You've probably seen the words "refurbished" or "reconditioned" on appliances and wondered: what does that actually mean? Is it the same as second hand? Is it safe to buy? This guide answers all your questions.
What Does "Refurbished" Mean?
A refurbished appliance is a used appliance that has been:
- Tested – to confirm it works correctly
- Cleaned – deep-cleaned inside and out
- Repaired where needed – faulty parts replaced
- Inspected – checked against a quality standard before resale
The result is an appliance that performs well — but costs significantly less than new.
Refurbished vs Second Hand vs Used
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences:
- Second hand / used: An appliance sold as-is, with no testing, cleaning, or repairs. Bought from a previous owner, often via Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. No warranty.
- Refurbished / reconditioned: An appliance that has been tested and checked by a professional before resale. Usually comes with a warranty.
At Oceania Appliances, all our stock is professionally inspected and tested. We use the terms interchangeably on our website, but every appliance goes through the same process — tested, cleaned, and checked.
Is It Safe to Buy a Refurbished Appliance?
Yes — when you buy from a reputable dealer like Oceania Appliances. Here's what protects you:
- Every unit is tested before sale
- A 3–6 month warranty means you're protected if something goes wrong
- We've sold hundreds of appliances across Sydney with strong customer reviews
Buying from a private individual on Gumtree has no such protection. That's the key difference.
What Types of Refurbished Appliances Can You Buy?
At Oceania, we stock refurbished:
- Fridges and freezers
- Washing machines (top and front loaders)
- Dryers
- Air conditioners (split system and portable)
- Dishwashers
How Much Can You Save?
A new 400L fridge might cost $1,200–$2,000. A refurbished equivalent from Oceania might cost $250–$450 — a saving of 70–80%. For a washing machine, new might be $700–$1,500 vs $180–$350 refurbished.
Browse our refurbished appliances at oceaniaappliances.com.au or call 0481 243 211. Free delivery across Sydney.