Affordable Appliance Essentials for Your First Home

The first appliances you purchase for your new home should include a refrigerator, electric range, washer and dryer combo, and dishwasher. Build a setup that addresses your basic needs. You can complete daily chores like cooking and laundry easily and affordably

Outfitting your living space for the first time is an exciting major milestone, like moving out or starting college. However, the process can also feel overwhelming. You might wonder where to begin when you’re balancing cost, functionality, reliability, and energy efficiency.

The key is to focus on affordable appliance essentials first and then slowly build your setup as your needs and budget grow. To get started, here are the non-negotiables for your home.

Refrigerator and Freezer 

If your place doesn’t already have it, get a refrigerator. It’s one of the most essential kitchen appliances in any living space. You need it to preserve perishable goods. Instead of making multiple trips to the store every week, store a month’s worth of groceries and prepare dishes at your convenience.

Here are the key factors to consider when shopping for a refrigerator:

• Size and capacity: Get a unit suitable to your living space. Measure your kitchen’s available square footage, including door swing, floors, and ventilation clearance.
• Energy efficiency: Look for Energy Star-certified refrigerators. They consume 9% less energy than their counterparts.
• Adjustable storage: A spacious unit with adjustable storage compartments will make it easier to organize groceries. Make room for large containers if needed. 
• Defrost type: Look for frost-free models. 
• Noise level: Having a noisy refrigerator, especially in a compact apartment unit with several major appliances, can be stressful. Opt for modern models with 30-45 decibels or low-noise ones below 30 decibels.

Also, invest in a high-quality option. It’ll cost around $800 to $1,000, but you’ll save money in the long run with more features and fewer maintenance needs while also eating at home. 

Electric Range 

Now that you have a place to store ingredients, you need a place to cook that saves valuable countertop space: an electric range is next. Use it for daily cooking, such as boiling, frying, baking, and roasting. 

Electric ranges with glass burners, like the Moffatt White 30”, distribute heat more evenly in glass and ceramic, delivering efficient temperature control more than gas ranges.

Here’s what makes the perfect range for a well-equipped kitchen:

• Oven capacity: Small families and shared families should look for a multi-cooker model that’s at least 4.8 to 5.3 cubic feet.
• Smooth top vs. coil: Smooth ceramic tops are easier to clean and look sleeker, but coil tops are more affordable. Both options are good for cooking.
• Hot surface indicator: Since there’s no open flame, it can be hard to tell when a stainless steel stovetop is still hot. An indicator can help ensure safe and accurate cooking.

Tip: Switch to an electric range for easier cleaning, safer operation, and simple installation with just a 240V outlet. Many condos ban gas stoves for fire safety.

Washer and Dryer

With a decent kitchen setup complete, it’s time to move on to your laundry appliances. Using a laundromat may seem cheaper, but it can require more time and effort. Investing in a washer and dryer combo (or separate units) lets you wash and dry clothes without leaving your house. Do more with your time while waiting for the laundry to finish!

Here are some features to consider when looking at washers and dryers:

• Capacity: Couples and even growing families can make do with the standard 3.5 to 4.5 cubic feet washers and 7.0 cubic feet dryers.
• Cycle options: Get more advanced units with quick wash, delicate, and energy-efficient settings for more flexible washing.
• Top-load vs. front-load: Front-load washers clean more thoroughly and use less water, but top-loaders are easier to load and cost less.
• Vented vs. ventless dryers: Vented dryers dry faster but require ducting. Ventless dryers are easier to install.

If a separate washer and dryer won’t fit in your space, consider stacked combo units like the GE 27” Stacked Washer/Dryer. They’re tall, narrow, and compact. Start with a washer-only setup and air-dry your clothes on an indoor drying rack.

Dishwasher 

Another appliance you’ll need is a portable dishwasher. It’s a widely owned essential that’s found in more than 10 million Canadian households. Instead of scrubbing your plates and glasses by hand, just load them on a rack and select a wash cycle. 

Here’s what homeowners prefer when shopping for dishwashers:

• Capacity: Small households can opt for an eight- to 12-place setting capacity, but growing families should consider going for at least a 14-place setting.
• Wash cycles: Look for key settings like Quick Wash, Heavy Duty, and Eco Mode.
• Noise level: Anything below 50 decibels (dBA) is considered quiet, ideal for smaller spaces or open-concept homes.
• Drying function: Heated or fan-assisted drying prevents water spots and speeds up unloading.

Contrary to popular belief, using a dishwasher is more sanitary than handwashing. Modern dishwashers like GE 24” White Portable can heat water to over 54°C, killing more bacteria than a regular sponge. They’re also water-efficient. Washing by hand uses 27 gallons of water, while a dishwasher uses only three.

FAQs About First Home Appliance Essentials 

What is the most essential kitchen appliance? 

The most important kitchen appliance is the refrigerator. It offers a secure, organized area for food and drinks, extending shelf life, an essential tool for food preservation.

What household appliance gets the most daily use? 

The refrigerator is the most used household appliance, operating 24/7 for food storage and meal prep, followed by washers and electric or gas ranges.

How can affordable household appliances improve your daily routine? 

Affordable household appliances improve quality of life without breaking the bank. Cook your own meals at home and stock your refrigerator, and do your laundry instead of using a laundromat.

In Summary 

• The refrigerator is essential for storing perishable goods.
• Electric ranges provide even heat and safer installation.
• Purchase a washer and dryer to avoid laundromats.
• Dishwashers are more hygienic and efficient.
• Select appliances by size, efficiency, features.

Shop for Affordable Appliance Essentials at Surplus Furniture

Get the right appliances at Surplus Furniture. We’re your one-stop shop for brand-name furniture and appliances at warehouse prices. Buy appliances for apartments with flexible financing and layaway. 

Visit a showroom near you or check out our budget-friendly appliances online!