Are used appliances worth it? Good question. The trust is that buying used appliances is a great temptation for many homeowners, and there are plenty of incentives. For one, there's also no shortage of pre owned appliances online or in local resale shops, from used kitchen appliances to 2nd hand appliances for the laundry room. The price tags can be especially enticing and, for many households on a budget, the appeal is hard to ignore. But what many dealers won’t tell buyers is the hidden costs and risks of buying used appliances.
In this comparison guide, our experts take you behind the scenes to show you why it’s better to avoid second hand appliances and why buying new appliances instead is the better choice.
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Shop In-Stock Appliances5 Reasons to Avoid Buying Used Appliances
Blindly buying refurbished appliances is one of the more common shopping mistakes. The drawbacks of buying used appliances can outweigh the benefits. Here are five key reasons to think twice before going secondhand (CLICK THE➕ TO LEARN MORE).
➕No Guaranteed Warranty
Most used appliances don’t come with a warranty, especially if bought from private sellers. That means if something breaks, you’re responsible for the full cost of repairs. A warranty on a new appliance gives you peace of mind and protection; when something breaks, you’re not paying out of pocket for parts and labor.
➕Prone to Repairs
The sad truth is that used appliances tend to break down easily. The average repair can cost $100 to $300, and it’s not uncommon to need multiple fixes in a short time. Multiply that by two or three service calls within a year, and suddenly, that “cheap” used appliance doesn’t seem so budget-friendly anymore. Even worse, some technicians also avoid older models due to limited parts.
➕Outdated Technology
Used appliances often lack the modern features today’s buyers expect, like Wi-Fi compatibility, smart sensors, or advanced cooling and cleaning functions. These conveniences make a big difference in daily use, and missing out can leave your home feeling behind the times.
➕Not As Efficient
Used appliances tend to be less energy- and water-efficient, especially if they’re several years old. Even the same model loses efficiency over time. In contrast, ENERGY STAR appliances use up to 50% less energy, saving you up to $300 in long-term utility costs. That adds up quickly when running major appliances every day.
➕Shorter Lifespans
A secondhand appliance has already spent years in use, meaning fewer working years are left for you. While new appliances can last 10–15 years, used ones may only have a fraction of that time remaining, leading to replacements and higher costs down the road.
Common Problems with Used Appliances
If you find yourself asking, "Should I buy used appliances?" take a moment to consider the common issues buyers experience with them. The trust is that, even if reconditioned appliances seem to work fine at first, there are specific issues that tend to pop up when buying used appliances.
Here's what to watch for in the most common secondhand items:
- Used Refrigerators: Older fridges often struggle with temperature control, which can lead to spoiled food. Worn-out compressors and leaky seals are also common—and expensive—to fix.
- Used Dishwasher: Used dishwashers may not clean thoroughly due to clogged spray arms or failing pumps. They’re also more likely to leak or leave residue behind, especially if filters haven’t been replaced.
- Used Range Cookers: Gas or electric ranges can have unreliable burners or faulty ignition systems. Heat distribution may be uneven, making cooking inconsistent and frustrating.
- Used Oven: Old ovens often suffer from inaccurate thermostats and worn heating elements. This can lead to undercooked or burnt food and even potential safety hazards.
- Used Washer: Secondhand washers are prone to loud noises, poor spinning, or drainage issues. Worn-out drums or motors can result in inefficient washing or even damage to clothes.
- Used Dryer: Dryers can take longer to dry clothes if the heating element or thermostat is failing. Lint buildup and faulty sensors are also common and can be fire hazards if not addressed.
3 Better Solutions Than Shopping Used Appliances
If you’re looking to save money without sacrificing quality, there are smarter ways to shop than turning to secondhand options.
Explore Clearance Appliances
Clearance appliances are brand-new units sold at discounted prices, not previously owned or used. These items are a great way to get modern features and warranty coverage at a lower cost. Best of all, you can browse a variety of clearance options at Don’s Appliances.
Clearance items may fall into categories such as:
✔Scratch and Dent Appliances: New appliances with minor cosmetic flaws that don't affect performance.
✔Floor Model Appliances: Units displayed in-store, often lightly handled but never used in a home.
✔Open-Box Appliances: Items returned by a customer but still fully functional and unused.
✔Closeout Appliances: Appliances being phased out to make room for newer models—still brand-new and covered by warranty.
Keep an Eye Out for Appliance Rebates
Rebates are money-back offers from manufacturers or retailers that apply after your purchase (unlike discounts, which reduce the price upfront). Rebates can significantly cut your total cost, especially when combined with sales or promotions.
Don’s Appliances regularly updates its promotions page with current rebate offers, including deals from top brands. It’s a handy way to get modern appliances at more affordable prices.
Finance Appliances for Lower Up-Front Costs
Appliance financing helps spread the cost of a new appliance over time, so you don’t have to pay the full price all at once. It's excellent if you need to replace a broken appliance quickly but want to stay within your monthly budget.
Shop New Appliances from Don’s Appliances
Ready to upgrade with confidence? Don’s Appliances offers a wide range of new appliances without the risks that come with buying used appliances.
Shop Refrigeration
Are you in the middle of a kitchen renovation? Start with a brand new fridge. From French door to built-in models, Don’s has a full lineup of refrigeration appliances designed to keep your food fresher for longer with modern features and efficient cooling.
KitchenAid® 36 in. 19.4 Cu. Ft. PrintShield™ Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This KitchenAid Refrigerator
This KitchenAid beauty delivers powerful cooling performance with a capacity of 19.4 cu. ft., more than enough for everyday storage needs. Its PrintShield™ stainless steel finish resists smudges and fingerprints, keeping the exterior looking polished with minimal effort. Inside, the ExtendFresh™ temperature management system maintains optimal freshness, while the FreshChill™ drawer lets you customize temperatures for meats or produce. With its refined design and thoughtful organization features, this refrigerator offers a blend of style and practicality for modern kitchens.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KRQC506MPS Review:
“When we were planning to upgrade our kitchen, we didn’t initially look at refrigerators; however, once we saw it at the appliance store, we included it in our plan. We have had multiple comments on its sleek look and I really like its features - especially the side-by-side refrigerator and freezer compartments. The design of the freezer helps keep things well organized and easy to access.”
Whirlpool® 36 in. 25.1 Cu. Ft. Monochromatic Stainless Steel Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Shop This Whirlpool Refrigerator
Whirlpool has plenty of impressive refrigerators, but this side-by-side model offers quite a lot of space with adjustable gallon door bins and frameless glass shelving that help you organize groceries easily. Its bright LED interior lighting and electronic temperature controls make it easy to see and maintain ideal conditions for both fridge and freezer sections. The design is sophisticated, featuring hidden hinges and an optional icemaker without taking away from usable space.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WRS315SNHM Review:
“This is a great refrigerator! It has much more room than our last fridge with ice maker and water.”
Shop Cooking Appliances
Find the perfect match for your kitchen from Don’s wide selection of cooking appliances—including ranges, ovens, and cooktops that deliver power, precision, and style.
LG 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Gas Range
For homeowners seeking modern cooking performance and intuitive smart features in a refined build, LG has the solution. This 30" freestanding gas range and its powerful 17,000 BTU burner deliver rapid heat for quicker boils and sears in significantly less time. With five sealed burners and continuous cast-iron grates, it's easy to cook with multiple pans at once. There’s also its spacious 5.8 cu ft oven—with a WideView™ window and brilliant blue interior—offering excellent visibility and cooking capacity. Integration with LG’s ThinQ® smart app allows you to control the oven remotely, receive maintenance alerts, and even access guided recipes, which home cooks can appreciate.
⭐Featured LG LRGL5821S Review:
“LOVE IT! Great Tech, Great having Gas again, Looks Great and able to let me know if there are any issue remotely! Cant say enough! LG is the Best way to go!”
KitchenAid® 30" Stainless Steel Freestanding Electric Double Oven Range
Once again, KitchenAid delivers with this 30" freestanding electric double oven range, equipped with Even‑Heat™ True Convection and EasyConvect™ Conversion System for consistent results. The spacious 6.7 cu ft capacity across two oven compartments allows you to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. Meanwhile, the cooktop offers five versatile elements, including a triple-ring burner and warming zone, which are convenient for handling various cookware sizes efficiently. With satin-textured handles and smooth-glide racks, this range combines professional-inspired styling with chef-level functionality in a polished package.
⭐Featured KitchenAid KFED500ESS Review:
“I replaced my 20 year old range. I’m very pleased with my purchase. The 2 ovens make meal time so much easier.”
Shop Dishwashers
Browse dishwashers that clean more effectively while using less water and energy—ideal for busy households looking to save time without sacrificing results. And if you're looking for extra value, check out Don’s latest dishwashers on sale to score a great deal on dependable performance.
Bosch® 800 Series 24" Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
The Bosch 800 Series dishwasher gives you near-flawless cleaning, achieving a 99.97% clean rate on hard-to-remove baked-on stains, far outperforming the average dishwasher. It runs quietly at around 42 dBA and includes PowerControl spray arms that target stubborn messes with precision. Featuring CrystalDry™ Zeolite drying, it consistently leaves plastics and ceramics cupboard-ready, even outperforming models that use traditional heating elements. With flexible rack adjustments, EasyGlide rails, and smart Home Connect control, the Bosch SHP78CM5N is a refined and thoughtfully designed appliance that's as user-friendly as it is effective.
Shop Laundry Appliances
Whether you need a washer, dryer, or both, Don’s offers laundry appliances built to handle large loads, stubborn stains, and energy savings in one smart package.
Maytag® 4.7 Cu. Ft. White Agitator Top Load Washer with Extra Power
Your laundry room may benefit from this Maytag top-load washer that showcases powerful, deep cleaning thanks to its Heavy Duty cycle, paired with the Extra Power button, effective against stubborn stains. The flexible wash options—including Deep Fill and Quick Wash—along with smart-capable features (via the Maytag app), work wonderfully. The stainless steel wash basket, slow-close glass lid, and Advanced Vibration Control™ yield an optimized user experience with a quiet and durable performance.
⭐Featured Maytag MVW6230RHW Review:
“This is the second set of Maytag washer and dryer i purchased! The quality and performance of the appliances are great. Lots of difference wash and dry mode options too.”
GE® 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
For an impressive cleaning performance, check out this GE front-load washer. Its SmartDispense™ system releases the right amount of detergent for up to 32 loads for cleaner clothes and reduced detergent waste. Even better, thanks to its UltraFresh™ vent and Microban® antimicrobial technology, this washer resists odors and mold buildup. The smart features also allow you to remotely start cycles, receive alerts, and monitor wash progress. It’s one of GE’s most advanced models, and it’s one of our top picks from the brand, with over 900 perfect reviews.
⭐Featured GE GFW655SSVWW Review:
“I love the washer I bought. Stainless steel drum, quiet, large washing capacity. Cleans everything perfectly. Lots of options for washing. The automatic detergent dispenser is a very nice feature.”
It’s tempting to save on appliances by purchasing second-hand, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. By following our tips on how to save on appliances, you can upgrade to a new model without the fear of unforeseen costs or complications. Stop on by one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores to have one of our pros answer all your questions about buying used appliances versus new models.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Appliances at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop in-stock appliances online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help guide you through the risks of buying used appliances — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Shop Local for Appliances: What You Need to Know