Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a New Appliance

Buying the wrong appliance is an expensive mistake. The wrong size, the wrong brand, the wrong configuration — and you’re stuck with it for 10 years. These 10 questions will save you from the most common buyer errors and help you make a decision you’ll be happy with long-term.

1. Will It Actually Fit?

Measure your space before anything else. Width, height, depth, door swing clearance, and access path through hallways and doorways. Write down the measurements and take them shopping. A surprising number of appliance delivery problems come from failing to measure the access path, not just the final position.

2. What Is the Actual Running Cost?

The purchase price is just the beginning. A fridge runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Check the energy star rating and the estimated annual energy consumption (in kWh/year) on the label. Multiply by your electricity rate. A $200 cheaper model with a 1-star worse energy rating can cost you more in electricity over 10 years than you saved upfront.

3. What Is the Warranty and Who Backs It?

Manufacturer warranty duration matters. So does the ease of warranty service. Some brands offer warranty through hundreds of authorised service agents; others rely on return-to-base or slow third-party networks. Ask where the nearest service agent is and what the typical repair wait time is in your area.

4. Is This Brand Well Supported in Australia?

Spare parts availability is critical for appliances 5+ years old. Some brands have excellent Australian parts supply; others run out of parts within 5 years of a model’s discontinuation. Bosch, Miele, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG and Westinghouse all have strong parts supply in Australia.

5. Is This the Right Configuration for How I Actually Use It?

Be honest about your real usage patterns, not your ideal usage. Do you actually use the freezer daily or once a week? Do you bake or mainly use the stove? Do you wash multiple loads per day or just one per week? The best appliance is calibrated to your actual habits, not aspirational ones.

6. Can I Afford the Installation Costs?

Some appliances need a licensed tradesperson for connection — gas cooktops require a gasfitter, some dishwashers need a plumber, and large electrical appliances may need a dedicated circuit from an electrician. Factor in connection costs before finalising your budget.

7. What Happens When Something Goes Wrong?

Ask the retailer: who do you call for a warranty repair? How long does it typically take? Is there a loan appliance if yours is in for repair? Understanding post-sale support before purchase separates good retailers from bad ones.

8. Am I Paying for Features I Won’t Use?

It’s easy to be upsold into features that sound appealing but won’t be used — Wi-Fi connectivity, 47 wash programs, voice control. These add cost and complexity without necessarily adding value for every household. Buy features you’ll actually use.

9. Is There a Better Time to Buy?

Major sales events — Black Friday, EOFY, Boxing Day, Easter — often have genuine appliance discounts. If your purchase isn’t urgent, waiting 2–4 weeks for a sale event can save $200–$500 on premium appliances. Ask your retailer when their next promotion is.

10. Is the Retailer Reputable?

Buy from an established, reputable dealer who has been in business for years, sells genuine manufacturer-warranted stock, and has real humans answering the phone when something goes wrong. Avoid marketplaces and unverified online sellers who may supply grey-market or unwarranted stock.

Ask Us Before You Decide

Oceania Appliances prides itself on honest advice. If we don’t think an appliance is right for you, we’ll tell you. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or call us any time.

Call: (02) 9999 9999 | support@oceaniaappliances.com.au | 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park | Open 7 days, 10am–8pm