Choosing Between New and Used Appliances, and What to Do With Your Old Whiteware

Purchasing a new appliance is a big decision, and often a big investment too. Whether you’re replacing a broken washing machine, upgrading your fridge, or furnishing a new flat, there’s a lot to weigh up: cost, energy efficiency, functionality, payment options — just to name a few factors. It can all get a bit overwhelming.

You might also be wondering: Should I buy new or used appliances?

In this article, we’re exploring the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what’s right for you.

Plus, need to figure out what to do with an old, unwanted appliance? Ezy Peazy has you sorted! Thanks to our extensive network of professional taskers up and down the country, low-cost removal services are at your fingertips.

New appliances: pros and cons

There’s something incredibly satisfying about buying a brand-new, shiny fridge, dishwasher or washing machine. It’s clean, works perfectly, scratch-free — and you’ve probably been able to choose a model that matches your décor beautifully. What’s not to love?

Pros:

• Latest and greatest features
  Depending on your budget, buying new means you can take advantage of the latest technological advances — from smart fridges that with in-built entertainment options, so you can watch TV while you cook, to energy-efficient dishwashers that minimise water and electricity consumption. There really is something for everyone and every taste!
   
• Warranties and consumer protection
  New appliances typically come a manufacturer’s warranty, giving you recourse if anything breaks and needs repairing. Many retailers also offer extended warranty options, and some brands, like Haier,  offer fridge compressor warranties that last as long as 12 years.
   
• Delivery and installation options
  Many retail stores, such as Noel Leeming, offer professional delivery and installation services — making it easy to get your new whiteware up and running quickly.
   
• Peace of mind
  There’s always a bit of risk involved when buying second-hand appliances, since you can’t be sure how they’ve been treated or whether they’ve had previous issues. Unlike a used car, you don’t get the benefit of being able to see past service and warrant of fitness information. Buying new means you know exactly what you’re getting: a product in perfect working order, with no hidden surprises.

Cons:

• Cost
  Let’s face it: new appliances are significantly more expensive than second-hand ones. If your budget is tight, this may limit you to at lower-spec options.
   
• Depreciation
  Like cars, appliances depreciate and lose their value quickly. If you think you might want to resell later, it’s worth keeping in mind that you’re unlikely to get back what you paid.
   
• Wait times
  While it’s often possible to take your new appliance home the same day, if stock is delayed or backordered,  you may need to wait days or weeks before it arrives.

Second-hand appliances: pros and cons

As the cost of living bites, you might be looking for ways to save money. Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for a spare fridge for your garage or workplace and don’t need all the latest bells and whistles. New Zealand’s second-hand whiteware market has plenty of scope, especially if you know where (and what) to look for.

Pros:

• Affordability
  The most obvious perk when it comes to second-hand appliances is that they’re usually much cheaper than new ones. This makes them a great option for students setting up their first flat or young families who’ve just forked out on a deposit for their first home.
   
• Availability
  There’s no shortage of second-hand washing machines, dishwashers, fridges or dryers. You can often pick up what you need straight away via Facebook Marketplace, Trade Me, or second-hand appliance stores.
   
• Lower environmental impact
  New Zealand has a waste problem and pressure on our landfills is growing. Many appliances — like refrigerators — contain hazardous materials that can negatively impact our environment when buried in landfill. By purchasing second hand, you can keep still-functional appliances out of landfill and be part of the solution.
   
• Negotiating power
  When you buy new, the price is the price. But on platforms like Trade Me, you often have the opportunity to negotiate for a better deal.
   

Cons:

• No warranty or limited recourse
  When you’re buying from Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace, you have little protection if something breaks. Sometimes you might get lucky with an item where the warranty is valid, but as Consumer Protection NZ  explains, when you buy something privately, you have fewer rights than when you buy something from a business. One workaround is to buy your second-hand dishwasher, fridge or dryer from an online business or second-hand dealer, where your rights are the same as when buying new.
   
• Unknown history
  Unless you’re buying from someone you know, it’s hard to be sure how an appliance has been treated — and there’s always the risk of being misled online.
   
• Energy inefficiency
  While buying second-hand whiteware is a great way to minimise your household’s environmental impact, older appliances are often less energy-efficient, which may lead to higher power and water bills over time.
   
• Transport hassles
  Retailers often include delivery in the purchase price of your new appliance, or make it easy to add this on. But when buying second-hand appliances in NZ, you’ll often need to arrange pick-up and installation yourself. This could be a hassle if you don’t have a vehicle capable of transporting a large appliance.

Which is better: new or second-hand?

Whether to opt for new or second-hand appliances really depends on your priorities. If you’ve got the cash flow available and plan to use the appliance for many years, investing in a new model may make more sense, especially for high-use items like washing machines where durability is  key. But if you’re after a short-term solution, kitting out a new flat, or trying to save money, second-hand might be the smarter move.

Here's a quick glance at the best option depending on your priority:

• Budget-friendly: Second-hand
• Lower environmental impact: Second-hand
• Longevity: New
• Convenience: New

Out with the old? How to dispose of second-hand appliances

Whether you’ve opted to purchase a brand-new whiteware item or go for a second-hand gem, you might be wondering what to do with your old appliance.

From selling your old fridge on Trade Me, gifting it to charity, or dropping your unwanted whiteware off at a community recycling centre, there are a number of options when it comes to offloading preloved appliances responsibly.

Sell your unwanted whiteware online

Just as it’s easy to pick up second-hand whiteware online, it’s easy to sell online, too! If your old appliance is still in good working order, you’ll probably find it gets picked up by a bargain hunter fairly quickly. TradeMe, Facebook Marketplace and local buy and sell Facebook Groups are all good options. If you’re not interested in earning much from your sale, you can set the starting price as low as $1 and arrange for the buyer to pick the item up from you directly.

Top tip: Make sure to take a range of photos in good lighting and include the dimensions of your appliance in the listing.

Gift your old appliance to charity  

Old fridge still in working condition? Someone in need may be able to get good use out of it. A brand-new appliance isn’t cheap, and purchasing one new is simply out of reach for many Kiwi families. If you’re happy to give your whiteware away free of charge, there are a number of charities across the country who take in household items that they can sell in their op shops. This is a wonderful way to get your old appliance off your hands while giving back.

Give the various city missions, Hato Hone St John, Habitat for Humanity, the New Zealand Red Cross, SPCA and the Salvation Army a try for starters.

Note: It pays to call ahead to check whether your chosen charity has space for your appliance before dropping it off. 

Take your whiteware to a community recycling centre

While old appliances can’t be recycled at the kerbside, there are a number of community recycling centres across New Zealand that accept them. This is a great option for items that no longer work, as the appliance can be broken down into parts ,which are then recycled responsibly.

Note: Be sure to check ahead of time whether your local community recycling centre accepts all appliances. Some may be able to take smaller items, but not bigger items like dishwashers.

Scrap your old whiteware for cash

Some scrap metal yards, like Sims Metal will take in and pay cash for scrap metal, offering both a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way of offloading your unwanted whiteware. With nine locations nationwide, it’s likely there’s a branch near you. Scrap metal prices are typically calculated by weight.

Book an inorganic rubbish collection

While some city councils have discontinued their inorganic rubbish collection services, booking a free collection is a great option for getting rid of items that can’t be included in your general waste. Booking typically isn’t available year-round, so you’ll need to wait until the specific dates for your area. This is a great option if you don’t need your old whiteware removed immediately and don’t have the means to transport it to a charity op shop, community recycling centre or scrap metal yard yourself.

Hire a tasker for appliance removal with Ezy Peazy

If the thought of navigating appliance disposal yourself seems daunting, or you don’t have a vehicle at the ready to transport it to a charity store, community recycling centre or scrap metal yard, Ezy Peazy can help! There’s no need to wrestle with that second-hand dishwasher yourself.

With our extensive network of taskers across the country, including in major city centres like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch — plus our user-friendly platform — finding affordable appliance removal services near you is a breeze. 

Just post your job, outlining what it is you need removed, including where you’d like it to go (e.g. a specific charity op-shop, a Trade Me buyer’s home, or somewhere else), and your preferred time frame, budget and location. Then sit back and relax while you wait for offers to roll in, compare quotes and read reviews, select your tasker and enjoy your affordable, hassle-free appliance removal.

With Ezy Peazy, it’s easy, safe and efficient. Not only is posting a job free, but the tasker you hire is professional, trusted and reliable. Plus, we won’t release your payment until your removal task is completed and you’re happy with the job done.

So, what are you waiting for? Post your appliance removal job on Ezy Peazy today!

About Ezy Peazy

Founded in 2019, Ezy Peazy is an innovative task marketplace that connects Kiwis with skilled locals to get virtually any job done —anywhere in New Zealand. From household repairs, cleaning, landscaping and removal services to creative projects and deliveries, Ezy Peazy makes it straightforward to find reliable help quickly. With transparent reviews, competitive pricing and a user-friendly experience, we’re transforming the way odd jobs are taken care of.