When you buy a new, state-of-the-art washer and dryer combo at the store and you’re standing at the checkout counter, a cashier will usually ask, “Would you like to purchase an extended warranty in case this item breaks?” You’re likely already paying thousands of dollars for this new washer and dryer, so it makes sense that most consumers might wonder: Should I buy an appliance extended warranty? Is that the right thing to do in order to protect my investment?

Here’s what you need to know about home appliance warranties and appliance coverage through home warranties.

What is a Home Appliance Warranty?

Salespeople often push an extended appliance warranty or service plan, especially when customers are shopping for electronics or major home appliances, such as new dishwashers, washing machines, stovetops or refrigerators.

In most circumstances, a home appliance such as a top brand dishwasher, dryer or refrigerator will come with a manufacturer's warranty. This type of appliance warranty is the warranty a manufacturer extends to cover the item for a certain length of time—a protection, of sorts, of the item itself and of your investment.

Federal law requires consumers have access to the manufacturer’s warranty before they buy, so you should always be able to see what’s included in the product’s manufacturer's warranty and find it listed online or in a digital product guide. You will always be able to note what’s covered within the warranty and whether or not the company will repair or replace the item or refund your money should anything break. An appliance warranty can last anywhere from 90 days to a limited ten-year warranty. It all just depends on the product and the manufacturer.

Note: Even if your product breaks outside of the appliance warranty window, consider getting in touch with the company to let them know anyway. Some manufacturers will repair or replace a product outside of the appliance warranty window in the name of good customer service. It’s always worth a try!

Home Appliance Warranty Comparisons: Samsung & Home Depot

The best home appliance brands—according to the J.D. Power 2019 Kitchen and Laundry Appliance Satisfaction Studies—happen to be LG and Samsung. In the study, Samsung rates highest in five kitchen and laundry categories and LG ranks highest in four.

Let’s take a look at a Samsung appliance warranty for a common home appliance: the washing machine.

At Home Depot, this Samsung 4.2 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Front Load Washer in White, ENERGY STAR is considered a “best seller.” In the fine print of the appliance warranty, it’s clear that Samsung offers a one year parts and labor warranty clause on manufacturing defects (including the Control Board), three years of warranty coverage for the stainless steel drum, and a ten-year appliance warranty covering the Direct Drive Motor.

This appliance warranty comes with the purchase of this specific washing machine, but there’s an additional offer from Home Depot to add on their own appliance extended warranty called the Home Depot Protection Plan. Is this additional appliance warranty protection a “best buy” for the consumer?

A Home Warranty is Ongoing, “Extended” Warranty Coverage

A home warranty is a one-year or month-to-month contract that typically covers most major systems and appliances within your home. If anything breaks due to normal wear and tear, a home warranty customer can submit a claim to the home warranty company (provided the item is covered within their contract) and the covered item will be repaired or replaced—courtesy of the home warranty company.

The most commonly included appliances and home systems in home warranty coverage are generally:

• Washers


• Dryers


• Refrigerators


• Stoves


• Dishwashers


• HVAC (Central heating, ventilation and air-conditioning)


• Hot water heaters


• Plumbing


• Electrical


• Plus, optional coverage for spas, second refrigerators, swimming pools, pumps, etc.

You don’t need to spend the extra money on a store’s extended warranty or service plan. With a home warranty, you can comprehensively protect your home, major household appliances, and home systems from everyday wear and tear—and at a fraction of the cost.

Do Home Warranties Cover Appliances?

Depending on the home warranty provider and where you live (not all companies offer home warranty coverage in all 50 states), home warranties can run around $75 per month. For coverage that extends beyond a single appliance, the cost savings of a home warranty company covering repair or replacement fees—not to mention the access to a home warranty’s network of pre-screened contractors—it’s easy to see the value of a home warranty and how it would easily beat out the extended appliance warranty offered in most major box stores.

To find home warranty coverage that’s right for you and your family, and that is offered in your area, enter your zip code and begin comparing home warranty companies and quotes.