The 5 appliances you should never buy cheap – or free
Some things are worth investing on. Don't skimp on the best appliances...


It’s natural to look for a bargain, but when it comes to appliances you should always be willing to spend.
State-of-the-art appliances positioned with efficiency and ease in mind will ensure professional performance for years to come, so it is imperative that you do your research and invest wisely in the best on the market.
See: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for all kitchens
Here, Prominence Support – who offer cover for electrical breakdowns as well as accidental damage cover on appliances – share their expertise with Homes & Garden about the five appliances you should never buy cheaply.
1. Washing machines
Washing machines are a vital appliance for any home.
When buying one, you may want to consider how durable they are, how easy they might be to fix should anything go wrong, and if they are environmentally friendly. A cheap washing machine is more likely to score poorly on each of these points.
They are more likely to break down sooner and are not easy to service, so saving on the initial purchase may mean you are paying out for a replacement before long.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
2. Fridge
Buying a good-quality fridge is so important, as a broken fridge can also mean a lot of food wastage if a quick repair is not possible.
Buying a cheap fridge may also mean running the risk of higher food shopping costs, as it may not keep your produce as fresh as a high quality product.
3. Oven
If you’re a family that likes to cook every day, buying a cheap oven could add a lot of unnecessary stress and additional hours onto mealtimes in your kitchen.
In addition, a cheap oven with a higher propensity for faults and breakdowns could leave you without the ability to cook for a substantial period, disrupting your daily routine and racking up expense.
4. Boiler
Your boiler is your principal source of heat and comfort at home, making it vital to invest in a good-quality product.
Cheap boilers are often not very efficient, meaning you could be faced with expensive energy bills.
They often come with shorter warranty periods and can be a noisier and bulkier presence in the home than pricier models.
5. Dishwasher
If you buy a cheap dishwasher you are likely to sacrifice many of the handy options and programs offered by more expensive products, such as lower temperature washes for delicate glassware, child locks, and silent modes.
What’s more, as with any cheap appliance you run the risk of being saddled with an unreliable product needing frequent repairs or replacement parts, which can be difficult to source in older models.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for several years in both the US and UK, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing and occasionally dabbles in the social media, commercial, and the e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling houses designed by some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances, and even writing a few news stories or two.
-
I ditched smokey incense sticks and candles for non-toxic dry-fragrance reeds – now my house always smells like a luxurious hotel for just $18
They smell so good and last for longer than oil reed diffusers
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
How to grow marsh marigolds – the ultimate low-maintenance, moisture-loving plant that spring pollinators adore
Marsh marigolds can thrive in problem areas, including moist woodlands and boggy soils
By Thomas Rutter Published