New vs. open-box vs. used appliances: how to choose
Kaady Appliances has sold appliances in Portland since 1989. Every unit we list is a single appliance that we inspected, repaired where it needed it, cleaned up and tested before it went on the floor. We never just test an appliance and put it out. This guide explains the three grades (new, open-box and used), what the price difference buys, and when to pick each.
The three grades
New is sealed in the original box, with no prior use and no prior owner. It carries the manufacturer's warranty where it applies (365 days on most GE models), plus our 90 days.
Open-box was unboxed or returned. Often it was opened only to verify the model, or a customer returned it. We inspect and test it, and scratches, dents or missing parts are written into the listing. Most GE open-box units keep a 365-day manufacturer warranty.
Used has been owned before. We inspect it, repair anything that is not working, refurbish and clean it, and test it again before it is listed. Any damage is documented in the listing, and it is sold in its as-is cosmetic condition with our 90-day warranty.
What the price difference buys
New costs the most, because you are paying for zero prior use and the full manufacturer warranty. Open-box costs less: full function, minor cosmetic notes, checked by us. Used costs the least: full function with documented wear. All three go through the same inspection before they are listed, so the difference is the appliance's history, not whether it works.
Which should you buy?
If price comes first, choose used. The listing tells you exactly what any flaw is, the unit was repaired and tested by us, and our 90-day warranty covers it. This is where the biggest savings are.
If you want the longest warranty, choose new or open-box. Open-box units get the same inspection as used ones, with less wear, and most GE open-box units carry the manufacturer's 365-day warranty.
How we inspect, repair and test every appliance
Every unit is inspected and cleaned, and repaired or refurbished if anything is wrong. Then it gets a power-on test, a function check for its type (cooling for refrigerators and freezers, wash and spin cycles for washers, a dry cycle for dryers, heat and ignition for ranges), a look at water connections and seals, and a safety check of cords, plugs, glass and controls. The details are on our condition grades page.
Warranty and returns
Every grade has our 90-day warranty: parts and labor, in-home service for delivered units, and a fix-or-replace guarantee. See the warranty and return policy.
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