If you’re replacing a machine or outfitting a new home, here’s the quick answer: appliance installation cost in 2026 runs about $50 to $270 per appliance in the US when the hookups already exist — think $50–$175 for a washer and dryer, $110–$270 for a dishwasher, and $130–$250 for a refrigerator. Canadian pricing covers a wider band, roughly C$120–C$800, because provincial plumbing and gas codes often require licensed trades for first-time installations. The single biggest price question isn’t the brand of the appliance — it’s whether the water, gas, and electrical connections are already in place.
August matters here: it’s peak moving season, and installers’ calendars fill with exactly these jobs. Booking a pro before delivery day beats discovering your “free delivery” doesn’t include hookup.
Appliance Installation Cost by Appliance in 2026
| Appliance | US (USD) | Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Washer & dryer (hookups in place) | $50 – $175 | $100 – $250 |
| Dishwasher (replacement) | $110 – $270 | $120 – $300 |
| Dishwasher (new install, plumbing needed) | $250 – $600 | $500 – $800 |
| Refrigerator (with water/ice line) | $130 – $250+ | $150 – $350 |
| Electric range or wall oven | $100 – $300 | $150 – $400 |
| Gas stove (existing line) | $150 – $300 | $200 – $450 |
| Gas stove (new gas line) | $360 – $750 | $450 – $1,500 |
A whole-kitchen package — refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and microwave installed together — typically lands between $2,500 and $6,800 with the appliances included, and installers usually discount labor when doing several hookups in one visit.
What Actually Drives the Price
Replacement vs. first-time installation
Swapping like-for-like is the cheap scenario: disconnect, level, reconnect, test. A first-time install means running a new water supply, drain, vent, gas line, or 240V circuit — that’s a plumber, gas fitter, or licensed electrician, not a delivery crew, and it’s where quotes jump from $150 to $500+.
Local codes and permits
Canadian provinces are stricter than most US states. Ontario’s building code and TSSA rules push new dishwasher and gas appliance installs toward licensed trades, which is why the same job costs C$185 in Alberta and C$800 in Toronto. Gas work needs a permit almost everywhere — a legitimate installer builds it into the quote.
Site conditions
Tight cabinet openings, second-floor laundry rooms, older homes without shutoff valves, and countertop modifications all add labor time. If your kitchen is mid-remodel, coordinate appliance installation with the cabinet and counter work so nothing gets measured twice.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Plugging in a fridge or sliding a washer onto existing hookups is genuinely DIY — level the feet, check the hoses, done. Dishwashers sit in the middle: doable if you’re comfortable with supply lines and drain loops, but a bad connection leaks slowly inside a cabinet for months. Gas appliances and new 240V circuits are not DIY territory in either country; improper gas connections are a safety issue and can void insurance. When plumbing is involved, a plumber’s hourly rate of $75–$150 often covers the whole hookup in a single visit.
How to Vet an Appliance Installer
- Match the license to the job. Gas needs a licensed gas fitter; new circuits need an electrician; new water lines need a plumber. “Handyman” is fine only for hook-up-ready swaps.
- Ask what’s included. Uncrating, leveling, old-appliance haul-away, and testing should be itemized — haul-away alone often adds $25–$50.
- Confirm they’ll test before leaving. A full wash cycle or leak check on day one beats a callback on day thirty.
- Get the quote in writing with the replacement-vs-new-install distinction spelled out.
You can find an appliance installation pro near you on MastersGuild and compare quotes before your delivery window — or browse the appliance installation service page to see what the job usually includes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install a dishwasher in 2026?
A like-for-like dishwasher replacement runs $110–$270 in the US and C$120–C$300 in Canada. A first-time installation that needs new plumbing runs $250–$600 in the US and up to C$800 in Ontario.
Does appliance delivery include installation?
Usually not. Most retailers deliver to the room and may connect hook-up-ready washers or fridges for a small fee, but dishwashers, gas appliances, and anything needing new lines require a separate installer.
Can I install a gas stove myself?
No — gas connections should always be done by a licensed gas fitter or qualified installer. Improper connections are a fire and carbon-monoxide risk and can void your home insurance in both the US and Canada.
How long does appliance installation take?
Hook-up-ready appliances take 30–60 minutes each. A new dishwasher install with plumbing runs 2–4 hours, and a new gas line can take half a day including inspection.
Ready to get your new appliances hooked up right the first time? Get quotes on MastersGuild
