Home appliances: fridges, washers, stoves — used and new

Yes, if it's under 7 years old: a quality washer lasts 10–15. Ask to run a spin cycle — worn bearings knock audibly. Check the door seal for mold and the gasket for tears.

Transport it upright, or on the side opposite the compressor. After the move, let it stand 4–6 hours before plugging in so the oil drains back into the compressor.

Gas stoves and water heaters without papers — a certified technician must do the hookup anyway. Electric appliances are lower risk: faults show up the first time you switch them on.

A quality fridge lives 12–20 years. Under 8 years old is a confident buy; past 12 it's a compressor lottery. Inverter models are quieter and cheaper to run; make sure the compressor doesn't tick or cycle every minute.

Freestanding: it's universal, easier to move and connect. Used built-ins only make sense for your exact niche dimensions — verify to the centimeter. The upside: built-ins often sell nearly new after a kitchen replacement.

Smell and bowl coating — scratched non-stick can't be restored. For a microwave, test heating evenness with a glass of water and check the mica plate. Turn small appliances on at the meetup — faults show within a minute.