---
name: appliance-buying-guide
description: "Cut through the model soup to buy the right appliance — the features that actually matter for you, the ones that are marketing, and when to buy. Use when asked which [fridge/washer/dishwasher] should I buy, help me choose an appliance, what features do I need, or is this appliance worth it. Produces a needs-based feature shortlist (must-have vs nice-to-have vs marketing fluff), fit and capacity checks, reliability and running-cost considerations, warranty/extended-warranty guidance, and timing tips — flagging to verify current models, prices, and specs before buying."
homepage: https://mohitagw15856.github.io/pm-claude-skills/skill/appliance-buying-guide.html
metadata:
  {
    "openclaw": { "emoji": "🗓" }
  }
---

# Appliance Buying Guide

Appliance shopping is deliberately confusing: dozens of near-identical models, features you'll never use priced as premiums, and salespeople pushing extended warranties. This starts from what *you* actually need, separates the meaningful features from the marketing, checks it'll fit and perform, and times the purchase — so you buy the right machine, not the most upsold one.

## What This Skill Produces

- **A needs-based feature shortlist** — must-haves for your household vs. nice-to-haves vs. marketing fluff you can ignore
- **Fit & capacity checks** — measurements, capacity for your household, and installation/utility requirements
- **Reliability & running cost** — durability and repairability considerations, plus energy/water running costs over the life
- **Warranty guidance** — the standard warranty, and an honest take on whether an extended warranty is worth it for this category
- **Timing tips** — when this category tends to be discounted
- **A verify note** — models, specs, and prices change constantly; confirm current details before buying

## Required Inputs

Ask for these if not provided:
- **The appliance & need** — type, household size, and how you'll use it
- **The space** — dimensions, and any install constraints (utilities, doorways, venting)
- **Priorities** — reliability, quiet, efficiency, capacity, specific features, budget
- **Pain points** — what your current one lacks or does wrong
- **Timeline** — need it now or can wait for a sale

## Framework: Needs First, Ignore The Fluff

1. **Start from use, not features.** Define how the household actually uses it — that determines the few features that matter and the many that don't.
2. **Sort must-have from marketing.** Flag the genuinely useful features and call out the premium-priced gimmicks you won't use.
3. **Check it fits and performs.** Confirm dimensions, capacity for the household, and any utility/install requirements before falling for a model.
4. **Weigh reliability and running cost.** A cheaper unit that fails or guzzles energy costs more over its life — factor durability, repairability, and running costs.
5. **Judge the warranty honestly.** Note the standard coverage and give a straight take on extended warranties for this category (often not worth it, sometimes is).
6. **Time it and verify.** Point to typical sale windows, and stress confirming current models/specs/prices since lineups change frequently.

## Output Format

### Appliance: [type] · household [x] · space [dims] · budget [y]

**Features**
- ✅ Must-have (for you): [list]. 🤔 Nice-to-have: [list]. 🚩 Marketing fluff: [ignore].

**Fit & capacity:** [dimensions · capacity · utility/install needs].
**Reliability & running cost:** [durability/repairability · energy/water cost].
**Warranty:** standard [x] · extended warranty — [worth it? honest take].
**Timing:** [typical discount windows].

> Verify current models, specs, and prices before buying — appliance lineups and deals change constantly.

## Quality Checks
- [ ] Features are derived from the household's actual use
- [ ] Separates must-have from nice-to-have from marketing fluff
- [ ] Checks fit, capacity, and install requirements
- [ ] Considers reliability and lifetime running cost
- [ ] Gives an honest extended-warranty take
- [ ] Notes to verify current models/prices

## Anti-Patterns
- **Chasing premium features** the household won't use.
- **Ignoring fit/utility** requirements until delivery day.
- **Buying on sticker price** without running costs/reliability.
- **Defaulting to the extended warranty** upsell.
- **Asserting a specific current model/price** as fixed.

## Example Trigger Phrases
- "Which washing machine should I buy? So many models."
- "Help me choose a fridge for a family of four."
- "What dishwasher features actually matter?"
- "Is this appliance worth the extra money, or is it marketing?"
- "Should I get the extended warranty on a new dryer?"