Are open box appliances worth it? For most buyers, yes. You get a working, brand-name appliance for less than MSRP, and in most cases it looks new. But “most cases” is not “every case.” The value depends on the unit in front of you and on what comes with it.
This guide covers what open box really means, where the savings come from and what to check before you pay.
What you are actually buying
An open box appliance is one whose carton was opened before it reached the store. It may have been a display model, a customer return or a unit with damaged packaging. It is not the same as a used appliance from someone’s home.
If you are comparing it with other discounted options, our post on open box vs scratch and dent explains how the two differ.
Why open box appliances can be worth it
- The price is lower. An opened box means the store cannot sell the unit as new, so the price drops below MSRP.
- It usually looks new. Unlike scratch and dent, there is often no visible damage at all.
- You can see the exact unit. When you buy in store, you check the appliance you are taking home, not a photo of a similar one.
- You may get a better model for the same budget. The money you save can cover a step up, for example a larger capacity washer or a refrigerator with a better ice maker.
When open box may not be worth it
Open box is not always the best deal. Think twice in these cases:
- The price is close to the new price. If the saving is small, a factory-sealed unit may make more sense.
- Important parts are missing and hard to replace, such as racks, shelves or a power cord.
- The warranty is unclear. If nobody can tell you what coverage the unit has, ask before you buy.
- It does not fit your space. All sales are final at our stores, so a unit that is the wrong size is not a deal.
Open box appliance checklist
Bring this list to the store:
- Check the model number. Look it up so you know the features and the MSRP.
- Look at every side. Open the doors, pull out the racks and drawers and look for marks.
- Count the parts. Shelves, bins, racks, filters and the user manual should all be there.
- Measure first. Bring the width, height and depth of your space, plus your doorways.
- Ask about the warranty. Find out which warranty covers this unit and for how long.
- Check the hookups. For example, a gas dryer needs a gas line, and an electric range needs a 240-volt outlet.
Warranty on open box appliances
Warranty is the part buyers most often skip. Coverage on open box units varies by brand and by seller. Some units still carry the manufacturer warranty. Others are covered by a store warranty instead.
At Texas Appliance Hub, many units include a store warranty, and we confirm which warranty applies at the time of sale. Read our appliance warranty guide for the basics. The Federal Trade Commission also has a clear consumer page on how product warranties work.
Shop open box appliances in Houston
You can browse our open box appliances online. Each product page shows the condition, the MSRP and our price, so you can see the saving before you visit. We carry refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers and more.
Then visit us in Houston (Hwy 6 North), Stafford or Pasadena. All three stores are open Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM. Stock changes every day, so call ahead. Financing is available for all credit types.
