Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling a kitchen, or just looking to replace outdated appliances, one of the biggest questions homeowners face is: how much do I budget for appliances? Unfortunately, there’s not a clear cut answer; many different factors affect the pricing of appliances. Everything from color, to the features, to the time of year you’re buying. Understanding what drives the price of appliances can help you budget, and might even save you a couple thousand along the way.
Below you can find a comprehensive guide into what impacts appliance costs, as well as the price range you are looking at for each appliance type. Your local Hallock’s staff is dedicated to helping you find the best deals, and to helping you stay within your appliance budget.
What Impacts Pricing
Appliance prices can vary widely, even within the same category. For example, refrigerators can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to well over a few thousand. So, what makes appliance prices so different?
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient appliances can cost anywhere from $20-$200 more than its non-energy-efficient counterparts. While this higher upfront cost might not seem worth it, these appliances often save you hundreds over their lifetime through lower utility bills. EnergyStar© certified models use less water and electricity, which can add up to significant savings (especially with appliances that are used heavily). For many owners, the slightly higher upfront cost is worth the ongoing savings.
Finish or Color
Believe it or not, the finish on your appliance can actually play a role in its price. While specialty colors and panel-ready appliances can often increase costs, stainless steel is the most affordable option due to its popularity and availability. White and black appliances are priced similarly to stainless, but their availability tends to fluctuate.
If you still have questions about what finish is right for you, check out our blog to help narrow it down!
Appliance Quality & Reliability
Not every appliance it built is the same.
Imagine standing before two different washing machines, trying to figure out why the one on your left is a couple hundred dollars more expensive, but all the features seem to be identical. What does that mean? Well, typically, it means that the more expensive instrument is the one that is built to last. Higher-end appliances are often built with better internal components, more durable materials, and undergo stricter quality testing. And, sure, while a lot of the higher end models come with those smart features, their real value is often what’s on the inside.
Buying from One vs Multiple Brands
If you choose all your appliances from a singular brand, not only will it create a more cohesive look through your kitchen, there may be an opportunity for valuable savings! Staying with one brand, rather than mixing and matching, allows for not only package pricing, but exclusive rebates through the manufacturer. Many brands will offer consumers tiered rebates when you purchase three or more qualifying appliances, which can significantly reduce your total cost.
Feel free to browse Hallocks’ Website for all current promotions and rebates!
Time of Year
I know it sounds a little bit crazy, but believe it or not, the time of year you buy your appliances has a lot to do with their pricing. Manufacturers often run promotions during key times of the year to help move their product. Holiday weekends, end-of-model-year clearances, and seasonal sales can help you save hundreds, if not more, on your new kitchen and laundry suite. Keep an eye for Hallocks’ mailers or email promotions to let you know the best time to buy - they often have deals on entire kitchen packages.
Choosing Brand New vs Scratch & Dent
If small cosmetic imperfections aren’t a deal breaker, scratch & dent appliances offer some of the biggest discounts. With Hallocks, you can save up to 70% on scratch & dent models. These products are all new, and typically have only minor blemishes. Hallocks’ expert service staff ensures functionality with rigorous testing (before priced and put on the floor), and Hallocks still offers that same 1-year parts and labor warranty on all their scratch & dent models.
If you have the time to wait, Hallocks’ biggest sale takes place in April and October where you can save even more. The Tent Sales are ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who want premium appliances, without the premium price tag!
Average Cost of Appliances
To help plan, here is a general overview of average appliance pricing. Keep in mind that the below is for every make, model, size of appliance Hallocks has available, so there are plenty of options to fit within your specific budget. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of our locations for help in narrowing down what is going to work best for your budget!
| Appliance Type | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine | $599 | +$2000 |
| Dryer | $599 | +$2000 |
| Dishwasher | $449 | +$2600 |
| Refrigerator | $549 | +$10,000 |
| Range | $699 | +$7000 |
| Cooktop | $549 | +$6000 |
| Wall Oven | $2100 | +$9000 |
Average Budget for New Homes
For most homeowners, the average cost of a full appliance suite is anywhere from $10,875 to $24,400 (typically this includes all kitchen appliances, plus washer and dryer). Where you land within this range depends on:
- Appliance size and configuration
- Brand selection
- Finish and design preferences
- Standard vs premium features
If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, appliance upgrades can also prove to be beneficial. Studies show that updating your appliances prior to listing your home can increase its value by 3-7%! Modern and efficient appliances let potential buyers know that the home has been well maintained. It doesn’t hurt that new appliances can make your listing more competitive in a crowded market, too!
Final Thoughts
Building your appliance budget doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding what impacts pricing, you can make confident decisions that fit both your budget and your lifestyle. Whether you prioritize energy efficiency, long-term reliability, or maximizing your value, there is an appliance suite that will fit for you.
If you’re still unsure, head into your local Hallock’s dealer to start the process with their dedicated team!