Is it worth repairing a small appliance?

The short rule

Fix a small appliance when the repair is cheap and the appliance was worth owning, and replace it when the repair costs about as much as a new one or the appliance has become unsafe. That covers most toasters, kettles, blenders, coffee makers, hand mixers and vacuums. A free fix is always worth trying first. A paid repair is rarely worth it unless the appliance is a higher-priced model that is otherwise in good shape.

The price of replacement is what decides it. A basic toaster or kettle costs little enough that a diagnostic fee and an hour of labor can erase the saving. A good stand mixer, espresso machine, or stick vacuum is different: it costs enough new, and is built well enough, that a shop fixing one part can make sense.

Start with the free checks

Unplug the appliance before you look at anything. Most "dead" small appliances turn out to be something simple.

• Try another outlet. A tripped outlet or a loose power strip is more common than a failed appliance.
• Check the seating. Blenders, food processors and many kettles will not run unless the jug, lid or base is seated properly and the safety interlock engages.
• Clean it. A clogged filter, a crumb-packed toaster tray or a hair-wrapped vacuum brush can mimic a failure.
• Read the manual. Troubleshooting pages list the reset steps and error codes for that model, and many makers sell replacement jugs, gaskets, filters and brushes directly.

If a free fix works, you are done. If not, look at the cord.

When the cord is damaged, replace it

Look at the cord and plug for fraying, cracks or other damage. Damaged cords may have exposed live wires that can be shock and fire hazards.^[1] The CPSC's home electrical safety checklist says to replace damaged cords or replace the equipment.^[1]

Do not tape over a damaged cord and carry on. A shop can sometimes fit a new cord set, but on a cheap appliance that costs more than the appliance is worth, and replacing it is the better call. The same goes for an appliance that smells of burning, has melted plastic near the heating element or trips the breaker: stop using it. The CPSC also says unattended, plugged-in counter top appliances may create an unnecessary risk of fire, and that cords can melt or burn from excess heat.^[1] Unplug appliances when you are done with them and keep their cords away from hot surfaces.

Get a written quote, then compare

If the appliance is worth a repair attempt, find a shop that will look at it and ask for a written quote naming the fault, the part, the labor and any diagnostic fee. Ask whether the diagnostic fee is credited if you go ahead, and what the shop warrants on the work. A quote is not a promise that the appliance will last, so a shop's warranty on the repair is worth more than a low price.

Then compare it with a comparable new appliance, not the cheapest one on the shelf. Weigh these:

1. The quote against the new price. When the quote reaches roughly the price of a comparable new appliance, replace it.
2. How old it is. An appliance that has already served well past its typical life, or has had repeated faults, is a poor bet for a repair.
3. What fails. Heating elements, motors and sealed electronics cost more to fix than a jug, gasket, lid or filter.
4. Whether parts exist. If the maker has stopped selling the part, a repair may not be possible at any price.
5. The warranty. Check the receipt and the maker's terms before paying anyone.

Getting rid of the old one

If you replace it, do not put a device with a rechargeable battery in the bin. Lithium-ion batteries and devices containing these batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins.^[2] To prevent fires, tape the battery terminals or place the batteries in separate plastic bags.^[2] Crushed or damaged in transport or sorting equipment, a battery in the trash or a recycling bin can create a fire hazard.^[2] If the battery is damaged, the EPA says to contact the manufacturer for specific handling information.^[2]

The EPA says to delete personal information from electronics and remove any batteries before donating or recycling them.^[3] Take lithium-ion batteries and devices to certified electronics recyclers, participating retailers or your local solid waste or household hazardous waste program.^[2] A working appliance can often be donated, so a replacement does not have to mean the landfill. Cheap plug-in appliances without batteries can usually go to your local recycling or scrap drop-off, so check what your locality accepts.

Stop and call a pro if

• The appliance sparks, smokes or smells of burning. Unplug it if you can do so safely, stop using it, and replace it or have a repair shop look at it.
• The cord or plug is damaged, hot or melted. Replace the cord or the appliance; do not keep using it.^[1]
• The outlet is scorched, loose or keeps tripping the breaker. That is a wiring problem, not an appliance problem, and a licensed electrician should look at it.
• A lithium-ion battery is swollen or damaged. Contact the manufacturer for handling information and do not put it in the trash.^[2]
• It is a gas, hardwired or built-in appliance. This guide covers plug-in countertop and handheld appliances only.

Getting help in Virginia

For bigger appliances, the same repair-or-replace thinking applies: see whether a washing machine is worth repairing and whether a dishwasher is worth repairing. Browse more appliance repair answers or see appliance repair pros on Loclis.

When you want a diagnosis and a written quote, describe the problem and local repair pros will respond.