When your worn-out appliances are on their last legs, it’s time to consider what type of replacement would be best for your home. Simply switching one machine for the same type is an option, but this doesn’t guarantee it will help with day-to-day functionality, energy efficiency, or market appeal. Instead, take the time to research new appliance models to find out which ones can increase your home’s value. We spoke to real estate experts to find out which appliance upgrades are worth the investment to improve daily life and potentially boost your home’s resale.

1. Panel-Ready Refrigerators

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, investing in panel-ready appliances, like a built-in refrigerator that sits flush with the cabinetry, can be a great option to boost home value. While they are a major cost, they often contribute a high return on investment (ROI) when installed as part of a high-end kitchen remodel, especially when they complement the overall value of the home.

However, it is critical to match the appliance quality to the neighborhood. A $15,000 refrigerator in a modest home might not deliver a positive ROI. “Highly specialized or ultra-luxury features can become over-improvements unless the home supports them. When done thoughtfully, however, they can elevate the entire perception of the space,” says Catherine Day, real estate advisor with Summit Sotheby’s International Realty.

2. Energy Star-Certified Dishwashers with A Third Rack

You don’t need the most luxurious appliances to boost home value. Sander Scott, real estate broker and waterfront property specialist, notes that “appliances don’t usually drive value the way location or square footage, acreage, or waterfront does, but appliances do influence how buyers feel about a home. And that should not be underestimated. When everything is clean, consistent, and works well, it’s one less hang-up that a potential buyer might have. That often translates into better offers and smoother negotiations.”

A stainless-steel, ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher with a third rack and quiet operation uses around 12% less energy and 30% less water when compared to old, inefficient units.1 This leads to lower bills and less waste, while having a third rack makes it easier to handle cutlery and small items, improving the overall functionality.

3. Induction Cooktops

Instead of a traditional stove, an induction cooktop uses electromagnetic fields to heat induction cookware directly rather than heating the cooktop surface itself, making these appliances faster, safer, and more energy-efficient. Day mentions that “there’s a clear shift toward energy efficiency and electrification, especially with induction cooking and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. Buyers are increasingly considering long-term operating costs alongside performance.”

If you include “induction cooktop” in a property listing, you can help a home sell for around 1.9% more than expected simply due to the appeal of these innovative appliances.2 Additionally, high-end kitchen appliances, including induction cooktops, can yield a 70 to 100% return on investment at the time of sale.

4. High-Efficiency Front-Load Washers and Dryers

Washers and dryers aren’t always offered as part of the sale of a home, so when you do have a new, high-efficiency front-load washer/dryer pair, it can increase the appeal of the property for potential buyers. This is particularly true for sets that have advanced features, like smart integration and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as large capacities and ENERGY STAR certifications.

On average, an ENERGY STAR-Certified washer/dryer pair can save a household $25 to $67 annually on their energy bills.4 Though, as Scott says, “it’s often less about name-brand or brand new appliances and more about how they look and whether they work as they should.” With this in mind, always make sure your appliances are clean and in good repair when preparing to sell your home.

5. Smart Ovens and Ranges

Smart technology can make it easier to control your home and appliances, allowing you to set up schedules, make remote adjustments, and even check the status of your appliances quickly and easily. A smart oven or range can significantly improve a home’s marketability when part of a broader, well-executed kitchen upgrade.

“The best ROI comes from upgrades that improve both function and feel without over-customizing the home. Well-matched, energy-efficient appliances that align with the home’s overall price point tend to perform best,” notes Day. Smart kitchen appliances can increase a home’s market value by up to 5.3%, depending on the local real estate market and the number of smart appliances added to your kitchen.5

6. Undercounter Wine and Beverage Coolers

While an undercounter wine or beverage cooler is rarely considered a necessity, this extra feature can be just the thing you need to win over a prospective buyer on the fence about purchasing your house. “The key when it comes to appliances is to avoid creating doubt in the buyer’s mind. Appliances act as a signal about how much care the owner has taken in the property, and your appliances should communicate to potential buyers that the owners have been meticulous in the care of their appliances, and, by extension, in the care of the home and property,” says Scott.

A wine or beverage fridge is often part of a minor kitchen remodel. It’s a relatively affordable feature to add, allowing you to see a high return on your investment, with some regions seeing over 100% ROI on this minor update.6 However, the ROI for an undercounter wine or beverage cooler will always be best if the unit does not replace necessary storage space.

6 Appliance Upgrades Experts Say Can Increase Your Home’s Value by Timothy Dale | Better Homes & Gardens