If you’ve gone appliance shopping, you know there are seemingly endless options. Between refrigerators, cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers, there are countless finishes and functions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the options out there - but we’ve got some helpful tips to help you choose the right appliances for your home. I spoke with some friends in the industry to learn what appliance features and fixtures are trending and what you need to know about supply shortages. Let’s start with what people are loving in the world of appliances. The biggest appliance trend: smart devices. That’s right — your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, doorbell, lights, and even your washer and dryer can all be connected to your phone! If you are looking for your home appliances to really serve you and make your life easier, smart appliances are for you. Your appliances can help you in your day-to-day life running your home and really become something you rely on. Nicole Romero at Nebraska Furniture Mart describes how these appliances can really impact your home and family’s functionality. “Adding smart appliances and smart hubs to your home makes a big impact, and families are really starting to rely on these appliances as part of their daily routines.” Want to check the status of your laundry from the couch? No problem. Need to preheat your oven to prep for dinner? Do it before you leave work from your phone, and cook right away when you get home! Smaller appliances like air fryers and water dispensers take up precious counter space. Good news: there are multi-functional appliances that can help you clear the clutter. Your refrigerator can now double as a hot water dispenser — perfect for a cup of tea or instant noodles! And if you find yourself needing a big air fryer for your family, an oven with air frying capabilities might be the perfect solution. Need a microwave but also more oven space? They make combination microwaves with convection oven functionality, so you never have to worry about running out of cooking space for holidays or meal prep night. There are so many appliance options, the best thing you can do is find what works for you functionally and visually. If you’re looking for a matte black fridge with brushed copper handles, you can have it with the GE Café Line. Brands like Hestan have appliances available in colors like orange, blue, and yellow. Your refrigerator can have a drawer between the refrigerated section and the freezer that’s perfect for snacks for your kids. Ryan Gruesner from Factory Direct Appliance says one of the best things you can do is “future proof” your appliances — make sure they will work for you in years to come. If you don’t have kids but are planning to, maybe smudge and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliances are the right choices for you. If you love the look of a custom wooden range hood, there are plenty of hood inserts to choose from. You don’t have to settle for appliances that don’t serve you! Ryan and Nicole’s biggest piece of advice for shoppers is: start shopping early. There are huge appliance supply shortages right now. Our appliance reps are hearing that some brands may be back-ordered through mid-2023! A lot of small things are compounding, making the wait time for what used to take 2 days take 90-100. Much like we are seeing in the automotive industry, the global chip shortage is impacting appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, and washing machines. The massive freeze the state of Texas endured last winter is still impacting petroleum production, which then, in turn, impacts foam insulation production needed for ovens and refrigerators. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global shipping container shortage, meaning appliances and parts from overseas are taking longer to ship and receive. The housing boom has also played a part, as homeowners (both buying and selling) are looking to replace appliances. All of these outside factors mean homeowners aren’t getting their appliances as quickly as they would like. So plan early! When you first start your kitchen remodel or bathroom makeover, pick your appliances first and get them ordered. The worst thing that can happen is they get in earlier than expected, and they have to be stored. You don’t want to have your kitchen be ready to go without a refrigerator or dishwasher that fits your new cabinetry. There are plenty of options out there for you as you pick new appliances for your home. Plan your budget, decide what features will work for you and your family, and head to your nearest appliance store and get shopping! Need help? Our friends at Nebraska Furniture Mart and Factory Direct Appliance are great resources and are happy to make recommendations based on your needs. Nicole Romero at Nebraska Furniture Mart - (515) 971-9455 Ryan Gruesner at Factory Direct Appliance - (515) 253-2600Get Smart
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FAQs
Why are appliances so hard to get right now? ›
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global shipping container shortage, meaning appliances and parts from overseas are taking longer to ship and receive. The housing boom has also played a part, as homeowners (both buying and selling) are looking to replace appliances.
What factors should you consider when comparison shopping for a large appliance? ›If you are thinking of buying a major appliance, remember that the cost of owning a home appliance has three components: the purchase price, repair and maintenance costs, and operating costs. So buying a more expensive energy-efficient refrigerator may save you money overall because your energy bill will be less.
What appliances last longer? ›Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years. Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).
Why are Whirlpool appliances so hard to get? ›Whirlpool was significantly affected by supply chain issues caused by the pandemic. Factories were shut down in various countries where the appliances are made. This created a backlog of orders that the company is still working through.
What factors would you consider in purchasing a new appliance? ›- Look for appliances with high Energy Star ratings. ...
- Choose the right size and type of appliance for your needs. ...
- Consider the energy-saving features and settings offered by the appliance. ...
- Evaluate the cost over the appliance's lifespan, not the upfront price.
One of the most critical factors to evaluate is the quality and reliability of the product or service. Assess its durability, performance, and the reputation of the brand or service provider. Look for certifications, customer reviews, and testimonials to gauge the level of quality and reliability offered.
How do I choose home appliances? ›Choose the Best Appliances. Once you have established a budget and created a vision for your new kitchen, you'll need to research specific appliances, considering the brands and differentiating factors in each category to choose the appliances with the features, performance and style that best meet your needs.
Why is there still an appliance shortage? ›Supply-chain disruptions brought on by the pandemic continue to affect the flow of large appliances to warehouses and showrooms, as they have all year long. Increased consumer demand hasn't let up either, which means makers don't need to give retailers the usual seasonal rebates to help them move merchandise.
Why are so many appliances out of stock? ›Heightened Levels of Demand
That demand did not taper off as the pandemic stretched on. In fact, appliance sales in the first half of 2021 were even higher than they were in 2020. Unfortunately, that heightened demand hit at a time when manufacturing around the world was taking a significant hit.
Appliances are in High Demand
Unfortunately, that heightened demand came at a time when manufacturing around the globe was suffering tremendously. As a result of pandemic-caused factory shutdowns, manufacturers were unable to meet demand, creating a backlog the appliance industry has yet to recover fully from.
How long are appliances backordered? ›
Most homeowners have experienced an appliance delivery being delayed for the last 2 to 14 months — depending on the brand.