Compare Home Warranty Options in Ohio
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What Appliances Does a Home Warranty Cover?
When a major kitchen or laundry appliance breaks down, the repair bill can easily run into the hundreds — or thousands — of dollars. Home warranties are designed to soften that financial blow, but coverage isn't universal. Understanding exactly what's included — and what isn't — helps you choose the right plan and avoid surprise claim denials.
The good news: most home warranty plans cover the appliances you rely on most. Here's a breakdown of what's typically included across standard and upgraded plans.
Commonly Covered Major Appliances
| Appliance | Typically Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | ✅ Yes | Ice makers, crushers & dispensers often included |
| Dishwasher | ✅ Yes | Standard across most basic plans |
| Oven / Range / Cooktop | ✅ Yes | Often grouped together in plan terms |
| Built-in Microwave | ✅ Yes | Must be built-in, not countertop |
| Clothes Washer | ✅ Yes (most plans) | May require upgraded tier |
| Clothes Dryer | ✅ Yes (most plans) | May require upgraded tier |
| Garbage Disposal | ✅ Yes | Included in most plans |
| Built-in Kitchen Exhaust Fan | ✅ Yes | Included by providers like AHS |
Washers and dryers deserve a special note: while most mid- and upper-tier plans include them, some entry-level plans (such as certain Choice Home Warranty or First American basic tiers) leave them out. Always confirm laundry appliance coverage before purchasing.
What's Excluded From Home Warranty Appliance Coverage?
Just as important as knowing what's covered is knowing what isn't. Home warranties have a defined list of exclusions that apply to appliances — and some of them may surprise you.
Portable and Countertop Appliances
Home warranties are designed for built-in or permanently installed major appliances. Portable and countertop items are almost universally excluded. That means no coverage for:
- Blenders, juicers, and food processors
- Coffee makers and espresso machines
- Countertop microwaves
- Toasters and toaster ovens
- Crockpots and pressure cookers
- Electric can openers and waffle makers
If it plugs into a wall outlet and sits on your counter, your home warranty almost certainly won't cover it.
Cosmetic Damage
If your dishwasher door has a dent or your refrigerator's exterior is scratched, don't expect your home warranty to help. Cosmetic damage — including scratches, dents, chipped paint, and discoloration — is excluded across virtually all plans. Coverage targets functional failures, not appearance issues.
Normal Wear Items
Certain components are considered consumable or wear items and are excluded from coverage regardless of plan tier. These include:
- Oven and refrigerator racks
- Knobs, handles, and dials
- Door gaskets and seals
- Filters (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher)
- Light bulbs and display panels (in many plans)
Commercial-Grade and Specialty Appliances
Most home warranties won't cover commercial-brand appliances or specialty items like antique appliances, wine coolers (unless added), or custom-built-in units. Some providers, like First American, may cover commercial-grade appliances when used in a residential setting — but this is the exception, not the rule.
For a deeper dive, check out our guide on home warranty exclusions to see the full picture of what's commonly left out.
Appliance-Only Plans vs. Combination Plans
Not all home warranty plans are structured the same way. Choosing the right plan type is one of the most important decisions you'll make when shopping for coverage.
Appliance-Only Plans
Appliance-only plans — sometimes called "appliances-only" plans — focus exclusively on your household appliances without including home systems like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical.
Best for: Homeowners with newer mechanical systems who primarily want protection for kitchen and laundry appliances.
Typical cost: $30–$50 per month
Examples: Liberty Home Guard Appliance Guard, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Kitchen Appliances Plan, AFC Home Club Silver Plan
Combination (Systems + Appliances) Plans
Combination plans bundle appliance coverage with protection for major home systems — heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical. These are the most popular plan type and offer the broadest protection.
Best for: Homeowners with older homes or aging systems who want comprehensive peace of mind.
Typical cost: $30–$120 per month
Examples: American Home Shield ShieldGold, First American Premier Plan, Choice Home Warranty Total Plan
You can compare leading plan types side by side in our home warranty plans comparison guide.
Coverage Limits, Repairs vs. Replacements & Age Restrictions
Understanding the financial mechanics of your home warranty is just as important as knowing what's covered. Here's what homeowners need to know before filing a claim.
Coverage Limits Per Appliance
Every plan comes with a maximum payout per appliance. Once that cap is reached, you're responsible for the remaining cost out of pocket. Limits vary widely by provider:
| Provider | Refrigerator Limit | Dishwasher Limit | Oven/Range Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| First American | Up to $7,000 | Up to $7,000 | Up to $7,000 |
| Old Republic | Up to $3,500–$7,000 | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Choice Home Warranty | Up to $3,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $3,000 |
| 2-10 Home Buyers | $2,000 | $500 | $1,000 |
| AFC Home Club | $3,000 | $500 | $3,000 |
For more details on how caps work and what happens when costs exceed limits, visit our article on home warranty coverage limits.
How Home Warranties Handle Repairs vs. Replacements
When a covered appliance fails, your warranty company will dispatch a technician to diagnose the problem. From there, the provider decides whether to repair the unit or replace it. This decision is typically based on:
- Whether parts are available
- The cost of repair vs. replacement
- Whether the appliance can be restored to proper working condition
If a replacement is authorized, you should know that warranties provide a comparable replacement — not a brand-new version of your exact model. High-end or specialty appliances may be replaced with a standard model of similar functionality. Learn more about how this process works in our home warranty repair vs. replace guide.
Age Restrictions: Do Home Warranties Cover Old Appliances?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask — and the answer is generally yes. Most home warranty providers cover appliances of any age, as long as they are:
- In proper working condition at the time coverage begins
- Properly maintained throughout the coverage period
- Not exhibiting a pre-existing condition that was known before the plan started
Providers like 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty explicitly state there are no age limits for covered appliances. For more guidance, see our guide on home warranties for older homes.
Brand and Model Limitations
Most home warranties do not impose brand restrictions on standard residential appliances. However, there are important nuances:
- Commercial-grade appliances are excluded by most providers unless used residentially (and even then, coverage is rare)
- Antique or specialty appliances may not be replaceable with a matching model — providers will substitute a comparable unit
- Smart appliances are increasingly being recognized in plans, but coverage of their connected/digital features varies
Maintenance Requirements: Keeping Your Coverage Valid
One of the most overlooked aspects of home warranty coverage is the maintenance obligation. Providers can — and do — deny claims when appliance failures stem from neglect or improper care. To keep your coverage valid:
- Clean filters regularly — refrigerator coils, dishwasher filters, and dryer lint traps
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for installation and ongoing care
- Avoid misuse — overloading a washer or using incorrect detergents can void a claim
- Keep records of any professional servicing, inspections, or repairs
For a full breakdown of how coverage works — including the claims process — read our guide on how a home warranty works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home warranty cover all kitchen appliances?
Most home warranties cover the major built-in kitchen appliances — refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, and built-in microwaves. However, portable and countertop appliances like blenders, coffee makers, and countertop microwaves are excluded. Coverage for secondary refrigerators or wine coolers typically requires an add-on. Always review your specific plan's appliance list, as coverage varies by provider and plan tier.
What is an appliance-only home warranty plan?
An appliance-only plan is a home warranty that covers major household appliances — such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and ovens — without including systems like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. These plans typically cost $30–$50 per month and are a good fit for homeowners who want budget-friendly appliance protection without paying for full systems coverage. Not all home warranty companies offer appliance-only plans, so it pays to compare options before committing.
How much will a home warranty pay for an appliance replacement?
Coverage limits vary significantly by provider. On the higher end, First American Home Warranty pays up to $7,000 per appliance depending on the plan. Mid-range providers like Choice Home Warranty cap coverage at around $3,000 per item. Budget-tier providers such as 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty apply item-specific limits — for example, $2,000 for refrigerators and $500 for dishwashers. If a repair or replacement exceeds your plan's limit, you are responsible for the difference.
Can a home warranty deny a claim due to lack of maintenance?
Yes — and this is one of the most common reasons claims are denied. Home warranty providers require that covered appliances be properly maintained in line with manufacturer guidelines. Failures caused by dirty coils, clogged filters, grease buildup, misuse, or neglect can all result in a denied claim. Keeping a maintenance log and following manufacturer care instructions is the best way to protect your coverage.
Do home warranties cover the racks and knobs on my appliances?
No. Racks, knobs, handles, door gaskets, and other wear items are considered normal consumable components and are explicitly excluded from coverage under virtually all home warranty plans. These parts are expected to degrade over time through routine use and are not treated as mechanical failures. If you need to replace oven racks or a dishwasher rack, that cost comes out of pocket.