Recently I attended a focus group where we got to talk about shopping. Specifically, shopping for whiteware. Although my experience with buying appliances has been pretty dang limited to date, I anticipate buying a crapload of them in the next 1-2 years as a freshly minted homeowner.
The only new appliance I've ever purchased was our Samsung washing machine in early 2015. Aside from that, I've only ever bought cheap secondhand washing machines and fridges at a pinch, when our old one died or a house move forced a change of some sort.
In that session, we discussed things like brands, reliability, efficiency, design, functionality, upfront cost and running costs. In particular, when it makes sense to go for the option with a better energy rating, whether it's worth calculating annual running costs, calculating the break even, etc.
Being a broke student and then a broke journalist for most of my adult life, upfront cost was always paramount. Not only did I have a limited budget, I never knew what the future held or how long I would need that appliance for. Efficiency and the longer term view just didn't play into it then. The ability to be pound wise rather than just penny wise assumes a certain level of privilege.
A new kitchen is in my future at some point - a fridge, rangehood, stove/oven and definitely a dishwasher. I want a gas stove for sure, but efficiency will be a consideration for the fridge and dishwasher.
