10 Costliest Mistakes People Make When Buying Appliances

After buying a home and a car, a new appliance may be among the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make. Yet even the savviest bargain hunters can err, and some shoppers overspend or make costly mistakes that could have easily been avoided.

Whether you're shopping for a refrigerator, a new AC unit, or another new appliance, avoid these pitfalls to save money and ensure your purchase fits your home and lifestyle.

Buying an appliance that doesn’t fit can cost you time and money.

Not only should you measure the space for the appliance, but also measure the doorways, hallways, and stairs the appliance will travel through. A wrong measurement could mean returning the item or paying for modifications to your space.

Tip: Remove doors, jambs, trim, rails, or other impediments before you start moving the new appliance.

Prices for the same appliance can vary widely among retailers. Some stores might offer perks like free delivery, while others could have better financing options. Before committing, take advantage of this price comparison trick and use Google Lens to scan the product and quickly find competing prices from other retailers.

Before hitting “buy,” confirm your home has the correct hookups for the appliance you want. Gas stoves, for example, require a gas line. And some refrigerators with water dispensers need a water hookup. Overlooking this detail could mean expensive plumbing updates — or choosing the wrong appliance altogether.

When I purchased a gas dryer several years ago, I knew I had a gas line and assumed the delivery person could do the hookup. Wrong! In my area, only the homeowner or a licensed gas fitter can do a gas hookup. I would have needed to pay a plumber upwards of $150 to do it had my brother-in-law not been a willing volunteer.

Not all appliances are created equal. Some refrigerators lack built-in ice makers, and some washing machines don’t include specialized cycles for delicates.

Spend time researching what your prospective appliance offers to avoid additional costs, like purchasing a countertop ice maker or a fold-up drying rack later.

Many appliances require routine maintenance or expensive replacement parts, and these hidden costs can add up over time. For example, certain high-end refrigerators may need specialty water filters, while gas dryers may need professional servicing. Factor these costs into your budget to avoid surprises down the road.

Energy-efficient appliances may cost more upfront but save you money in the long run.

Appliances that consume more electricity or water can significantly increase your utility bills, so if saving money is a priority for you, you may want to look for an Energy Star rating of 75 or better to ensure you're getting an energy-efficient product.

That high-tech coffee maker might look great, but will you use it? Buying fancy features, you never use, or purchasing appliances you don’t truly need, can waste money and take up unnecessary space.

That’s why so many breadmakers and waffle makers wind up on wedding registries — and then on sale at the Goodwill for $8.99. Be realistic about how you’ll use the appliance before splurging. If you’ve never used it before but it “just seems like a good idea,” it could be a very bad one.

Replacing an appliance means you’ll need to get rid of the old one. Some retailers offer removal services, but they are not always free. Check your options, and if you plan to sell or recycle the old item, factor in the effort and cost to avoid last-minute headaches. You may even need to pay disposal fees.

In my city, there’s one clean-up event per year where residents can get rid of old mattresses, furniture, and large appliances — for a small fee. Even then, you need to lug your throwaways to a designated site — and wait in a line of idling cars.

Using financing can make big purchases more manageable, but beware of high interest rates or deferred interest traps. A balance transfer credit card with a 0% intro APR can be a smart choice if you plan to pay off the balance quickly.

Paying cash is almost always your best bet, but if your heater goes out and you don’t have enough cash on hand, review financing options carefully to minimize debt.

Combination appliances can save you space and money. For example, my family wanted an air fryer but didn’t want to sacrifice counter space for it. So when our microwave died last summer, we purchased a 3-in-1 combo machine. We bought a microwave that also functions as a convection oven and air fryer — and for about the price of a microwave, too.

Planning for multi-use items can minimize redundancy and free up counter space for other essentials — like waffle makers and bread makers that you do use.

Shopping for appliances can be an expensive, overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Take your time, save your money, and track deals. By taking a more measured approach, you can avoid unnecessary stress and expense.

Consider timing your purchase with holiday sales to score discounts — Black Friday and President’s Day can also be a great time to snag a deal.