A Kenmore Elite dishwasher typically costs about $700-$1,300 new when remaining stock is available, while used and refurbished units often run $150-$700. The installed price depends on the model, condition, delivery, whether an old dishwasher must be removed, and whether plumbing or electrical work is needed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New or remaining-stock dishwasher | $700 | $950 | $1,300 | Price varies with model and seller availability |
| Refurbished dishwasher | $350 | $525 | $700 | Check testing, return terms, and warranty |
| Used dishwasher | $150 | $300 | $450 | Usually sold without delivery or installation |
| Standard installation | $150 | $250 | $400 | Assumes compatible connections and easy access |
| Typical installed total | $900 | $1,200 | $1,700 | New unit plus basic installation and common charges |
What Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Buyers Usually Pay
For a standard 24-inch Kenmore Elite dishwasher in working condition, a reasonable budget is $700-$1,300 for new or unsold inventory and roughly $900-$1,700 installed. The installed average is near $1,200 when the kitchen already has a suitable water line, drain, and electrical connection. Those figures are estimates rather than a guaranteed retail price: Kenmore Elite models are not consistently stocked, and listings may be for older, used, or refurbished machines.
Condition and availability matter as much as the Elite name. A used unit at $150-$450 can be a low purchase price, but the buyer may need to arrange transport, test the machine, and pay separately for installation. Refurbished appliances typically cost more because they have been inspected or repaired, though the quality of that work and warranty coverage differ by seller.
Most full-size models fit a 24-inch opening, but exact dimensions and connection locations should be confirmed before purchase. Higher-priced listings may feature stainless-steel interiors, quieter operation, adjustable racks, or specialized wash cycles. A premium feature does not necessarily make an older model a better value if replacement parts are difficult to find.
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for a standard 24-inch dishwasher, ordinary access, and no major kitchen renovation.
How the Dishwasher, Delivery, and Installation Quote Adds Up
A dishwasher quote can include more than the appliance and installer. Delivery, haul-away, connection parts, and local taxes can push the final bill above the advertised unit price. The ranges below describe common charges for a straightforward replacement; they are not mandatory fees from every retailer or installer.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | $700 | $950 | $1,300 | New or remaining-stock Elite model |
| Labor | $150 | $250 | $400 | Disconnect and install in an existing opening |
| Equipment and connection parts | $20 | $55 | $120 | Hose, fittings, cord, or mounting hardware if needed |
| Delivery and haul-away | $0 | $75 | $180 | May be included, optional, or priced separately |
| Permits or added work | $0 | $50 | $350 | Only when local rules or site conditions require it |
Ask for an itemized, installed total rather than comparing appliance prices alone. A low-cost machine can become a more expensive purchase if delivery is high, the seller does not remove the old unit, or the installer charges extra for a new hose or difficult access. Taxes vary by location and are not included in the table.
Basic installation generally covers removing the old dishwasher, connecting the replacement to existing compatible services, leveling it, securing it, and checking for leaks. It may exclude new wiring, a shutoff valve, cabinet changes, flooring repairs, or code-related work. The installer should identify exclusions in writing before the appointment.
Labor estimate: about 1.5-3 hours at approximately $75-$125 per hour, with some installers using a flat fee instead.
Which Model Features and Condition Change the Price?
Kenmore Elite is a model family, not one fixed specification or price. Exact model numbers can help distinguish machines with different capacities, rack layouts, noise ratings, controls, and wash systems. Two listings labeled Elite can therefore have very different prices, especially when one is new old stock and the other is a used appliance with an unknown service history.
Compare the model number, condition, and included warranty before paying a premium. Features such as a stainless-steel tub, third rack, adjustable tines, or quieter operation may raise the asking price, but their value depends on the buyer’s needs and the machine’s age. A new-in-box model may command more than an open-box unit, while cosmetic dents can lower price without affecting operation if they do not compromise the door or tub.
Capacity is usually described by place settings rather than a simple size increase. A standard 24-inch unit may be listed around $700-$1,300, while a listing with premium features or limited availability can fall above that range. Confirm the actual width, height, and depth against the cabinet opening; even a small height mismatch can require adjustments or prevent installation.
For used appliances, ask whether the seller has run a complete wash and drain cycle, whether the unit has leaked, and whether the racks, spray arms, and detergent dispenser work. A low purchase price is less compelling if the buyer must pay for diagnosis or repair shortly after delivery. Replacement-part availability can also vary by model age, so check it before buying an older machine.
Price assumption: Standard full-size residential models; feature premiums and availability vary by exact model and seller.
What Installation Labor Costs in a 24-Inch Opening
Replacing a dishwasher in an existing 24-inch opening usually costs $150-$400 for labor, with a straightforward swap often near $200-$300. A job may take about 1.5-3 hours when the new machine uses compatible connections and the old appliance comes out without difficulty. Rates and flat fees vary by contractor, metropolitan area, and minimum service charge.
Labor rises when the job becomes plumbing, electrical, or cabinet work. A new water shutoff valve or drain connection can add roughly $75-$250, depending on access and parts. Electrical changes may add $100-$400 or more if a qualified electrician must install a new outlet or circuit. Cabinet trimming, floor-height conflicts, or damaged subflooring can add further charges beyond a basic appliance installation.
Before scheduling, measure the opening and check whether the existing water supply, drain hose, and power connection are accessible. Provide the installer with the model number and disclose whether the old machine is built in tightly, has a hardwired connection, or sits behind flooring that may affect removal. Clear the path from the entrance to the kitchen to reduce handling time.
Retail installation packages may look cheaper than independent labor, but compare what each includes. Some exclude haul-away, parts, stair carries, hardwiring, or work needed to bring an older connection up to local requirements. For a simple replacement, allow about 1.5-3 labor hours; complex connection changes can extend the visit.
Is a Used or Refurbished Elite a Better Buy Than New?
Used Kenmore Elite dishwashers commonly list for $150-$450, while refurbished units often cost $350-$700. New or unsold stock generally falls around $700-$1,300 when it can be found. These ranges reflect different levels of risk and service, not equivalent products: a used machine may be sold as-is, while a refurbished seller may offer testing, a return period, or a limited repair warranty.
The purchase price should be weighed against transport, installation, and repair exposure. A $250 used dishwasher can reach $450-$800 after delivery and basic installation, before any repair. A refurbished unit priced at $500 may be more predictable if the seller documents testing and provides a written warranty. A new unit can cost more upfront but may come with clearer return terms and manufacturer coverage, depending on the listing.
Ask for the model and serial information, the age if known, a description of repairs, and the warranty’s duration and exclusions. Confirm whether the return window begins at purchase or delivery and who pays to remove a defective appliance. For a private-party purchase, inspect the tub, door seal, racks, controls, and visible hoses, and request a demonstration of a full cycle when possible.
Delivery can be a substantial part of a used-appliance deal. A seller may charge $50-$150 for local delivery, while a separate installer may charge another $150-$400. If the buyer transports a dishwasher, it should be handled according to its instructions and secured properly; damage during transport can erase the apparent savings.
How Three Realistic Kenmore Elite Quotes Compare
These examples show how condition and job scope change the total. They assume a standard 24-inch opening and ordinary access, with no major cabinet or electrical renovation. Local labor rates, sales tax, delivery distance, and model availability can move actual quotes outside the examples.
| Example | Appliance and unit price | Labor and extra charges | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used local pickup | Used unit at $250 | $225 labor, $75 connection parts, $50 delivery | $600 |
| Refurbished replacement | Refurbished unit at $525 | $250 labor, $55 parts, $100 delivery and haul-away | $930 |
| New remaining stock | New unit at $1,050 | $275 labor, $65 parts, $125 delivery and haul-away | $1,515 |
The installed total can differ by hundreds of dollars even when all three machines fit the same opening. The used example has the lowest appliance price, but it also has the least certainty about history and coverage. The refurbished example costs more but may include testing, while the new-stock example carries the highest initial price and may provide the clearest seller return policy.
Use these totals as comparison points, not fixed market quotes. If a seller’s price is substantially higher, check whether delivery, installation, an extended warranty, or a premium model is included. If a quote is unusually low, confirm the appliance is functional, the model matches the listing, and required charges are not added after purchase.
Do Kenmore Elite Prices Vary by U.S. Region?
Prices for the dishwasher itself may depend more on inventory and seller location than on a consistent national regional rate. Installation labor is more likely to vary with local wages, travel distance, and contractor availability. As a planning estimate, labor in high-cost metro areas may run about 10%-25% above a national-style baseline, while some rural areas may be 5%-15% lower but add a trip or minimum-service charge.
Regional percentages are useful for budgeting, but local written quotes are more reliable. For example, a $250 standard installation could be about $275-$313 in a higher-cost city or roughly $213-$238 in a lower-cost market before travel charges. A remote location can still cost more if the installer has to drive a long distance or make a separate visit for parts.
Delivery and haul-away may also shift with distance, stairs, building access, and whether the seller offers a local service network. In apartment buildings, elevator reservations, delivery windows, and long carries can trigger added charges. Ask whether the estimate includes the full route to the kitchen rather than delivery only to the curb or building entrance.
Sales tax is another location-specific amount. It is generally calculated on the taxable purchase and may differ from one jurisdiction to another. Keep tax separate when comparing online appliance prices, and verify whether the seller delivers and installs in the buyer’s area.
Which Extra Charges Can Appear on Delivery Day?
Common add-ons include delivery, removal of the old dishwasher, a new supply hose, a power cord, and labor for nonstandard connections. Delivery and haul-away together may cost $50-$180 when not included. Basic connection parts may run $20-$120, depending on what is already in place and whether the installer supplies a complete kit.
Unexpected site conditions are a frequent reason a basic installation quote changes. A seized shutoff valve, a leaking drain connection, a hardwired unit, or a narrow path can require more labor or a return visit. If a dishwasher is in a tight corner or on an upper floor without convenient access, ask whether the installer charges a carry fee or appliance-removal surcharge.
Old appliances may incur a disposal fee of about $20-$75 if retailer haul-away is unavailable. Local recycling rules can affect disposal options, and some areas require appliances to be handled by approved programs. Do not assume that a delivery crew will disconnect or remove the old unit unless those tasks appear on the order.
Permits are uncommon for a like-for-like dishwasher replacement, but local rules may apply when electrical circuits, plumbing, or cabinetry are changed. If the work expands beyond a direct replacement, ask the contractor whether a permit or inspection is required and include that cost in the estimate rather than treating it as an installation surprise.
How to Lower the Installed Price Without Cutting Necessary Work
Compare at least two or three itemized quotes for the same model and scope. Ask each seller to separate the appliance, delivery, installation, haul-away, connection parts, taxes, and optional coverage. This makes it easier to spot a low advertised price that becomes expensive after required services are added, and it provides a fair basis for comparing contractors.
Keeping the existing opening and compatible connections is usually the largest controllable saving. Measure the cabinet space, confirm the model’s installation specifications, and avoid paying for cabinet alterations or electrical upgrades unless they are genuinely required. Take clear photos of the existing connections before requesting quotes so the installer can identify likely complications in advance.
Consider open-box or refurbished inventory only after checking the return period, test results, included accessories, and warranty in writing. A discount of $100-$300 may not be worthwhile if delivery is expensive or the seller provides no recourse for a leak or failed control. For used machines, inspect and test the appliance before arranging a paid installation when practical.
Choose features based on actual use rather than buying the most elaborate listing. A stainless-steel tub, extra rack, or quieter cycle may be worthwhile, but a feature premium does not guarantee lower operating or repair costs. Compare the exact model and included parts, and decline optional accessories or extended coverage until their price and terms are clear.
Scheduling a standard weekday appointment may help avoid premium or emergency rates, particularly when the existing dishwasher still works. Bundle delivery, installation, and haul-away only when the combined package costs less than buying those services separately. Budget target for a straightforward new-stock replacement: about $900-$1,700 installed, before location-specific tax or substantial connection work.