How to research new home appliances in 4 easy steps
By Serge Bojinski on Mar 28, 2017
Do you remember your first apartment? Was it really small or worn or outdated? Did you have to settle for second-hand furniture and appliances because that was all you could afford? As your first real taste of independence, you probably looked past all those imperfections and proudly called it "home."
If you're ready for an upgrade and have decided to build or buy a new home, you get a chance to recreate the vision of what your perfect home should look like. Even if you're not a first-time homebuyer, it can be both exciting and overwhelming to choose all the personalized features you want to incorporate into your new home.
Not all new homes come with appliance packages. Purchasing new home appliances can be mesmerizing with all the beautiful new finishes and state-of-the-art features, so before you succumb to the "I-want-it-all syndrome," you'd better do your research.
Step 1: Identify goals and priorities
Take inventory of what appliances you can move with you and which ones you'll want to upgrade. Even though your appliances are running fine now, think of the machine's age and its average life span before ruling out a new purchase.- Refrigerator: 9-13 years
- Electric Stove: 13-15 years
- Gas Stove: 15-17 years
- Dishwasher: 9 years
- Washing Machine: 5-15 years
- Dryer: 13 years
Before you start shopping, you'll need a plan for fitting each machine into the space available. Refrigerators can vary with overall dimensions, so be prepared with accurate measurements that allow the fridge door and nearby cabinets to fully open.
A new washer and dryer might fit side-by-side or be stacked. How much space is available in the new laundry area? Will it be in the basement or a separate room on an upper level? The answers to these questions will help narrow your search for the perfect fit.
Step 2: Establish a budget
With the many items vying for your money, especially if you're building/buying new, you need a budget. You'll want to buy things like: window treatments, lamps, furniture, area rugs, electronics, etc. after you move in, so establishing an appliance budget first will ensure that you have enough to personalize your home.Start researching what's available with online shopping. Appliance websites can help breakdown standard features, sizes, brands, type/variety, and options. Many sites provide side-by-side feature comparisons that will help guide you to the best product for your needs.While you're online, look for any available financing options. Several times a year, retail centres offer promotional financing programs, generally 0% interest for an extended period of time or discount pricing for purchasing more than one appliance.Step 3: Decide between wants and needs
With so many products and options available, it's difficult to determine what you want vs. what you need. Clever marketing techniques may also fool you into thinking you need innovative features that can significantly increase the cost of the appliance.Beware of self-cleaning ovens that might pose a fire risk or damage your appliance; or refrigerators with an option called Sabbath mode that promises that Orthodox Jewish consumers will find built-in safeguards to honour their religious beliefs. Most appliances are available with Energy Star Certification, but also consider these essential items when deciding what to buy:Refrigerator styles and features
- Freezer location: top or bottom
- French door
- Side-by-Side
- Built-in
- Through-the-door ice and water dispenser
- Door-in-door storage access
- Freshness features
- Temperature controls
- Higher quality shelves and drawers (i.e. tempered glass)
- Electric smoothtop, electric induction, gas
- Dual ovens
- Expandable elements, bridge and oval burner
- Convection time and delayed start features
- Self-cleaning
- Safety features: Hot-surface warning lights, control lockout (especially with small children in the household)
- Interior: Stainless steel or plastic
- Interactive touchpad
- Extra quiet cycle
- Antibacterial mode
- Energy-saver mode
- Adjustable racks
- Time delay
- Top load/front load
- Stackable
- Steam
- Automatic dispensers
- Automatic temperature control
- Extra rinse cycle
- Stainless steel tub
- End-of-cycle signal
Dryer styles and features
- Gas dryer vs. electric dryer
- Stackable
- Moisture sensor
- Auto-dry cycles
- Extended tumble
- End-of-cycle signal
Step 4: Visit the stores
Now it's time to put your research into action. While the Internet saves a significant amount of time in finding out what's available, actually visiting stores will give you a first-hand look at each appliance.
You can check out the quality of each component. Do the refrigerator shelves look durable? Is a high-capacity washing machine really big enough to handle an extra large load of bath towels?
Talk to a sales associate about the most popular machines and features. Ask about the financing or discounts you saw online. What does the manufacturer's warranty cover and what’s the time period? Is an extended warranty available and would it cover everything the original warranty does?
Most retailers charge a delivery fee, so ask how much it would be. If your move is several months away, inquire about storage and delayed delivery options. This would save you from moving it twice and risking damage.
With the many decisions you'll need to make for your new or resale home, purchasing your appliances can be an easy process. Identify your goals and priorities, establish a budget, decide between your wants and needs, and visit the stores. Taking the time to follow these steps will make your move easier and help you enjoy your appliances for years to come.
Serge Bojinski is a home improvement blogger and editor at RenoHood.com. He strives to ease homeowners lives searching for home improvement answers and quality service. Follow him on Twitter @SBojinski
