Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or simply replacing a broken appliance, purchasing appliances can be an intimidating task. There are many factors to consider when choosing an appliance, such as the brand, features, quality, and longevity, and most importantly, the size of the appliances you need to make sure they will fit in the space you have. Shopping online is an excellent place to start, but you really should talk to a professional to make sure you are covering all your bases.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when you purchase an appliance: Visit a local appliance dealer that has knowledgeable staff who can provide accurate information on the appliances you need. There are factors you may not have even considered - factors that can be brought to your attention by an expert salesperson. shopping online for appliances is great for preliminary research and finding a style you like. Still, it is important to always talk to a sales professional before making the final purchase, avoiding any headaches during installation and down the road. If you can find a self-servicing appliance retailer, it’s the wisest choice to buy from them.
All brand new appliances come with at least a one-year full parts and labor warranty, and liability insurance from the manufacturer. The warranty and liability of appliances are held by the company that makes them, not the retailer who sells the appliances. If a product breaks down within the warranty period, or in some rare cases, causes damage to your property due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer is the party you have to deal with, not the retailer.
The advantage of buying appliances from an authorized self servicer/dealer of appliances lies in the fact that they will reduce your interaction with the manufacturer through their call centers, which are usually overseas. Your life will be much easier if you can visit or call your local dealer directly. They can set up a service call for you without having to call the 1-800 number and talking to multiple strangers who may not even know where your city is. This can be a very frustrating experience. Buy the extended warranty. It is the cheapest insurance you can purchase. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars, if not more.
The cost of repairing appliances nowadays is very high. Just a simple diagnostic call and repair can exceed the amount you paid for the extended warranty itself. Always double- or triple-check the dimensions of the space you want to put the appliance in. There is no such thing as a standard fridge or stove. You need to know the depth, height, and width of the space to buy the right appliance. Also, measure the doorways to make sure the appliance can fit through.
Consumer reports and online reviews are a great source for information, but should not be your final resource. There is a lot of contradictory information on consumer reports. There will always be a percentage of appliances that break down, and their owners will get upset and go online and complain. Mostly, people who are happy with their appliances have better things to do with their time than go online to complain.