Open-Box vs. Refurbished vs. New: What's the Difference (and Which Should You Buy)?
If you've shopped for appliances lately, you've probably seen the same fridge or washer listed at wildly different prices. The secret usually isn't the model — it's the condition. At Oxbury Appliances, we sell three: New Box, Open Box – Scratch & Dent, and Factory Refurbished. Understanding the difference is the fastest way to save hundreds of dollars without gambling on quality. Here's the plain-English breakdown.
New Box: factory-fresh, just priced smarter
A New Box appliance is exactly what it sounds like — a brand-new, never-used unit in its original factory packaging, with the full manufacturer's warranty. It has never been installed, run, or returned. The only reason it costs less at Oxbury than at a big-box chain is that we operate on tighter margins and pass the savings on. Typically our New Box pricing lands around 20% below the going big-box price for the identical model.
Best for: shoppers who want a pristine appliance and the longest warranty coverage, but refuse to pay the full retail markup.
Open Box – Scratch & Dent: full function, cosmetic flaws
These are the deals people brag about. An Open Box – Scratch & Dent unit is fully functional but has a cosmetic imperfection — a dent on the side panel, a scuff on the door, or packaging that was opened at the warehouse or returned by a customer who changed their mind. Mechanically, everything works exactly as intended.
The clever part: many of these blemishes end up against a wall or between cabinets where nobody will ever see them. A dent on the left side of a fridge that sits flush next to your pantry is, functionally, free money. Open-box pricing at Oxbury is usually around 25% off the comparable big-box price.
Best for: value hunters who care more about performance than a flawless finish — especially for laundry rooms, basements, garages, and built-in installations.
Factory Refurbished: restored, tested, and re-certified
A Factory Refurbished appliance was previously used or returned, then inspected, repaired if needed, cleaned, and tested to confirm it performs like new. Any worn parts are replaced before it goes back on sale. Because it carries a "used" history, it's the most affordable of the three — often about 35% below the big-box price for the same model.
Best for: budget-focused buyers, rental-property owners, first apartments, or anyone outfitting a secondary kitchen who wants maximum savings on a tested, working appliance.
A quick side-by-side
- Condition: New Box = flawless • Open Box = works perfectly, minor cosmetic marks • Refurbished = restored and re-tested
- Typical savings vs. big-box: New Box ~20% • Open Box ~25% • Refurbished ~35%
- Ideal shopper: New Box for the showroom-perfect look • Open Box for the best value-to-quality balance • Refurbished for the lowest price
How to choose
Start with where the appliance will live. Going in a visible, open-concept kitchen? New Box or a lightly-marked Open Box keeps things looking sharp. Tucked into a laundry room, garage, or a tight cabinet run? Open Box or Refurbished will save you the most, and no one will ever notice the flaw. Whatever you pick, every Oxbury appliance is a name-brand model — Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool, Bosch and more — so you're getting the same engineering, just at a fraction of the price.
Ready to see the savings for yourself? Browse our full lineup of dryers, washers, refrigerators, and dishwashers — all available in New Box, Open Box, and Factory Refurbished. Shop Oxbury Appliances online and get top brands delivered across Ontario for less. All prices in CAD.