If you're shopping for new home appliances and you're on a budget, then you'll want to know this term: scratch and dent. This is a term that refers to appliances and is often used along with another familiar term: refurbished. Scratch and dent appliances are basically brand-new appliances that have minor to non-noticeable flaws that are sold at a large discount as a result.

A refurbished item, however, is similar but is often used and then restored to its like-new quality. If you want brand-new appliances that are name brand, higher-end, or at the height of their technology, but you haven't much to spend, then scratch and dent appliances you can buy at your local appliance store might be best for you. Here are a few reasons you should buy them and how to shop for the best appliances for your needs.

You get a great discount for a product that is likely in great working condition

Discount appliances in an appliance store are often scratch and dent appliances that have minor blemishes but are still brand-new in packaging or use. You can get these appliances at your local appliance store for a great deal and they usually work just fine and as well as other new appliances in the same store. People don't want to pay the full retail price for a dented or scratched appliance, so these savings come to you.

Just remember that when you buy scratch and dent appliances, you get no guarantees they work, and you likely won't get any other discounts or guarantees with them. This means your best bet is to test any scratch and dent appliances at your local appliance store before purchasing so you know they work well.

You get great name-brand appliances that still look great

Most scratch and dent appliances have flaws so minor you may not even notice them at first. Or, they can be on the back of appliances and not anywhere near the main part of the units. Your desire for budget name-brand appliances can be met if you have an open mind and are willing to look for display and scratch and dent appliances at your local appliance store.

Your appliance store will show you their scratch and dent models and help you identify the flawed or damaged areas of these appliances. This way, you can make the best decision for your needs and get the appliances you really want for your home.