Scratch and dent appliances are one of the easiest ways to get a name-brand refrigerator, washer or range for a lot less than the big-box price. The catch is simple: the unit has a cosmetic mark somewhere, usually from shipping or handling. If you know what to look for, that mark is the only thing you give up.
This guide walks you through what scratch and dent really means, what to check in the store, and how to decide if a deal is worth it for your Houston home.
What “scratch and dent” actually means
A scratch and dent appliance is a new appliance that picked up a cosmetic flaw before it reached a customer. A forklift bumps a box, a side panel gets scuffed in a warehouse, or a door gets a small ding during delivery. The appliance itself has not been used in someone’s home. It simply can no longer be sold at full retail price because it does not look perfect.
That is why the savings can be big. At Houston Appliance Outlet you can save up to 50% off MSRP on select units, depending on the brand, the model and how visible the mark is.
Where the mark is matters more than how big it is
Before you fall in love with a price tag, think about where the appliance will sit in your home.
- Side panels: a dent on the side of a refrigerator or range often disappears once it slides between cabinets.
- Back and top: marks here are almost never seen after installation.
- Front doors and control panels: these are the spots you look at every day, so be honest with yourself about whether a mark here will bother you.
A small scratch on the side of a fridge that will be boxed in by cabinets is usually the sweet spot: you get the savings and nobody ever sees the flaw.
A quick in-store checklist
When you visit, take five minutes to go through this list with our team:
- Look at every side. Ask us to point out the cosmetic damage so there are no surprises later.
- Open and close the doors. Doors and drawers should seal and close smoothly.
- Check the seals and gaskets on refrigerators and dishwashers for tears.
- Look at the controls and display for cracks.
- Confirm the measurements. Bring the width, height and depth of your space, plus your doorway widths.
- Ask about warranty coverage. Store warranty is available on select units and is confirmed at the time of sale.
Is scratch and dent right for you?
Scratch and dent is a great fit if you want a reliable, name-brand appliance and care more about the price than a showroom finish. It is especially popular with rental property owners, people furnishing a garage or laundry room, and anyone replacing a broken appliance on a tight budget.
If you want a perfect finish, take a look at our open box units or new in box appliances instead. You can compare all three in our guide to scratch and dent appliances, or browse what is in stock today in fridges and freezers, laundry and kitchen appliances.
Pay over time if you need to
A great deal still has to fit your budget. We work with six financing and lease-to-own partners, with options starting at $0 down and choices for many credit situations. Learn more on our financing page.
See the deals in person
The best way to shop scratch and dent is to see the unit with your own eyes. Visit Houston Appliance Outlet at 2395 Hwy 6, Suite A1, Houston, TX 77077, open 10 AM to 7 PM, or call (713) 820-7959 and our team will tell you what just came in.
Khloe Rogers is a content writer and editor who writes the buying guides and how-to articles on the Houston Appliance Outlet blog. Her guides explain things in plain language and focus on what to check before you buy.
