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 so you can complete daily chores easily and affordably.
Outfitting your living space for the first time is an exciting milestone — but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re balancing cost, functionality, reliability, and energy efficiency. Focus on affordable appliance essentials first, then build your setup as your needs and budget grow.
Refrigerator
If your place doesn’t already have one, get a refrigerator — one of the most essential appliances in any home. Instead of multiple weekly trips to the store, store a month’s worth of groceries and prepare dishes at your convenience.
Key factors when shopping:
- Size and capacity: measure your kitchen, including door swing and ventilation clearance.
- Energy efficiency: look for Energy Star-certified models — about 9% less energy use.
- Adjustable storage: a spacious unit with adjustable shelves makes organizing groceries easier.
- Defrost type: frost-free is the convenient default.
- Noise level: 30–45 dB is normal; under 30 dB is whisper-quiet.
A high-quality option will run about $800–$1,000, but you’ll save in the long run with more features, fewer maintenance needs, and the ability to eat at home.
Electric Range
With somewhere to store ingredients, you need somewhere to cook. An electric range is next — for boiling, frying, baking, and roasting. Glass-burner ranges distribute heat evenly through ceramic, delivering more efficient temperature control than gas in many cases.
What makes a great range:
- Oven capacity: 4.8–5.3 cu ft is plenty for small or shared households.
- Smooth top vs. coil: smooth ceramic tops are easier to clean and look sleeker; coil tops are more affordable. Both cook well.
- Hot-surface indicator: useful for safety since there’s no open flame.
Tip: electric ranges are easier to clean, safer to operate, and install with just a 240V outlet. Many condos ban gas stoves outright for fire safety.
Washer and Dryer
Using a laundromat may seem cheaper, but it costs time and effort. A washer and dryer combo (or separate units) means you can wash and dry without leaving your house.
Features to consider for washers and dryers:
- Capacity: 3.5–4.5 cu ft washers and 7.0 cu ft dryers handle couples and small families.
- Cycle options: quick wash, delicates, and energy-efficient settings add flexibility.
- Top-load vs. front-load: front-loaders clean more thoroughly and use less water; top-loaders are easier to load and cost less.
- Vented vs. ventless dryers: vented dries faster but needs ducting; ventless is easier to install.
If a side-by-side setup won’t fit, consider a stacked combo unit — tall, narrow, and compact.
Dishwasher
A portable dishwasher is found in more than 10 million Canadian households. Instead of scrubbing by hand, just load the rack and select a cycle.
What homeowners look for:
- Capacity: 8–12 place settings for small households; 14+ for growing families.
- Wash cycles: Quick Wash, Heavy Duty, and Eco Mode cover most needs.
- Noise level: below 50 dBA is considered quiet — ideal for open-concept homes.
- Drying function: heated or fan-assisted drying prevents water spots.
Contrary to popular belief, dishwashers are more sanitary than handwashing — modern units can heat water above 54°C, killing more bacteria than a sponge. They’re also water-efficient: handwashing uses about 27 gallons; a dishwasher, three.
FAQs
What is the most essential kitchen appliance?
The refrigerator — it offers a secure, organized space for food and drinks, extending shelf life and serving as a key tool for food preservation.
Which household appliance gets the most daily use?
The refrigerator, again — running 24/7 for food storage and meal prep, followed by washers and electric/gas ranges.
How can affordable household appliances improve your daily routine?
Affordable appliances improve quality of life without breaking the bank. Cook at home, stock your fridge, and skip the laundromat.
Shop Affordable Appliance Essentials
Get the right appliances at Surplus Furniture — your one-stop shop for brand-name furniture and appliances at warehouse prices, with flexible financing and layaway. Visit a showroom near you or check out our budget-friendly appliances online.
