5 Ways to Save Money on Small Appliances

There are some things that are fun to shop for. Some things I don't mind spending money on. Appliances are not one of them. ESPECIALLY when I am replacing a broken appliance. We recently had to replace a refrigerator. They practically had to PRY my hands open to get the money. Not really, but you know what I mean.

Today I want to share with you some ways you can save money on small appliances. We're not talking about the big stuff like washing machines and refrigerators, but the smaller ones that we all use daily. Some of these gadgets can get pretty pricey, but by taking your time and making wise choices you can avoid paying too much.

I'm going in reverse order for dramatic effect. I'm saving the best for last. No skipping ahead! WHAT did I just say? I know you did it.

5. Buy used
Don't hang up! I'm not one of those people who are going to tell you to go through your neighbor's trash at night and look for treasures. The thing is, a lot of times people buy appliances thinking they will use them and don't. They sit in the cabinet for a couple of years before the owner finally decides it it time to put a new appliance they don't use in that spot. Raise your hand if you've done this. That's what I thought. I was given a rice cooker as a wedding gift way back in the 1900s. I didn't use that thing for ten years! I only knew how to make grilled cheese sandwiches. I did eventually unbox it and proceeded to use it approximately two times a year until I realized I could make rice in a pot on the stove and needed the space for other things.

My point in all of this is that there might be someone who already has what you are looking for. There are some items you buy and use for a season and then don't need them anymore. (Breast pump comes to mind).

Some items  you might look to buy used include:

Clothes steamer 

Juicer

Blender

Food dehydrator

Rice cooker

Stand mixer

Ice cream maker
Waffle iron

Vacuum sealer

Coffee grinder

Sewing machines

I see many of these items at garage sales on a regular basis. Some things we just don't use like we think we will. Maybe you're POSITIVE you are going to start juicing and drink gallons of kale every day. Great! I hope you do. It wouldn't hurt to start with a juicer you found at a garage sale, and if you do really use it everyday, upgrade later.

I am currently interested in experimenting with dehydrating food, but I'm not so interested in shelling out $200. I just asked on Facebook if any of my friends had one they would like to sell. We will see. Ask around. You never know what someone has sitting around. Also check garage sales and online classifieds like Craigslist and Freecycle. Be careful about meeting strangers! Take someone with you. Preferably someone that weighs upwards of 250 and has a lot of tattoos. If you don't have access to that, any man (or my cousin Susie) will do.

There are some things I wouldn't buy used, including irons, toasters, and vacuum cleaners. I'm not sure why. It just gives me the heebie jeebies. What if they ironed their socks? Or their undies?

4. Check places like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, and Home Goods
I saw a Kitchen Aid stand mixer at TJ Maxx last year for $150 right after Christmas. I would have snatched it up, but I wasn't in the position to spend $150 on a mixer at the moment. If only I hadn't bought my kids toys and clothes for Christmas, I'd have a shiny red mixer on my counter right now as I type. At least I've learned from my mistake. They're not getting anything this year.

Although they have a limited selection, often the price is better than you can find in department stores.

3. Shop wholesale clubs
Here's my thoughts on that. A lot of times you may not get an item CHEAPER, but you will get a higher quality item for the same price. Several years ago I was looking for a paper shredder and compared between Office Max and Office Depot which are the only two office supply stores near me. When I checked at Sam's Club, I found a better one for the same price of the cheaper models at the other stores. Like TJ Maxx, they're not going to have a bunch of choices like you might find at Wal*Mart or Target, but they usually have a good item at a good price. They have a food dehydrator there that I have my eye on if none of my Face Book friends come through for me.

2. Black Friday
It will be here before you know it! Every year there are great deals on all kinds of appliances on Black Friday and even the weeks leading up to it. Often with certain items or brands they aren't allowed to mark the price below the manufacturer's suggested price, but they offer other incentives like a $25 gift card to the store. I saw Keurig coffee pots that came packaged with extra K-cups and other special holiday prices. Last year Leslie was able to get three small appliances the week of Thanksgiving at Kohl's online for only five dollars after sales, rebates, and Kohl's cash. I've seen hand mixers on sale for $5 on Black Friday. If you can wait, it might be worth it!

If you want Black Friday prices, but don't want to deal with crowds, you can usually place an online order from that retailer and pick it up at the store in a couple of days.

1. Online
I find I save the MOST money when I shop online. I save in several ways. I'm not spending time and gas running around to different stores. I can never buy from the first place because I always need to check the competitors. Plus if I am shopping at Wal*Mart or Target or I ALWAYS end up buying other items, so that negates whatever savings I might get.

You can search specifically for what you need online by simply typing it in your search engine. Ebay can be a good option if you make sure to check the reviews of the seller, but my FAVORITE choice is Amazon. There is a great selection of items and the prices are just as good, or better, than you find in stores.

For example, I am currently considering the purchase of a toaster oven. I simply type in "toaster oven" on the search box and see THIS. From there I can look at all the different models and compare price and features and read reviews from customers who have purchased it. I find this invaluable information. There have been times that I had one item in mind, but when I read the reviews I found out it had a tendency to break easily, or had a loud motor, or shoots flames out of the opening. You know, stuff like that. If you're careful to read the reviews, chances are you will not be disappointed with your purchase.

You can search for things like high speed blenders , and essential oil diffusers.  Maybe you're not looking for a blender or a diffuser, but you can search for whatever you need HERE. 

(Note: I have included affiliate links, which means if you click on one of these links and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission. It does not change your price as a consumer. However, that is NOT why I am recommending Amazon. I really do believe it is one of the best ways to save time and money shopping for appliances and other items, especially books. If you do shop using my affiliate link, thank you for supporting this site.)

You can also store items in a wish list so that you can go back and purchase it later. I sometimes do this with books I see out. I'm not about to pay $24 for a book in a store when I can get it on Amazon for $17. I just put it on my wishlist so I don't forget about it, and then later, I can add it to my shopping cart when I am ready to purchase. It helps prevent making hasty decisions. I always remind my husband that he can check my Amazon wish list if he wants to buy me a present for being so sweet all the time. That way he KNOWS I will like it, not that I'm hard to buy for. (maybe a little)

I hope you have found this list to be useful. It has been on my mind because I have several items I am looking for and want to make sure I get the best item I can for the least money possible!

Kristy