Home Appliance Buying Guide: How to Choose Kitchen & Laundry Appliances

What counts as a major appliance?

Major appliances fall into two groups. In the kitchen that means refrigerators, freezers, ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves, range hoods, dishwashers, ice makers and wine or beverage coolers. In the laundry room it means your washer and dryer.

Each one is a long-term purchase, so it pays to think through how you actually cook, clean and do laundry before comparing models.

Kitchen appliances at a glance

• Refrigerators: choose a style first (French door, side-by-side, top or bottom freezer), then decide between standard depth for maximum storage or counter depth for a flush, built-in look.
• Ranges: gas, electric or induction, plus freestanding vs slide-in. Measure the width of your opening — 30 inches is the most common.
• Wall ovens and cooktops: a split setup frees up layout options. Single, double or oven-microwave combos are available, and convection helps with even baking.
• Microwaves: over-the-range models double as a vent; countertop and drawer models suit islands and remodels.
• Dishwashers: compare noise level (lower dBA is quieter), third racks and drying performance.
• Freezers, ice makers and beverage centers: great add-ons for big households, bulk shoppers and entertainers.

Laundry appliances at a glance

Front-load washers use less water and can be stacked to save space; top-load washers are easier to load and usually cost less. For dryers, match the capacity to your washer and decide between gas (needs a gas line) and electric (needs a 240-volt outlet). Moisture sensors and steam cycles are the features most families notice day to day.

8 things to weigh before you buy

• Size and capacity: bigger households, bulk grocery runs and frequent hosting call for more capacity.
• Color and finish: pick a finish that fits your kitchen or laundry room — fingerprint-resistant stainless is a busy-family favorite.
• Smart features: app control and remote alerts are worth it only if you'll use them.
• Energy efficiency: ENERGY STAR certified models can lower utility bills over the appliance's life.
• Installation: confirm the fuel type (gas or electric), outlet, water line and exact dimensions of your space.
• Warranty: check what the manufacturer covers and consider a protection plan for extra peace of mind.
• Maintenance: filters, gaskets and vents all need occasional care — know what you're signing up for.
• Budget: set a range up front so you can focus on the features that matter most.

Should you buy appliances as a bundle?

If you're replacing two or more appliances, buying them together often saves money and gives you a matching look. Kitchen packages and washer-dryer pairs are the most common bundles.

When is the best time to buy?

Don't wait for a breakdown — if an appliance is aging, noisy or running less efficiently, start shopping while you still have time to compare. Holiday sales and the months when new models arrive are also good times to find deals on outgoing models.

Shop smarter at Appliance Direct

Compare new, Clearance and Scratch & Dent options side by side at any Appliance Direct showroom or browse online. Scratch & Dent pieces carry a condition grade so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy.