Home Depot vs Best Buy vs Lowe's Dishwasher Installation: What Each Actually Costs
A neutral comparison of what each major retailer charges for dishwasher installation — what is included, what is not, and when an independent installer makes more sense.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provider | Basic Install Cost | Haul-Away | Purchase Required? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | $99–$150 | Free with purchase | Yes — from Home only | Straightforward swaps when buying from HD anyway |
| Best Buy | $179.99–$209.99 | $15 extra | Yes — from Best only | Wider brand selection including Bosch, LG, Samsung |
| Lowe's | $199–$269 | Usually included | Yes — from Lowe's only | Financing via Lowe's Advantage Card; broader store locations |
| Independent plumber | $150–$500 | Extra charge | No | Non-standard situations, new plumbing runs, older homes |
| Local appliance installer | $100–$250 | Extra charge | No | Simple swaps when you've bought elsewhere |
* Retailer installation contractors are subcontracted — Home Depot, Best Buy, and Lowe's do not send their own staff. Installation quality varies by market.
Home Depot Dishwasher Installation
The lowest retail installation price — when you buy from Home Depot
- Disconnects old dishwasher (included)
- Installs new unit using existing water supply, drain, and electrical connections
- Basic connection test — runs short cycle to confirm no leaks
- Free haul-away of old unit with dishwasher purchase
- New plumbing runs or supply line extensions
- New electrical circuit or panel work
- Cabinet modifications for size changes
- Granite/stone side-mount bracket installation (extra $50–$100)
Best Buy Dishwasher Installation
Strong on tech brands (Bosch, LG, Samsung) — haul-away costs extra
- Delivery of new dishwasher included
- Installation — connect supply, drain, and electrical
- Test run to confirm function
- $15 extra for haul-away (vs Home Depot's free)
- New plumbing or electrical circuit work
- Cabinet modifications
- Haul-away included only in $209.99 tier
Lowe's Dishwasher Installation
Often includes haul-away; useful if you carry a Lowe's credit card for financing
- Disconnect and remove old dishwasher
- Install new unit, connect supply/drain/electrical
- Test run
- Haul-away often included (confirm at purchase)
- New plumbing or electrical runs
- Cabinetry work
Independent Plumber or Appliance Installer
An independent plumber or appliance installer is not tied to a retailer purchase requirement. You can buy your dishwasher anywhere — Amazon, a liquidation sale, a different appliance store — and hire your own installer separately.
- No purchase requirement — buy anywhere
- Can handle non-standard situations
- Can address plumbing issues retailers won't touch
- Can do new installation from scratch
- Often more flexible on timing
- Costs more for simple swaps vs retailer
- You source the dishwasher yourself
- Requires vetting — check license + reviews
- Must request permit inclusion in quote
Which Option Is Right for You?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Home Depot charge for dishwasher installation?
$99–$150 for basic installation when you purchase the dishwasher from Home Depot. This covers the swap — disconnect old, connect new, test. Haul-away is free. Does not include new plumbing or electrical.
Who installs dishwashers?
For a simple swap: the retailer you buy from (HD $99–$150, Best Buy $179.99, Lowe's $199–$269), a local appliance installer ($100–$250), or DIY. For a new installation with no existing hookup: a licensed plumber (for supply and drain) and a licensed electrician (for the circuit). Retailers do not do new installations.
What is the cheapest dishwasher installation?
Home Depot at $99–$150 is the cheapest retailer option (requires purchase from HD). A local appliance installer can match or beat this without the purchase requirement. DIY costs $0–$45 in parts for a straight swap.
Do retailers install dishwashers they didn't sell?
No — Home Depot, Best Buy, and Lowe's all require the dishwasher to be purchased from their store. If you bought your dishwasher elsewhere, you will need a local appliance installer or plumber.