Appliance Shopping 101

Chances are most people only have to go through this a few times, or at least you try to purchase quality, long-lasting appliances that will grow old with you. However, if you're anything like me, and you've moved houses multiple times, you get to do this fun task over and over again!

It seems fun at first, exciting even, to get to pick these high-tech centrepieces for a room (mainly your kitchen) but believe me, it can get pretty old... fast. Here are some tips I use to get me through this tough chore!

1) Go Shopping

You might want to do some research before shopping, so you know what it is that you are looking for and can go in prepared. However, I didn't fall in love with anything until I saw it in person. The touch and feel, along with their actual size makes a difference. Sometimes you know what you want when you see it! Personally, I had fallen in love with La Cornue ranges long ago when shopping for appliances for other properties. I knew I had to have one in my next kitchen and so that was the only piece I had my heart set on. There are only a handful of retailers that carry La Cornue, so I knew where to start my shopping. Check out some showrooms, get an idea of what is available, and what is within your budget!

(Photo taken at Goeman's - Stoney Creek)

2) Ask for Help

Sometimes the sales people who work in these showrooms do know a thing or two about the appliances they are selling, not to be sarcastic... but some actually may not be that helpful. Talk to a few different sales people at different retailers to try to get the real scoop on what you are looking for. I did find out some really interesting information that I otherwise would not have known until I made a purchase and brought it home. For example, I was looking for a built-in, panel-ready refrigerator, the selection is actually pretty limited. You can get a reasonably priced "built-in" refrigerator by Kitchenaid, but I learned (from multiple sales people) that it is not a "true" built-in. Meaning, it wouldn't sit flush with the cabinets, which was important to the look of the pantry wall where my fridge would be placed. So, that one was ruled out! I opted for the Jenn-Air panel-ready side-by-side to get the right fit and I loved the way it looked and felt in the showroom!

3) Get Multiple Prices

As you are shopping around, get a package price put together for some of the appliances you are interested in. Be flexible, as sometimes they may have offers if you purchase more than one appliance from the same brand, which can lead to great savings. Who knew that when shopping for appliances the tag price is not actually the price? The more you purchase, the better deal you may get, so try to purchase most of your appliances from one retailer. Put on your bargaining hat (or mask) and try to get yourself a deal! Once you have some pricing, be sure to take a picture if they won't give you the physical quote and take it with you. You can use this for price-matching elsewhere, or you can possibly get another retailer to beat their price if they want the sale!

4) Give Yourself Lots of Time!

Due to current conditions, there are LONG waits for appliances. Manufacturers are not producing the output they are used to with new safety protocols in place, and shipping and transportation are taking longer than normal. I would say 8 weeks should be safe on a regular day, but sometimes appliances can be on backorder and may take even longer. The more time you can give yourself the better, especially during these times of uncertainty!

Hopefully these tips are helpful for you on your next appliance purchase, check out my Instagram page for posts once my new kitchen appliances are in!