How to Inspect a Scratch and Dent Appliance Before Buying (Complete Checklist)

Buying a scratch and dent appliance is one of the smartest ways to save money on brand-new refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. But unlike buying a sealed box off a shelf, you’re purchasing a specific physical unit — which means inspecting it properly is essential.

This is your complete in-store checklist. Follow these seven steps before handing over your money, and you’ll walk out confident that you’re getting a great deal on a fully functional appliance.

Step 1: Inspect the Exterior — All Sides, Top, and Back

This is the most obvious step, but most shoppers don’t do it thoroughly enough. Don’t just glance at the front. Walk around the entire unit and examine every surface.

Check the front panel and door. This is the most visible surface once installed. Note any scratches, dents, or discoloration. Ask yourself honestly: will this bother me every time I walk into the kitchen?

Check both side panels. Side damage is often the best kind — if your appliance sits between cabinets or against a wall, nobody will ever see it. A significant dent on a hidden side panel is essentially free savings.

Check the top. Top damage matters less on a full-size fridge (you’ll never see it) but is more visible on a counter-height dishwasher or a front-load washer.

Pull the unit out and check the back. Back-panel damage is almost always invisible after installation, but you’re also checking for something more important here — look for any signs of damage to connections, power cords, water hookups, or gas fittings. Cosmetic damage on the back is fine. Damaged connectors or bent hookup ports are a problem.

Ask the salesperson to point out all known damage. Reputable stores will disclose every imperfection. If the salesperson can’t or won’t tell you exactly what’s wrong with the unit, treat that as a yellow flag.

As you inspect, think about where this appliance will live in your home. A scratch on the left side of a fridge that backs up against a wall isn’t a scratch at all — it’s invisible savings. For a full breakdown of what scratch and dent actually means and how the pricing works, see our guide to whether scratch and dent appliances are worth it.

Step 2: Inspect the Interior

Cosmetic damage should be limited to the outside. Interior damage can signal that the unit was dropped, mishandled severely, or has a deeper issue.

Open all doors and lids. Check interior walls for dents, cracks, or rough spots. Slide every shelf, drawer, and rack in and out — they should move smoothly without catching. Inspect door gaskets (rubber seals) for tears, warping, or gaps. On front-load washers, check the gasket for mold, which suggests the unit was used rather than just cosmetically damaged. On dishwashers, confirm spray arms spin freely and rack tines aren’t broken.

If you find interior damage, ask for a significant additional discount or walk away. Interior issues can affect performance in ways that cosmetic exterior damage never will.

Step 3: Functional Testing

If the store allows it — and most reputable ones do — plug the unit in and test it.

Power it on. Make sure the unit starts up without unusual noises, error codes, or flickering displays.

Test all controls. Press every button. Turn every knob. Cycle through settings on the digital display. Make sure the interface responds correctly and nothing feels stuck or unresponsive.

Run a cycle if possible. On a washer or dishwasher, ask to run a short cycle. On a dryer, let it tumble for a few minutes. Listen for grinding, rattling, or squealing — none of these sounds are normal on a new unit. For refrigerators, listen for the compressor to kick on — it should hum smoothly, not click repeatedly or buzz loudly.

If the store won’t let you power the unit on, ask why. Some test units before putting them on the floor and can show you results. Make sure the warranty will cover you if something doesn’t work once you get it home.

Step 4: Check for Missing Parts

Missing parts are one of the most commonly overlooked issues. Replacements can be surprisingly expensive and may eat into the savings you thought you were getting.

Go through the unit with a critical eye: shelves, drawers, door bins, crisper drawers, silverware baskets, leveling feet, anti-tip brackets, hose connections, filter covers, and any stacking or mounting hardware. Compare against the model’s spec sheet if you can pull it up on your phone.

If parts are missing, ask for a further discount to cover the replacement cost. A quick search of the model number on the manufacturer’s parts website will tell you exactly what replacements cost, giving you leverage to negotiate.

Step 5: Verify the Warranty

Warranty verification is not optional. It’s the difference between a smart purchase and a gamble.

Ask whether the manufacturer’s warranty applies. Since scratch and dent appliances are new, most carry the full factory warranty. But not always — some liquidation channels void the manufacturer warranty, and some stores sell units from sources where warranty transfer isn’t guaranteed.

Ask about the store’s own warranty. Many independent dealers offer their own warranty (30 days, 90 days, or longer) that covers functional defects. This can supplement or replace the manufacturer warranty.

Get the terms in writing. A verbal promise means nothing if the compressor fails in six months. Ask for a printed warranty card, a receipt with warranty terms noted, or a written store policy.

Confirm what’s covered. Warranties typically cover mechanical and electrical failures, not cosmetic damage (which you already accepted when you bought at a discount). Make sure you understand the claims process — who do you call, and what’s the turnaround time?

For a more detailed comparison of how warranties differ across scratch and dent, open-box, and refurbished appliances, check out our comparison guide.

Step 6: Research the Model Number

Before you pay, pull out your phone and spend two minutes on research. Write down or photograph the model number (usually on a sticker inside the door, on the back panel, or behind the kickplate) and look it up.

Confirm the specs. Make sure the capacity, dimensions, features, and energy rating match what you need. A great price on a fridge that’s two inches too wide for your kitchen isn’t a great price at all.

Check the retail price. Look up what this model sells for new at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or the manufacturer’s website. This tells you whether the scratch and dent price is actually a good deal. Most of the time it will be — but occasionally stores overprice certain models, especially popular ones.

Read consumer reviews. If the model has widespread complaints about a specific component (a faulty ice maker, a control board that dies after two years), factor that into your decision. The best discount in the world doesn’t help if the product has a known reliability issue.

Step 7: Confirm the Return Policy

Ask three things: whether returns are accepted (many scratch and dent stores are final sale, which is standard), whether exchanges are offered within a short window for functional problems, and who’s responsible if the unit is damaged during delivery. Get the answers in writing if possible.

Your Quick In-Store Checklist

To make this easy to reference while you’re shopping, here’s the condensed version: check all exterior surfaces and note damage locations, inspect the interior for any non-cosmetic damage, power the unit on and test all controls and functions, verify that all shelves, drawers, bins, and hardware are present, confirm warranty coverage and get terms in writing, look up the model number to verify specs and fair pricing, and ask about the return and exchange policy.

If the unit passes all seven checks, you’ve got yourself a smart buy. Ready to find a store? Browse our directory of 728+ verified scratch and dent stores across 51 states and start saving.

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