


We’ve also included a shopping checklist of all the things you should consider and ask about before making a purchase. Some may have minor scratches or dents, or might be missing nonessential parts.īut if you’re looking for a used appliance, read on for CR’s expert advice on where to shop. You can save money by searching for open-box appliances, which are discounted simply because the box was opened. If you want the latest technology or a dishwasher or microwave, you’re probably better off buying new, because those options are rare finds (more on that below). You can save as much as 75 percent off your dream appliance by doing so. And if you’re looking for something specific, check used-appliance stores often. Some key takeaways: Avoid most online marketplaces, calculate what useful life an appliance may have left, and opt for reliable brands. In addition to consulting with CR’s own appliance experts, we reached out to industry experts and owners of used-appliance shops to find out what to expect when shopping-including price, selection, warranty, and life expectancy-and potential pitfalls to avoid. Consider this, too: New appliances are in short supply due to the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, so if you need a replacement quickly, a used one could be a good option. Replacing a broken appliance with a used one can sometimes cost less than repairing your current one, even when you factor in the appliance itself, delivery, and installation. “In some cases, you may also get features that you couldn’t afford otherwise." “It takes a little legwork, flexibility, and a willingness to live with a mismatched kitchen or laundry suite, but in return, you can find a top-of-line appliance for a fraction of what it would cost new,” says Jim Nanni, director of appliance testing at Consumer Reports. Whatever the reason, buying a lightly used appliance can be a smart move as long as you know what to look for and where to look for it. Maybe you have a strict $200 budget to replace an appliance or you’re simply looking to score a high-end model for less. Perhaps you’re looking to prevent yet another hunk of metal from entering a landfill. The amount of e-waste continues to grow every year and is predicted to exceed 81 tons by 2030, making it the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream. Large appliances make up a quarter of that waste. Nearly 60 tons of e-waste-discarded products with a battery or plug-were generated globally in 2019, according to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor.
