Open Box vs. Scratch & Dent vs. Factory Refurbished: What Each Grade Really Means (and How Much You Save)
If you've browsed our warehouse, you've noticed that the same model can show up at three very different prices depending on its condition: NEW BOX, OPEN BOX – SCRATCH & DENT, and FACTORY REFURBISHED. That price gap is real money — often hundreds of dollars on a single appliance. But a lot of Canadian shoppers hesitate because they aren't sure what the grades actually mean. Let's clear it up so you can shop with confidence and pick the grade that fits your budget.
NEW BOX: brand-new, just a smarter price
A NEW BOX appliance is exactly what it sounds like — a factory-fresh, never-used unit in its original packaging with the full manufacturer's warranty. The only difference between this and what you'd buy at a big-box store is the price. Because we move overstock, cancelled orders, and end-of-line inventory in volume, we can list the same new appliance for noticeably less than typical retail. If you want zero compromise and the peace of mind of pristine, untouched condition, this is your grade.
OPEN BOX – SCRATCH & DENT: fully working, cosmetically imperfect
This is where the savings really open up. An OPEN BOX – SCRATCH & DENT unit is a working appliance that has a cosmetic blemish — a small dent, a scuff, a scratch, or damaged packaging. Mechanically it performs like new; it simply isn't flawless to the eye. Here's the thing most people miss: many of these marks end up on a side panel or the back — areas that disappear the moment the appliance is installed against a wall or between cabinets. You pocket the discount, and no one who walks into your kitchen will ever know. If you care more about how an appliance works than whether it's showroom-perfect, scratch & dent is the sweet spot.
FACTORY REFURBISHED: restored, tested, and the biggest savings
A FACTORY REFURBISHED appliance is a unit that has been returned, then professionally inspected, repaired if needed, and tested to confirm it meets working standards before it goes back on sale. These carry the deepest discounts because they were previously owned or returned — but they've been put through their paces to make sure they run properly. If your top priority is stretching your dollar as far as it will go and you're comfortable with a restored (not brand-new) product, refurbished delivers the most appliance for the least money.
How much can you actually save?
The gap between grades is significant. As a rough guide across our catalogue, open-box pricing typically lands well below new, and factory refurbished lands lower still — frequently 30–50% under what the same model sells for new at a big-box store. On a full-size fridge, range, or laundry pair, that can mean saving several hundred dollars. Because every unit is priced by its individual condition, you're only ever paying for the actual state of the appliance in front of you — never a premium for a name on a showroom floor.
Which grade is right for you?
It comes down to your priorities:
- Want it perfect and boxed? Go NEW BOX — brand-new condition at a below-retail price.
- Want maximum value with a fully working unit? OPEN BOX – SCRATCH & DENT gives you like-new performance with a cosmetic discount, often hidden once installed.
- Chasing the lowest possible price? FACTORY REFURBISHED is inspected, tested, and priced to move.
Shop by grade and start saving
Every listing on our site clearly shows the condition and its price, so you can weigh the trade-off yourself before you buy. Whether you're outfitting a first home, replacing a tired old unit, or kitting out a rental, there's a grade — and a price — that fits.
Browse the full lineup of new, open-box and factory refurbished appliances at Oxbury Appliances, or jump straight to popular categories like our 24" dishwashers and 30" electric ranges. Same appliances, smarter prices — delivered across Ontario. Shop the warehouse now →