Are Expensive Appliances Worth It? Not Always—Here’s When They Are

If you’re running laundry for a family of five every few days, or your refrigerator sees more door action than a busy diner, a durable model may pay off.

When it comes to appliances, you want them to work hard—not your wallet. Biba Kayewich

You’re standing in the appliance aisle at your favorite home store, staring down two dishwashers. One is modestly priced at $499. The other is more than double that—$1,299—and comes with all the bells, whistles, and LED lights, and an app that alerts your phone when the rinse cycle finishes.

So you wonder: Is the expensive one really worth it—for me, the buyer, not the store owner?