How to buy used appliances without getting ripped off

If you’re shopping for a refrigerator, dishwasher or other big appliance, finding a used product could be the best way to snag a deal.

Used appliances, says Jim Nanni, associate director of product testing at Consumer Reports, “are often sold at a significant discount, and some are in pretty good or great condition.”

Another reason to consider going used: Prices for new major household appliances rose 3.4 percent from December 2022 to December 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ producer price index. A new refrigerator alone can run anywhere from $500 to upward of $5,000, according to Consumer Reports.

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When to replace smoke detectors, sponges, pillows and more, according to experts

Savvy homeowners replace common household items in a timely fashion. But staying on top of such duties is no small feat.

“It’s often easy to overlook when items should be replaced in our homes,” says Beth McGee, author of “Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master.” “Some items should be replaced because germs collect and make them unhealthy to use or keep around,” she says, while “other items we rely on simply wear out and should be replaced on a more regular schedule to ensure safety or continuity of use.”

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