Holiday sales events like Black Friday and President’s Day lure shoppers with the promise of deep discounts on major appliances. While you can find some genuine deals, retailers and manufacturers often use these sales to offload lower-quality models made specifically for the occasion. These “derivative” appliances may look similar to their higher-end counterparts, but they frequently use cheaper components that are more prone to failure. Consumer experts often advise against buying certain big-ticket items during these frenzied sales, as the perceived value can be misleading.
1. The Doorbuster Television
That impossibly cheap, 70-inch 4K TV advertised as a doorbuster deal is almost always a trap. Manufacturers create these specific models for Black Friday using inferior components, such as cheaper processors, fewer HDMI ports, and lower-quality display panels. The TV will have a model number that is slightly different from the brand’s standard, well-reviewed lineup. You are not getting a great deal on a great TV; you are getting a cheap TV for a cheap price.
2. Bottom-Tier Refrigerators
During holiday sales, stores heavily promote their most basic, entry-level refrigerator models. While the price tag is tempting, these units often lack the features and durability of slightly more expensive models. They may have less efficient compressors and cheaper shelving, and they rarely offer the features most families want, like an ice maker or water dispenser. You are often better off waiting for a sale on a better mid-tier model at a different time of year.
3. Basic Model Washers and Dryers
Similar to refrigerators, the washing machines and dryers that receive the biggest holiday discounts are typically stripped-down models. These units often have smaller capacities, fewer wash cycles, and less robust motors than the appliances a store regularly stocks. The deep discount is on a product that offers subpar performance, and you will likely find a better deal on a more capable machine during other sales events in May or September.
4. Small Kitchen Appliances from Unknown Brands
The holiday season brings a flood of small kitchen appliances like air fryers, blenders, and stand mixers from obscure, off-brand manufacturers. These products are often sold at a very low price, but they are notorious for their poor build quality and safety issues. They frequently use cheap plastic parts and unreliable motors that can burn out after only a few uses, making them a complete waste of money.
5. High-End Ranges and Ovens
While you might see some discounts, major holiday sales are not the best time to buy a high-end or professional-grade kitchen range. These premium appliances typically see their best prices during specific promotional periods dictated by the manufacturer, not by retailer-driven events like Black Friday. You will likely find a better deal, including potential rebates or package deals, by shopping at other times of the year.
6. Any Appliance Without Research
The biggest mistake is buying any major appliance based on the sale price alone. The high-pressure environment of a holiday sale discourages research and encourages impulse buys. You should always check independent reviews and reliability ratings for the specific model number you are considering. A great price on an appliance with a history of breaking down is no deal at all.
Smart Shopping Over Impulse Buying
The allure of a holiday sale is strong, but it pays to be a skeptical shopper. Retailers use these events to clear out old inventory and sell lower-quality products to customers who are focused only on price. For major appliances, a better strategy is to do your research, track prices over time, and buy when you find a genuine deal on a reliable model, not just when a holiday ad tells you to.
What’s the best or worst deal you’ve ever gotten during a holiday sale? What are your tips for avoiding a bad purchase? Let us know!
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