7 things to consider when buying refurbished appliances

What is a refurbished appliance?

A refurbished appliance is one that’s been gently or lightly used, inspected and restored. It may have a small scratch or minor cosmetic defect, but many manufacturers will try to minimize those in the restoration process as well. Keep in mind that gently used can mean a number of things. The appliance might have been a demo or display model. It might have arrived in damaged packaging, or it might have been purchased and returned after a use or two.

Are refurbished appliances reliable?

Refurbished appliances purchased from a reputable manufacturer can be very reliable. In addition to being an economical and sustainable option, many quality refurbished kitchen appliances—including KitchenAid^® refurbished small appliances—are backed by warranties for added confidence. Look for certified refurbished products; this will help ensure that the appliances have been rigorously inspected, tested and held to a high standard of quality before they’re approved for resale by the manufacturer.

What’s the difference between new vs refurbished appliances?

A new appliance is exactly that, brand new. It comes in its original packaging and has never been used, even lightly. A warranty is likely included in the purchase of a new appliance. A refurbished appliance has been gently used or even unused and returned. After it’s inspected, restored and re-packaged, it’s sold at a discounted price. The appliance is not new, but it is new to you. Many refurbished appliances are backed by warranties that may be less comprehensive than the warranties for new products.

What’s the difference between used vs refurbished appliances?

A used or pre-owned appliance that is not purchased from the manufacturer may not be held to the same standard of restoration and inspection that is the mark of a quality refurbished appliance. A used appliance may not be in good working order and may have cosmetic flaws—stains, scratches or discolorations. A used appliance may not have a warranty or qualify for continued support from the manufacturer, depending on where and how it was bought. Purchasing a refurbished countertop appliance—like a certified refurbished KitchenAid^® stand mixer—from the manufacturer may also give you more colors, capacities and styles to choose from vs. used appliances.

Refurbished vs certified refurbished appliances

Look for certified refurbished appliances to help ensure that your appliance has been held to a high standard of restoration and inspection. A KitchenAid^® certified refurbished countertop appliance signifies that your appliance has been inspected and restored to like-new performance by a manufacturer-approved technician.

A single technician will inspect the returned KitchenAid^® product by hand. If any part is damaged or missing, the part is replaced to help restore the appliance to its original condition. Recycled high-quality parts are used whenever possible to help reduce waste. Cosmetic flaws are repaired or minimized before the product is cleaned, polished and carefully re-packaged with any accessories required for operation,¹ as well as manuals and guides.

For additional peace of mind, KitchenAid^® certified refurbished countertop appliances are backed by warranties. Certified refurbished KitchenAid^® stand mixers are backed by a 1-year limited parts warranty from the date of purchase.² All other refurbished KitchenAid^® products, including certified refurbished KitchenAid^® food processors and choppers and certified refurbished KitchenAid^® blenders and hand blenders are backed by a 6-month limited parts warranty from the date of purchase.²

^{1. Included accessories vary by individual unit. All accessories required for operation are included. Additional accessories may be purchased separately depending on availability. 2. See product warranty for details}

Refurbished appliances: 7 considerations before you buy

Discounted prices aren’t the only thing to consider before asking yourself—should I buy refurbished? Look for other benefits like warranties and continued support and be sure and understand the certification process to make sure you’re getting the best appliance for your investment.

Here are 7 things to consider before you purchase a refurbished appliance:

1. Cost savings

Shop online and compare prices of new versus refurbished appliances to help determine that you’re getting the best price. You may find that a high-end, multi-featured refurbished model—rather than a less premium new model—is in your budget.

2. Certification process

Understand the certification process to help guarantee that you’re getting a high-quality product. Has the product been examined and restored by a manufacturer-approved technician? Is the product held to a standard of like-new performance? Is the manufacturer using recycled parts? How does the manufacturer treat cosmetic flaws? For example, for a certified refurbished KitchenAid^® small appliance to pass a cosmetic inspection, a cloth must pass easily—without snagging—over any scratch. This kind of attention to even the smallest detail is what helps make certified refurbished appliances smart purchases.

3. Parts and accessories included

A food processor without discs and blades or a stand mixer without mixing and blending accessories won’t be very useful. Make sure the refurbished small appliance you’re purchasing comes with all the parts and accessories you need for operation. KitchenAid^® certified refurbished appliances come with all required parts and accessories³ so you can start creating right away.

^{3. Included accessories vary by individual unit. All accessories required for operation are included. Additional accessories may be purchased separately depending on availability.}

4. Backed by warranty

Check the warranty before you buy a refurbished kitchen appliance to make sure you understand what is covered. Keep in mind that warranty periods can be shorter for refurbished appliances. Some manufacturers will back their products for up to 6 months, and some appliances, like the KitchenAid^® certified refurbished stand mixer, are backed by a 1-year limited parts warranty from the date of purchase.^{2 2. See product warranty for details}

5. Free shipping & returns

Know the type of packaging the appliance will come in and look for refurbished appliances that offer free shipping and returns for more savings. KitchenAid brand offers free shipping on all refurbished orders and free returns on your product within 30 days.^{4 4. Shipped to a single U.S. address. Excludes in-home delivery. Only valid for new orders on kitchenaid.com. See our} return policy ^{for details.}

6. Continued support & service

To increase confidence in your purchase and keep it working at peak performance, look for appliances that offer continued support and service. When you register your KitchenAid^® appliance you’ll receive easy access to help, manuals and more.

7. Sustainability

Purchasing a refurbished product can help reduce waste. Understand whether or not your vendor uses recycled parts in the refurbishment process to help increase sustainability. Upholding a commitment to sustainability is important to KitchenAid brand that’s why you’ll find that the manufacturer strives to reduce waste through the reuse and recycling of high-quality parts.