Inventory Shortages
Before we talk about where you should look for certain large appliances and how you should plan for them, we need to talk about what’s on almost everybody’s minds: the global supply chain. Canadians have been impacted by the global supply chain shortages as much as everybody else in the world. Even if you order from a local supplier, the chances that you will experience delays or inventory shortages is almost a given.
In order to avoid getting caught up in the turmoil of shipping delays and inventory shortages, there are few things that you can do. First, it’s best if you can plan ahead of time. If you’re looking to make a large appliance purchase, you might be disheartened to find that there’s a possibility you won’t be able to find the perfect product online and have it shipped to you right away—especially if you’re ordering internationally. In this case, it’s best to plan your purchase and expect to wait a few weeks and even months.
By managing your expectations, you’ll be able to make better plans and also be a lot happier. However, a great way to get around this is to order your products from a trusted, local supplier.
Before You Buy
Now let’s get into the specific things you should do before you make a purchase, no matter how long it will take for it to ship to you. Large appliances can be deceiving—sometimes they’re much bigger than you expected and sometimes they’re much smaller. The best way to avoid surprises in this department is to measure the dimensions of your kitchen so you know for sure that the specific appliance you purchase will fit.
Another incredibly important thing to remember before making a purchase is to ensure that your kitchen is outfitted with all the requirements for the specific appliance that you want. For example, if you have your heart set on a gas range, but you’re not sure if you have an accessible gas line—this is a problem. A related issue is making sure outlets are in the right place and reachable, or proper ventilation is installed. This is critical if you’re thinking about installing a large hood fan that requires the air to be pushed outside of your home.
To review: measure, check for outlets and gas lines, and ensure proper ventilation. If you’re ever in doubt, speak to an expert about the specific appliance that you’re hoping to purchase. Your supplier should be able to answer any questions you have.
Shipping & Installation
Here we will talk about the certain things that you should prepare yourself for after you’ve purchased a large appliance. The first thing is to know how to get your home ready.
Of course, large appliances are heavy and can be difficult to handle. That being said, make sure that you clear a path for the delivery person so that they can transport your purchase seamlessly from the truck to your door. In the wintertime, this might mean clearing a path with salt or shoveling away excess snow. On top of that, it’s your responsibility to protect your floors and walls from damage while the delivery person is bringing the appliance into your home. This could mean laying down mats, setting up blankets on the walls, or just being mindful about awkward corners in your home. Removing doors or handles seems like a small thing, but you might be surprised by how helpful it can be.
When it comes to installation, it is best to unhook all water lines and turn off gas lines before the appliance is delivered. This is good to do so that installation can be seamless. In most cases, the delivery person or their team will be responsible for installing the appliance that you’ve chosen. However, don’t assume that this will be offered by every supplier—might have to ask about this before you make a purchase. If the delivery team is separate from the company that you purchased from, it’s likely that they will not install the appliance for you. Save yourself a headache and ask questions before you buy.
Maintenance & Repairs
Unlike other, smaller appliances where you can set them and forget them, larger appliances are an investment that you’ll want to maintain. Gas ranges, washing machines, hood fans and refrigerators all require weekly cleaning in order for them to function properly and last. Manufacturers usually have a one year warranty for their products, but it’s always good to check with the supplier to see the exact restrictions.
Depending on how long you’ve had your appliance, the type of appliance, and the issue with it, sometimes repairs are better than a new purchase. You can prepare for a possible repair job by asking the supplier if other customers have experienced any issues with the specific appliance you’re purchasing, or if they know that after a certain amount of years, it could need a new part. While many appliances are built to last a long time, they of course don’t last forever. Knowing that a certain malfunction or replacement could be needed will save you time and money playing the guessing game.
Plan & Prepare
Making a large purchase, especially a new appliance, can be incredibly exciting. Appliances aren’t just functional kitchen tools; they can bring delight to our lives with their colourful exteriors and inventive add-ons. Choosing a large appliance is a big decision and should be approached with planning and care.
If you’ve found the right kitchen appliance for you, and you think you’ve found a trustworthy supplier, make sure that you’ve gone through all the above steps so your home is ready. If you’re still in the market and don’t know where to start, check out a local Canadian appliance supplier that has all of their products online.
