Are Kitchen Appliance Packages Actually A Good Deal?

When shopping for big-ticket items, we all want to get a bargain. And if you're looking for advice on buying kitchen appliances, you may wonder whether bundles are a good deal. Unsurprisingly, buying all your models at the same time has some advantages and disadvantages. Before discussing the advantages, let's break down the disadvantages.

One of the biggest disadvantages is that you might settle for an appliance that doesn't quite meet your needs. Perhaps you're considering a refrigerator and oven bundle from brand A. However, one model from brand B gives you all the features you want, while brand A's option is missing a couple key features. If you compromise on functionality to save some money, you're probably going to be disappointed in the purchase over the long-term. Remember: Appliances should last for 10-plus years on average, and with proper care, you can make them last even longer. Buying a bundle with appliances that don't meet your needs to save $300 feels like a lot in the short-term, but it's only $30 or less per year over the expected lifespan of the units.

The other primary disadvantage is that it's unlikely you'll have two or more appliances fail at the same time. If you really only need a new refrigerator and your oven still works well, it might not make much financial sense to buy new models together just to take advantage of a bundled pair. Of course, this isn't an issue if you're buying them for a new home.

The biggest advantage to buying bundled appliances is that it's usually cheaper than buying them separately. You might not get the same deals you'd receive on Black Friday, but you'll still salvage some cash. Depending on the brand and offer, you could save around 20% compared to buying the models individually. If you know you're going to potentially buy kitchen appliances in a bundle in the next several weeks, start tracking the prices of individual units now so you can accurately calculate how much you'll save.

The ways you can save with a bundle vary quite a bit. Some manufacturers or retailers might give you a rebate by mail when you buy more than one kitchen appliance at once. If you're shopping locally, you might be able to convince a salesperson to give you an immediate discount if you purchase two or more products at the same time — even if the units aren't listed specifically as a bundle. You might also be able to negotiate a discount on shipping fees or installation costs. 

If you're considering selling your house in the next few years, bundling kitchen appliances from one brand might increase the property's value. Matching brand's have a cohesive look that may appeal to home buyers, even if they're a few years old. Check out our list of best kitchen appliance brands based on reviews if you're interested in taking this route.