When you're looking to buy a quality large appliance, such as a new dishwasher, start by getting a referral (our First Commandment of Smart Shopping— click here to read all 10 Commandments for Smart Shopping). Consumer Reports Magazine's "Annual Buying Guide" is a great source for comparing a wide variety of appliances (you can get it by visiting consumerreports.org). At a glance, you can see which dishwashers offer the options that are important to you and which have quirks that you know you can't live with.

1. Once you've found the appliance you want, before you plunk your money down, ask to see the warranty so you know in advance exactly what is covered and what is not. Be sure to get a copy of the warranty in writing.
2. Get the retailer's return policy, in writing.
3. Write down the name of the sales person, and the name and address of the manufacturer.
4. Get a detailed explanation, in writing, of whom you must contact if your dishwasher needs servicing. Make sure the retailer gives you the name, address and phone number of the service center, and a contact name (this will either be the owner of the service company or the manager of the service center). Ask whom you must contact if your dishwasher has a recurring problem that servicing doesn't seem able to help.
5. Get the name of the person or company installing the appliance, as well as written confirmation that the installation company is licensed and insured. This gives you protection in case the installer bangs the dishwasher against your antique china closet and breaks the china that your mother-in-law gave you as a wedding present.

When you get home with your appliance, immediately fill out your warranty card, sign and date it and send it in. If part of your written warranty is on the back of the card, make a photocopy before you mail it in. Then file all your appliance paperwork together in one handy location.

One friend of ours has a "house file," which is nothing more than a manila folder that has the warranties, assembling instructions, user manuals, return policies and service contact names for her household appliances. The previous owner was nice enough to have started this file and it came in handy recently when our friend had to replace the 20-year-old Caloric oven. (Caloric was so nice about helping her that she actually bought the current version of the original oven!)

If you follow our smart money strategies for purchasing large appliances, you'll protect yourself against problems and you'll take preventive steps that will bolster your case if you do run into a dilemma.

Now that your large appliances are covered, click here to get the most out of your small appliances, too!