The 5 appliances you should never buy cheap – or free

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. 

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.