So, you’re in the market for a new appliance – do you buy brand-new or opt for a more cost-effective refurbished appliances?

If you’ve thought about buying refurbished but weren’t too sure about the details – we can help answer what you need to know about buying refurbished appliances.

What are Refurbished Appliances?

No, they’re not broken-down appliances that are only useful in the short term. They’re quite the opposite, actually.

Refurbished appliances are items that may have been used/lightly damaged. They get factory tested and repaired and may only have a little cosmetic damage. Do It Yourself makes a great analogy: “It’s almost like buying a 1980s automobile that has a brand-new engine in it. Sure, it may need some body work, but the thing runs like a champ.”

Why Should You Buy a Refurbished Appliance?

Purchasing a refurbished appliance can be an excellent option – especially for your wallet.

The idea is that your “new-to-you” appliance, should run as smoothly as a brand-new appliance. This makes an excellent, cost efficient route to replace any appliances or help lower the budget on full-kitchen renovations.

The main deterrent some may stay away from refurbished appliances, is that there is not always a safety net in terms of warranty. If you are shopping around for refurbished appliances, keep an eye out for their warranty, if any, as that’s where a lot of the value, and peace of mind, comes into play.

Bonus – buying refurbished appliances is helpful to the environment by reducing waste being sent to the landfill.

Are Refurbished Appliances Reliable?

The answer to this question depends on the seller you buy from.

It is important to find a reputable dealer – maybe stay away from Kijiji until you’re more comfortable/familiar with the process of buying refurbished appliances. This way you can ensure there is a legitimate warranty in place, even if it’s only 30 days.

According to How Stuff Works, many people get rid of their appliances before their life is over – which is generally up to 20 years. This means, your refrigerator could still have more than 10 years of life left – for a quarter of the cost of a new fridge.

Where Can You Buy Refurbished Appliances?

If you’re looking for trusted sellers, it’s best to start shopping around your local stores to see if they have any refurbished appliance deals. A lot of places sell these or scratch and dent models, so ask around before going straight for the sale – you may find a better used deal.

If you are familiar with purchasing refurbished items or appliances, or know someone who can help, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace can be a great place for deals. With these outlets, you can negotiate and get some discounts off the original price. That being said, be wary of any spam sellers and too-good-to-be-true deals – they probably are.

Conclusion

All in all, don’t be scared to try a refurbished appliance – the concern is in lack of understanding. Once you do some research, investigate warranty, and inspect the item in-person, you should be covered.

If you’re still unsure, Do It Yourself makes a great analogy: “It’s almost like buying a 1980s automobile that has a brand-new engine in it. Sure, it may need some body work, but the thing runs like a champ.”

Take the plunge, save some money, and enjoy your like-new refurbished appliance for years to come!