Should You Ever Buy Used Appliances? Here’s What Industry Pros Say

Whether your washing machine needs to be replaced or you’re renovating your kitchen, new appliances can be expensive. So, you might be considering buying used ones to save money. After all, many of us buy used furniture and clothing. But when it comes to appliances, could buying used save you some cash or end up being an expensive mistake in the long run? Here’s what the experts think.

The Pros of Buying Used Appliances

Cost Savings

There are some advantages to buying used appliances, according to Sherry Givili, founder and president of The Luxury Kitchen and luxury kitchen appliance expert. “Used appliances are generally much cheaper than new ones, making them a budget-friendly option,” she explains. “Most appliances lose value quickly, so buying used can help you avoid the steep depreciation associated with new models.”

Environmental Friendliness

Purchasing previously owned appliances is also better for the environment. “This helps reduce waste and lowers the demand for new manufacturing, contributing to sustainability,” Givili says.

Keep in mind though that used appliances may end up requiring more energy than newer models, which can drive up your electricity bills. “New refrigerator models often feature updated refrigerants that enhance energy efficiency,” Givili adds.

The Cons of Buying Used Appliances

Transportation and Installation

Transporting used appliances can be challenging. If you’ve never done it before, you can end up breaking the appliance, which will cost you even more money. “Particularly for refrigeration, moving the appliance can damage the compressor or cooling system,” says Delphie Williams, senior category and product marketing manager at Hisense.

She also notes that while new appliances are often installed by the store or one of their contractors, you likely have to install used appliances yourself or find someone qualified to do it for you.

You Don’t Really Know What You’re Buying

While the history of a used car can be found online, the same can’t be said for that deal you just found on a dishwasher. The problem is that the appliance could be on the fritz, not properly maintained, or have parts that are on the verge of breaking. Replacing those parts could not only be costly but also impossible if it’s a very old or discontinued model. 

You may also be unaware of exactly how the appliance was maintained or where it was kept, explains Williams. “For refrigerators and freezers, maybe the product was in a garage or other harsh environments that would have significantly stressed the cooling system,” she says. “Motors and other moving parts also have life expectancies, so you could be getting a product at the end of its planned life.”

Then there’s the cleanliness factor to consider when buying washers, dryers, and dishwashers. “You don’t know what kind of laundry the previous owner did in the product, such as lots of dirty sports clothes or pet blankets. If you are buying a used dishwasher, you don’t know if they kept it clean or allowed gunk to build up on the filter or drain,” says Williams.

Alternatives to Buying Used Appliances

If you’re on the fence about buying used appliances but want to stick to your budget, floor models can be a smart alternative. These appliances are generally used on showroom floors for demonstration purposes. Some may have just been on display and never fully installed, making them pretty close to new, or they may have minor wear and tear. Plus, the store or showroom will likely offer some guarantee or warranty on these appliances. 

Williams adds that refurbished or scratch-and-dent products may also be worth considering. “These can be a great value, especially if the reseller does the installation and provides some warranty,” she explains. “These are generally new-ish products that were returned very soon after the original purchase—generally within 21 to 30 days or less.”