Factory seconds are one of the smartest ways to buy appliances in Australia — brand new, with manufacturer's warranty and significantly discounted. But not all appliances deliver equal value as factory seconds. Some categories are exceptional buys; others are worth approaching more carefully.
This guide covers the best factory seconds appliance purchases in 2026 based on value, warranty coverage, and practical buying considerations.
The Australian appliance market has seen significant price increases over the past few years — supply chain pressures, currency movements, and increased freight costs have all pushed retail prices higher. Factory seconds, which are priced based on the original wholesale cost rather than current retail, represent even better relative value than they did five years ago.
In 2026, premium brands like Smeg, Asko and AEG — which have seen the largest retail price increases — offer the most dramatic savings in factory seconds form. A Smeg oven that once retailed for $2,500 now lists for considerably more. Finding that same oven as a factory seconds unit with minor cosmetic marks and full warranty represents a genuine financial win.
Why ovens are the best factory seconds buy: A built-in oven is installed inside cabinetry. Once installed, the sides and back of the oven are completely hidden. The most common factory seconds defects — scratches on the side panels, minor marks on the casing — are literally invisible after installation. You are buying 100% of the performance with warranty, and accepting cosmetic imperfections that you will never see once the oven is installed.
The savings are substantial. Premium pyrolytic Smeg ovens and AEG steam ovens are among the most discounted factory seconds items on the market because the cosmetic imperfections that disqualify them from full retail price have zero practical impact on the installed product.
Best brands to look for as factory seconds:
Smeg — Italian-engineered ovens with pyrolytic cleaning, steam combination, and conventional models. Factory seconds availability is consistent.
AEG — German engineering with exceptional energy ratings. Steam combination models particularly good value.
Asko— premium Scandinavian brand, often available in factory seconds form.
Browse current factory seconds built-in ovens.
Why dishwashers work well as factory seconds: Like ovens, dishwashers are typically integrated into cabinetry. Side panel marks on a built-under or fully integrated dishwasher are never visible. Even freestanding dishwashers often sit in a fixed position where minor marks on the sides aren't obvious during normal use.
Asko dishwashers in particular represent exceptional factory seconds value. Asko is a premium Scandinavian brand known for quiet operation and energy efficiency — models that would be aspirational purchases at full retail become accessible as factory seconds.
What to look for: Check whether the factory seconds unit has any marks on the door front (visible on a freestanding model) or only on the sides/casing (hidden on an integrated model). Door-front marks on a freestanding dishwasher are visible every day — ask for photos to assess.
Browse the factory seconds and clearance collection.
Why washing machines can be good factory seconds: Washing machines are typically positioned against a laundry wall. Marks on the side panels are often not visible. Top load and front load washing machines both work well as factory seconds if the marks are on non-visible surfaces.
The caveat: The control panel face and the door/lid of a washing machine are visible daily. Factory seconds washing machines with marks on the control panel or door glass require a closer look at the photos before buying. Ask specifically about the condition of the front face and door.
Best brands to look for: Electrolux, Asko, and Westinghouse washing machines as factory seconds offer strong value — particularly heat pump and front load models that are premium products in their category.
Why built-in cooktops work as factory seconds: An induction or ceramic cooktop has a glass-ceramic surface that sits flat with the benchtop. The underside and edges — where factory seconds marks typically occur — are hidden by the benchtop cutout. The cooking surface itself needs to be in pristine condition (any marks on the cooking zone may affect usability), but marks elsewhere are rarely an issue.
Gas cooktops require a closer look — the cast iron grates and burner caps are visible and handled regularly. Factory seconds gas cooktops with marks on the burner components may not wear as well aesthetically over time.
Key question to ask: Where specifically are the cosmetic marks on a factory seconds cooktop? On the underside/edges (invisible) or on the control knobs/burner grates (visible and handled)?
Browse factory seconds cooktops.
Why fridges need more consideration: Unlike ovens and dishwashers, fridges are freestanding furniture in your kitchen. All surfaces are visible. Factory seconds fridges with marks on the front, sides, or handles are marks you'll see every day.
That said, factory seconds fridges can still represent good value — particularly:
French door and bottom mount fridges where the factory seconds marks are on the top of the unit (above eye level and often not visible from normal standing height)
Bar fridges and outdoor fridges where placement against a wall hides side panels
What to do: Always request specific photos showing where the factory seconds marks are on a fridge. Ask whether the marks are on the door front, sides, or top. Avoid factory seconds fridges with marks on the handle or door seal without seeing them in person first.
Canopy rangehoods sit against or above a wall and are highly visible in the kitchen. Factory seconds marks on the front face or chimney are visible every day. These require careful assessment of photo evidence.
Undermount and slideout rangehoods are concealed under an overhead cabinet. Marks on the housing are completely hidden. These are excellent factory seconds buys — similar logic to built-in ovens.
Ask specifically where the marks are, and whether they'll be visible after installation.
For built-in appliances (ovens, built-under dishwashers, integrated cooktops), marks on side panels, backs, and casings are almost never visible after installation. You get all of the performance and warranty, and the cosmetic imperfection effectively ceases to exist once the appliance is installed.
For freestanding appliances (washing machines, freestanding dishwashers, fridges), visible surfaces matter. Ask for photos that clearly show the affected areas before committing.
The Appliance Group provides detailed photos and written condition descriptions for every factory seconds item in our range — call 0481 976 367 or contact us online with the product you're interested in.
Browse the collection: Our factory seconds and clearance range is updated regularly as new stock arrives.
Check brand-specific ranges: For Smeg factory seconds specifically, we maintain a dedicated collection.
Call us: If you're looking for something specific, call 0481 976 367 and ask — we can tell you what's coming in or alert you when a specific model arrives.
Visit the showroom: Adelaide customers can book an appointment to inspect factory seconds items in person before purchasing.
Are factory seconds appliances covered by consumer guarantees in Australia? Yes. Factory seconds appliances sold by Australian retailers are covered by Australian Consumer Law (ACL) guarantees, which exist independently of manufacturer warranty. ACL guarantees cover major failures regardless of what the manufacturer's warranty says. Factory seconds appliances purchased from The Appliance Group carry both manufacturer's warranty and ACL protections.
How quickly does factory seconds stock sell? Fast — particularly for premium brands like Smeg. If you see a factory seconds item at a price you're happy with, it's worth acting promptly. Call us to hold an item if you need a day or two to arrange delivery or installation.
For more detail on what factory seconds are and how to buy with confidence, read our complete guide to factory seconds appliances.
