admin668 Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or simply need to replace an old, unreliable dishwasher, installing a new one can be a big project. But with the right dishwasher and professional installation, you can make the process practically painless. This comprehensive guide will explore the key factors to consider when choosing dishwashers with installation services, from costs to features to brands and more.
Investing in a quality dishwasher with professional installation is worth the effort and expense. A properly functioning dishwasher saves you time, reduces water usage, and makes the dreaded chore of washing dishes far more pleasant. With so many options on the market, though, how do you pick the right machine? And what should you expect from a professional installation service to get your new dishwasher up and running?
This guide takes the guesswork out of selecting dishwashers with installation. We’ll break down the costs involved, both for the appliance itself and installation services. You’ll learn the must-have features to look for, from soil sensors to adjustable racks. Get advice for choosing between built-in versus portable models. Compare the reputations of major brands like GE, KitchenAid, Bosch, and more. And get a sneak peek of what happens behind-the-scenes during a professional installation appointment.
Let’s start by looking at the cost considerations for both dishwashers and their installation. This will help shape your budget expectations.
Dishwasher Pricing – How Much Should You Spend?
Cost often plays a significant role in home appliance purchases. Dishwasher prices can range from just under $300 on the very low end, to $1200 or more for high-end models with all the bells and whistles. Where your budget lands will determine just how fancy your new dishwasher can be. Here’s what to expect in terms of price points:
- Budget or Economy Dishwashers: The most affordable dishwashers retail for $300 – $450. At this price, capacities top out around 8 place settings. Features are sparse, with maybe a few wash cycle options and basic racks. Budget dishwashers get the job done, but lack special cycles and higher-end features.
- Mid-Range Dishwashers: For improved durability and more features like quiet operation, heated drying, and soil sensors, expect to pay $450 – $750. These mid-range dishwashers offer solid performance for most needs. Capacity in this price bracket commonly reaches up to 16 place settings.
- Premium Dishwashers: Prices for high-end dishwashers start around $800 and can exceed $1,200 for professional-style models. These dishwashers boast capacities over 16 place settings, adjustable racks, stainless steel tubs, and convection or fan drying systems for superior drying power. Integrated wifi and smart home compatibility are also premium features.
Of course if money is no object, you can spend over $6,000 on luxury appliance brands like Miele for an ultra high-end dishwasher with professional grade cleaning power. But for most residential kitchens, you can find an excellent dishwasher in the budget to premium price range of $300 – $1200.
Installation Costs – Should You DIY or Pay for Professional Installation?
In additional the cost of the dishwasher itself, installation is an extra expense to account for. On average, professional installation costs $150 – $300. However, this varies based on your location and the complexity of the install job.
You can save on installation costs by taking a DIY approach. If you’re reasonably handy, it is possible to install a dishwasher on your own following online tutorials. However, if you’ve never tackled a major home improvement project, professional installation is worth the investment. Trained technicians have the expertise to handle electrical, plumbing, and carpentry elements of installation. Leave it to the pros avoid safety hazards or installation mistakes that lead to leaks, electrical issues, and other problems down the road.
When pricing installation, check if fees for removing your old dishwasher are included or come at an additional cost. Also ask about delivery fees in case you need the new dishwasher delivered to your home first. Installers may charge extra for these services. Finally, any custom modifications like carpentry work, extending electrical wiring or plumbing, etc will raise the total installation cost. Simple, straightforward installations start lower, while complex jobs cost more.
Long Term Cost Considerations
While upfront purchase price is a major cost factor, don’t forget to consider the long term costs associated with operating and maintaining your dishwasher over time. Key elements impacting long term cost include:
- Energy efficiency – Choose an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher for lower electricity costs. Look for estimated kWh/year to compare energy use.
- Water usage – Select a dishwasher with good water efficiency, often expressed in gallons per cycle or gallons per year. This reduces your water expenses over time.
- Special drying features – Pay a little extra for drying systems like condensation drying, fan forced drying, or a heating element. They improve efficiency so you don’t have to pre-wash or hand dry as often.
- Maintenance needs – Higher end dishwashers with stainless steel tubs and improved food filtering systems may need less maintenance over time.
- Reliability and lifespan – Spend more on a quality dishwasher that will last over 10 years, not a cheap one you’ll replace in 5 years.
Thinking about long term costs will help you justify a higher initial investment in your new dishwasher. The right pick ultimately saves you money year after year through lower utility bills, detergent and water usage, and fewer repairs.
Key Dishwasher Features To Compare
As you shop dishwasher brands and models, there are several must-have features and nice-to-have extras you’ll see. Certain features directly impact the cleaning performance and convenience your dishwasher provides. Focus on these aspects as you compare options:
Dishwasher Capacity
One of the first specs to check is capacity, which determines how much your dishwasher can handle per load. Capacity is measured by number of place settings and also by cubic feet. Standard capacities include:
- Compact: Holds 4 to 6 place settings. Good for small kitchens.
- Standard: Holds 8 to 12 place settings. The most common capacity.
- Large: Holds 14 to 16 place settings. Ideal for large families.
Place settings refer to how many sets of dishes the dishwasher can clean at once, including plates, bowls, utensils, etc. For big households, upgrading to a large capacity dishwasher is worth the investment.
In addition to number of place settings, also check the rack configurations like adjustable tines, fold-down tines, and height adjustability. These features provide flexibility to accommodate different mixes of dishes.
Wash Cycles
The wash cycles dictate how your dishes get cleaned. Standard cycles include:
- Heavy: High temperature, longer cycle for very dirty loads.
- Normal: Suitable for everyday loads with moderate soil. Often default cycle.
- Light: Lower temperature for lightly soiled dishes. Saves energy.
Specialized wash cycles add custom cleaning options:
- Rinse Only: Quick rinse for partially cleaned dishes.
- Sanitize: Super hot water kills 99% of bacteria. Ideal for baby bottles, cutting boards.
- Power Wash: Uses concentrated jets of water from bottom spray arm perfect for pots and pans.
Ideally get a dishwasher with at least 3-5 cycles for ultimate flexibility. Many models also allow you to adjust cycle settings like water temperature and dry time as needed.
Dry Cycles and Efficiency
After washing, the drying cycle is important for getting dishes sparkling clean without needing to hand dry. Check the drying system and options:
- Heated Dry: Circulates heated air to evaporate moisture at end of cycle. Most effective drying.
- Condensation Drying: Retains moist air in tub so water condenses on walls instead of dishes. No heat required.
- Fan Forced Dry: Powerful fan pushes dry air through tub to evaporate moisture for fast drying.
- Eco Cycle: Uses cooler rinse temperatures and extended drying time to lower energy use. May need towel drying.
Advanced drying systems mean you can skip the step of hand drying while still getting dishes bone dry. This improves efficiency in the kitchen.
Controls and Connectivity
Dishwasher controls range from simple dials to digital displays, push buttons, and full touchscreens. Models with hidden top controls have a sleeker look versus those with prominent front buttons. Additional smart features include:
- Custom program setting: Create and save preferred wash/dry cycles.
- Wifi/mobile app connectivity: Monitor cycle status, set delays, receive notifications via a connected app.
- Voice control compatibility: Control dishwasher with voice through Alexa or Google Assistant.
Controls that offer programming flexibility and smart home integration provide next-level convenience.
Noise Reduction
No one wants to hear a loud dishwasher running in the background. Premium dishwashers use sound silencing technologies like:
- 2 to 4-layer soundproofing: Multiple insulation layers prevent noise.
- Redesigned wash arms: Reduce excess spray noise sloshing around tub.
- Vibration absorption: Mounts mitigate transfer of vibration noise.
- Noise rating: Compare decibel ratings, the lower the quieter. Under 44 dB is very quiet.
For open concept kitchens, an ultra quiet dishwasher is worth the splurge. Look for models with noise ratings under 44 dB for the quietest performance.
Special Features and Add-Ons
Unique features to look for include:
- Hard food disposer: Grinds up small bits of food to prevent clogged drains.
- Interior lighting: Lights up the tub so you can see inside.
- 3rd rack: Provides extra shelf for cutlery and small utensils.
- Cutting board spray jets: Direct concentrated spray to remove stuck on food.
- Leak protection system: Waterproof base pan prevents damage from leaks.
- Soil sensor: Checks soil levels and adjusts cycle accordingly for optimal cleaning.
The more features, the higher the price tag. Decide which special add-ons would really improve your experience or fill a need in your kitchen.
Built-In vs Portable Dishwashers
One decision to make upfront is whether you want a built-in or portable dishwasher. Key differences include:
Built-In Dishwashers:
- Designed to blend seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry.
- Offer a hidden, integrated look once installed.
- Require custom cabinetry measured to fit dishwasher.
- Often include decorative matching panels to conceal parts.
- Tend to cost more than portable models.
- Ideal for permanent installation as part of major kitchen remodel.
Portable Dishwashers:
- Stand alone units with finished sides meant to be visible.
- Typically on caster wheels for mobility.
- Adjustable feet allow height customization.
- Can attach semi-permanently to connect utilities.
- Affordable option for renters and temporary installations.
- Not as seamlessly integrated into cabinetry design.
Figure out whether you want your new dishwasher incorporated into custom cabinetry built specifically for it, or prefer the flexibility of a portable unit you can potentially move to a future home.
Understanding Your Installation Options
Installing a dishwasher requires some plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work. Familiarize yourself with typical installation steps:
Water Hookup
Connecting the water supply involves:
- Attaching to water inlet valve: Usually placed under the kitchen sink. An adapter connects the dishwasher’s water hose.
- Running drain line: Drain hose runs from dishwasher to sink drain pipe. Needs air tight seal.
- Using air gap device: Required in some areas to prevent backflow. Attaches near faucet.
Proper water connections prevent leaks and ensure adequate water pressure.
Electrical Setup
For power, dishwashers require:
- Hardwired connection: Power cable wired directly to household wiring by electrician. More complex but preferred method.
- Plugin connection: Attaches via electrical socket under or near sink cabinet. Simpler but may require unsightly cord.
Make sure electrical setup meets local codes and provides sufficient power for optimal performance.
Installation Steps
The general installation sequence is:
- Remove existing dishwasher if replacing older model.
- Adjust or install new kitchen cabinetry customized for built-in models.
- Position dishwasher and connect drain line and water supply lines.
- Level and secure dishwasher. Make plumbing and electrical connections.
- Test dishwasher functions. Check for leaks.
- For built-in models, attach custom panels and perform final adjustments to blend into kitchen design.
The process takes 2-3 hours on average for trained professionals. DIY installs require more time to complete all steps properly.
Installation Considerations
Be sure to account for factors like:
- Location of water and electrical connections
- Cabinet height and depth to fit dishwasher
- Desired finished look – exposed portable or fully integrated built-in
- Drain line requirements and potential need for air gap device
- Any special needs like relocating utilities or adding wiring or plumbing
Discuss your specific kitchen and needs with the installation company upfront to make the process go smoothly.
Comparing the Top Dishwasher Brands
With so many brands on the market, we’ve identified some of the best based on reliability, performance, and features. Here’s how some of the major players compare:
GE
As one of the most recognized appliance brands, GE offers a full suite of affordably priced dishwashers. Their models earn high marks for quiet operation and cleaning performance. Many include integrated wifi and smart home compatibility. Brand pros and cons include:
Pros:
- Wide range of models at multiple price points
- Solid reliability and owner satisfaction
- Quiet operation, around 44 dB for premium models
- Options for built-in or portable dishwashers
Cons:
- Mostly plastic tubs in lower price models
- Limited lifetime warranty lags behind other brands
- Styling is less premium than some brands
Bosch
Popular especially for quiet operation, Bosch is a leader in high end dishwashers. Customers rave about their solid performance and durability. Key brand highlights:
Pros:
- Extremely quiet operation, 40-44 dB range
- Great cleaning performance even on eco cycles
- Durable stainless steel tubs resist corrosion
- Shines with smart home integration and wifi features
Cons:
- On the pricey end for upscale models
- Mostly built-in installation, few portable models
- Traditional styling, not as sleek as some brands
KitchenAid
Owned by Whirlpool, KitchenAid dishwashers are known for their style and color options to match KitchenAid’s iconic stand mixers. They perform well, especially with stubborn baked-on foods.
Pros:
- Silicone mat coating prevents food from sticking
- Unique wash zones tailor cleaning by location
- Attractive design with custom color options
- Solid brand reputation matching other KitchenAid products
Cons:
- Prices skew toward premium end
- Mostly built-in models, limited portables available
- Fingerprint resistant stainless models show smudges
Miele
Top-of-the-line imported dishwashers from Germany. Considered the luxury supercar of dishwashers.
Pros:
- Commercial grade with extremely powerful cleaning
- Very quiet at 40 dB
- Loaded with high end features and modes
- Excellent reliability and longevity
Cons:
- Budget busting prices over $1000
- Overkill performance for typical home kitchens
- Limited US based technicians for service
While not essential for most households, Miele dishwashers represent the pinnacle of performance and prestige if you can afford top dollar.
Professional Installation From Start To Finish
After picking the perfect dishwasher for your kitchen, don’t cut corners on installation. Hiring professional installers is well worth it for seamless setup and years of quality performance. Here’s an overview of the installation process:
Scheduling Your Appointment
Contact reputable installation companies affiliated with major brands or big box stores to arrange installation. Be aware:
- Appointments often book up several weeks in advance due to demand.
- Same or next day installation is extremely rare. Allow 2-4 week lead time.
- Ask how far in advance the actual appointment time is confirmed.
- Inquire about weekend, evening or holiday installation slot availability for your convenience.
Delivery Logistics
Some key elements around delivery of your dishwasher include:
- Most retailers include free standard delivery to your home.
- Upgraded inside or white glove delivery with installation help costs extra.
- If keeping existing dishwasher, request haul away disposal service during install.
- Check if company brings dishwasher or requires pickup from retail location.
The Installation Team Arrives
Expect the installation experts to:
- Review scope of work and walkthrough your kitchen space before starting.
- Inspect for any existing issues needing repair before new install.
- Provide timeline estimate for the install steps.
- Address concerns or changes to initial plan right away.
Don’t be afraid to speak up! This is your time to confirm details or ask the installers questions.
Step-By-Step Installation Procedure
The basic installation sequence is:
- Disconnect and remove old dishwasher if needed. Cap water lines and electrical.
- Adjust cabinet
