Kitchen appliances are très pricey. When one of them gives out, we take a deep breath and prepare for the stress of buying a new one. Not only do we have to find one that fits the household’s needs, it also has to stay within a certain budget. In a post-covid economy, and with the question of “will kitchen appliances be affected by tariffs?” looming over many families, people are looking for new ways to save money on kitchen appliances. May we introduce you to the concept of refurbished machines? They are cheaper, sustainable, and often come with intact quality, making them a great budget-friendly solution.
Refurbished appliances were originally sold as new and then returned to the manufacturer within the timeframe that allows for returns — usually within a month of purchase. They were returned in good condition, with little to no wear and tear, and only used a few times (if at all). In order to save on manufacturing costs, reduce waste, and provide an eco-friendly option, some companies opt to restore these returned machines and resell them at a lower price. For example, you can purchase refurbished coffee machines from Nespresso.
The refurbishing process normally includes a close inspection of the returned machine to scan for any imperfections or potential issues that occurred with the previous owners. Parts that might be faulty are fixed or replaced, the whole machine is cleaned, and by the time it’s ready to resell, it’s supposed to look and function just as good as new.
Buying refurbished is not the same as buying used
Although refurbished machines have indeed been previously used, there’s a difference between buying a second-hand appliance from an individual selling it on Facebook Marketplace, for example, and a fully restored machine sold directly by the manufacturer. Used machines can be somewhat of a wildcard, but refurbished ones normally come with a warranty proving that the seller is confident in the quality of its product. The warranty can either match the one given to brand-new machines or come with certain limitations. You should also be given the standard window of time to return the appliance if you’re not happy with it. Used machines rarely come with quality and return assurances.
Another consideration is transportation — refurbished appliances are usually delivered through the company selling them, which might even provide the service of installation. If you’re merely buying used, both the transportation and the set-up usually fall onto your shoulders. This may not be an issue with small appliances, such as mixers and coffee makers, but it’s quite the hassle when it comes to refrigerators and dishwashers, potentially raising the costs if you need to hire a professional. All things considered, refurbished machines are ideal for people looking to pay less while still getting a high-quality customer service experience.
