4 Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Appliances

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Appliances


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Welcome to Rustic Kitchen and Bath! We’re excited to start this journey with you and help you choose the right kitchen appliances for your needs. We've put together four simple things to keep in mind when shopping for appliances that will make a huge difference in the long run.

When most people begin designing their dream home, they typically go for products that are stylish, low-priced, and unique. While these are all qualities that you should consider, there are often many attributes that are overlooked. Below, we’ve included some qualities that you should pay close attention to when picking out new appliances. Enjoy!

1. Installation Difficulty

It’s always nice to have the shiniest and unique types of appliances, but is it worth the fuss of installing? Many unique appliance companies don’t include easily accessible resources like “How-to” videos or useful FAQ pages regarding their products. When shopping for appliances, it's important to keep in mind installation difficulty, because it can significantly affect both cost and time. Appliances that lack clear instructions, installation guides, or video support can create delays and require additional professional help.

This is why we are partners with ZLINE Kitchen and Bath! Not only are their products easy to install, but there are informative installation videos on a platform known as Appliance Educator. They have many videos on YouTube showing you how to install your ZLINE appliances, along with tips and tricks on how to maintain your appliances!

2. Does the Company Have a US-based Customer Service?

One of the most irritating issues renovators run into when creating their dream home is going with appliance companies that don’t have a US-based customer service team. It’s quite difficult to align schedules with a customer service team in another country. Oftentimes, this broken-telephone form of communication takes weeks to even months longer to get even the simplest of problems resolved. Going with a retailer that has a US-based customer service team will allow you to complete your installation faster and with less of a headache.

3. Does the Retailer Offer Fast-shipping?

Today, everything is so fast-paced that you shouldn’t have to settle for a retailer that takes weeks to months to ship to you. You may think that since it saves you money, it’s a route worth exploring. Wrong, time is money. You may not mind that your appliance takes months to get to you if you’re planning your renovation ahead of time, but what happens when you need a replacement part? You may now be out of an oven or a kitchen faucet for a month. By choosing a retailer with fast shipping, you never have to worry about the functionality of your dream kitchen!

4. Prices

Yes, at the beginning, we included price as a quality that’s often focused on more than others. That’s because it should! When renovating a kitchen or bathroom, it tends to get a little pricey. Budgeting for your dream kitchen or bathroom should not be a sin; that’s why Rustic Kitchen and Bath offers competitive prices to help you save money while you are shopping for appliances. Explore all the special deals we have to offer here and get started on your dream home!

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FAQs

What should I consider first when shopping for new appliances?

Beyond style and price, you should prioritize installation requirements, customer service support, shipping speed, and long-term value. These factors often have a bigger impact on your renovation timeline and overall satisfaction than aesthetics alone.

Why is installation difficulty important when choosing appliances?

Installation difficulty can significantly affect both cost and time. Appliances that lack clear instructions, installation guides, or video support can create delays and require additional professional help. Brands like ZLINE Kitchen and Bath are often favored because they provide accessible installation resources and clear documentation that simplify the process.

Do appliance brands really differ in installation support?

Yes. Some brands offer detailed how-to videos, manuals, and FAQs, while others provide minimal guidance. Choosing a brand with strong installation education can reduce errors, speed up installation, and lower labor costs.

Why is US-based customer service important when buying appliances?

US-based customer service typically means faster response times, easier communication, and quicker resolution of issues. When support teams are overseas, time zone differences and communication delays can slow down repairs, replacements, or warranty claims.

How does customer service affect appliance ownership long term?

Reliable customer service is critical for troubleshooting, warranty support, replacement parts, and maintenance questions. Strong support can save weeks of downtime if an appliance needs service after installation.

Why should fast shipping matter when purchasing appliances?

Fast shipping keeps renovation projects on schedule and reduces downtime if an appliance or replacement part is needed urgently. Slow shipping can delay entire projects and leave essential appliances unusable for extended periods.

Is slower shipping ever worth the lower price?

In most cases, no. While slower shipping may appear cheaper upfront, delays can increase labor costs, disrupt renovation timelines, and create inconvenience if a replacement part is needed quickly. Time lost often outweighs the initial savings.

How important is pricing when choosing appliances?

Price is important, but it should be evaluated alongside quality, durability, warranty coverage, and support. The lowest-priced option is not always the most cost-effective long term if it leads to higher maintenance or replacement costs.

Can I find quality appliances at competitive prices?

Yes. Retailers like Rustic Kitchen and Bath focus on offering competitively priced appliances that balance performance, reliability, and value, helping homeowners stay within budget without sacrificing quality.

Should I prioritize budget or features when shopping for appliances?

A balanced approach is best. Start with a realistic budget, then choose appliances that offer the most important features, reliable performance, and strong support within that range.

What mistakes should I avoid when shopping for appliances?

Common mistakes include overlooking installation requirements, choosing brands with poor customer support, ignoring shipping timelines, and focusing only on upfront price instead of long-term value.

How can I make appliance shopping easier and less stressful?

Work with knowledgeable retailers, choose brands with strong support resources, and plan ahead for installation and delivery. Asking the right questions early helps ensure your appliances fit your space, timeline, and expectations.

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