The 5 appliances most worth buying used in Ontario (and 2 you should skip)

Buying used appliances is one of the smartest moves an Ontario homeowner can make, but only when you pick the right ones. A used fridge or washer from a certified dealer can save you $400 to $900 compared to new, and last another 5 to 8 years with no issues. A used window air conditioner from a private seller can cost you more in repairs than it saves. Knowing which is which matters a lot.

Why buying used appliances makes sense in Ontario in 2026

New appliance prices have climbed sharply since 2020. A basic top-load washer that cost $600 in 2019 now retails for $800 to $1,100 at most Ontario retailers. A mid-range refrigerator has gone from $900 to $1,400 or more. For households that need to replace two or three appliances at once, or for landlords stocking a rental unit, the math on certified used appliances is compelling.

The key word is certified. A tested used appliance from a dealer who stands behind their inventory is a fundamentally different product from whatever someone is selling off their driveway. The resale market for appliances has its share of machines sold as working that have undisclosed problems. A certified dealer runs the machine, checks for leaks and mechanical issues, and typically offers at least a 30-day exchange.

The 5 appliances most worth buying used

These categories have the right combination of durability, easy testability, and a strong secondhand market in Ontario.

1. Washing machines

Washers are one of the best used appliance purchases you can make. They are mechanically straightforward, easy to test in person (just run a cycle and watch), and have long lifespans. A well-maintained top-loader can run for 12 to 14 years total. If you buy a 5-year-old model in good shape, you are probably getting another 6 to 8 years out of it.

What makes washers particularly good used buys is that the common failure points, worn belts, failing couplings, and pump issues, are usually detectable when you run the machine. If it completes a full wash and spin cycle without leaking, grinding, or vibrating excessively, it is almost certainly in good working condition.

2. Clothes dryers

Dryers are arguably the single best used appliance category. The mechanics are simple: a motor, a drum, a heating element (or gas burner), and a thermostat. There is not much that wears out quickly, and the failure modes are obvious during testing. A dryer that heats and tumbles consistently is a dryer that works. Many last 15 years or more with zero repairs.

Used dryers in Ontario typically sell for $200 to $400, compared to $700 to $900 new. That is an easy decision for most households.

3. Refrigerators

Fridges are worth buying used, with one important caveat: age matters more here than with washers and dryers. A fridge under 8 years old in good condition is a solid buy. One over 12 years old carries meaningful risk of compressor failure, which typically costs more to fix than the appliance is worth.

What to check: that it maintains proper temperature in both fridge and freezer compartments, that the door seals are intact and seal fully when closed, and that the compressor does not make loud rattling or grinding sounds during its cycle. Testing the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes in person tells you a lot.

4. Gas stoves and ranges

Gas ranges are almost always worth buying used. The technology is simple and extremely durable. The burners, ignitors, and oven elements are all inexpensive to replace individually. A 10-year-old gas range in good cosmetic and functional condition can easily last another decade.

Testing is easy: light every burner, check that each ignites quickly and holds a consistent flame, run the oven up to 375 F and confirm it reaches temperature within 15 minutes. That is all you need.

5. Dishwashers

Dishwashers sit at the more cautious end of the “worth buying used” spectrum. They are worth it if the machine is under 8 years old and you can run a full wash cycle to test it. Check that water drains completely, that spray arms rotate freely, and that the door latch closes securely. In hard-water areas like much of Ontario, interior mineral scaling is common and a good thing to look for. It cleans off, but heavy scaling on an older machine can indicate neglected maintenance.

2 appliances you should not buy secondhand

Not everything in the used market is a good deal. These two categories have failure modes that are hard to detect before purchase and expensive after.

Window and portable air conditioners

The problem with used AC units is refrigerant. If the refrigerant has leaked even slightly, the unit will run but not cool well. You cannot easily test this without gauges, and a recharge plus repair can cost $150 to $300, which eliminates any savings on the purchase. New window units are also relatively inexpensive ($200 to $400), which shrinks the secondhand value proposition considerably.

Small kitchen appliances

Toasters, blenders, stand mixers, and similar countertop appliances are generally not worth buying secondhand. They are inexpensive new, the safety considerations around used electrical appliances are more significant at the small-appliance level, and there is very little cost savings to justify the uncertainty. The exception is high-end stand mixers, which can be worth buying used if the price is right and the unit has been well maintained.

How to inspect any used appliance before you pay

Whether you are buying from a dealer or a private seller, these five steps apply to any major appliance.

Step 1: Get the model number and serial number. The serial number encodes the manufacture date. Look it up before you decide. A machine marketed as “3 years old” that turns out to be 9 years old based on the serial number is a completely different purchase decision.

Step 2: Run the appliance through a full cycle. Not a partial test, a full cycle. Washers should complete wash and spin. Dryers should heat and tumble for at least 20 minutes. Fridges should run for 30 minutes and you should feel cold air in both compartments. Ovens should reach temperature.

Step 3: Check all seals, hoses, and connections. Look at door gaskets, water supply hoses, and any visible plumbing connections. Cracked rubber is a warning sign, even if it is not leaking yet.

Step 4: Listen. Grinding, rattling, or whining sounds during operation are almost always signs of mechanical wear. Ignore the seller’s explanation. If it sounds wrong, it is wrong.

Step 5: Ask about the return policy. Any reputable dealer will offer at least a 30-day exchange on used appliances. If the seller will not put a return policy in writing, walk away.

Certified dealer vs private seller: what actually changes

The price gap between a certified dealer and a private Facebook Marketplace seller is usually $50 to $150 on a given appliance. That difference buys you a machine that has already been inspected, cleaned, and tested, plus a return policy if something goes wrong in the first month.

Private sellers are not all bad, but the risk profile is different. You have no recourse if the machine fails two weeks after delivery. You are also relying on the seller’s honesty about the appliance’s history and condition. Some private sellers are careful and honest. Others are selling you their problem.

For most Ontario households, the $100 premium for a certified used appliance from a dealer with an exchange policy is money well spent. It is the difference between a good deal and a gamble.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth buying used appliances in Ontario?

Yes, for the right categories. Washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and gas ranges are all strong used buys when purchased from a certified dealer who tests each machine. You can typically save $400 to $900 compared to new prices, with several years of remaining useful life.

How do I know how old a used appliance is?

The serial number on most major appliances encodes the manufacture date. The format varies by brand, but you can find lookup guides online for every major manufacturer. Always check the serial number, not just the model number, since the same model can span 5 or more years of production.

What should I avoid when buying a used appliance from a private seller?

Avoid any seller who will not let you run the appliance through a full cycle before purchase. Avoid machines where the seller cannot provide the approximate age or manufacture date. And avoid any deal with no return or exchange policy, especially on refrigerators, where compressor problems can take weeks to surface.

Where can I buy certified used appliances in Ontario?

Max Appliances sells tested and certified used appliances across Ontario, including Toronto, Barrie, and the surrounding GTA region. Every appliance is inspected and comes with an exchange policy.