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Luxury Appliances on a Budget
How to Get What You Want for Less!

Even in a downturn economy, there are bargains to be had for top-of-the-line appliances.

Buying a display floor model, discontinued model, demonstration model, or one that has suffered a few minor scratches/dents can make even high-end appliances surprisingly affordable.

Which means you can probably get exactly want you want, or even upgrade your choice of appliance, and still stay within your budget.

Display floor models, 'demo' models or discontinued items are also known as 'open box' items. Which means you won't get the appliance in a box ... but the savings (sometimes as much as 75% depending on the item) will more than compensate for the lack of a box.

Definitely consider this option if you are updating, adding, or replacing a worn-out appliance.

Getting what you want if you are planning to replace several, or all of your appliances at the same time will be harder, if not impossible, if you want the same brand for all the appliances.

In this case, it is extremely unlikely that you will find everything you need from a single retailer.

A Word About Brand Names
High-end (premium) appliance brands include AGA, Dacor, Eurotech, Fivestar, Gaggenau, GE Monogram, KitchenAid, Marvel, Miele, Northland, Sub-Zero, Thermador and Wolf, to name a few.

These appliances are not found in the average home. They do offer professional level quality, features, design and convenience which translates into higher cost.

Mid-range brands such as Amana, Bosch, GE Profile, Jenn-Aire, LG, Maytag and others, offer quality features and exceptional appliance designs at half the cost of the high-end brands.
(Electrolux is also in this mid-range group, however Keidel does not carry the Electrolux brand)

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Shop Around. Do the Research before you buy.
Know the features you want, and the comparable prices. Whether you buy the newest, discontinued, blemished, or floor model, you want the best price and value for your money.

The Display Floor Model
The appliance you see on the showroom floor is there so you, the customer, can see the merchandise before buying.

A floor model is a new appliance. It is not a used appliance; not a defective item; not a returned item ... it is simply the display model.

When the newest models arrive, the stores need to get rid of the current display models to make room ... and will often offer a discount in order to do so.

If the model you want is out of stock, ask the sales person if you can buy the display model at a discount.

The warranty on a display model is the same manufacturer's warranty as a brand new appliance .

Demo (Demonstration) Models
A 'demo' appliance is a 'working model' on the showroom floor. It is used to show customers the special features of certain appliances.

The most common 'demo' appliance is the refrigerator. Having the unit plugged in and working, means the light comes on when you open the door, so you can see all the features inside.

On the down side, the light bulb might burn out sooner, due to the many times the model is opened and closed when on display.

For other 'demo' (working) appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, ranges, clothes washers and dryers, etc., ask the sales person about the warranty. If the warranty started when the appliance was turned on, some dealers will 'throw in' a 3 month (or longer) extended warranty.

The discount on a 'demo' appliance should be more than the display floor model.

Discontinued (Close Out) Models
A discontinued model is just that. The manufacturer has announced that it will no longer make that particular model (most often refers to "last year's model").

The warranty is the same manufacturer's warranty as a brand new appliance, because it is a new appliance that has been replaced by a newer model.

A discontinued model that has the features you are looking for is an excellent value for the money.

Caution

Some retailers claim to have the "lowest prices anywhere" while implying they are selling the latest model appliances, when in fact they are selling discontinued models.

Do your homework. Visit the manufacturer's website, and look for the model number being advertised. If it is not featured on the website it probably is not a current model.

Having said that, some manufacturers do not display their entire product line on the WEB. When in doubt, ask the sales person if the appliance you are looking at is the latest model or a discontinued model.

Scratched and Dented (Blemished)
Scratched and Dented appliances are new units that are out of a carton, and may have cosmetic blemishes (damage that affects only the appearance of the unit, not its ability to work).

Blemished appliances are not "broken". They are in full working order.

Appliances with cosmetic damage cannot be sold for full price, so retailers mark them down, sometimes significantly.

Imperfections may vary from tiny scratches to large dents, and prices generally correspond to the severity of damage.

The manufacturer's warranty applies to these units as well, since the damage did not affect the internal components.

Energy Efficient Appliances
Choose Energy Efficient Appliances whenever possible.

They do cost more, but don't go into sticker shock when you're looking at ENERGY STAR efficient appliances and WaterSense fixtures. Research shows that the savings in energy cost means you can't afford not to buy them.

Look for the Energy Guide labels. They are required on all water heaters, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, furnaces and air-conditioners.

More importantly, learn how to read these labels. The label states the estimated annual cost of operating the appliance.

The amount you save on the operating costs over the lifetime of the appliance could be quite considerable.

Be sure to compare the energy cost on various models and makes. Energy costs will vary from model to model, including those that look the same and/or have the same, or similar features.

Learn more about how to choose energy efficient appliances.

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