Shopping for scratch and dent appliances is one of the best ways to get top brands for incredibly low prices. Looking for steep discounts to upgrade appliances without compromising quality?
Then the bargain lies with scratch and dent models, appliances marked down 30-60% thanks purely to minor cosmetic handling damage sustained in shipment transit that leaves functionality wholly intact.
But what exactly are scratch and dent appliances, and why should you consider them for your next refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine purchase?
Read on to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Scratch and dent appliances offer discounts of 30-60% off regular retail prices
- Even high-end, premium brands are often available with scratch and dent pricing
- Most damage is minor cosmetic flaws like small dents, light scratches, scuffs
- Outer surfaces tend to sustain most damage from handling and transportation
What are Scratch and Dent Appliances?
Scratch and dent appliances refer to new appliances that have minor cosmetic damage, usually during transportation or delivery.
We’re talking small dents, light scratches, or minor dings that don’t affect performance but do lead stores to deeply discount prices to sell these appliances faster.
You can find savings of 30-60% off retail prices when you shop for scratch and dent.
Where to Shop for the Best Scratch and Dent Appliance Deals
Some top places to shop include:
- Scratch and dent appliance warehouses – These stores specialize in selling discounted new appliances with cosmetic defects straight from the manufacturer or retailer.
- Big box appliance retailers – Major stores like Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot also carry scratch and dent models at steep discounts both online and in some brick-and-mortar locations.
- Discount grocery/department stores – Think Walmart, CostCo, BJ’s Wholesale Club – they all sell appliance scratch and dents for amazing bargains.
Should You Buy a Scratch and Dent Refrigerator?
Absolutely! When it comes to refrigerators, the savings on a minor scratch and dent appliance are incredible.
We’re talking hundreds off retail prices for light cosmetic damage that in no way impacts cooling or food storage performance.
You can find high-end french door refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators with ice makers marked 50%+ off just because of scratches or dents to outer doors or sides.
As long as the inner compartments are still fully sealed, insulation intact, and compressor working, a dent refrigerator will keep your food as fresh as a brand new model!
Plus top brands like GE, LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool routinely have scratch and dented refrigerator models for sale.
What to Look for In a Scratch and Dent Washer and Dryer
Washers and dryers also see major scratch and dent savings – high efficient front loaders and top load smart washers can be found at 30-60% off.
When it comes to washers specifically:
- Check that inner wash drum is still balanced – small external dents should not throw off spinning.
- Make sure door still seals tightly – you don’t want leaks during wash cycles.
For dryers:
- Ensure inside drum turns smoothly – no loud noises or screeching from minor external damage.
- Test door latch and lock – dent damage should not stop door from shutting securely.
As long as performance remains the same, the discount is worth it!
Should I Consider a Scratch and Dent Dishwasher or Range?
Again – yes! Dings to an outer dishwasher door or side panel won’t impact cleaning performance at all. As long as the inner racks, water jets, filter, and control panel still function like new, you can score refrigerators with stainless steel tubs for hundreds less.
Same goes for ranges – scratches or dents to finished outer wrap won’t hurt burner or oven performance.
Check that controls, clocks, interior racks, etc still look factory new but expect some external wear and tear.
But between 30-50% savings off retail make minor cosmetic flaws more than worth it!
What Brands Can I Find with Scratch and Dent Discounts?
Pretty much every major appliance brand has scratch and dent models for sale. We’re talking about hugely discounted prices on normally expensive stainless steel and premium appliances:
- GE
- LG
- Samsung
- Whirlpool
- Maytag
- Bosch
- Frigidaire
Along with smaller brands like Amana, Haier, Insignia, Kenmore, and Hotpoint found at discount through big box and appliance scratch and dent specialty shops.
Can I Finance Scratch and Dent Appliances?
For big buys like refrigerators, absolutely! Most scratch and dent appliance warehouses and retailers offer financing options from 6-18 months to help you get amazing discounts on quality appliances without breaking the bank in one purchase.
Just because you score a scratch and dent dishwasher for 50% doesn’t mean you have that much upfront cash.
Check out payment plans so you can affordably upgrade kitchens and laundry rooms at fraction-of-retail prices.
| Appliance | Average Discount | What to Inspect |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | 50% off | French doors seal properly; ice maker works; compressor runs quietly |
| Washers | 40% off | Drum spins smoothly; door seals tightly; dispensers work |
| Dryers | 35% off | Drum turns quietly; door latch works; heating element warms up |
| Dishwashers | 45% off | Spray arms rotate freely; door seals completely; control panel functions |
| Ranges/Ovens | 30% off | Burners ignite; oven maintains set temp; clock/timers work |
| Microwaves | 25% off | Door operates well; interior light turns on; spins tray smoothly |
How Do Scratch and Dent Retailers Get Discounted Appliances?
Scratch and dent sellers buy factory direct or through big box retailers. They take shipments of appliances that arrived from warehouses with minor cosmetic flaws.
Then provide you access to these deep discounts rather than returning items back to manufacturers!
This means a constant incoming supply of the latest models with tiny imperfections like small dings or light scratches that bring down prices without affecting performance and useful life expectancy.
Should I Buy In-Store or Online?
Both options have pros and cons. Brick and mortar scratch and dent appliance warehouses let you personally inspect units to find best picks free of big damage. However you’re limited by local inventory.
Shopping online opens up way more selection across multiple retailers and nationwide stock. However be sure to carefully go over condition details in listings, not just photos.
Online description callouts are important – “just a scratch” can still mean visible wear and tear in person versus stock studio images.
What’s the Biggest Risk with Buying Scratch and Dent?
You don’t want appliances with inner mechanical or electrical damage – which does happen if warehouse transports are rough.
Cosmetic exterior defects are fine if inner workings unaffected! So when buying scratch and dent:
- Carefully inspect unit condition firsthand whenever possible – have retailer power on dishwasher, run washer test cycle, check fridge compressor, etc.
- Review return policies – make sure you can bring back scratch and dent appliances if defective beyond described cosmetic flaws.
Do that due diligence and you can score incredible discounts on quality kitchen and laundry room appliances built to last years despite small outer dents!
FAQs
Q: How much can I save with scratch and dent appliances?
A: Expect 30-60% off retail prices on scratch and dent models.
Q: Do scratch and dent appliances work properly?
A: Yes, minor external flaws don’t affect performance – inner workings remain intact.
Q: Can I return a scratch and dent appliance if defective?
A: Retailer return policies vary, choose those allowing returns beyond described cosmetic defects.
Conclusion
Absolutely – when bought carefully, appliances with scratch and dent discounts are one of the best budget ways to upgrade.
Just focus on minor cosmetic defects that don’t impact performance, and verify appliance functionality firsthand whenever possible.
Take advantage of huge savings but still get durable products that provide years of quality use.
The tiny imperfections just mean more money back in your wallet!
