Whether you just purchased your first home (congratulations!), or have a stove that’s on the fritz and needs replacing, you may be wondering how you can save a few bucks on expensive appliances. With the average major home appliance having a lifespan of about ten years, and average about $350 – over $8,000 in costs (without installation), they’re quite the investment!
But did you know you can purchase some appliances refurbished for a much lower cost? There are, of course, some conditions that apply, and some factors to consider, before opening up your wallet. Read on to find out which appliances you can buy used, and which you should always get brand new.
Weigh Your Pros and Cons
The Pros of Purchasing Refurbished …
Purchasing a refurbished appliance can be an excellent option – especially for your wallet. Refurbished appliances aren’t sold as-is, like a used appliance you’d pick up at a yard sale. They undergo rigorous cleaning and testing by the resellers to ensure they work properly and don’t require any repairs. And, because they are not brand-new, they’re often sold at a substantial discount. Because of the discounted rate, you may be able to purchase a higher-end model that you may not otherwise have been able to find the budget for.
Assuming your “new-to-you” appliance runs as smoothly as a brand-new appliance, purchasing refurbished can be an excellent, cost efficient route to replacing old appliances, as well as helping to lower the budget on new home purchases and/or renovations.
… And the Cons
Aside from the fact that the appliance will not be new, there are some risks with buying refurbished. To start, while some refurbished appliances come with a warranty, they can be more limited than a standard, full appliance warranty that you’d get if purchasing new (such as shorter coverage time frames).
Refurbished and gently-used appliances may also come with slight damage, bumps, and bruises, so if the overall aesthetic appeal of your appliance is important to you, you may want to reconsider buying used.
Appliances You Can Buy Used
The longer the appliance’s lifespan, the more likely it’s a good investment to buy refurbished. Appliances like refrigerators are built to last approximately 12 years (especially if you keep up with its maintenance!). If you’re trying to decide between repairing a broken fridge or buying another one, the Consumer Reports advice is simple — if the cost of the repair is more than half of the price of a refurbished product, don’t even consider the repair. Just be sure to chat with the sales rep to discuss extended warranty options to help you with potential future repairs on the new-to-you model.
Other appliances that are okay to buy used given their reliability and long lifespan include washers and dryers, dishwashers, and electric ovens and ranges.
Appliances You Should Always Buy New
Smaller appliances, like slow cookers, blenders, toasters, coffee pots, and microwaves, are best to always buy new. Small appliances wear out more easily – blades get dull and motors wear out — all things you won’t know about until you’ve used the gadget.
Where to Buy Refurbished
If you’re looking to purchase a refurbished appliance, be sure to use good judgement to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Along with your local neighborhood appliance stores, a few good options to find reliable refurbished appliances include Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, and even your local Home Depot. Ask the sales rep if they have any floor models for sale and you may be able to land a deal.
Good Luck!
