Best Cheap Appliances
If you're willing to skip the bells and whistles, you can find a high-performing dishwasher, fridge, or washer at a delightfully low price. Here, inexpensive picks that impressed in CR's tests.
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Replacing an appliance often starts with a moment of letting go—that is, a pivot point when you release the possibility that the appliance in question can be fixed.
It might help to know that most modern appliances—even expensive ones—have a lifespan of only about 10 to 12 years. According to Alex Minkin, associate director of appliance testing at CR, generally speaking, an appliance is probably worth repairing until it’s around 8 years old. After that, it moves into what’s called the “wear-out zone.”
Cheap Dishwashers
There are plenty of dishwashers on the market that command four-figure prices. But in our extensive lab tests, we’ve turned up some strong performers in the range of $500. In fact, the LG and Midea models below come with features typically found only on more expensive models, such as a stainless steel interior and adjustable upper racks.
Cheap Refrigerators
When it comes to saving on the cost of a fridge, there’s a simple fact that might guide your choice: Top-freezer models are the least expensive—and the most reliable. Even so, sometimes there are other factors to consider. Among CR members, sleeker French-door style refrigerators, which tend to offer more features and more usable space, are by far the most popular. Here are a couple of well-priced candidates from both categories.
Cheap Ranges
Your range is the centerpiece of your kitchen—it’s the modern-day hearth. The better it functions, the more you’ll enjoy your time cooking. But finding a dependable high-functioning model doesn’t necessarily mean spending more. “We often find that price is no indicator of performance,” says Kenneth Sutton, who leads CR’s testing for these appliances. Whether you’re looking for gas, electric, or induction, we have a pick for you.
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Cheap Washers and Dryers
Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
