Buying and Selling Large Home Appliances: A Complete Guide

Fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens are expensive enough new that secondhand buying makes real financial sense — but their size and complexity mean a bit more diligence is needed than with smaller items.

What to ask before buying

• The appliance's age and brand/model — this lets you check typical lifespan and known issues for that specific model.
• Reason for selling — a kitchen renovation or house move is a different signal than an appliance that's simply stopped working well.
• Whether it's been serviced or repaired, and if any error codes have appeared recently.

What to check at viewing

• Ask the seller to run a full cycle if possible (wash, cool-down, bake) rather than just switching it on briefly.
• Check door seals and hinges on fridges, ovens, and washing machines for wear or damage — these are common failure points.
• Listen for unusual noises during operation, particularly with washing machines during the spin cycle.
• For fridges and freezers, ask how long it's been unplugged if it's already been disconnected, since some units struggle to restart properly after an extended period off.

Delivery and installation

Large appliances need proper transport — plan for a van or dedicated appliance delivery rather than assuming a car will do, and check doorway and staircase clearances in advance. Some appliances (built-in ovens, plumbed washing machines) need professional installation, which is worth factoring into your budget.

Protecting a larger purchase

Given the price of major appliances, RahaKaitse escrow is worth using for anything bought remotely or from an unfamiliar seller — particularly useful here since a fault sometimes only becomes apparent once the appliance is running its first full cycle in your home.