What is an extended warranty?
An extended warranty extends the period when you can get repairs beyond the manufacturer’s warranty at no additional cost.
What to consider before buying an appliance extended warranty
The decision to purchase an appliance extended warranty should be based on your specific circumstances, including brand reliability, warranty terms, your financial strategy and appliance longevity.
Risk tolerance
An extended warranty provides financial predictability, but if you keep the warranty for long enough without needing to use it, the amount you pay will eventually equal or exceed the repair or replacement costs of the appliance. Depending on how comfortable you are with that risk, you may prefer to save up money for potential repairs and handle a breakdown yourself.
Duplicate coverage
Before you purchase an extended warranty, check to make sure you’re not adding overlapping protections. If your appliance is already covered under a manufacturer warranty, credit card extended warranty or retailer return policy, it doesn’t make sense to pay to cover it twice.
Reliability of the appliance
Some appliance brands are known for their durability, which might make an extended warranty unnecessary. The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has done some of the work for you with our guide to the best appliance brands.
Terms of the warranty
Understand what the extended warranty covers. Some warranties only cover specific parts and may not include routine maintenance. Also, be aware of any limitations or exclusions in the warranty contract.
Repair costs
When an appliance breaks down, do you have the cash saved up to get it repaired or replaced? For most people, the answer is no. So, you need to weigh the cost of an extended warranty with how much you can expect to spend on repairing or replacing your appliance.
Generally, an appliance extended warranty costs $25 to $50 per month, or $300 to $600 per year, as of publishing. That can seem like a lot to individuals on a budget, but compare that cost with the potential costs of repairing or replacing your appliances:
| Appliance | Cost to repair | Cost to replace |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer | $80 to $500 | Less than $1,000 |
| Freezer | $50 to $650 | $200 to $800 |
| Washing machine | $150 to $500 | Less than $1,000 |
| Fridge | $40 to $1,000 | More than $1,000 |
| Dishwasher | $50 to $600 | $350 to $3,500 |
| Garbage disposal | $100 to $200 | $250 to $620 |
| Water heater | $90 to $1,725 | $880 to $1,800 |
| Built-in microwave | N/A | $275 to $2,800 |
Appliance life span
Some appliances may not need an extended warranty because the manufacturer’s warranty covers them for the duration of their life span. So, it’s key to check your manufacturer’s warranty before committing to an extended warranty.
Here’s the average life span for appliances around your home so that you can compare it to the manufacturer’s warranty:
| Appliance | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 9 to 13 years |
| Oven | 10 to 18 years (gas) |
| Range | 13 to 15 (electric); 15 to 17 (gas) |
| Dishwasher | 9 years |
| Garbage disposal | 12 years |
| Washer | 5 to 15 years |
| Dryer | 13 years |
| Water heater | 6 to 12 (conventional); 10 years (tankless) |
What items should you buy extended warranties on?
Which appliances you get an extended warranty on depends on all of the various factors already mentioned, but generally, here are some appliances that you may want to consider:
- Refrigerators: Fridges are used continuously and tend to have expensive repair costs, especially models with ice makers and digital displays.
- Washers and dryers: These appliances endure a lot of use and can be expensive to repair, especially front-loading models with more complex mechanisms.
- Dishwashers: While not as essential as refrigerators, dishwashers can benefit from extended warranties if you opt for higher-end models with sophisticated electronic panels and features.
- Ovens and ranges: Due to the high cost of parts and labor, high-end models, particularly those with electronic controls or induction cooktops, are more likely to be worth the cost of an extended warranty.
- Microwaves: An extended warranty might make sense for built-in models, which are more expensive to replace or repair than countertop models.
Extended warranty pros and cons
Extended warranties can offer valuable protection and convenience for some consumers, but they also come with limitations and costs that may not make sense for everyone.
Pros
- Peace of mind
- Financial predictability
- Convenient service
- High-end appliance protection
Cons
- Cost may outweigh benefits
- Limited coverage
- Service restrictions
- Potential delays
Alternatives to an extended warranty
A solid alternative to an extended warranty is purchasing a home warranty plan. Instead of just covering one appliance, a home warranty can cover most of your appliances in one plan. Home warranties are a little more expensive at $28 to $90 a month, or around $340 to $1,080 a year, but you’re getting much more coverage.
A home warranty may be worth it instead of an extended warranty if you have multiple aging or vulnerable appliances.
FAQ
What does a home warranty typically cover?
Home warranty plans usually cover large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers and freezers. They also cover air conditioners, built-in microwaves, water heaters and systems like plumbing, ductwork, pool heaters and well pumps.
What is the biggest benefit of an extended warranty?
When you run into an unexpected repair, your extended warranty company will handle it by finding a qualified technician to fix the issue and covering the repair or replacement costs.
What are the cons of an extended warranty?
Most extended warranty companies cover repairs only for home systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Extended warranty contracts often come with strict limitations and exclusions, which can sometimes make it challenging to secure coverage. You may also live outside the repair technician’s service area, making getting a repair difficult.
Are extended warranties worth it for older appliances?
Extended warranties are generally not recommended for older appliances. These appliances are more prone to frequent breakdowns, and warranty providers may limit or deny coverage for wear-and-tear issues that result from age. Additionally, the cost of coverage may not be worth it compared to replacing the appliance.
Should you buy extended warranties on high-end appliances?
Yes, high-end appliances are often good candidates for extended warranties. These appliances typically come with complex technology and costly components, which makes repairs more expensive. An extended warranty can offer financial protection and ensure qualified servicing.
Bottom line
When deciding whether to purchase an appliance extended warranty, weigh the repair cost, the warranty’s terms and the appliance's reliability. Appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, which are costly to repair and crucial for daily life, are often good candidates for extended warranties.
Additionally, high-end appliances with sophisticated features, such as smart ovens or built-in microwaves, might also justify the extra protection to safeguard against expensive repairs. Although there are exceptions, in most cases it’s best to decline an extended warranty for small appliances, older appliances and budget models.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work.
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, “InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes.” Accessed June 12, 2026.
