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Renovating is as popular as ever, but people are getting more strategic about where their money goes. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz & Home Study, which features intel from 20,000 U.S. homeowners, big-ticket upgrades appear to be less of a priority right now; the frequency of major kitchen appliance purchases has dropped slightly, from 33 percent in 2024 to 29 percent in 2025.
It makes sense: Luxury ranges, built-in refrigerators, and fully integrated appliance suites add up fast, while homeowners’ budgets have remained largely the same year over year, per Houzz. But that doesn’t mean you need to abandon your dream kitchen altogether, you just need to shop a little smarter. Read on for three ways to score expensive-looking kitchen appliances without the expensive price tag.
Ask About Floor Models
The appliances on display at retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s are usually for sale, and can be one of the easiest ways to save—designer Ajai Guyot found the fridge for her galley kitchen remodel this way. Floor models are usually discounted simply because they’ve spent time in a showroom—they may be already assembled and lightly handled by customers, but nothing is defective. The best part: Stores like to move quickly so they can make room for new inventory.
Consider a Vintage Restoration
For homeowners after a layered, lived-in look, a secondhand appliance can be worthwhile. Designer Breeze Braunschweig once scored a vintage, cobalt blue stove for just $350. Used ranges and refrigerators often come with charming details difficult to find in newer models—rounded edges, enamel finishes, chrome hardware—and when professionally restored, they can function just as beautifully as contemporary options.
Search Beyond Traditional Retailers
If you are willing to spend a little extra time searching, you can unearth some solid appliance deals. Distributor overstock sites, open-box listings (returns, floor models, and like-new options), and even appliance sellers on eBay can offer steep markdowns on premium models. Another trick? Go for a smaller style, like the 18-inch, under-$1,000 ZLINE dishwasher in this Brooklyn kitchen designed by Shelbie Cox. We did some some digging for you:
