Appliance Warranty in Australia: What You Need to Know Before Buying

When you're buying a new or refurbished appliance, one of the most important factors to consider is the warranty. Australian consumer law provides strong protections, but there are also big differences between brand warranties, extended warranties, and retailer warranties. Here's everything you need to know.

Your Rights Under Australian Consumer Law

Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), all goods sold in Australia must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and match their description. These rights apply regardless of any warranty the manufacturer or retailer offers. If a product fails within a "reasonable time", you're entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund depending on the nature of the problem.

What counts as a 'reasonable time'? There's no fixed answer, but for a major appliance like a fridge or washing machine, courts and tribunals have consistently found that two to five years is reasonable — meaning even a product outside its manufacturer's warranty may still be covered under the ACL.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Most new appliances come with a manufacturer's warranty typically ranging from 12 months to 2 years for the full unit. Some brands offer extended warranties on specific components:

• Samsung: 2-year warranty on most appliances; 5-year motor warranty on select washing machines
• LG: 2-year parts and labour; 10-year direct drive motor warranty on some washing machines
• Fisher & Paykel: 2-year warranty; extended warranties on specific components
• Westinghouse/Electrolux: 2-year parts and labour on most products
• Bosch/Miele: 2-year warranty; often better build quality means fewer claims

Retailer Warranties

Some retailers, including Oceania Appliances, offer their own warranties on refurbished stock. Our 3-month warranty on all certified refurbished appliances means that if anything fails during that period, we'll repair or replace at no cost to you.

Extended Warranties: Are They Worth It?

Extended warranties from retailers (like The Good Guys or Harvey Norman's extended plans) are essentially insurance products. Research by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) suggests that most consumers don't get value from extended warranties because:

• Many appliance failures happen outside the extended warranty period anyway
• Your ACL rights may already cover you for longer
• The cost can be significant (often 10–30% of the product's purchase price)

Our recommendation: Instead of spending on an extended warranty, invest in a quality certified refurbished appliance at a fraction of the new price. If it fails, the savings you made often more than cover a repair.

What to Check Before Buying a Refurbished Appliance

• Ask what the certification process involves
• Confirm what the warranty covers (parts, labour, cosmetic damage)
• Check if the warranty is transferable if you move or sell
• Ask about the claims process — is it in-home repair or return to depot?

How Oceania Appliances' Warranty Works

All refurbished appliances from Oceania Appliances come with a 3-month warranty covering parts and labour. If anything fails, call us on 02 9627 7355 and we'll arrange repair or replacement quickly. We service Sydney and surrounding areas including the Central Coast, Illawarra and Blue Mountains.

Browse our full range at oceaniaappliances.com.au.