Buying a fridge, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, or TV can be expensive, especially when you need one quickly. That is why many Australian households now compare factory seconds appliances and refurbished appliances before paying full retail price.
Both options can help you save money, but they are not the same. One may suit you better if you want a newer appliance with small cosmetic marks. The other may suit you better if your main focus is the lowest upfront price.
At Lucky White Goods, customers often compare factory seconds, refurbished, scratch & dent and second hand appliances because they want practical value without overpaying.
Quick Answer: Which One Saves More?
Refurbished appliances usually save more money upfront.
Because they may have been previously used, returned, repaired or tested, they are often priced lower than factory seconds.
Factory seconds appliances can still offer better value if the item is new or near-new and the issue is only cosmetic, such as a dent, scratch or carton damage.
So the simple answer is:
Choose factory seconds if you want a newer appliance at a lower price.
Choose refurbished if you want the lowest practical price.
Choose based on condition, warranty, size, energy use and delivery — not just the lowest price.
Factory Seconds vs Refurbished Appliances: What’s the Difference?
The main difference is the appliance condition and history.
Feature
Factory Seconds Appliances
Refurbished Appliances
Condition
Usually new or near-new
Usually previously used, returned or repaired
The main reason for discount
Cosmetic mark, dent, scratch or carton damage
Previous use, repair, return or testing
Appearance
Often looks newer
May show more signs of use
Price
Discounted from retail
Usually cheaper than factory seconds
Best for
Buyers want newer stock cheaper
Buyers wanting maximum savings
Common examples
Scratch & dent fridge, carton-damaged washer
Tested washing machine, refurbished fridge
A factory seconds fridge may have a small dent on the side, but still cools normally. A refurbished washing machine may have been used before, but checked, cleaned and tested before resale.
Both can be smart options when the condition is clearly explained.
What Are Factory Seconds Appliances?
Factory seconds appliances are products that cannot be sold as perfect brand-new retail stock.
This may be because of:
small dents
scratches
carton or packaging damage
display marks
minor handling marks
cosmetic imperfections
In many cases, the appliance itself works properly. The issue is usually about appearance, not performance.
For example, a factory seconds washing machine may have a small mark on the side panel. A factory seconds fridge may have packaging damage or a visible dent, but the cooling system may still work as expected.
This makes factory seconds a good choice for buyers who want a newer appliance without paying the full brand-new price.
What Are Refurbished Appliances?
Refurbished appliances are usually items that have been used before, returned, repaired, serviced, cleaned or tested before being sold again.
A refurbished appliance may have had:
a part replaced
a fault repaired
a full function check
cleaning and inspection
previous customer use
minor signs of wear
For example, a refurbished fridge should be checked for cooling, seals and temperature performance. A refurbished washing machine should be checked for filling, draining, spinning and washing cycles.
Refurbished appliances can be a good option when you want a working appliance at a lower price and are comfortable with previous use.
When Factory Seconds Appliances Are the Better Buy
Factory seconds can be the better choice when you want a newer appliance but do not mind small cosmetic marks.
They are especially useful when the damage is not easy to see once the appliance is installed.
For example, a dent on the side of a fridge may not matter if that side sits against a wall. A small scratch on a washing machine may not matter if the machine is going inside a laundry cupboard.
Factory seconds may be a good option if you want:
a newer model at a lower price
minor cosmetic damage only
better appearance than second hand
a fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven or TV for daily use
value without choosing a heavily used appliance
For many buyers, factory seconds offer a good balance between price and condition.
When Refurbished Appliances Make More Sense
Refurbished appliances may make more sense when price is the biggest priority.
This is common when you need a quick replacement and do not want to spend too much.
For example, if your washing machine suddenly stops working, a refurbished washing machine may be a practical way to get your laundry running again without paying full retail. If you need a spare fridge for the garage, a refurbished fridge may be enough for everyday use.
Refurbished appliances may suit:
rental properties
student homes
garage fridges
spare appliances
budget home setups
urgent replacements
buyers who care more about function than appearance
The key is to check that the appliance has been tested and that the condition is clearly explained before you buy.
What Should You Check Before Buying Either Option?
Whether you choose factory seconds or refurbished, do not buy only because the price looks cheap.
A good deal should still fit your home, lifestyle and budget.
1. Check the condition
Ask what makes the appliance discounted. Is it a dent? Scratch? Carton damage? Previous use? Repair history?
Clear condition details help you avoid surprises.
2. Check the size
Always measure your space before buying.
For fridges, check height, width, depth and door clearance. For washing machines and dishwashers, check cabinet space, water access and drainage.
3. Check the appliance capacity
Choose a size that suits your household.
A small fridge may suit one or two people, while a family may need a larger top mount, bottom mount, French door or side-by-side fridge.
For washing machines, smaller households may suit 6kg–7.5kg, while families often need 8kg–10kg or more.
4. Check energy use
A cheaper appliance is not always cheaper long-term. Fridges run all day, and dryers can use more power depending on the type.
Check the energy rating where possible, especially for fridges, freezers, washing machines and dryers.
5. Check delivery
Delivery matters, especially when replacing a broken appliance.
If you need a fridge or washing machine quickly, check whether same-day or next-day delivery is available in your area.
6. Check warranty or support
Factory seconds and refurbished appliances may have different warranty terms from brand-new retail products.
Always check what is included before buying.
For buyers who are leaning towards refurbished, it is worth checking what is available in your nearest Lucky White Goods location. Refurbished stock can change regularly, especially for popular items like fridges, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. You can browse current options through our refurbished appliance collections for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Alexandria NSW and Reservoir VIC.
This helps you compare products by location, check condition details, and find an option that fits your home without paying full retail price.
FAQs
Are factory seconds appliances used?
Not always. Many factory seconds appliances are new or near-new but may have dents, scratches, carton damage or display marks.
Are refurbished appliances second hand?
Refurbished appliances are often previously used or returned items that have been checked, repaired, cleaned or tested before resale.
Which is cheaper: factory seconds or refurbished?
Refurbished appliances are usually cheaper upfront. Factory seconds may cost more, but they are often newer and may only have cosmetic damage.
Are scratch & dent appliances the same as factory seconds?
Sometimes. Scratch & dent appliances may be factory seconds if they are new or near-new with cosmetic marks. If the item was previously used or repaired, it may be better described as refurbished or second hand.
What is better for a washing machine?
Factory seconds may be better if you want a newer washing machine at a reduced price. Refurbished may be better if you want a lower-cost washing machine and are comfortable with previous use.
What is better for a fridge?
For a main kitchen fridge, factory seconds can be a strong option because the appliance may be newer. For a spare fridge or budget replacement, a refurbished one can also make sense if it has been properly tested.