How Much Does Dishwasher Installation Cost?

Reviewed by Paul Hooker remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Dishwasher installation costs an average of $1,000, but the quality and size of the appliance and the labor costs can bring the total to between $150 and $3,900. Most homeowners pay between $400 and $1,500.

Quick Takeaways

• The dishwasher itself can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,600, depending on the brand, size, and quality.

• Labor for dishwasher installation costs an average of $200, and prices range from $150 to $300.

• Your total will increase significantly if you need to make changes to your surrounding cabinets, so keep costs down by installing the same size.

Dishwasher Installation Cost

Dishwasher Installation Cost Factors

There are a few things that can affect your dishwasher installation costs, and you’ll need to consider each of them to get an accurate price for your appliance installation service.

Type of Dishwasher

You have three types of dishwashers to consider for your kitchen:

• Standard built-in dishwasher: Has a single door that swings down with two or more pull-out sections for loading. A standard dishwasher sits under your countertop, taking up cabinet space, and costs an average of $1,000 to install.

• Drawer dishwasher: This is the most expensive option, costing an average of $1,800 to install. It has two separate drawers that pull outward, giving you the flexibility to run different cleaning cycles at once or run just one drawer to conserve electricity and water.

• Portable dishwasher: There are two portable dishwasher options: A dishwasher on wheels, which costs an average of $900, and a countertop dishwasher, which costs around $400. While these don’t take up cabinet space, they will take up counter or floor space. Also, you won’t pay for installation but may pay an appliance delivery fee to get them to your home.

Here’s a cost comparison:

Dishwasher Size

With larger dishwashers, you will almost always pay more for the appliance itself, but labor and delivery costs will generally be the same regardless of size.

The standard dishwasher width is 24 inches. Depending on your kitchen size and layout and the capacity you need for your home, you could go as narrow as 18 inches or as wide as 42 inches. 

Most dishwashers are 28 inches deep and fit perfectly under your countertop. Unless you have an extra deep counter space, you won’t need to worry about the depth affecting your installation costs.

Dishwasher Material

Stainless steel is the most popular dishwasher material. Expect an average cost of $1,000 if you go this route. If you’re matching your dishwasher to black or white appliances, or you’re opting for a wood face to blend in with your kitchen cabinets, your total can vary.

Dishwasher Cost by Brand

The brand of dishwasher you choose will play an important role in your installation costs. Expect to pay closer to the $1,500 to $2,000 range or higher if you opt for a high-end, luxury kitchen appliance from brands like Thermador or Miele. Budget-friendly brands like Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and Samsung will be more affordable, averaging between $900 and $1,200 in most cases.

Other Cost Factors to Consider

There are some other minor factors you should take into consideration when pricing out the cost of dishwasher installation.

Labor

The labor to install your dishwasher will cost between $150 and $300 in most cases. You could avoid labor costs altogether if you choose a countertop or wheeled portable dishwasher. 

On the other end of the spectrum, labor costs can climb up to $800 or higher if you need a plumber and electrician to run new lines to install a dishwasher for the first time.

Removing the Old Dishwasher

Installing a new dishwasher means you’ll need to dispose of the old unit. Some appliance installers will offer haul-away services for free when you pay for delivery, while others may charge $100 to $250 to remove and dispose of your old appliance. 

Dishwasher installation costs from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and similar home improvement retailers may, therefore, be lower than if you went with a dedicated appliance installer. They tend to include the service at no cost.

Delivery Fees

Similarly, you may or may not need to pay an additional cost for delivery. Some appliance specialists will offer to deliver your dishwasher at no cost, while other companies charge between $100 and $200 for delivery. 

If you buy from a manufacturer rather than a home improvement store, you’re more likely to get free delivery.

Cost to Relocate a Dishwasher

Installing a dishwasher in your kitchen in a different location costs an average of $2,600, so you’ll pay an average of $1,000 extra on top of the appliance and standard installation costs. 

The added fees will go toward purchasing and installing a new lower cabinet where the old dishwasher was, removing cabinetry in the new location, and rerouting plumbing and electrical lines.

Can You Install a Dishwasher Yourself?

It’s possible to install a dishwasher yourself if you’re replacing an old one and already have the necessary utility connections in place. Doing so will save you between $150 and $300. 

Just keep in mind that any mistakes can be very costly, especially since your dishwasher uses both electricity and water. Leaks from poor water and drain line connections can lead to water damage, mold growth, and fires.

As such, it’s worth it to hire a pro to get the job done safely. You should always hire a professional if you need to install or relocate plumbing and electrical hookups when installing a dishwasher for the first time or when relocating one. 

Plumbing and electrical work is not only dangerous to DIY, but you typically need licensed professionals to pull the proper permits for you, anyway.

How to Save Money on Dishwasher Installation Costs

There are a few things you can do to reduce your dishwasher installation costs:

• Install the same size: If you don’t mind the size of your current dishwasher, you can save $500 or more by buying a new one with the same dimensions.

• Choose a more affordable material: Black or white appliances are less expensive than stainless steel appliances and those with wooden faces. Unless you want to match existing appliances, go with a less expensive material.

• Keep your dishwasher in the same place: Relocating a dishwasher will add an average of $1,600 in addition to the appliance and installation costs. Keep your kitchen layout the same to keep costs low.

• Go with a budget-friendly brand: You’ll spend between $700 and $2,000 more on a high-end smart dishwasher. Stick with brands like Whirlpool, Frigidaire, or Maytag if you’re on a tight budget.

FAQ: Dishwasher Installation Cost