Appliances serve essential functions to make one’s life easier, including preserving food, washing clothes, or doing the dishes. But, when one considers buying a new household appliance, the list is endless, making it easy to splurge on items one may not require. The ideal way around this is to know the key appliances for any household, their essential functions, and their costs. Furthermore, learning shopping tips can help one make the most of a purchase.

Refrigerators
A refrigerator can differ in price based on its size and features offered. For instance, a high-end option with features like built-in icemakers, additional shelves, and other smart elements like Wi-Fi connectivity can cost over $2,000 (some even range over $3,000). A cost-effective model with limited capacity may have a price tag of around $500, while a mini-refrigerator may cost even less. A standard refrigerator should cost around $1,000 and $2,000.

Dishwashers
The size of a dishwasher may influence the price it sells for. One can find options for $300 or less with fewer racks and cleaning power. On the contrary, high-end dishwashers with more racks and features could cost about $2,000 or more. Standard models can cost between $800 and $1000, offering just the right features and rack space.

Washers/Dryers
A washer-and-dryer set may cost about $1,500 for the standard features, while high-end options can range between $2,000 and $3,000 or more. One could find budget options below $1,200 or less. Furthermore, a standalone washing machine or dryer may cost between $500 and $3,000 based on the make and model .

Microwaves
A small microwave could have a price tag between $50 and $600. Medium-sized appliances may range from $150 to $500. A large microwave with a large capacity and extra features may run between $300 and $1,000.

Stove/range
Stove and oven range prices are $600 to $1,3000 per unit. However, one could expect to pay more for a bigger appliance with added features. The freestanding units are usually gas or electric and have an oven beneath them. For those who want a slide-in oven that fits between cabinets may cost about 30% to 50% more than a freestanding unit.

Buying tips
The options mentioned above are just some key household appliances one can look for when moving into a new home or upgrading the space. That said, these appliances come at steep prices. Therefore, one must follow certain buying practices that can help one make an informed decision.

Measure the space
Space availability is a crucial thing to consider when buying an appliance for the home. Always measure the area where the appliance will be installed before buying. Doing so will help eliminate models that are too large or small for the space. Start by measuring the dimensions of the appliances, including the height, width, and depth. Compare the measurements with the available space in the kitchen. Don’t forget to account for cabinets, countertops, and other permanent fixtures that may get in the way of an appliance. For instance, measure the space while ensuring a fixture can open freely even after installing the new appliance.

Account for installation
Buying an appliance may also require installation. If one hires a professional, basic fees may range between $100 and $300. Some stores may offer services like delivery and installation and also hauling away the appliances. So, one should ask about what’s included in the cost before the purchase .

Make a list of the desired features
It is important to consider the features of each appliance one is opting for. For instance, an adjustable or larger rack space provides flexibility in fitting various dishes. For washers and dryers, having a system to automatically control water temperature can help optimize each cycle. Moreover, if one is buying a refrigerator, features like air purification can filter out airborne contaminants, reducing bacteria and eliminating unpleasant odors. So, it’s best to create a checklist of all the desired features before deciding on a particular appliance.

Read the review
The reviews for an appliance can tell if it’s worth the investment. For instance, a refrigerator may carry a premium price tag, enticing buyers with its sleek design and advanced features. But, if it has bad reviews because of poor quality parts or inconsistent performance, one may get disappointed. So, carefully reading reviews can help buyers effectively eliminate options that they like to fall short of expectations, ultimately streamlining the decision-making process.

Set a budget
Having a price in mind can help determine whether one can afford a particular brand and model. Setting budgets can also prevent the buyer from overspending on features they may not require. For instance, while a refrigerator may offer Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access, one can do without it, which will help save some amount of money.