I’m on my 3rd or 4th dishwasher in a home I’ve lived in for 7 years and my 4th fridge in a year (don’t miss the video below of one of these fridge’s developing a mind of its own). My expensive high efficiency washing machine is recalled but they won’t actually replace it unless it flies apart during a wash cycle. I read reviews and research before I buy appliances, and yet they seem to almost be a disposable item (an expensive one at that). I know I’m not alone in the frustration this brings.

Here’s what I have learned:

1. Appliances are no longer made to last 20 years like the ones we grew up with. Assume that the new dishwasher you buy will only last 3 to 4 years and it doesn’t matter if it costs $400 or $1500.

2. Buy the extended warranty and consider getting it from the actual store not the manufacturer. I like to be able to walk into a place and look at someone in the eyes to get the help I need. I grew up with the wisdom that extended warranties were a rip off and to never buy them. However, the extended warranty typically costs less than one service call. It is worth the piece of mind.

3. Consider getting a home warranty. These typically cover more than just your appliances but also your HVAC systems, hot water heaters and a few other items depending on the warranty. For a set service fee typically less than a $100, they will cover any of these items. The caveat is that you have to use their service providers and you often have to wait much longer than if you called a repair person to take care of it yourself. As you research which home warranty to purchase, ask them which service providers they work with and then google those companies. 

4. It never hurts to ask. Call the manufacturer before an independent repair person. My whirlpool refrigerator was 9 months out of warranty when it stopped cooling properly. Thanks to a local repair person’s advice, I called Whirlpool and pled my case. They took care of the repair even though it was out of warranty the first time. However, after buying their extended warranty, I could NEVER get anyone on the phone (literally on hold for 3 HOURS before the call hung up on me). It took about 24 service calls to my home and hours and hours on the phone before Whirpool finally honored the extended warranty I had bought and paid out for the deficient fridge.

5. Consider using a credit card that extend warranties automatically when you make a purchase. My Discover card does this. Unfortunately I didn’t use it to buy the refrigerator.

6. Don’t get too caught up with the bells and whistles. Basic, old school appliances are often cheaper and they have less that can break.

We would love to hear about your favorite appliances and/or horror stories to know which to avoid and which to use!

Latetia’s current appliance experience: Our 3 year old high end KitchenAid dishwasher will not stay closed and leaks (this has been a problem for at least a year now). Several technicians have been called and haven’t been able to fix it. We decided to save money by putting little bowls underneath each corner and keeping it closed with a chair. Meanwhile, these ancient beasts from the 1980’s still wash and dry our clothes perfectly 🤣.