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From the kitchen to the laundry room, major appliances are the workhorses of our homes. They keep our food fresh, our dishes clean, and our clothes ready to wear. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, replacing an appliance that’s reached the end of its life, or setting up a new home, choosing the right appliance matters. You want reliability, efficiency, and something that fits your home’s character. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of major appliances, sharing practical advice to help you make smart choices for your household needs.

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Types of Major Appliances

While there are a variety of laundry room and kitchen appliances, major appliances typically refer to items such as:

• Dishwashers
• Microwaves
• Refrigerators
• Washer-dryer sets

Other major appliances include items such as wall ovens, trash compactors, range hoods, generators, and air conditioners.

How Much Do Major Appliances Cost?

The cost of a major appliance will vary drastically depending on the size, type, brand, and model. Here is a general estimate of what you can expect to spend on a major appliance.

Washer/Dryer

Washer-and-dryer sets will typically cost at least $1,500, with high-end models exceeding $2,000 or $3,000. Some budget models can be found for $1,200 or less.

Standalone washing machines can cost anywhere from $500 to over $3,000, depending on the make and model. Dryers typically cost around the same, but low-end models can be found for under $400.

Dishwasher

The size of your dishwasher will largely determine the price it sells for. Smaller dishwashers can be found for $300 or less, but they will have fewer racks and less cleaning power. High-end dishwashers with extra racks and lots of additional features can cost over $2,000. Most models will fall somewhere within that range, with standard models often costing around $800–$1,000.

Refrigerators

High-quality refrigerators with features such as built-in icemakers, extra shelves, and smart features can cost well over $2,000 and even more than $3,000 for certain models.

Budget models with limited capacity can be found for around $500, while portable or mini fridges will be significantly less. Most standard fridges will cost somewhere in the $1,000–$2,000 range.

Microwaves

Microwaves vary significantly in price depending on their size and capacity. Small microwaves typically cost around $50–600, while medium-size microwaves cost anywhere from $150–500.

High-end microwaves with large capacity and extra features typically run between $300 and $1,000. For more information about microwave pricing, check out our microwave buying guide.

Most Trusted Brands for Major Appliances

Washer/Dryer

For washers and dyers, reliable brands include Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Maytag, Insignia, GE, and Whirlpool. Aska, Electrolux, and Speed Queen are less well-known, but they also make high-quality products.

Dishwasher

There are dozens of reliable dishwasher brands, including GE, Frigidaire, Samsung, Bosch, Maytag, KitchenAid, BLACK+DECKER, and Whirlpool.

Refrigerators

Samsung, GE, Bosch, LG, and Whirlpool are some of the most trusted brands for refrigerators. Magic Chef, Galanz, Insignia, and Sub-Zero are also excellent options.

Microwave

There is a wide range of brands to choose from when buying a microwave.

Popular and well-established microwave brands include BLACK+DECKER, Electrolux, Hamilton Beach, Hotpoint, Bosch, Farberware, GE, LG, Magic Chef, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and Panasonic.

The Best Places To Buy Major Appliances

Several reputable online retailers sell appliances from trusted brands and can deliver them straight to your home without the hassle of shopping in person. Some of the best places to shop for appliances include Amazon, Wayfair, Samsung, Best Buy, Target, and Macy’s, or you can shop from the brand’s website if you have a brand in mind.

Other Factors To Consider When Buying a Major Appliance

Space

When buying a major appliance, consider how much space you have in your home. You should always measure the space where you plan to put your appliance before purchasing and eliminate any models too large for that space.

If you live in a smaller home or apartment, for example, measure the space between your counters or the length of the wall before buying a new refrigerator. You should leave room (at least a few inches) on each side of the wall.

If you’re buying an over-the-range microwave, look closely at the height and width and ensure that it won’t knock into your kitchen cabinet or hang too low over the stovetop.

Weight

The weight of your appliance may also be a factor, especially if you’re considering self-installation. Larger appliances will be challenging to move or rearrange in your home. Lightweight models are more portable but will typically have less capacity and power.

Installation

After you purchase a major appliance, you’ll have to determine if you want to install it yourself or have a professional install it. While self-installation is more cost-effective, it can be challenging if you’re not experienced with installing large appliances.

If you were to pay for a professional to come and install it for you, the cost would vary based on the type of appliance and size of the model, but a basic installation may cost about $100–$300. Sometimes the store where you purchase the appliance may offer services such as delivery and installation, as well as hauling away the appliance, so ask about those services before you buy.

Features

Depending on what appliance you’re in the market for, here are some special features to look for that increase the product’s usability and overall effectiveness.

Dishwashers

• Adjustable rack, top rack, or third rack: Having adjustable or more rack space in your dishwasher gives you more flexibility on how many dishes you can fit or how you can configure your dirty dishes.
• Delay start: Dishwashers with a delayed start allow you to arrange the start of your dishwasher to ensure you’re not overusing the hot water in your home. For instance, you can use a delayed start to run after your washer is finished with a load.
• Energy Star certification for energy-efficient savings: Certain dishwashers have been labeled as ENERGY STAR certified, which means they can help save nearly 4,000 gallons of water during their lifetime compared to other models.
• Food pulverizers: Dishwashers that come with a food pulverizer use a chopper to disintegrate food particles so they don’t reappear on your dishes.
• Self-cleaning filters: Self-cleaning dishwashers clean the filter automatically during operation, reducing overall maintenance and dislodging trapped food particles.
• Smart-home integration and remote control: Dishwashers with Wi-Fi integration and smart home control allow you to manually control the dishwasher via a smartphone app so you can start and stop the appliance remotely, pause cycles, or create schedules.
• Soil sensor: Soil sensors automatically adjust how much energy is being used for each cycle depending on the soil load of the dishes, helping reduce overall energy use.

Washer/Dryers

• Automatic temperature control: If a washer features automatic temperature control, it can adjust the internal temperature during a wash to determine if cold or hot water is best for the particular cycle.
• Internal water heater: Internal water heaters draw hot water directly from the machine, rather than drawing in hot water from elsewhere in your home.
• Moisture sensors for custom dry time: Dryers that come with moisture sensors can automatically adjust a drying time to ensure it doesn’t finish until your clothes are completely dry.
• Self-cleaning: Washer/dryers with self-cleaning modes help reduce build-up and eliminate odors to help your clothes smelling gresh.
• Smart features: Like dishwashers, many washer/dryers come with Wi-Fi connectivity and other smart features that allow the cycles to be controlled remotely via your smartphone.
• Soil sensor: Automatic soil-sensing washers can automatically determine the level of stain on your clothes and adjust the cycle’s time and settings appropriately.
• Steam functions: Dryers with steam functions can help reduce or eliminate wrinkles in your clothes by using moist air to penetrate the fabric.

Refrigerators

• Air purification: Refrigerators with air purification can filter out airborne contaminants to reduce bacteria build-up and help keep out bad odors.
• Built-in ice maker: Refrigerators often come with built-in ice makers either in the freezer, or on the front panel. High-end fridges can sometimes make multiple types of ice, including crushed, cubed, or flakes.
• Built-in water dispenser: In addition to ice maker, some refrigerators have built-in water dispensers which can deliver purified, cold water simply by pressing a button on your refrigerator door.
• Digital controls: Many modern refrigerators come with digital touch control panels that allow you to adjust the internal temperature, adjust the fan speed, or increase or decrease cool air in various sections of the appliance.
• Smart features: Smart refrigerators can include various elements such as voice control, remote temperature adjustments, or even the ability to see the inside of your fridge from the outside. Some high-end smart fridges also include digital photo displays or speakers for playing music or taking calls.

Microwaves

• Automatic defrost: While most microwaves come with some sort of defrosting function, many also have specific functions for defrosting vegetables, meats, or poultry. Others automatically adjust the defrost time based on the weight of the food.
• Convection cooking: Convection microwaves use a heating element to spread heat evenly throughout the appliance, ensuring your food is fully heated and does not have cold spots.
• Racks: Some microwaves include extra racks, which allow you to heat more food at once or fit larger containers.
• Sensors: Like sensor control in other appliances, some microwaves can use sensor controls to automatically adjust the cooking time as food is heating, helping you avoid the frustration of needing to re-heat items that are not hot enough.
• Shortcut keys: Almost all microwaves include some variety of shortcut keys, which allow you to set cooking times automatically for certain food items or cooking types. Popular shortcut items including defrost, reheat, soften, popcorn, beverages, vegetables, pizza, and rice.
• Sound control: If you’re not able to open a microwave right after the cooking is complete, the constant beeping of the device reminding you about the cycle completion can be an annoyance. Some microwaves come with features that allow you to cycle this sound on and off, adjust its volume, or change how frequently it beeps.

Functionality

There’s nothing more frustrating than a major appliance that doesn’t work correctly. It can lead to headaches trying to figure out the issue or expensive repairs. Before buying an appliance, check to ensure it is well-reviewed and has no major red flags. Another major consideration is if it will work with your current home setup. For example, if your home doesn’t have a washer/dryer hookup, you may need to focus on portable washers.

Design/Style

While functionality and features are most important when it comes to appliances, that doesn’t mean you should ignore design. Most appliances come in black, white, stainless steel, or other dark colors. However, there are appliances available in brighter, novelty colors.

Many modern appliances also include fingerprint-resistant designs that help them maintain a sleek, fresh look no matter how often they’re used. Other design elements include handle or door finish color, configuration (such as a French-door refrigerator or top-load washer), and material.

Frequently Asked Questions About Major Appliances

Do I have enough room to fit a major appliance?

To ensure you have enough room to fit your appliance, check the product’s dimensions carefully before purchasing, and measure the space and counter depth where you plan on installing the appliance. It’s always wise to leave a few extra inches of space next to the wall for a refrigerator and washer/dryer. If you want to save space, consider models such as a countertop microwave, mini refrigerator, or portable washer/dryer.

What capacity appliance do I need?

To determine what capacity appliance works best for your needs, consider how often you plan on using the appliance and how large your household is. For example, a family of four that eats dinner at home every night is likely to require a large-capacity dishwasher, while a single person living in an apartment is likely looking for something more cost-effective that saves space.  For something like a washer dryer, think about how much laundry you do and how large your household is. A family of four with a full laundry room may opt for something like a large-capacity washer-dryer set, while a single person living in a small apartment may instead want to look at washer-dryer combos that take up minimal space.

How much should I spend on a major appliance?

How much you should spend on a major appliance is up to you, and the range varies widely by type of appliance. It may be helpful to set a budget before you shop and look for models within that price range. Just because certain models are cheaper doesn’t mean they are less effective—they just may be lacking in size or extra features that high-end models have. Setting a budget and researching your options will help you save money and ensure you’re buying a great product.

How do I know if the brand I’m buying is reliable?

If you’re buying a major appliance from a brand listed above in this article, it’s likely to be well-made and last for years. However, if you’re buying from a lesser-known brand, take time to do your research and read professional and customer reviews to see what is being said about the brand and model. You should also look for products with extensive warranties to better protect yourself if the product doesn’t meet your standards.

What is the best warranty for high-end appliances?

If you’re looking for an additional warranty on your high-end appliances to protect you from wear and tear or breakage, there are several good options to choose from, such as Liberty Home Guard, American Home Shield, First American Home Warranty, and Select Home Warranty. You can find one that offers the coverage you need and fits your budget.

Can I install a major appliance myself?

Installing a new appliance is possible if you are handy and have the right tools available. However, if you want to leave the installation to the professionals, it is important to factor in installation costs when making a purchase.

Installing a dishwasher can be tricky. If you have the proper hookup, front-loading washers and dryers are also relatively easy to install. If you’re installing an over-the-range microwave, you may need to install a hood for the exhaust.

When is the best time to buy a major appliance?

If you’re looking for a great deal on major appliances, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times of year to look for deals. However, if you look frequently, brands and retailers typically run promotions at various times of the year. You can also look for deals at the end of the month, right before manufacturers release new models.

Other Appliances To Consider

Many of the articles in this blog have focused on problems and misconceptions when buying appliances.

You can read reliability rates based on over 37,000 actual service calls, not speculation.

Then you have read about the many problems after the sale like delivery, installation, and finding service.

With chronic labor shortages, those problems have become even worse.

However, the assumption was always that you are buying the right appliances for your project in the first place.

That is a bad assumption.

You probably know more than the "expert" salesperson at the local or box store. Then again, a few know what they are talking about.

Some will even care about you and your project.

In this article, you will learn ten important appliance questions to ask your salesperson.

Then we will look at reviews and specifics to see how they will treat you after the sale.

As a bonus, you will also learn whether your salesperson is being "spiffed" or heavily compensated for selling an appliance by a manufacturer.

It's a problem you need to know about before you go to the appliance shop.

Let's get started (these are good questions to ask yourself before you begin a project).

10 Questions to Ask Your Appliance Salesperson

Question 1: Should I Buy a Gas or Dual Fuel Range?

This is a trick question.

It depends on the size, the brand, and other factors. Asking this question will demonstrate how much deep knowledge your salesperson has.

The proper response is, how do you like to cook?

That should be the response to many questions. For roasting, gas is better because it holds more moisture.

Broiling is also far better with gas, especially with an infrared broiler's intense, directed heat.

Electric is more consistent, drier, and better for baking.

If the answer is you want the "speed of gas with the dry heat of electric," then you should buy induction.

It's faster than even the hottest professional range, and you have an electric oven.

So for a regular 30-inch range, induction should be your choice unless you broil and roast more.    

In the larger sizes of 36, 48, and 60 inches, consider a pro range.

Wolf, Miele, Hestan, Thermador, SKS, and many other manufacturers will add features like better clocks, steam functionality, more cooking modes, and burners on their dual ranges only.

However, the basics of roasting and broiling of electric versus the evenness of electric baking stay the same.

Read More: What's the Difference Between All Gas and Dual Fuel Professional Ranges?

Question 2: Should I Buy Induction or Professional Gas, and If I Buy Induction, What Are the Pitfalls?

Not exactly a trick question, but another requiring deep explanation.

Induction is magnetic heat. The magnets excite the molecules of the pan while the pan cooks the food.

It is faster than a pro range burner with an infinite simmer.

Luckboil supply professional and honest service.

Other benefits include:

• Safety: Induction cannot be activated without a metal pan on the top. (significant benefit with kids)
• Venting: Induction requires less venting because it does not emit heat like gas.
• Cleanability: The top does not heat like electricity or gas, so food doesn't bake into the surface.

Induction is a better way to cook, but gas is a better choice in larger sizes if you want a grill or griddle.

Gas is also more reliable because induction is vulnerable to voltage spikes.

Learn More: Induction Buying Guide

Question 3: Should I Buy a Downdraft for My New Kitchen?

The answer to this is absolutely not.

A downdraft cannot vent properly.

Yes, it's better than nothing and should only be used to replace other downdrafts if you cannot vent anywhere else, but never in new construction.

Venting is about capture area or how much height, width, and depth your hood is. Downdrafts have no capture area.

They also reverse the direction of the Air and have longer venting runs.

As a result, you may want to ask about other venting suggestions.

This question may seem unfair because it requires a design background. That said, you can consider an overhead island hood to vent properly or place a sink in the middle and move the cooking to a wall.

Question 4: What Is Make-Up Air and Why Is It important?

Make-Up Air is the law in Massachusetts. Any hood over 400 CFM requires an equal return.

You would either return air through your HVAC system or 10 feet away from your stove on an opposite wall.

It's important because you will be breathing unhealthy Air from your garage, attic, or furnace without a fresh return of air.

Even if you live in an older home or a state without the law, you should consider a fresh air return in your house.

Question 5: What CFM Do I Need for My Kitchen?

This question has many responses. The best response should be "How to do You, Cook."

If you grill, griddle, or wok, higher CFM is needed because more heat, smoke, and grease will be emitted. One thousand CFM for a 36-inch range is adequate.

You should also have a recommendation for a larger hood with greater depth for better capture.

For 30-inch ranges, 600 CFM for high output cooking is a good recommendation.

Once again, your answer should tailor to how you use your stove.

Learn More: Ventilation Buying Guide

Question 6: What Do You Think About Black Stainless Appliances?

The sneaky question, but you will know knowledge and honesty with the response.

Nobody should buy black stainless steel finishes.

It's just an oxide coating and is easily scratchable, leaving the shiny undercoating. It cannot be repaired and is not warrantied as it is considered cosmetic by the manufacturer.

So the right answer is don't buy it. Consider stainless, white, or other designer finishes if you want just a unique pop of color.

Read More: Appliances You Should Never Buy

Question 7: How Quiet Should My Dishwasher Be?

You only need 44 decibels. Anything below that, you cannot hear.

Run if the tactic is to step you up based on quietness and not other features.

Of course, you can now buy 39 dB dishwashers from KitchenAid and Beko for under $.

Question 8: What Are the Differences Between Front Load, Top Load, and Hybrid Top Load Washers?

The bad answer is reliability, as it is almost identical between the top and front loads.

Here are the actual numbers:

• Front-load: Size, efficiency, and features like steam and auto dispensers. Reliable yet harder to fix. Mold issues can occur if you don't dry residual waster and keep the door open.
• Top Load: Less expensive and more straightforward to fix, but lacking in capacity and features.
• Hybrid: Combination with the size and efficiency of a front-load and the convenience of a top-load just without the agitator. Interesting design, but washability has been questioned in past hybrids.

Bonus Question: What's the Difference Between Speed Queen Washers?

The TC series has the agitator tied to the motor, while the TR series uses water flow to move the agitator. The TC is more aggressive in removing stains, while the TR is gentler on the clothes.

Question 9: What Are the Benefits of Twin Evaporator Refrigerators?

Twin evaporators keep the freezer and refrigerator air from commingling, so tastes and odors don't transfer. So the fresh fish or stinky cheese aromas in your refrigerator won't end up in your ice cream.

It's a good question to ask because half the brands use twin evaporators while the others use a single evaporator. 

Bonus Question: What's the Difference Between Integrated and Counter Depth Refrigerators?

The short answer is the door protrudes on a counter depth, while the integrated fits within the 24-inch depth.

An integrated is seamless to your cabinets but the most expensive per cubic foot. You will see the door protrude in regular or professional counter-depth refrigerators.

Question 10: Where Can I Find Service for My Appliances?

This question will be tough to answer. Most of the industry knows there is a service problem, yet 95% of the stores do not have a service department.

If the answer is, the manufacturer will handle service, then look at this.

We handle service or have an arrangement with a competent local service provider is an acceptable answer.

Find out who that competent service provider is.

Read More: Why Doesn’t Every Appliance Brand and Store Offer Service?

How Will Your Salesperson Treat You After the Sale?

So your salesperson knows their product.

That's good.

However, what happens after you order your appliances?

How is the follow-up? How are they handling problems?

For that, you need to do some research. Look at Google reviews and type in their name, and see what is written.

You have to be mindful that there are two sides to every story. However, you are looking for patterns.

If they show a pattern of not returning calls or ghosting after collecting your money, consider other options.

Sales "Spiffs"

One of the biggest problems in our industry is spiffs or payments directly from the manufacturer to the salesperson, even bypassing store ownership.

We don't allow manufacturers to spiff salespeople at yale.

Some of these payments can be huge.

So if your appliance salesperson is pushing on an unknown or unfamiliar brand for no apparent reason, then they are probably being spiffed.

Some unknown brands like SKS, Hestan, and Beko have great features you should consider.

But others do not.

So be conscious of not being "pushed" into any unknown brands without features you want or need.

Key Takeaways

Your kitchen is an important part of your house and life. It's where you cook and assemble as a family.

Asking questions is the only way to determine whether your salesperson knows what they are talking about.

Be mindful of how you will be treated after the sale by the salesperson and store.

Lastly, be careful of what and why you are buying and make sure it corresponds to your need.

You don't want to be persuaded into buying an appliance due to a heavier commission.

Additional Resources

With in-depth profiles of brands, answers to the ten most asked appliance questions, and a section on how to buy appliances at the right price, the Yale Appliance Buying Guide will help you in every stage of the buying process.

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