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. The cash you spend up-front hinges on several factors, including:

• The installation contractor's hourly rate
• The brand, size and type of dishwasher you choose
• Whether you purchase an extended warranty or another protection plan for your new dishwasher
• Whether your space has the appropriate plumbing for a dishwasher
• Whether you have to pay for removal of the old dishwasher and debris disposal, or if you have to pay for an inspection fee

Dishwasher prices by type

Like all other appliances, dishwashers come in a wide range of styles, sizes and finishes, and each of those things has an impact on how much it costs. Economy dishwashers, which provide standard cleaning options in generic finishes, can cost as little as a couple hundred dollars. However, smart dishwashers - those that you can control with your smartphone or digital home assistant - can cost thousands (but on the upside, the only things those dishwashers don't do is load and unload themselves).

Even the type of dishwasher you choose will impact your cost. Your installation contractor will most likely look at whether you're installing a built-in, drawer-style, countertop, portable or fully integrated dishwasher when determining your dishwasher installation cost, as well.

Built-in dishwasher cost

You can expect to spend between $300 and $1,000, with most buyers dishing out about $650. A built-in dishwasher is designed to match your kitchen cabinets and other finishes. They're permanently installed, unlike free-standing dishwashers that you can take with you when you move. For that reason, they're sometimes called integrated or built-under dishwashers. You can still replace them, but the labor is a bit more intensive.

Built-in dishwashers are the most common types, particularly in newer homes. Only the outward facing side is finished - the sides and back are plain - because they're designed for under-counter installation. They're connected directly to your sink, and sometimes you'll hear your dishwasher draining through your sink drain because the plumbing is integrated. Brand plays a big role in how much you'll spend on a built-in dishwasher, and the price range is generally the widest with this type.

Drawer dishwasher cost

The average buyer spends between $270 and $1,380, with most people settling in around $825 on a take-home price. Drawer dishwashers, which are popular in cozy spaces, only take up a little bit of real estate in the kitchen. Usually, they're only 24 to 36 inches wide - so they're roughly equal to the size of one kitchen cabinet. These types of dishwashers literally feature drawers rather than a pull-down door, and you load the entire thing from the top.

Although these dishwashers are relatively new on the scene, many manufacturers offer a wide variety of styles. They're available in single- and double-drawer configurations, which give them the same functionality of a standard two-rack built-in. It's typically easy to find a drawer dishwasher that matches your kitchen's finishes, too.

These space-saving dishwashers generally offer significant energy savings - partly because they can't often accommodate large loads like their built-in cousins can - but they can be a little pricier than other types.

Countertop, compact and portable dishwasher cost

Countertop, compact or portable dishwasher, know that they generally cost between $200 and $400, with most models at the $300 price point. Countertop dishwashers are eco-friendly options that work well in homes where cabinet space is at a premium. Sometimes called compact or portable dishwashers, these countertop powerhouses can offer the same capabilities that larger, built-in models can. However, because they're more compact, they consume less energy and use less water.

You can't usually use the sink and a countertop dishwasher simultaneously. That's because they typically feature a quick-connect adapter that uses your faucet as a water source (the used water comes directly out of a drain hose, which you direct to your sink drain before running a cycle). These dishwashers go with you when you move.

Countertop dishwashers are usually around the same size as a large microwave, so they're easy to move when you need counter space (many people put them on a rolling cart). You won't have to pay any dishwasher installation costs for this type of dishwasher because it's mobile - you simply snap the adapter to your faucet and point the drain hose in the right direction when you want to use it.

Fully integrated dishwasher cost

A fully integrated dishwasher is built right into your space, beneath a countertop and in place of cabinets. You can even mount a custom cabinet panel on the dishwasher's face so it creates continuity. These flush-mounted machines don't stick out past your cabinet faces, and you can outfit them with a pull handle that matches your space's existing hardware. Essentially, you'll only be able to tell that there's a dishwasher in your kitchen if someone opens it.

The control panel on a fully integrated dishwasher is generally located inside the top of the door, on its ledge. You won't be able to see the controls when the dishwasher is closed, keeping the entire machine's identity concealed.

Like its built-in cousin, a fully integrated dishwasher is connected right to your sink's plumbing. The cost is usually higher, though, with the most popular low- and high-end models ranging between $630 and $3,000. There's no average price for these types of dishwashers because the cost varies based on features (like smart capabilities) and size.

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

Compact dishwashers - those considered small or slimline - tend to cost between $600 and $1,500, depending on the brand and model you choose. High-end features, such as extra quietness, a third rack or a built-in water softener, will push the price toward the higher end of the scale.

Dishwashers are considered "small" if they're less than 24 inches wide. Slimline dishwashers are usually around 18 inches wide, making them well-suited for small spaces.

Standard-sized dishwasher cost

The cost of standard dishwasher usually runs between $400 and $3,000. Smart features, whisper-quiet operation and other perks raise the price toward the higher end of the spectrum. Brand also plays a role, as does the style (such as whether it's fully integrated and matches your cabinetry).

Standard-sized dishwashers measure about 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches high, which is ideal in most kitchens - that's the size builders typically leave for them.

Oversized dishwasher cost

Most oversized dishwashers cost between $700 and several thousand dollars. Like standard-sized dishwashers, these larger-than-usual models may come with smart technology and other features that make them more expensive.

Oversized dishwashers are those that measure more than 34 inches high, 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep. These high-capacity machines often use a little more water and energy, but they deliver the benefit of being able to handle larger loads.

Dishwasher cost by color

Think the color of your dishwasher won't impact its cost? Think again. Many dishwasher models only come in certain finishes - and colored appliances are usually more expensive than metals (or even plan black or white pieces). Because manufacturers only make a certain number of dishwashers featuring colored finishes, they charge a premium for popular shades.

Most dishwashers have black, white or metal finishes, such as brushed steel. If you want something a little more eye-catching, you'll probably pay more. Likewise, if you need your dishwasher to match your cabinets, you'll foot the bill for outfitting it.

How brands affect dishwasher installation costs

As with any other appliance, the dishwasher brand you choose will determine how much you spend on the machine itself - and in an overall sense, it'll affect the overall price to install a dishwasher. Some brands are costlier than others are. You shouldn't make a decision based on brand alone, though; you should make the decision based on:

• The size and type of dishwasher you need
• Whether you want smart features
• How much energy consumption matters to you
• The style you want, including the color or finish you'd like

How much does it cost to install dishwasher plumbing?

It costs between $600 and $1,600 to install plumbing pipes for a new dishwasher. However, if your job is more complicated, or if you need all-new plumbing put in the kitchen because your pipes simply can't accommodate a dishwasher's output, you could pay up to $3,200.

Some homes - particularly older homes - aren't outfitted for a dishwasher. They don't have the necessary tubes and pipes that run under the sink, and there's no cutout in the cabinetry to accommodate one. If that's your situation, you can expect to pay for dishwasher plumbing (unless you choose a countertop model that doesn't require plumbing or installation). You may also need to pay a contractor to make space for your new machine under your countertop.

Dishwasher installation costs and additional considerations

The total cost of a new dishwasher plus installation varies from job to job - and it can even vary based on geography. Contractors may charge less to stay competitive, or they may charge more if they're the only game in town. When you need a new dishwasher installed, remember:

• The best way to find the right installer is to get quotes from more than one
• Contractors sometimes include 15 to 25 percent of total installation costs in the estimate, which helps them plan for additional expenses
• You may have to pay for modifications to plumbing, wiring or countertops, which will cost more
• You may have to pay for permits and inspection fees

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

Unless you have plumbing experience or are pretty familiar with everything under your sink (including what it all does, where it takes water and what happens when something goes wrong), it's usually a good idea to hire a contractor to install a dishwasher. You have a few options, though - it's not an all-or-nothing proposal. You can:

1. Purchase a dishwasher and have it delivered, then handle installation yourself
2. Buy a dishwasher from a company that will deliver and install it
3. Purchase a dishwasher, bring it home yourself, and install it yourself

Sometimes dishwashers come with DIY installation kits, which make the whole process easier. However, if you have any issues related to water supply, it's a good idea to bring in a professional.

A good rule of thumb: If you're not sure whether you should hire a contractor to install your dishwasher or attempt to do it yourself, err on the side of caution. You can always watch the contractor and ask questions so you can do it yourself next time.