Black Friday can be a genuinely good time to replace a washing machine, fridge freezer or dishwasher. But a big red discount badge tells you very little about whether the appliance is right for your home, or whether it will still be working well in five years. Here's what to look at beyond the price before you buy.
1. Check the deal is really a deal
Not every Black Friday offer is a true saving. Some "was" prices are only briefly charged before a sale, and some models are cheaper at other points in the year.
- Look at price history. Price-tracking websites and browser extensions show what a model has sold for over recent months.
- Compare a few retailers. The same model is often listed at different prices, with different delivery and installation costs.
- Watch for near-identical model numbers. Some retailers sell slightly different versions of the same appliance. Check the specs match before comparing prices.
Tip: make a shortlist and note current prices a couple of weeks before Black Friday. On the day, you'll know straight away whether a deal is any good.
2. Measure first, then measure again
A bargain you can't fit through the door isn't a bargain. Before you buy, measure:
- The space itself: height, width and depth, including any worktop overhang.
- Clearance: room for pipes, plugs and ventilation at the back and sides. Fridge freezers in particular need space to breathe, so check the manufacturer's guidance.
- Door swing: make sure fridge and oven doors can open fully, and check which side a fridge door hinges on (many are reversible).
- The route in: front door, hallways, stairs and any tight corners.
- Integrated or freestanding: integrated appliances need to match your kitchen unit sizes and door fixings.
3. Think about running costs, not just the price
The price you pay on Black Friday is a one-off. Running costs keep coming every month for years, so a slightly dearer but more efficient appliance can work out cheaper over time.
- Read the energy label. Washing machines, washer dryers, dishwashers, fridges and freezers now use the A to G scale. Don't be put off by a C or D rating: the scale was reset, and a model that would once have been A+++ may now sit lower down.
- Compare the actual figures. Look at energy use (kWh per year, or per 100 cycles) and, for washing machines and dishwashers, water use.
- Compare like with like. Some categories, such as tumble dryers, ovens and cooker hoods, may still show older A+++ style labels or be moving to new ones, so check the numbers rather than just the letter.
- Check capacity. A drum or fridge that's far too big for your household can waste energy, while one that's too small means extra cycles.
4. Look at the warranty and reliability
A long manufacturer's warranty is a good sign the maker expects the appliance to last.
- Check the warranty length and whether it covers parts only or parts and labour.
- Read the conditions. Some longer warranties only apply if you register the appliance within a set time.
- Read independent reviews that test reliability over time, not just star ratings from the first week of ownership.
- Ask about spare parts and repairs. An appliance that can be repaired easily is usually cheaper to own in the long run.
5. Factor in delivery, installation and removal
A low headline price can creep up once the extras are added. Before you check out, find out:
- Whether delivery is included, and how far ahead slots are booked up during the sales.
- If installation is offered, what it includes (connecting to water, removing transit bolts, fitting integrated doors).
- Whether the retailer will take away your old appliance, and what it costs.
- If they'll carry the appliance to the room you need it in, or just to the door.
Tip: Black Friday is busy for delivery teams too. If your old appliance has already broken, check the delivery date before you commit.
6. Know your rights as a buyer
Sale items come with the same legal rights as anything else. In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 means goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
- Faulty in the first 30 days? You're generally entitled to reject it for a full refund.
- Faulty within six months? It's presumed the fault was there when you bought it unless the retailer can show otherwise, and you're entitled to a repair or replacement.
- Bought online? You usually have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel, even if nothing is wrong, though there can be exceptions (for example, once an appliance has been installed or used).
- Pay by credit card for purchases over £100, as Section 75 can give you extra protection if something goes wrong with the retailer.
This is a general overview, not legal advice. Citizens Advice has detailed guidance if you need it.
7. Buy from a retailer you trust
Deals that look too good to be true sometimes are. Stick to well-known retailers or check reviews of an unfamiliar seller first. Be wary of very cheap electrical goods from online marketplaces, which may not meet UK safety standards.
After you buy: three quick jobs
- Register your appliance with the manufacturer, or through the free Register My Appliance service. It helps with warranty claims and means you'll be told if there's a safety recall.
- Keep your receipt and warranty details together, either in a folder or as photos on your phone.
- Read the quick-start guide. Some appliances, such as fridge freezers, need to stand for a while before switching on, and washing machines need their transit bolts removed.
The bottom line
The best Black Friday appliance deal is the one that fits your space, keeps your bills down and comes with a solid warranty. Do your homework early, check the extras and register your appliance once it arrives.
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