8 Appliances You’ll Never Catch Us Wasting Money On

I, like you, know how easy it is to get caught up in the whirlwind of shiny new appliances. They’re cool, they save us some time, and they make us look like we have a little more money in our wallets than we actually do. But is it worth it?

Some appliances, while helpful, are more of a splurge than they are a necessity. These are 8 of the most common appliances that we choose not to spend our money on.

Microwave

Many of us feel like we can’t live withohut a microwave, right? But guess what? You can actually get along just fine without one. Using your regular oven might take a bit longer, but it can be more cost-effective and many say it’s healthier too. No need to stress about microwaves zapping around! Plus, ditching the $350 microwave can save on counter space and electricity bills.

Countertop Dishwashers

Think a countertop dishwasher is the answer to your small kitchen struggles? It might be time to think again. Sure, they’re cute and compact, but when it comes down to it, they’re not always the best bang for your buck. Often, they use more water and energy per dish than the full-sized models, and they can’t handle much at a go.

If you’re only dealing with a few dishes daily, the $275 price tag might not be worth the convenience, especially when you could wash them just as quickly by hand without hiking up your utility bills.

Trash Compactors

Trash compactors, a gadget designed to squeeze your trash into smaller bits, sound like a tidy solution. Well, not so fast. While they can make your garbage can less chaotic, the upfront cost and the juice they use to run could give any budget-conscious homeowner pause.

Clocking in with an average price of $1,050, they’re not exactly cheap. And let’s be honest: they’re kind of a luxury rather than a must-have. Between the high energy consumption and the potential headaches of maintenance, the benefits don’t really stack up.

Fabric Steamers

Fabric steamers are great for getting those wrinkles out when you’re in a pinch, but they’re not exactly a necessity for everyone. If your clothes aren’t frequently coming out of the closet looking like crumpled paper, you might not get much bang for your buck with one of these.

They do gobble up a decent amount of electricity, and at around $70, it’s worth considering if a good old-fashioned iron, which is cheaper to run and more versatile, might do the job just fine. For anyone not dealing with delicate fabrics on the regular, a steamer could be an expense and space-eater you can skip.

Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops, especially those with those smooth, glossy surfaces, might catch your eye with their modern look and the promise of easy cleanup. But here’s the problem: if something goes wrong, fixing them can burn a hole in your wallet quicker than they heat up your dinner.

Speaking of heating up, ever stood there waiting for the thing to adjust after you’ve turned it down? They’re not just slow to respond, but that lag can also crank up your energy bill due to longer cooking times. While they do look cool in your kitchen, with an average price of $550, the cost over time might make you reconsider.

Wine Coolers

Wine coolers might seem like a classy way to keep your Chardonnay chilled, but unless you’re storing bottles that need very specific conditions, they’re probably overkill. Think about it: the extra energy cost of running one of these can add up, making it less than ideal for those watching their budget.

For most casual wine drinkers, stashing your bottles in a cool, dark place like a basement or a cabinet works just as well without the ongoing costs. With an average price tag of around $500, a wine cooler could be more of a splurge than a necessity.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

If you’re keeping a close eye on your budget, you might want to think twice about side-by-side refrigerators. Sure, they look sleek and make grabbing an ice-cold drink super easy, but they’re also kind of an energy hog. Compared to the more modest top-freezer fridges, these models can make your electricity bill climb thanks to their larger size and fancy features like ice dispensers.

They also often come with a heftier price tag, averaging around $1,100. Plus, their design—while chic—means narrower shelves. Ever tried fitting a big pizza box in there? Yeah, not happening.

Built-In Coffee Systems

Who wouldn’t love to start their day feeling like they’ve got a personal barista? Built-in coffee systems can transform your kitchen into a mini café. That sounds pretty awesome until you see the bills.

Installing one of these can be quite pricey, not to mention the ongoing maintenance costs. And if something breaks? Get ready for some specialized (and expensive) repairs. All this makes them a bit of a luxury when compared to just using a regular coffee maker.

While the idea is tempting, the average cost of about $3,500 might just be too steep for those looking to save.