Open Box & Refurbished Appliances in Calgary: What to Know Before You Buy

Looking for appliance deals in Calgary? Open box and refurbished are the smart way to save

A new fridge can easily cost $2,000 or more. But here's what most shoppers in Calgary don't know: an open box or professionally refurbished appliance can cost 30-50% less, work just as well, and come with a real warranty. At SMS Appliances, thousands of Alberta and Saskatchewan families save money on fridges, washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers this way every year.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly what open box and refurbished mean, how every unit is tested and certified, and how much you can realistically save.

What does "open box" actually mean?

An open box appliance is a unit that left the factory but was never installed in a customer's home. Common reasons:

• The box was opened in-store or the unit served as a floor model
• A customer bought it, changed their mind, and returned it unused
• The packaging was damaged in transit while the appliance itself stayed perfect
• The model was discontinued and the remaining stock was cleared out

In every case, the appliance is essentially new or near-new condition, often with only minor cosmetic marks. That's why open box is our best-selling category: it's the closest thing to new, at a fraction of the price.

What does "refurbished" actually mean?

A refurbished appliance is a unit that was previously owned, then professionally restored. Here's the key point: it was used before, then we refurbished it, tested it, cleaned it, and backed it with a 100-day warranty before it ever reaches our showroom floor. Nothing is sold "as-is." Every unit goes through the same certification checklist as our open box stock, and if a part was worn, it was replaced with a genuine component first.

That's the honest difference between a certified refurbished appliance and a random second-hand listing on a classifieds site: you know exactly what was done to the unit, and you have a warranty in writing if anything goes wrong.

How much can you actually save?

It depends on the category and model, but typical savings at our stores:

• Open box fridges and freezers: often 25-40% below the new retail price
• Refurbished washers and dryers: often 40-50% below new
• Open box ranges, stoves, and dishwashers: typically 30-45% below new

For a family replacing a washer and dryer together, that can mean $800 to $1,500 kept in your pocket, money that can go toward delivery, installation, or a removal service for your old unit.

Every unit is tested, cleaned, and warrantied

Whether you buy open box or refurbished, the process is the same at SMS Appliances:

1. Full inspection: our technicians check every function, seal, hose, motor, and control board
2. Genuine parts: anything worn or faulty is replaced with genuine manufacturer components
3. Deep cleaning: every unit is sanitized inside and out, so it arrives showroom-fresh
4. Final testing: a complete cycle test before the unit is priced and put on the floor
5. 100-day warranty: real coverage in writing on every open box and refurbished appliance we sell

Where to shop open box and refurbished appliances in Alberta & Saskatchewan

SMS Appliances serves customers from six locations across two provinces:

• Calgary - South Calgary and North Calgary (1623 32 Ave NE) stores
• Airdrie
• Medicine Hat
• Saskatoon
• Regina

Browse the full inventory online and check live stock before you visit. New units arrive daily, and the best open box deals usually sell within days. We also offer fast local delivery and old appliance removal across all our service areas.

Frequently asked questions

Is an open box appliance basically new?

In most cases, yes. Open box units were never installed or lived in a home, so wear is minimal, often zero. The box was simply opened or the unit was a floor model. If there are any cosmetic marks, we photograph and price accordingly, so you always know before you buy.

Is a refurbished appliance the same as a used appliance?

Not quite. Yes, the unit was used before - but "refurbished" means it was professionally restored, tested, and cleaned by technicians, then backed by a 100-day warranty. A plain second-hand sale gives you none of that. With certified refurbished, you get the savings of a previously owned unit with the confidence of a store warranty.

Do refurbished appliances last?

Yes. After genuine parts replacement and full testing, a refurbished washer, fridge, or range typically performs like a unit a year old. Our 100-day warranty covers you if any defect appears, and we stand behind every unit we certify.

What if the appliance breaks after the warranty?

Talk to our team. We service what we sell across Calgary, Airdrie, Medicine Hat, Saskatoon, and Regina, and can usually repair a unit for far less than replacing it. That's one more advantage of buying locally instead of from a big-box chain.

Can I see the appliance in person before buying?

Absolutely, and we recommend it. Visit any of our six stores to inspect the unit, ask questions, and see it running. Our staff can walk you through exactly what was refurbished or why a unit is marked open box.

The bottom line

Open box and refurbished appliances are how smart Calgary, Airdrie, Medicine Hat, Saskatoon, and Regina shoppers get quality brands like Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid without the new-retail price tag. Every unit at SMS Appliances is inspected, tested, cleaned, and covered by a 100-day warranty.

Check today's open box and refurbished inventory at appliance-store.ca, or visit the store nearest you - the best deals don't stay in stock for long.