Unless you are an expert in spin cycles, then purchasing an appliance could leave you very dizzy. To make the process simpler, here are answers to the appliance-buying questions that you’ll probably contemplate, from “When should I buy?” To “Do I actually need a guarantee?”
Repair or replace?
Individuals with existing appliances have two choices: fix or replace. You can rely on major appliances to last about a year for each $100 spent, according to Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance, a U.S. appliance-repair company. For example, if I purchased a $100 microwave, I am probably not going to call everyone to find a tradie in appliance and oven repair to fix it if it is over a year old. I am probably only going to go buy a new one. But if I buy a $1,000 refrigerator, it is probably worth fixing up to a decade.
Also consider your current appliance’s energy efficiency – you can get an Energy Star rebate for a more efficient version – and its appearance, because replacing one appliance may give you others that no longer match. Refurbished or reconditioned appliances provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new, but look in the warranty and the return policy if something goes wrong.
Which one to purchase?
When you’re in the market for something new, do not fixate on brands, unless you care about top notch prestige. It can matter if you are searching to purchase a luxury appliance, but if you are purchasing a low- to midrange appliance, don’t get caught up too much in the new name, according to Rogers (although noting that he uses some of the exact components to fix appliances from various brands).
No single appliance manufacturer masters everything all the time, like a specialised IT services company or auditing firm, says Paul Hope, a Senior home and appliance editor at Consumer Reports, a nonprofit that tests and rates products. And contrary to popular belief, a more expensive model is not inherently better. Hope says professional-style appliances are expensive but often lack features of the less expensive counterparts. For your own benefit, it may be a good idea to consult with a salesperson and check reviews from sites like CNET and Consumer Reports, then weigh up your options.
A “smart” appliance that works with voice-activated services is suitable but likely costly. A counter-depth fridge won’t stand out as far beyond your countertop, but it is shallower than a standard-depth refrigerator. Cross-check features to see why one appliance is more costly than another and which attributes you can do without.
Online or in-store?
When you find something you want, go see it in a shop. Online resources are helpful but should not be the final word. This is one of the few businesses where the online market does not function and the local market does. Apart from being able to see and touch the appliance, you may also prevent delivery fees by going local.
Will it fit?
Before you swipe your card, make sure your appliance fits – in your house and your budget. Assess the space where it will go – check the builders extensions with professionals and neighbours. Rogers recommends a snug fit; for a 32-inch opening, get an appliance no wider than 31.5 inches. In terms of cost, get the version number and telephone five local, independent stores, Brasler states. Let them know you are shopping around and searching for the best bargain. They will often give you a quote under the advertised price. Consumers’ Checkbook ran a cost experiment to test this.
It was common for them to find that for a dishwasher, the lowest price quoted was $250 less than the maximum price. For a number of those refrigerators we shopped, we discovered cost differences of $600, $700 or even $800 between the lowest and the maximum price. When comparing by version number, be sure, or you’ll end up spending weeks waiting for dishwasher and refrigerator repair or have no access to the appliances at all. If you look at these model numbers, they are only a mass of numbers and letters, and one digit off makes it another appliance. You can always adjust to custom stone counter tops to fit a particular cooktop you may like.
What about guarantees?
You are not finished yet. Like a house extension design, there’s always the final step you should consider. The salesperson may try to sell you additional protection, known as a service contract, if something goes wrong. An appliance has a guarantee. Perhaps you get a one-year warranty in your parts and labor on your fridge and a five-year extended warranty on the sealed system. Service contracts may cover items which are included on your standard guarantee, he says, so read the fine print to make certain you’re not doubling up. IT consultants in Melbourne tend to highly recommend guarantees for electronic devices, but when it comes to appliances that might be up to your own judgement.
Something else to think about: according to Consumer Reports, products do not generally break within the service plan window. Brasler puts it bluntly and warns not to buy those, claiming they are totally worthless. He recommends checking the terms of your credit card. Some will allow you to extend the standard warranty length if you make the purchase on your card; warehouse clubs such as Costco extend manufacturer warranties too.
