Open-box and scratch-and-dent appliances are discounted refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers and other appliances that may have minor cosmetic imperfections, opened packaging or a history as showroom floor models. These appliances can offer significant savings, especially when you know what to look for, what questions to ask and where to shop.
What if the appliance you’ve been eyeing came with a much smaller price tag, all because of a tiny scratch, an opened box or a little time spent on the showroom floor?
That’s the beauty of shopping open-box and scratch-and-dent appliances. Some of the best appliance deals aren’t necessarily advertised front and center. They’re hiding in clearance sections, tucked into showroom corners or waiting to be discovered at an appliance outlet.
What are open-box and scratch-and-dent appliances?
Open-box appliances
An open-box appliance is exactly what it sounds like: an appliance that has been removed from its original packaging.
But an opened box doesn’t automatically mean there’s something wrong with the appliance.
Maybe someone ordered a refrigerator that didn’t fit through their kitchen doorway. Maybe a customer changed their mind about the finish. Or perhaps the packaging was damaged before the appliance ever reached the showroom floor.
Depending on the situation, an open-box appliance might be unused, lightly handled or previously installed and returned. That’s why it’s important to ask about the condition and history of the specific appliance.
The good news? An appliance doesn’t necessarily need to be factory-sealed to be a great purchase.
Scratch-and-dent appliances
Scratch-and-dent appliances have visible cosmetic imperfections, such as small scratches, scuffs or dents.
These blemishes can happen during shipping, handling or display. In many cases, the appliance may be otherwise unused, but its appearance prevents it from being sold at the regular price.
Think about a refrigerator with a small dent on the side that will eventually face your cabinets. Or a washing machine with a scratch near the bottom that you’ll barely notice once it’s in your laundry room.
Those little imperfections could mean a lower price for you.
Of course, not all damage is cosmetic. Always inspect the appliance and make sure any dents or scratches don’t affect doors, seals, controls or other functional components.
Why are these appliances discounted?
Here’s a little appliance-shopping secret: not every clearance deal involves a scratch or dent.
Retailers also need to make room for new inventory, updated models and changing product lines. That creates opportunities for shoppers who are flexible about having the newest model or a specific finish. At Warners’ Stellian, outlet and clearance selections can include:
- Open-box appliances: Products that have been removed from their original packaging.
- Scratch-and-dent appliances: Models with cosmetic imperfections.
- Floor models: Appliances previously displayed in a showroom.
- Closeouts: Models being phased out or discontinued.
- Overstocks: Extra inventory that needs to make room for incoming products.
The common thread? These appliances can be priced below regular sale prices, and quantities are often limited.
Are scratch-and-dent appliances worth it?
For many shoppers, absolutely. The trick is knowing when a discount is worth the trade-off.
Let’s say you’re replacing a dishwasher that sits between two cabinets. Would a small scratch on a hidden side panel really matter once it’s installed?
Probably not.
Or maybe you’ve been dreaming about upgrading to a refrigerator with more storage, an induction range or a washer with features your current machine doesn’t have. Shopping clearance could put an appliance that was previously out of your budget within reach.
Even Consumer Reports points to open-box appliances as a way to save on products that may be discounted simply because their packaging was opened.
Still, the lowest price isn’t automatically the best deal. Consider the appliance’s condition, age, features and warranty before making a decision.
When might you want to pass?
A scratch on a hidden side panel is one thing. A dent that prevents a refrigerator door from sealing properly is another.
You may want to keep shopping if an appliance has damage that affects its operation, is missing expensive accessories or doesn’t offer enough savings to justify its condition.
And if you’re trying to match a specific finish or appliance collection, finding everything you need in clearance inventory might take a little extra patience.
Timing is another big consideration, especially if you’re remodeling or building a new home. Clearance appliances typically need to be delivered within 30 days of purchase. If your kitchen won’t be ready for another six months or even a year, you’ll need somewhere safe to store your new appliance in the meantime.
There’s also the warranty to think about. Depending on the manufacturer’s terms, warranty coverage may begin at purchase or delivery rather than when you actually start using the appliance. That means you could use up a good portion of your warranty before the appliance is even installed.
That doesn’t mean clearance is off the table for a renovation. If your project is wrapping up soon and you have a safe place to store the appliance, the savings could still make it worthwhile. But if your timeline is uncertain or several months away, waiting might be the better move.
How to find the best appliance deals
A little preparation can make the difference between finding an incredible deal and bringing home an appliance that doesn’t quite work for your space.
Here are five things to keep in mind.
1. Measure before you shop
That discounted refrigerator won’t feel like such a bargain if it doesn’t fit.
Before shopping, measure the width, height and depth of your available space. Remember to account for door swings, ventilation clearances and the path the appliance will take into your home.
For refrigerators, also consider how far the doors need to open to access drawers and shelves.
2. Look beyond the price tag
It’s easy to get excited about a big discount. But take a moment to compare the appliance’s features, capacity and condition with similar models.
A discounted appliance that meets your needs is a better investment than one that costs less but lacks a feature you’ll use every day.
And don’t forget to factor in delivery, installation and any accessories you might need.
3. Inspect the appliance carefully
If you’re shopping in person, take advantage of the opportunity to see the actual appliance.
Open the doors, pull out the drawers, check the racks and look closely at any visible damage. Ask whether the appliance includes its original accessories and whether anything needs to be replaced.
A Warners’ Stellian Appliance Specialist can walk you through the appliance’s condition, features and any imperfections so you know exactly what you’re getting.
4. Understand the warranty and return policy
This is one of the most important steps when buying an open-box or scratch-and-dent appliance.
Warranty coverage can vary depending on the manufacturer, the appliance’s condition and how it’s being sold. Return policies may also be different from those for factory-sealed products.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends reviewing warranty terms before making a purchase. That includes understanding what’s covered, how long the warranty lasts and how repairs are handled.
Before buying, ask:
- Is there a manufacturer’s warranty or other written coverage?
- When does the warranty coverage begin?
- Are cosmetic imperfections excluded from coverage?
- Is the appliance being sold as-is or as a final sale?
- How soon do I need to take delivery?
- What happens if there’s a problem after delivery?
Getting those answers upfront can help you shop with confidence.
5. Shop early and stay flexible
Unlike regular appliance inventory, clearance items are often one-of-a-kind.
That means the refrigerator you spotted yesterday might not be there tomorrow. And if you’re looking for a specific color, size or brand, it may take a little patience to find the right match.
The upside? You never know what you’ll discover.
Where to find scratch-and-dent deals
If you’re on the hunt for scratch-and-dent appliances, Warners’ Stellian is a great place to start. You can browse outlet appliances online to explore available clearance options, including refrigerators, cooking appliances, dishwashers, washers and dryers.
Prefer to see the deals for yourself? Every Warners’ Stellian showroom offers a selection of scratch-and-dent and clearance appliances, so you can stop by your nearest location to check out what’s available in person.
For bargain hunters who love the thrill of a great find, the Northeast Minneapolis Appliance Outlet Center is a must-visit. Located at 2605 Broadway St. NE, this dedicated outlet location is a treasure trove of floor models, closeouts, returns and scratch-and-dent appliances. With inventory constantly changing, every visit brings a new opportunity to uncover a hidden gem.
And the hunt doesn’t stop in Minneapolis! Whether you’re shopping for a clearance steal or shopping for something brand-new, Warners’ Stellian has showrooms throughout the Twin Cities, Rochester, the Des Moines area and Kansas City metro.
Watch for special clearance events
Want to take your savings hunt a step further?
Keep an eye out for special promotions like Warners’ Stellian’s Real Deal Sale, which has featured appliances priced at or below cost, including overstocks, closeouts, floor models and scratch-and-dent finds.
These promotions can bring additional opportunities to save, but offers, dates, participating locations and available inventory can vary.
Big savings can come with small imperfections
Sometimes the best appliance deal isn’t the one in a perfectly sealed box. It’s the refrigerator with a barely noticeable dent, the range that’s making room for a newer model or the dishwasher that simply needs a new home.
Open-box and scratch-and-dent shopping is all about finding value where other shoppers might not think to look.
With a little flexibility, you could end up with all the features you want at a price you didn’t expect.
Ready to uncover your next great appliance deal? Browse our outlet appliance selection or stop by the nearest Warners’ Stellian showroom to see what treasure you can find.