Yes, it’s just about time! Our refrigerator is on it’s last leg and now we are on the hunt for a new one! But where to begin? Does shopping for the perfect appliance strike fear in you? There are so many different types of appliances out there and so many bells and whistles to take into consideration! YIKES! HOW DOES ONE KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN!!! Don’t worry, I’ve learned a whole lot throughout this process and I’m ready to share some helpful tips about buying the perfect appliances for you and your home!

Not only will I be sharing tips but you will get a chance to see my kitchen over the last couple years and seasons!

Now, here’s my top 10 tips when choosing the perfect appliance!

KNOW YOUR SPACE

The most basic thing for you to know when shopping for a new appliance is the space your new appliance will go in. Whether new construction or needing to fit an appliance into an existing space we need to know the height and width and depth of that area. Measure twice! It’s important to get it right! And write it down.

SEARS has the most wonderful video guides as well as informative articles to help find our perfect appliances. They helped so much by explaining the different “types” of any given appliances out there and how they should be used in a room. They also talk about price points and styles. I learned so much and the refrigerator video educated me about “french door” refrigerators, the refrigerator I’m thinking about getting! If you are thinking about an appliance, make sure to watch these! Seriously, a fabulous feature of the SEARS experience!

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Let’s not break the bank on these big ticket items! Have a budget and try to fit the appliance to your budget. This is so hard for me. I love the upgrades! Love those industrial sizes! They are so so gorgeous, but not in my budget right now. As you become more knowledgable about the appliance you are looking for you will have a more realistic idea of what is reasonable to spend.

KNOW WHAT’S OUT THERE

In other words, do your homework before you step into an appliance showroom!  Have some idea about what’s new and what you are looking for.

Again, head to the SEARS APPLIANCE PAGE page and learn about the different kinds, styles, brands, features, price points and lots of other info to be an informed buyer in this process! Remember to scroll down the SEARS page to “BUYING GUIDES-RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY.

Check it out it’s soooo interesting!

ASK AN EXPERT

Yes, it really helps to have a knowledgable, not pushy, friendly person to guide us through the process of buying an appliance. If a sales person is pushy… LEAVE!!! They are not interested in fitting you and your home with the best appliance, they are only concerned with a sale. These are NOT the kind of experts to listen to. Find a store that has very knowledgable, engaging experts that want to help YOU.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Don’t rush this process. You don’t need to buy right away. If you are like me, you may need time to think about all you have learned and the options you have!

SHOP THE SALES

You know you don’t have to pay full price… so don’t! If you can, wait for sales. I don’t mind waiting for big sales!

The refrigerator I liked best was $700 off! Not bad!!!!

MAKE AN INFORMATIVE DECISION

Now that you are armed with lots of information you should be better equipped to make the right decision for you, your family and home!

ASK ABOUT DELIVERY

When you are ready to buy, make sure to ask about delivery? How much it will cost, will your appliance be set up by someone, how to get free delivery and how long it will take to be delivered to your home. Don’t assume anything!

My daughter ordered something over 200 pounds and it was delivered to her curb. No further! She was alone and had to call her husband home from work to help get it off the street. You do not want that experience!

Sears offers free or very inexpensive delivery!

KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR OLD APPLIANCE

Make sure to ask if the store you are dealing with will help you dispose of your old appliance if you are not using it.

In our area, PPL (our electric company) will pay me $35.00 to come and take a working appliance away. Pretty sweet! Helen, my SEARS expert, told me that! Again, thanks Helen!!!

KNOW YOUR WARRANTY OR SERVICE PLAN… AND USE IT!

How many of us know exactly what our appliance warranty covers? Not me, I’m sorta ashamed to admit! But I should! If there is a problem with an appliance I should have an idea about “coverage”.  It’s good to put our warranty and all important papers INCLUDING THE SALES RECEIPT in a safe and accessible place.

Have my eye on these too!