In the summer of 2026, Danielle Levine and her daughter were looking forward to a season of baking together. As the treasurer of her high school’s baking club, the daughter was eager to test new recipes. However, their plans were interrupted when their three-year-old wall oven suddenly stopped working.

The oven had functioned well for its first year, but in the fuse blew, and it ceased to operate. What followed was a frustrating year and a half of repeated failures and repairs. Levine later discovered that other owners had reported similar issues with the oven’s wiring overheating. In a particularly exasperating moment, the oven malfunctioned right in front of their repair person.

The importance of researching appliances

Appliance breakdowns can be both frustrating and costly. Angie Hicks, co-founder of the home services site Angi emphasizes the importance of checking reviews for repeated problems before making a purchase. “Especially if you’re seeing common themes in the review, you want to understand that” Hicks said. “Then when you start your shopping, you’ve kind of narrowed down the field at that point.”

Hicks also recommends carefully reading the manufacturer’s warranty. “I always start with the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with the appliance. How long does it last? Is it a couple of years? Is it four years? How long does the appliance last?” Hicks said. Understanding the warranty can help consumers determine whether an extended warranty is worth the extra cost. “The extended warranty is only as good as what it covers. If it doesn’t cover those common things, it may not be worth the investment” Hicks explained.

Learning from experience

After her ordeal, Levine decided to approach her next appliance purchase more cautiously. She consulted with her repair technician, who recommended reputable brands and companies known for good customer service. “Talked to our repair person who not only recommended a couple of brands that are very reputable that he never sees repairs on, but also good places to go with companies that have really good customer service that support their customers” she said.

A major appliance should last for years, if not more than a decade. Doing a little research before you buy is more important than ever to ensure you don’t waste your money. By learning from Levine’s experience, consumers can make more informed decisions and avoid similar pitfalls.