Refurbished appliances sell for less than new ones — but how much less varies a lot. Savings commonly range from about 10% off for open-box items to more than 60% off for older units sold as-is. The appliance type, its condition grade, who refurbished it, and where you buy it all move the price. This guide compares typical refurbished prices across appliance categories, explains what pushes a price up or down, and shows you how to judge whether a quote is fair.
What Counts as “Refurbished”?
Refurbished is a broad label. It covers several conditions, and each one has its own price band. Knowing which band you are looking at is the fastest way to compare prices fairly.
- Open-box or like-new: Returned but unused or barely used, sold with original parts and packaging. Usually 10–25% below new.
- Certified refurbished: Inspected, tested, repaired if needed, and sold with a warranty. Usually 20–40% below new.
- Standard refurbished: Restored to working order by a technician or reseller, often with a shorter warranty. Usually 30–50% below new.
- Cosmetic seconds: Fully functional with visible dents or scratches. Usually 40–60% below new.
- As-is or used: Working condition not guaranteed. Usually 50–70% below new.
If a listing just says “refurbished” with no grade, assume it sits somewhere in the middle. Ask the seller which band it falls into before comparing prices.
Refurbished Prices Compared by Appliance Type
Larger, more complex appliances cost more to refurbish, so the percentage savings are often smaller. Small appliances are cheap to replace, so the discounts can look dramatic. The table below shows the general ranges you can expect.
| Appliance | Typical savings off new | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | 25–50% | Compressor and sealed-system work, size, finish, age |
| Washing machines | 30–55% | Motor and drum condition, type, capacity |
| Dryers | 30–55% | Heating element, venting design, type |
| Dishwashers | 25–50% | Pump and seal repairs, age, noise level |
| Ranges and ovens | 25–50% | Heating or ignition elements, control boards |
| Microwaves | 30–60% | Simple design, low repair cost, low new price |
| Small kitchen appliances | 40–70% | Low new prices, little repair value, frequent replacement |
These are general ranges, not fixed prices. Actual figures depend on your market, the model’s age, and current supply. Treat them as a benchmark: if a quote falls well outside the range, ask why.
Why the Same Appliance Sells at Different Prices
Two identical models can carry very different refurbished prices. These factors explain most of the gap:
- Condition grade: A fully restored unit with new parts costs more than one that was just cleaned and tested.
- Age and model year: Newer units hold more value; older ones drop quickly.
- Warranty length: A 12-month warranty adds cost, but it also shifts risk away from you.
- Cosmetic damage: A dent on the side panel is invisible once installed and can cut the price noticeably.
- Parts availability: Models with easy-to-find replacement parts are cheaper to refurbish and cheaper to buy.
- Efficiency and running cost: More efficient units cost more up front and less to operate.
- Supply and demand: Popular sizes and finishes sell fast and hold their price.
- Season: Moving seasons and holiday weeks bring more trade-ins, which pushes refurbished prices down.
- What’s included: Shelves, racks, hoses, and manuals add value.
How the Seller Changes the Price
Where you buy matters as much as what you buy.
- Manufacturer refurbished programs: Highest prices in the refurbished market, but the most consistent testing and the strongest warranties.
- Independent refurbishers and repair shops: Middle pricing, hands-on testing, and often a short in-house warranty.
- Liquidation and overstock sellers: Lower prices on open-box and scratch-and-dent units, with limited support.
- Online marketplaces: Wide price spread; quality depends entirely on the individual seller.
- Local classified listings: Lowest prices, usually no warranty, no delivery, and no returns.
- Charity and thrift stores: Very low prices, but testing and guarantees vary widely.
As a rule, the price rises with the level of testing, warranty coverage, and delivery included.
Costs That Are Not on the Price Tag
A low sticker price can become an average deal once extras are added. Compare these items across sellers before deciding:
- Delivery: Often free with a purchase, but charged separately for second-hand buys.
- Installation and hookup: Common for built-in appliances such as dishwashers.
- Haul-away of your old unit: Frequently an add-on fee.
- Extended warranty: Can add a meaningful percentage to the total.
- Missing or replacement parts: Racks, hoses, and filters add up quickly.
- Expected repairs: Older units are more likely to need service sooner.
- Energy use: An older, less efficient unit can cost more to run than the purchase price saved.
How to Judge Whether a Refurbished Price Is Fair
- Look up the current new price for the same model or a close equivalent.
- Calculate the discount and compare it with the ranges above.
- Confirm the condition grade and ask what was replaced or repaired.
- Check the warranty length and what it actually covers.
- Ask about the return window and who pays return shipping or pickup.
- Compare two or three sellers for the same model before committing.
- Add delivery, installation, and any extras to get the true total.
If the total lands at or below the typical range for that appliance and grade, it is a reasonable price. If it is far above, you are likely paying for convenience or warranty coverage rather than the appliance itself.
Tips for Paying Less
- Buy mid-tier models rather than the largest or most feature-heavy ones; the savings percentage is usually better.
- Choose a less popular finish — the appliance works the same.
- Accept a cosmetic flaw on a hidden panel.
- Shop during moving and holiday seasons when trade-in volume rises.
- Ask whether the price is negotiable, especially with independent sellers.
- Skip the extended warranty if the unit already includes a solid one.
Conclusion
Refurbished appliance prices are best compared by grade, not by label. Open-box and certified units sit closest to new prices, standard refurbished units land in the middle, and cosmetic seconds or as-is units offer the deepest discounts. Big appliances generally save 25–50%, while smaller ones can save 40–70% or more. Add delivery, installation, and warranty costs to the sticker price before you compare, and confirm the condition grade and return policy in writing. Done carefully, a refurbished purchase can cut the cost of a working appliance substantially without cutting reliability. For more practical guidance on everyday home decisions, explore the other guides on the site.