Used appliance buying guide: what to check on fridges, washers, and stoves

Second-hand white goods are one of the best ways to furnish a home on a budget — and one of the easiest places to get burned. Here's exactly what to test before handing over cash.

Fridges

Before you arrive

• Ask for the make, model, and year.
• Ask if the seller still has the original purchase invoice.
• Google the model for known problems — some models have recalls or common faults.

At the viewing — plug it in

Do not buy a fridge that isn't running when you arrive. You cannot test a fridge in 20 minutes. If the seller says "I've just moved it", ask them to plug it in and wait 60 minutes while you have coffee nearby. Then check:

• Freezer reaches below -15°C within the hour.
• Fridge section is cool (below 8°C) within the hour.
• Compressor sound is consistent, not clanking or cutting in and out.
• Door seals (gaskets) — close the door on a piece of paper. If you can easily pull it out, the seal is shot. New gaskets are R600–R1,500.
• Interior cleanliness — lingering smells don't go away with wiping. If it smells like fish or rotten food, walk away.
• Light works when you open the door.
• Water dispenser / ice maker — run both.

What a used fridge should cost

Rough guide for a working 300–500L side-by-side fridge:

• 0–3 years old: 55–70% of retail
• 3–7 years old: 35–50% of retail
• 7+ years old: R1,500–R3,500 regardless

Washing machines

Top-loader or front-loader?

Front-loaders last longer, use less water, and wash more gently. Top-loaders are cheaper and tolerate unbalanced loads better. Front-loaders have complex drum bearings — when they fail (usually year 8–12), repair costs R3,000–R6,000, often more than the machine's worth.

Tests to run

• Put the machine on its quickest wash cycle (usually 20–30 mins). Let it fill, agitate, drain, and spin.
• During agitation: listen for clunking or grinding. Clunking = bearings are going.
• During spin: check it doesn't walk across the floor. Excessive walking = broken springs or counterweights.
• Drain hose: confirm it drains fully. Blocked drain = bad pump, R800–R1,500 to replace.
• Inside the drum: shake it from side to side. Looseness = worn bearings.
• Rubber gasket (front-loaders): black mould is normal. Tears or splits are expensive to fix.

Fair used price

• Front-loader under 5 years: R2,500–R5,500
• Front-loader 5–8 years: R1,500–R3,500
• Top-loader under 5 years: R1,800–R3,500
• Older than 8 years: under R1,500 or walk away

Stoves (hobs and ovens)

Gas or electric?

• Gas hob: heats fast, works during load-shedding, needs gas line or bottle. Used gas hobs: R800–R2,500.
• Electric hob: doesn't need gas plumbing, but load-shedding kills cooking. Ceramic and induction versions can crack — inspect carefully.
• Electric oven: test it. Turn to 180°C. Should hit temperature within 10 minutes.

What to check

• Every burner / element: turn each one on for 1 minute. All should heat.
• Oven thermostat: ovens that run 30°C hot are common in used units. Bring a cheap oven thermometer if you can.
• Door seal: check for gaps. A bad seal means the oven works harder and takes longer.
• Racks and trays: missing = R200–R500 each.
• Gas connections: smell for gas leaks when burners are off. Never buy a gas appliance with a leak.

Fair used price

• Freestanding electric stove (4-plate + oven): R1,500–R3,500
• Built-in oven + separate hob: R2,000–R6,000 for the pair
• Gas hob (4-burner): R1,200–R2,500

Dishwashers

Not as common in SA homes, but worth a note:

• Run a full cycle before buying (yes, stay for the full 60–90 mins).
• Check that both wash arms spin freely.
• Smell inside — persistent musty smell means bad seals.
• Drains fully at the end of cycle.
• Fair used price: R1,500–R4,000 depending on age.

Universal rules for buying any used appliance

1. Never buy unplugged. You cannot verify function without it running.
2. Original box / manual / receipt = premium. Pay 15–20% more for complete packages.
3. Warranty remaining = huge bonus. SA appliance warranties are typically 12 months, some up to 10 years on compressors. A 3-year-old fridge with a 10-year compressor warranty is valuable.
4. Delivery / pickup logistics: factor these in. A "R1,000 cheaper" washing machine that needs a bakkie to fetch costs the same after transport.
5. Repair history: ask "has it ever been repaired? For what?" Honest sellers will tell you. Evasive answers = walk away.

A well-bought used fridge at 5 years old can last another 7–10 years. A bad one can die in 6 months. The 30 minutes of testing is always worth it.