Worldwide 2026

Appliance Repair Prices

Real pricing data for washing machine repair, fridge repair, oven repair, dishwasher repair and more. Know what you should pay before you book a technician.

Headline answer

$80\u2013$500 per job

Callout fee $80\u2013$150 · Washing machine $150\u2013$400 · Fridge $200\u2013$500

12 service types5 countriesAll prices include GST / VAT where applicable

How we get these prices: we review 220 appliance repair price points across washing machines, fridges, ovens, dishwashers, dryers, and installation jobs, then adjust for appliance type, brand complexity, and local labour rates so the totals stay comparable.

Appliance Repair Prices by Type \u2014 Australia

National average prices \u2014 including labour and GST (parts additional)

ServiceUnitFromAverageUp to
Diagnostic / Callout Fee/visit$80$110$150
Washing Machine Repair/job$150$250$400
Dryer Repair/job$130$220$360
Dishwasher Repair/job$150$230$350
Fridge / Freezer Repair/job$200$320$500
Oven / Cooktop Repair/job$150$260$450
Microwave Repair/job$80$140$220
Rangehood Repair/job$100$170$280
Washing Machine Installation/job$100$150$220
Dishwasher Installation/job$120$175$250
Fridge Seal Replacement/job$80$130$200
Hot Plate Element Replacement/job$80$140$220

Based on verified quotes from appliance repair technicians. All prices AUD including GST. Parts costs are additional. Last updated March 2026.

Common Appliance Repair Jobs and What They Cost

Real project costs based on typical faults \u2014 including callout, diagnosis, and labour.

JobTypical scopeTypical priceTimeframe
Washing machine not draining — pump faultDiagnose fault, replace drain pump, test cycle to confirm resolution$180–$3201–2 hours
Fridge not cooling — thermostat replacementDiagnose cooling fault, replace thermostat or temperature controller, test and confirm$220–$3801–2 hours
Oven not heating — element replacementDiagnose heating fault, replace bake or grill element, test oven temperature$150–$3001–2 hours
Dishwasher not cleaning — spray arm and pump serviceDiagnose cleaning fault, clean or replace spray arms, service pump, run test cycle$160–$3001–2 hours
Dryer not heating — heating element replacementDiagnose heating fault, replace element and thermostat, test drying cycle$150–$2801–2 hours
Dishwasher installation — new applianceConnect dishwasher to existing plumbing and power, test fill, drain and wash cycle$120–$2501–1.5 hours

What Affects the Price of Appliance Repair?

Appliance type and complexity

Fridges and washing machines are among the most expensive appliances to repair due to complex components including compressors, motors, and control boards. Microwaves and rangehoods are generally simpler and cheaper to fix. Installation jobs are usually at the lower end of the cost range.

Parts cost and availability

Parts can make up 30–60% of total repair costs. Common brands like Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, and Samsung have widely available parts that keep costs down. Niche European brands or discontinued models may require imported parts, adding cost and lead time.

Callout and diagnostic fee

Most appliance repair technicians charge a callout or service fee of $80–$150 that applies toward the repair if you proceed. Some providers offer a no-fix-no-fee policy. Always confirm whether the callout fee is included in the repair quote or charged separately.

Brand and model

Brand-authorised repair centres charge a premium but use genuine parts and maintain manufacturer warranties. Independent technicians are usually 20–40% cheaper and can source aftermarket parts. For appliances still under warranty, always use an authorised repairer.

Location and travel

Urban areas have more competition among repairers, keeping prices lower. Regional and rural areas often carry travel surcharges of $30–$80. Sydney and Melbourne technicians typically charge more than Brisbane, Adelaide, or regional cities.

Repair vs replace decision

A common rule of thumb: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement value, replacing is usually better. For newer appliances or premium brands, repair is often worthwhile. Ask the technician for an honest assessment before committing to parts.

Appliance Repair Price Trends — 2023 to 2026

How appliance repair costs have changed and what to expect in 2026–2027

Service2023 Avg2024 Avg2025 Avg2026 AvgChange
Callout / Diagnostic$90$95$105$110+22%
Washing Machine Repair$210$225$240$250+19%
Fridge / Freezer Repair$270$290$305$320+19%
Oven / Cooktop Repair$220$235$250$260+18%
Smart Lock Install$150$155$150$1500%

Inflation impact

Appliance repair costs have risen roughly 18–22% since 2023, driven mainly by increased labour rates and global supply-chain pressures on spare parts. Compressor and control-board costs saw the steepest increases due to semiconductor shortages that lingered through 2024.

Supply & demand drivers

A shortage of qualified appliance technicians has kept labour rates firm. Meanwhile, more households are choosing repair over replacement due to rising appliance prices and sustainability awareness — increasing demand for repair services.

2026–2027 outlook

Expect modest 3–5% year-on-year increases through 2027. Parts supply chains have stabilised, but labour costs continue rising. Smart-appliance diagnostics are beginning to reduce callout fees for some brands by enabling remote fault identification.

How to Get the Best Deal on Appliance Repair

Check warranty and insurance first

Before booking a private repair, check if your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty, extended warranty, or covered by a home-contents insurance policy. Some credit cards also include purchase protection that covers appliance faults within the first 1–2 years.

Get the model number ready

Having the brand, model number, and a clear description of the fault ready when you call allows the technician to pre-diagnose and bring the right parts. This can save a return visit and reduce your total cost by $50–$150.

Compare callout fee policies

Some repairers charge a flat callout fee regardless of whether you proceed with the repair. Others credit the callout fee toward the repair cost. A no-fix-no-fee policy protects you from paying for an unsuccessful diagnosis. Always confirm the policy before booking.

Ask about aftermarket parts

Genuine manufacturer parts can be 30–60% more expensive than quality aftermarket alternatives. For out-of-warranty appliances, aftermarket parts often perform identically. Ask the technician for both pricing options before committing to parts.

Use the 50% replacement rule

If the quoted repair cost exceeds 50% of the current replacement price, replacing is usually the better financial decision. Factor in the age of the appliance — a repair costing 40% of replacement value on a 10-year-old fridge is less worthwhile than the same ratio on a 3-year-old unit.

Book during standard hours

Unless your fault is genuinely urgent (e.g. leaking washing machine), avoid after-hours or weekend bookings. Standard weekday appointments are typically $30–$80 cheaper due to no after-hours surcharge. Most appliance faults can safely wait 1–2 days.

What's Included vs Extra

What a typical appliance repair quote covers — and what costs extra

Usually included

  • • Callout and on-site fault diagnosis
  • • Labour to complete the repair
  • • Testing the appliance after repair
  • • Basic cleanup of work area
  • • Short-term warranty on labour (typically 3–6 months)
  • • GST / VAT included in quoted price

Usually extra

  • • Replacement parts (can be 30–60% of total cost)
  • • After-hours or weekend surcharges ($30–$80)
  • • Return visit if parts need to be ordered
  • • Second-fault discovery during repair
  • • Gas disconnection/reconnection (gas appliances)
  • • Plumbing or electrical modifications

Best Time to Book Appliance Repairs

Summer

Peak demand for fridge and air-con repairs. Longer wait times and higher callout fees. Book early if you can.

Autumn

Good time for oven and dryer servicing ahead of winter. Technicians have more availability and shorter response times.

Winter

Dryer and oven repairs peak. Heater servicing also competes for technician time. Weekday bookings avoid the rush.

Spring

Quietest season for appliance repairs. Best availability and potentially better pricing. Ideal for preventive servicing.

Appliance repair in Australia typically costs $80–$150 for a callout/diagnostic fee, plus $130–$500 for the repair depending on the appliance type and fault. Washing machine repairs average $250, fridge repairs $320, oven repairs $260, and dishwasher repairs $230. All prices include GST.

A common guideline is the 50% rule: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost to replace the appliance, replacing is usually the better financial decision. However, for premium or high-capacity appliances, repairs at up to 70% of replacement value may still be worthwhile. Also consider the appliance age — repairs on appliances over 10 years old carry higher risk of further failures.

A callout or diagnostic fee ($80–$150) covers the technician’s time to visit, assess the fault, and provide a quote. Most repairers credit this fee toward the repair cost if you proceed. Some providers charge it regardless. Always confirm the callout fee policy before booking.

Most appliance repairs take 1–2 hours once the technician arrives. Simple jobs like element replacements or fridge seal changes can be done in under an hour. Complex faults requiring part ordering may require a return visit 1–5 days later once parts arrive.

Brand-authorised repairers use genuine parts and maintain manufacturer warranty coverage but charge a premium. Independent technicians are usually 20–40% cheaper and can use aftermarket parts. For appliances still under warranty, always use an authorised repairer. For out-of-warranty appliances, an experienced independent is usually a good choice.

Mechanical breakdown is generally not covered by standard home insurance, but extended warranty policies and appliance protection plans often cover repair costs. Some credit cards include purchase protection for appliances. Check your policy documents before booking a private repair.