How to Shop for a Major Appliance

Whether you’re about to purchase your first washing machine or replace an ancient refrigerator, buying a major appliance can be nerve wracking. These modern conveniences cost a large chunk of change and they’re built to last a long time, so the pressure to buy the right item can make even a seasoned homeowner feel apprehensive. Here’s how to approach the job with a bit more confidence.

1. Focus on features. As soon as you know you’re “in the market” for an appliance, begin thinking about what features are important to you. Do a reality check by talking to friends who have similar appliances. Ask your friends if the icemaker on their refrigerator has given them trouble and whether the chilled water dispenser was worth the extra expense. Discuss the fine points of microwave cooking and talk about large- versus small-capacity dishwashers. Ask for their opinions on the best location for a dryer’s lint trap. You may not agree with their preferences, but at least you’ll have a more educated opinion about your ideal appliance.

2. Do the numbers. Determine how much you want to spend on the appliance and then decide how you’d prefer to pay for it. If you’re going to buy on credit, you may want to make favorable financing terms a significant factor in your decision on where to buy.

3. Shop in the ’hood. Local retailers who must compete with national chains can be great places to shop because they depend on word-of-mouth and repeat business for their survival. The salespeople are likely to have more time to devote to customers and to be knowledgeable about the products they sell. Smaller stores make themselves as attractive as possible by offering whatever they can afford; sometimes this means lower prices, more often it will be superior customer service or comfortable financing terms.

4. Weigh price against store extras. While you’re deciding where to shop, take into account services that can affect the ultimate cost of your purchase. For example, a higher-priced refrigerator that comes with free delivery may be cheaper in the long run than another retailer’s discount fridge that comes with a hefty delivery charge. It’s also a good idea to ask about the store’s policy on installation, follow-up servicing, delayed or low-interest financing, and other extras that could lower the total amount.

5. Stick with the standards. In most cases, you’ll be better off buying appliances with established brand names. This doesn’t mean that you should base your choice on whether or not the name rings a bell. But it does suggest you may have a better experience with an appliance from a maker known for reliability. The product may also be easier to repair when the time comes because parts—and knowledgeable repair people—are easier to find.

6. Try for a trade-in. If you are replacing an existing appliance, you may be able to get credit for your older model. This is another area in which you may find more flexibility with a local merchant than with a national chain.

7. Give it an audition. Whenever possible, ask to see the product in action. This will help you gauge actual performance against your expectations and will allow you to decide if it’s easy to use (ask the salesperson to let you operate the controls).

8. Read the fine print. It won’t make the best-seller list, but the warranty on the product you’re considering is definitely a good thing to read. Take time to study it and understand what the manufacturer promises to cover and for how long.

9. Know when to walk away. At some stores, only after you agree to buy the product do you get the real sales pitch. Salespeople are trained to make extended warranties (sometimes called service contracts) sound like a mighty good deal. And they usually are—for the store. Consider these contracts only if you know you’ll be giving the appliance a much harder or more frequent workout than the typical user.