The true cost of buying, installing and running a new dishwasher in Australia

If you're in the market for a new dishwasher, an important factor that will sway your decision will be its cost. This includes the upfront purchase price (and all the qualities that influence it), as well as all the other costs, some of which might not have ordinarily occurred to you. This guide is designed to address all of these, so you can make an informed decision that you won't regret.

One of the biggest factors that determines the price of a dishwasher is the type of dishwasher that it is. This can come as a surprise, especially to those who haven't bought a new one for a while, when you realise just how many different types there are to choose from. As you'll see, the options are quite varied with some compelling choices to consider.

Freestanding dishwashers

A freestanding dishwasher is the most common type of dishwasher in Australia and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen where there is access to a water connection and power outlet. They are incredibly versatile, allowing flexibility in kitchen design and can be easily moved during a kitchen renovation or when moving homes. They also typically have a finished top that can double as additional counter space which is more handy than you might appreciate. The cheapest freestanding models start at around $400 with high-end options going for $2,300 and above. However, most are priced between $700 - $1,300.

Price range: $400 - $2,300

Built-in dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers, sometimes called under bench dishwashers, are designed to fit seamlessly beneath the kitchen countertop, integrating with the cabinetry for a sleek and cohesive look. They often boast advanced features such as multiple wash cycles, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. In Australia, they are slightly more expensive than their freestanding counterparts, starting from around $1,000 and finishing north of $3,000. Most are between $1,400 - $2,000. 

Price range: $1,000 - $3,000

Integrated dishwasher

Integrated dishwashers are an increasingly popular choice, designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen cabinetry by allowing a custom panel to be attached to the front, matching the surrounding cabinets. This creates a discreet appearance, particularly appealing to fans of contemporary styling. A semi-integrated dishwasher has the control panel at the front in its usual place while a fully integrated dishwasher has it on the top edge of the door, fully concealed when the door is closed. Integrated dishwashers are often the most expensive type of dishwasher to buy with the cheapest models starting from $1,000 and top models going for close to $5,000. On average, most models are between $1,500 - $2,500.

Price range: $1,000 - $5,000

Drawer dishwashers

Drawer dishwashers are a unique choice with a design that features one or two pull-out drawers instead of a traditional drop-down door. This allows for flexible loading and operation, as each drawer can be operated independently, making it convenient for smaller loads or separating different types of dishes. They are ideal for compact kitchens and for those who want to avoid bending down to load and unload. In Australia, single drawers cost between $1,600 - $2,600 while double drawer models cost between $1,900 - $3,000.

Price range (single drawer): $1,600 - $2,600

Price range (double drawer): $1,900 - $3,000

Besides the type, several other traits and features impact the purchase price of a dishwasher. In some cases, these may even have a greater bearing on it than the type making them important ones to consider.

Size and capacity

Dishwashers vary significantly in size and capacity, ranging from compact models that can accommodate 6-8 place settings to full-sized units capable of holding 12-16 place settings. This understandably has a direct impact on the price with larger models costing more for the most part. They tend to boast more features too which translates to higher pricing.

Energy and water efficiency

In Australia, the energy efficiency of dishwashers is measured using the Energy Rating Label, with models generally rated from 1 to 6 stars (up to 10 stars for super efficient models). There is also a Water Rating Label that similarly awards 1 to 6 stars depending on a product's water efficiency making them more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient in the long run. However, models that do these things best often utilise advanced technologies and sophisticated sensors that allow them to do so, which ultimately gets passed onto the consumer.

Advanced features

As just mentioned, advanced features, like those that make dishwashers more energy and water-efficient can come at a premium. There are many others too like additional wash cycles (speed/eco/night/intensive etc), noise reduction, anti-odour, power drying, auto dosing and more. Smart technology is also finding its way into these appliances giving users the ability to control their dishwashers remotely, adding an extra layer of convenience.

Brand

A dishwasher's brand undoubtedly has a bearing on its price with many companies often targeting different segments of the market with their products. There's quite a range a the low end of the market, mostly from brands you won't recognise (for which we'd advise caution). In the mid-range of products, however, you'll start to see brands you're more familiar with like Haier, LG, Beko Westinghouse, SMEG and Bosch. Some of these brands will also offer very high-end products, amongst which, you'll also start to see the likes of Fisher & Paykel, ASKO, Miele, AEG and NEFF.

The cost to install a dishwasher in Australia typically ranges from around $150 - $300 for a standard installation from a licensed professional. Retailers will often have contractors you can use to save you the hassle of finding one. A standard installation typically includes connecting the dishwasher to the existing plumbing and electrical outlets and most jobs are fairly straightforward, especially if you've had a dishwasher installed previously.

Costs can go up quite dramatically if modifications are required to the plumbing or electrical systems which can often be the case when installing a new dishwasher in a space for the first time. Depending on the complexities, this can add another $500 - $1,000 to the job. Extra services, like removing and disposing of the old dishwasher, can also be an additional charge.

Dishwashers are large kitchen appliances that use both water and electricity so both need to be addressed to get a full idea of the overall running costs. As mentioned earlier, most dishwashers are measured using the Energy Rating Label and Water Rating Label which gives you an indication of the annual energy consumption and water consumption respectively.

Using these figures, you can broadly estimate the likely running cost of a particular product by multiplying this against your local utility rates.

Calculating the cost of electricity for a dishwasher

For a dishwasher that has an annual power consumption of 245 kWh per year in a region where the local electricity rate is 35 cents per kWh, the annual estimated cost can be calculated using the following formula.

245 kWh x 0.35 cents per kWh = $85.75 per year for electricity

Calculating the cost of water for a dishwasher

Water usage in Australia is typically charged per kilo litre and varies between $2 - $4 across the country depending on a variety of factors. For most dishwashers, you'll be able to easily find the water consumption per wash cycle, and from there, you can calculate how many cycles you'd likely do in a week and then a year to estimate the total consumption in litres. With that figure, you can calculate the likely annual water bill.

For example, a dishwasher that uses 10L of water per cycle in a household that uses it four times a week where the local water rate is $2 per kilo litre can expect the following water bill annually.

10L x 4 uses per week x 52 weeks per year x $0.002 per L = $4.16 per year for water

As you can see, the water consumption, in terms of costs, is very small, however, if you look at it from an environmental perspective, the difference between a model that uses 10L and 11L of water per cycle in the above situation, would mean an extra 208L of water consumption per year, which is fairly significant.

As with anything with complex engineering and mechanics, there is always the chance of maintenance and repairs at some point in a product's lifecycle. The cost of repairs depends on the nature of the problem at hand. Some of the most common issues for dishwashers include replacing seals, door latches, and filters which can cost anything from $100 - $300.

However, problems with the circulation pumps or motors that require a complete replacement can be very costly, at which point, a new dishwasher may be more economical.

Now that you've got a comprehensive understanding of the full costs of a dishwasher, you can plan and budget accordingly, picking something that meets your needs without any surprises that will hurt your pocket. Be sure to research thoroughly, read reviews and ask questions of your retailers to ensure you pick something that gives you confidence and peace of mind.

Related article: Must-have kitchen appliances for new homes in Australia