How Much Do Dishwashers Cost?

Electronics & Appliances>

December 09, 2022

Getting a dishwasher is often a high priority for homeowners. Not only will it reduce the amount of time it takes you to clean, but it could also lower your water consumption. This is good for both your wallet and the environment.

How much you'll spend on your dishwasher will mostly depend on the brand and model you purchase. Fortunately, there are price points to fit any budget.

How much is a dishwasher?

Dishwasher prices range from $250 to $3,500, and the average dishwasher cost is $970.1 Note that these prices are for the dishwasher only. There may be other costs involved, such as delivery and installation.

You could potentially buy a used dishwasher from an online marketplace, which might be cheaper than buying new. However, it's unlikely you'd be able to get a current model.

Dishwasher Average cost1
Budget $200-$500
Mid-range $500-$1,000
Luxury $1,000+

Budget dishwasher prices

Entry-level dishwashers typically cost between $200 and $500.1 These machines are very simple and only have a few wash cycles to choose from. Lower-cost dishwashers are usually made of plastic, but some might have stainless steel exteriors. Countertop and portable dishwashers that don't require any changes to your plumbing typically fall into this price range.

Mid-range dishwasher prices

Mid-range dishwashers tend to have more features than budget dishwashers, with prices in the $500 to $1,000 range.1 Besides the extra wash cycles, they're made out of better materials and are much quieter. These types of dishwashers are the most popular choice for homeowners.1

Luxury dishwasher prices

Luxury dishwashers can cost you $1,000 or more.1 Once you get to this price point, you get even more cycles and features that can often be controlled by an app. Luxury dishwashers are designed to be sleek and blend into your kitchen. They're a good choice for people with a higher budget who have a specific look in mind for their kitchen.

Factors impacting the cost of dishwashers

Finding out dishwasher prices is easy because you can quickly research the brand and model you're considering. That said, there may be a few additional costs to factor in when purchasing a new dishwasher.

Delivery costs

You may be charged a delivery fee for your dishwasher. How much that will cost depends on where you're buying the dishwasher from and where you live. Some merchants allow you to pick up your dishwasher from the store so there's no additional cost.

Installation

While it's possible to install your own dishwasher, not every homeowner is comfortable with that type of work. Hiring a professional installer costs an average of $190 for a basic installation into a pre-existing infrastructure, or upward of $500 for a brand-new installation.1 Ask the store where you're buying your dishwasher if they offer installation services, as it may be cheaper than hiring someone on your own.

Plumbing and electrical

If you're installing a dishwasher for the first time, you may need to hire someone to install plumbing and outlets. Some contractors are licensed to do both, but you may have to hire a plumber and electrician separately. Hiring an electrician or a plumber costs about $80 to $90 per hour, though price varies by location.1

Kitchen remodeling

Some homeowners looking to install a dishwasher decide to do a kitchen remodel at the same time. How much you'll spend depends on how big your project will be. If you're changing your cabinets, you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for cabinet removal and $1,000 to $5,000 for new cabinets (including installation).1 If you need to repair the flooring beneath your dishwasher, expect to pay at least $100.1

Dishwasher cost by type

Besides the different price ranges, you can often estimate dishwasher cost based on the type.

  • Built-in: The most common type of dishwasher is a built-in dishwasher. These typically cost between between $300 and $1,000.2
  • Drawer: Drawer dishwashers are built right into your cabinets. You can expect to pay $270 to $1,380 for this type of dishwasher.2
  • Countertop: At just $200 to $400, countertop dishwashers are budget-friendly because no plumbing work is required.2
  • Portable: These types of dishwashers are typically on wheels and can be moved around. They plug right into your sink and cost about $390 to $690.2
Type of dishwasher Average cost2
Built-in $300-$1,000
Drawer $270-$1,380
Countertop $200-$400
Portable $390-$690

Pros and cons of getting a dishwasher

Even though you can get a dishwasher for a reasonable price, it's still a big decision. Consider the pros and cons carefully.

Pros of dishwashers

  • Saves time: You'll spend less time doing the dishes when you have a dishwasher.
  • Good for the environment: Dishwashers use less water than if you were to wash the dishes manually.5
  • Reasonably priced: Compared to other home renovations, a new dishwasher is relatively inexpensive.

Cons of dishwashers

  • Takes time: Washing dishes by hand is faster than using a dishwasher.
  • Maintenance costs: Dishwashers don't last forever and eventually require maintenance or a replacement.
  • Not all dishes can be washed: Some dishes can't go into a dishwasher, so you'll still need to manually wash them.

How to tell if you need a new dishwasher

Waiting for your dishwasher to fail completely is never a good idea. Instead, look for these red flags:4

  • Your dishes are no longer coming out completely clean.
  • You notice unusual water spots on your dishes and glassware.
  • Your machine is making unusual noises.
  • You're regularly spending money to maintain your dishwasher.
  • Your dishwasher is over 10 years old.

Keep in mind that issues with your dishwashers may arise before it reaches the 10-year mark. If you're hoping to stretch the lifespan, consider these maintenance tips.3

The bottom line: Is a new dishwasher right for you?

It's possible to prolong the life of your dishwasher, but eventually, it will need to be replaced. Fortunately, dishwashers come in various price points, and there are financing options available.

If you're looking to finance your new dishwasher, the Synchrony HOME™ Credit Card offers 6 months of promotional financing when making purchases of $299 or more, wherever the card is accepted. Longer-term promotional financing of 12 to 60 months is also available at select Synchrony HOME participating locations on qualifying purchases.*

* Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Promotional financing offers available at the time of purchase may vary by location. See store for details.

Sources:

1 Chauncey Crail and Lexie Pelchen, April 29, 2022, "How Much Does Dishwasher Installation Cost?" Forbes Advisor, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/dishwasher-installation-cost/, accessed September 3, 2022.

2 HomeAdvisor, August 9, 2022, "How Much Does Dishwasher Installation Cost?" Reviewed by Jeff Botelho, https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/kitchens/install-dishwasher/#dishwasher-prices-by-type-portable, accessed September 3, 2022.

3 Perry Santanachote, June 16, 2022, "How to Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer," Consumer Reports, https://www.consumerreports.org/dishwasher/how-to-make-your-dishwasher-last-longer-a7937722178/, accessed September 3, 2022.

4 "Signs It's Time to Replace Your Dishwasher," American Home Shield, https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/quick-tips/signs-to-replace-dishwasher, accessed September 7, 2022.

5 “Dishwasher vs. Hand Wash: What’s More Sustainable?” Attainable HOME, https://www.attainablehome.com/dishwasher-vs-hand-wash-more-sustainable/#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20dishwashers%20are%20more,save%20money%20in%20energy%20costs, accessed October 26, 2022.

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