwasher installation cost and removal cost is around $250 to $425. 

Cost to Maintain Your Dishwasher

There are several parts in your dishwasher that can malfunction, including the motor, pump, filtration system, and disposal. If you take the time to maintain your dishwasher, it can last up to 10 years without an issue. However, since maintenance can be expensive, you should ask yourself if you can justify the dishwasher installation cost for a whole new unit. 

You should set aside time every three or four months to clean out your dishwasher. If you have more serious problems, it’s a good idea to contact a professional. No matter the model, most dishwasher repairmen will charge between $50.00 to $200 an hour to fix the problem, and you’ll add to the cost for any materials.  A portable or freestanding dishwasher takes less time to repair at around an hour. Built-in models can take around two hours to repair. 

Additional Features and Price Points

Dishwashers come in several sizes and shapes, and you can personalize it with a range of high-tech features. This can increase your dishwasher installation costs with each additional feature you have. The most popular ones include: 

Automatic Temperature Control Suite

If a dishwasher has an automatic temperature control suite, it will balance the water temperature to ensure it stays at the optimal cleaning temperature. This will help to ensure that your detergent dissolves correctly, and this gives you clean dishes with each load. The dishwasher installation cost for this feature runs between $350 and $1,800. 

Bottle Wash

A dishwasher with a bottle washing station has jets on the upper rack that will force detergent and water inside any containers with narrow openings, like bottles. They also work well for travel mugs and wine flutes. It will add around 20 minutes to your wash cycle each time you run it, and it can cost between $550 and $1,600. 

Fingerprint-Resistance 

Dishwashers with fingerprint-resistance won’t track fingerprints from everyday use. It looks good no matter how many people touch and use it throughout the day. Stainless steel and slate are two finishes that are very fingerprint-resistant, and the models with this finish can cost between $500 and $1,700. 

Hard Food Disposer

This type of dishwasher uses a chopper to break up food particles, and this can stop them from recirculating through the unit. This makes them maintenance-free, but they can be noisier than a unit that comes equipped with filtration systems. The dishwasher installation costs for this model runs between $330 and $1,700. 

Leak Sensor

Leaks in your dishwasher may start small, but they can quickly ruin your floors if you don’t address it straight away. This is especially true if you have hardwood flooring. If your dishwasher has a leak sensor, it’ll help pinpoint it so you can fix it. There is also a moisture sensor below the dishwasher that will alert you if there is a problem. It may also cancel the cycle and pump out the water to minimize the damage. The dishwasher installation cost for this model runs between $450 and $1,500. 

Third Rack

If your dishwasher has a third rack, it’ll allow you to wash more silverware, dishes, and cooking utensils per load. It gives you more space, and it cleans your flatware very thoroughly because you can spread them out. Since this design is quickly becoming the new normal, you should only expect to pay between $600 and $1,700 per unit. 

WiFi Compatible

Smart dishwashers with WiFi compatibility are gaining in popularity. It allows you to control your dishwasher through a smartphone app. You’ll be able to start and stop cycles, monitor the dishwasher’s performance levels, and check your cycle status. You can get notifications about leaks and monitor your energy usage too. This will push your dishwasher installation costs up, and you can pay between $650 and $2,000. 

Where to Find Dishwasher Installers Near You

If you want to find a professional to install your dishwasher, you’ll want to look at local companies and compare their estimates. To get the most accurate estimates, make sure you ask about the same models or features with each company. You can find dishwasher installers: 

• Appliance Installation and Repair

Frequently Asked Questions 

Asking the correct questions when you approach local companies will help you get good working estimates of the project across the board, and this will make your choice easier. Kitchen remodel – Dishwasher hack by davef3138 / CC BY 2.0

1. What is the average installation time for a dishwasher? 

It’ll take around an hour to install a new dishwasher if it has the correct sizing and you don’t need carpentry or plumbing work. If you have to replace a current model, add an hour for the professional to remove the existing unit. 

2. Can you put your refrigerator and dishwasher side-by-side?

Yes, but it’s not a good idea. Your dishwasher gets humid and hot when you use it, and your refrigerator works hard to stay cool. Putting these appliances side by side makes both work harder, and this can drive your utility bill up. It might also impact your refrigerator’s ability to reduce condensation, and this can cause problems later on. 

3. How long does the average dishwasher last?

It’s easier to justify the dishwasher installation cost when you realize that it can last between 9 and 10 years with proper maintenance. Depending on the brand, type, usage, and maintenance, it could last between 7 and 12 years. 

4. If you’ve never had a dishwasher, how much is the dishwasher installation cost?

If you’ve never had a dishwasher before and you’re installing a brand new one, this can increase your dishwasher installation cost by $1,300 to $3,200 because you’ll probably need new plumbing. If you have to replace or remove countertops or cabinets, your costs could go up by several hundred dollars. 

Bottom Line

Your dishwasher installation costs depend on a variety of factors, and you can look at the biggest ones in this guide. This will help you get a rough idea that you can take to your local contractors and see which one offers you the best price without sacrificing quality.