Buying used can be an excellent way to save money while still getting a quality appliance, provided you are a savvy shopper.
Also consider which direction you would like the doors to open. At a bare minimum, check that the fridge motor runs by plugging it in before you seal the deal. When buying a used appliance, it is important to know what kinds of repair and maintenance costs you may be facing down the line.
Likewise if you already own a stand-alone fridge or freezer, price is probably paramount rather than storage space. The appearance of the fridge you ultimately settle on is no small matter. Outside of its functions and features, a refrigerator's or any large appliance exterior can have a huge impact on a room's decor.
Pick poorly and a fridge can clash with its surroundings -- giving your kitchen a random, even cluttered aesthetic. Depending on the look you're going for, you may decide that your new refrigerator should match the color and texture of other nearby appliances. You could do the opposite too and select a fridge with striking colors or a retro-inspired design.
As long as the rest of the room is neutral, your distinctive appliance will serve as a positive focal point. For a deep dive on how to choose the color and finish of your new appliance, read our full guide. Another trap you may fall into when shopping for a new fridge is not considering other, smaller factors. For instance you may overlook details about the interior. How easy is it to open and close the crisper drawers? Are there any sharp edges anywhere that could scrape or scratch knuckles or forearms?
Sometimes a refrigerator will lack dedicated compartments for meats, cold cuts, dairy, or cheese. And if you'd like to have an ice maker, water dispenser, or autofill water pitcher, check if there's a water line nearby.
It's best to know this information before you commit to the purchase. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic.
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Yet people regularly cut loose their big appliances , even if those products have years of life left. Perhaps they remodeled their kitchen and the old fridge looks horribly out of place. Or maybe an elderly gentleman with a bad back just can't stoop to use a side-loading washing machine anymore. These cast-off products are in great working condition, and you can nab them for a fraction of the new purchase price. Even if your bargain buy conks out after just a few years of use, there's a very good chance you'll still have saved money in the long run.
A couple of exceptions might be built-in refrigerators and gas cooktops. Consumer Reports indicates that these particular products are often more trouble than they're worth, especially if they ever need any sort of repairs [source: Consumer Reports ]. Similarly, if you're trying to decide between repairing a broken appliance 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 new or great, used product, don't even consider the repair.
Your local appliance store can be a bonanza for bargain shopping if you know where to look and which questions to ask. You just have to do a bit of investigating. Although they don't technically count as used, the scratch-and-dent sections of appliance, hardware and home furnishing stores often have unbelievable deals.
You might find a top-end refrigerator with an unfortunate but superficial dent on the side, and at a price hundreds of dollars lower than models in mint condition. For those kinds of savings, you can find plenty of ways to disguise that flaw. Holidays are an especially good time to find deals on items with surface damage.
And if your store doesn't seem to have any, you can always inquire about floor models. Many outlets will part with these demonstration models which have been pawed at and caressed by hundreds of potential buyers at a steeply discounted price. With floor and scratch-and-dent deals, you may not get a full warranty, but you might well receive what's left of the active warranty, which you probably won't find from a private seller. A warranty albeit a shorter and more limited one is even more likely if you choose a refurbished or remanufactured model sold at a retail outlet.
You'll save a lot of money and have the added benefit of peace of mind. And here's another pointer: When it comes to damaged or discolored appliances, there are two miraculous words that can change everything: spray paint.
Many appliances have surfaces that look wonderful with a fresh layer of aerosol paint. Just be sure to ask paint experts at your hardware store to ensure that you're buying the kind of paint that will stick best.
With the tiniest bit of effort, your scratched-up bargain can look almost new. In these days of constant Internet connectedness and smartphones , you have no excuses for buying a product with a proven history of putrid performance. A few quick Web searches can save you a lot of money and, perhaps most importantly, a lot of unnecessary frustration.
Web sites such as Amazon. When it comes to in-depth details on specific appliances, Consumer Reports is one of the most thorough resources you'll find.
Don't just research brands. Set a range and only look at models with price tags within those numbers. A ten-year-old beige fridge will definitely cost a fraction of what a one-year old stainless steel model will set you back. Before you buy, do a bit of online research via websites or magazines that review appliances. Certain manufacturers produce more reliable goods than others, so check out what sort of repairs, operating costs, and experiences owners and experts report about different refrigerators.
This is a case when brand name reputation does matter. Used refrigerators are everywhere, once you start looking. Some of the possible spots to locate them include:. Have a list of questions ready to ask the seller about the used fridge that he or she is selling. You should be able to get a feel for whether the appliance is a fit for your needs.
Some questions should be asked by phone, text message, or email before scheduling your appointment to see the fridge in person. Consider asking:. The answer to this question will tell you plenty. If they are simply moving to a place that comes equipped with a refrigerator or are remodeling their kitchen and are choosing to recycle their old unit , the item could be a top-quality find.
Is there anything wrong with it? Are you the original owner? A one-owner appliance is as desirable as a one-owner car, in that this person knows all about its history.
What does is look like? Hopefully, the ad where you spotted a potential refrigerator has posted a photo of it, inside and out.
If not, ask about color, condition, shelves, and storage bins, in order to assess whether it will meet your needs. Does it have all its parts? Make sure everything is included such as shelves, containers, and door handles, or research whether you can easily replace them.
Be prepared to perform a thorough inspection, and if you can bring a friend or relative with you for a second opinion, all the better. Here are some things to look for :. A fridge that has been around for more than a decade is probably too old.
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