Moving House Soon? Here's How Much You Can Expect Your Dishwasher To Weigh

If you're gearing up for a big move in the near future, you've probably already started going through your belongings and making plans for transporting furniture and other large items. But what about your dishwasher? Depending on the type and model, dishwashers can weigh anywhere from 30 to 100 pounds or more. Trying to move one solo can be difficult and risky. Read on to learn about common dishwasher weights so you can plan accordingly.

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, understanding how much your dishwasher weighs is an important consideration when prepping for moving day. Getting help from professionals or enlisting friends to assist will ensure you move your dishwasher safely without injuries. We'll overview typical weights for the most common dishwasher types and outline the factors that determine how heavy dishwashers are. Let's weigh your options!

Dishwasher Types and Their Typical Weight Ranges

Dishwashers come in a variety of configurations with different size and weight profiles. The most common types include:

Built-In Dishwashers

Built-in dishwashers are designed to install under the counter and integrate seamlessly into surrounding cabinetry. This is the standard model for most homes. Built-in dishwashers usually weigh between 60 and 100 pounds.

Portable Dishwashers

As the name suggests, portable dishwashers roll on wheels so you can move them easily as needed. However, don't let the name fool you. Even though they're meant to be transportable, portable dishwashers still weigh 80 to 100 pounds on average.

Countertop Dishwashers

Perfect for small kitchens and apartments, countertop dishwashers sit directly on your counter or can be stored away between uses. Countertop models are the lightest type of dishwasher, often weighing only around 30 pounds.

What Factors Impact How Much a Dishwasher Weighs?

From size and capacity to materials and brand, many attributes influence the weight of a dishwasher. Here are some of the key factors:

Size and Capacity

Larger dishwashers naturally weigh more than compact models with less interior space. Full-size dishwashers with higher dish capacity are heavier, while smaller apartment-sized units weigh significantly less.

Materials and Internal Components

The materials used to construct the dishwasher exterior and interior affect the overall weight. Models with stainless steel tubs or exterior finishes are heavier than plastic models. Internal components like racks, spray arms, the motor, and water tank also determine the weight.

Brand and Model

There can be noticeable differences between brands when it comes to dishwasher weights, even between units with comparable capacities. Specific model lines from a manufacturer may prioritize lighter weight in their design.

Challenges of Moving a Dishwasher Solo

Considering that most standard dishwashers weigh over 60 pounds--and some exceed 100 pounds--moving one by yourself can be difficult, risky, and possibly lead to injury. Here are some of the biggest challenges:

Strains and Sprains

Lifting heavy appliances like dishwashers can easily strain muscles in your back, arms, and legs. Improper lifting techniques further increase your risk of painful muscle sprains.

Crushed Fingers and Toes

Dishwashers have a bulky, awkward shape that can lead to pinched and crushed fingers and toes during lifting and transport. Take care to move slowly and get help managing tight spaces.

Scratched Floors and Walls

It's challenging to maneuver a large dishwasher solo without banging it against doorways, walls, and floors. This can result in costly property damage.

Benefits of Professional Installation Help

Rather than risking injury and property damage trying to handle a bulky dishwasher by yourself, hiring professional appliance installers offers notable benefits:

Specialized Equipment

Installers have dollies, lifts, and other specialty gear to transport and position dishwashers safely with minimal heavy lifting on your end.

Experience Navigating Tight Spaces

Professionals install appliances daily, so they know how to finesse dishwashers up staircases, around corners, and into tricky kitchen layouts.

Proper Installation

Dishwasher installation requires careful leveling, plumbing, and electrical connections that installers are experts in handling.

Key Safety Tips for Moving a Dishwasher

If hiring a professional isn't within your moving budget, make sure to protect yourself with these safety tips when moving a dishwasher:

Get Help from Friends

Having at least two able-bodied people to share the load makes a huge difference for safer lifting and maneuvering.

Use Moving Straps

Special appliance moving straps that distribute weight across two movers' shoulders are available for rent or purchase.

Invest in a Dolly or Hand Truck

A heavy duty dolly designed for appliances helps you avoid awkward lifting while providing better control.

Take It Slow

Rushing while moving heavy appliances leads to mistakes and injury. Take your time and make incremental progress.

Now that you know typical dishwasher weights and challenges, you can better prepare for moving day. While hiring professional movers is ideal, the safety tips above will help you transport your dishwasher successfully DIY-style. Just remember--lift with your legs, not your back!

The Impact of Dishwasher Location on Weight

The location of the dishwasher within a home can affect its overall weight in a few key ways. Here are some factors to consider:

Floor Level

Dishwashers installed on upper floors add more total weight to that level, which can potentially cause stress and bowing over time. Ground floor installation is preferable from a structural standpoint.

Distance Traveled During Moving

The further a dishwasher needs to be transported during a move, the more challenging it becomes to maneuver due to its size and weight.

Stairs

Moving a dishwasher up or down stairs adds complexity and risk of injury or damage. Staircases should be evaluated before attempting DIY moving.

Proximity to Plumbing and Electrical

The closer the dishwasher is installed to existing hookups, the easier installation will be since long connections add weight.

How Dishwasher Cycles Impact Weight

The dishwasher's cycle also temporarily influences how much it weighs. Here's how:

Amount of Water

Cycles that use more water, like heavy wash or soak cycles, increase the weight until drainage. The water tank and contents add pounds.

Rinse Aid Use

Rinse aid fluids add some marginal weight during the wash cycle as they circulate.

Drying Cycle

If using a drying cycle, the additional heat can vaporize water and slightly decrease weight.

Soil Load

Heavily soiled dishwasher loads weigh more than lighter ones before the wash cycle completes.

Age and Condition Impacts

An aging, corroding dishwasher accumulates buildup and weighs more than a newer model. Here's why:

Mineral Deposits

Hard water leaves mineral residue that adds weight over years of use.

Food Debris

Old food and gunk trapped in the filter or tub contribute extra pounds.

Rust Accumulation

Corrosion on the interior metal over time can increase weight minimally.

Limescale

Limescale or scaly calcium buildup from hard water handling adds weight.

Brand and Model Weight Differences

Dishwasher brands use varying materials, designs, and manufacturing techniques that influence weight:

Exterior Material

Stainless steel exteriors are heavier than plastic-coated models of the same capacity.

Tub Material

Stainless steel tubs weigh more than plastic tubs. Some brands advertise lighter composite tubs.

Rack Design

Rack mounting systems, adjustment mechanisms, and rack coatings affect rack weight.

Insulation and Sound Damping

More interior insulation or sound-damping materials add marginally more weight.

Water Circulation Methods

Various wash arm designs and water heating methods influence total weight.

Climate and Humidity Impacts

Ambient humidity and climate where the dishwasher is located also play a small role:

Humidity Absorption

In consistently humid environments, dishwasher exterior and interior absorb some moisture over time, increasing weight.

Water Storage

In dry climates, unused dishwashers can slowly lose small amounts of water through evaporation from storage in the tub.

Cycling Frequency

Frequent dishwasher use in humid climates can exacerbate humidity absorption and increase weight.

Design and Feature Choices

Several dishwasher design options also factor into the appliance's heft:

Size and Capacity

Larger dishwashers weigh more than compact 18-inch wide models of the same brand.

Third Rack

A third upper rack for silverware and utensils adds some weight over base models.

Specialty Spray Jets

Additional wash arms and spray jets for pots and pans contribute marginal weight.

Premium Racks

Thicker, high-end racks with stainless steel coatings are heavier than basic plastic racks.

Double Wash Arms

Double rotation wash arms weigh more than standard single spray arms.

Estimating your dishwasher's weight before a move is important for planning. Standard built-in models range from 60 to 100 pounds normally. Portable dishwashers weigh about 80 to 100 pounds. And smaller countertop models clock in around 30 pounds. Size, materials, brand, features, age, location, and cycles can all impact the weight.

Moving and installing dishwashers poses challenges due to their heavy, awkward shape and bulk. Seeking help avoids injury risks and property damage. But if tackling it solo, take precautions like using straps, a dolly, and recruiting assistance. Knowing typical dishwasher weight ranges reduces surprises when loading up the moving truck.