Appliances That Are Cheaper to Replace Than to Fix
Updated: Nov. 28, 2022
Everyday appliances that help you function in life are always going to break down, usually at the most inopportune time. It's vital to know when it's better to replace rather than fix a major item.
So, your appliance is broken
When appliances break around the house it’s always a headache. Your routine is thrown off because you can’t do laundry or you have to wash all of your dishes by hand while you wait for someone to come and fix it. But sometimes a fix isn’t the right answer. There are a few appliances that cost more than it’s worth to fix and you can end up saving money by just purchasing a brand new one. Make sure you’re also not doing any of these things that shorten the life of your appliances.
Rangehood
The average repair bill for a rangehood runs $264—and unless you’re rocking a professional chef quality rangehood (which can easily dip into four figures), you might want to consider replacing it with a new one for around the same price. Before you buy, try cleaning out your old, dusty rangehood to see if that works.
Microwave
According to the first “U.S. Appliance Repair Affordability, Reliability, and Seasonality Report” released by Puls, the average microwave repair bill is $195. You can purchase a high-end new microwave from a manufacturer like Toshiba for about $120. It doesn’t take a genius to do the math to figure out that it’s smarter to buy a new one.
Freezer
At an average cost of $348 to repair a freezer, you may consider going that route, instead of buying a new one. But when you consider that, for example, a new Arctic King chest freezer can be had for $169, that repair bill doesn’t seem like such a bargain. Help make the most of your freezer by never storing these 16 items in it.
Dishwasher
The average cost to repair a dishwasher is $204, and a new entry-level offering from top-rated Bosch is $764. If yours is on the newer side, you’re better off fixing it. If it’s older, a new one is the smarter investment. if your dishes are looking a little dingy even after they’ve gone through a cycle, add this one ingredient to the dishwasher for a noticeable sparkle.
Cooktop
A new cooktop starts around $500, while the average cost to repair your old one is going to cost you $260. Depending on how fancy and how old yours is, the repair cost might be worth it.
Oven
Ovens can last more than a dozen years and repairs cost $226 on average, while this brand-new oven from Gasland goes for $500. So, it’s a bit of a toss-up: if your oven is old, replace it, otherwise, go with the repair. This is when your appliances are most likely to break down.
Dryer
The average cost to repair a clothes dryer is $209, while a new washer/dryer combo from LG, one of the most reliable brands of dryers according to the Puls report, costs about $800 to $1,600 and can last over a decade. Arm yourself with these key tips on how to do laundry.
Look for energy efficiency
No matter what kind of electrical appliance you’re shopping for, energy efficiency is key. “Dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines are some of the most energy-consuming appliances at home, especially if they are old models,” advises Matthias Alleckna, energy analyst. “If your goal is to save money, it’s financially smarter to invest in new appliances instead of fixing them. New devices tend to be more energy-efficient, meaning that they will help to reduce your monthly energy costs. After some years, or in some cases, just months, you could have a great deal of your money back in energy savings.” When you’re ready to buy a new appliance, check out the most and least reliable appliance brands first.
