A buyers Guide on how to Buy a Used Washer Dryer Sets for Sale in Tampa FL
Buying a second hand used washer dryer set can save you hundreds of dollars — or cost you just as much in repairs if you buy the wrong one and or from the wrong person. This guide is written specifically for Tampa-area shoppers who want to make a wise, informed decision before spending their money buying an affordable second hand used washer dryer set for your home.
Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment in the Tampa area or a near by neighborhood like Seminole Heights, or replacing a dead unit in a South Tampa home, or outfitting a rental property in Brandon or Riverview, this guide covers what you actually need to know before you buy.
Why Tampa Buyers Choose Used Washer & Dryer Sets from ABC Used Appliances Store?
The Tampa Bay area has a large rental housing market, and thousands of households every year find themselves needing a washer and dryer quickly — without wanting to pay $1,200 or more for a brand-new set. ABC Used Appliances fill that gap with an added value that others don’t
Even though the Tampa market also has plenty of private sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp — and not all of them are selling washer and dryer machines in good honest condition. Knowing how to evaluate a set properly (or buying from a reputable and trusted local store that offers some warranty) makes the difference between a great deal and an expensive mistake buying as is from a stranger.
Step 1: Know What Size and Type You Need Before You Shop
Before you look at a single listing or walk into a store, answer these three questions:
1. Do you have space for side-by-side washer and dryer set or do you need stackable do to space constraint? Measure your laundry space. Standard washer and dryer sets sit side by side and need about 54–60 inches of width plus a few inches on each side for airflow. Stackable sets need 27 inches wide for a standard size (or compact size 24 inch washer/dryer combos) work well in closets and or tight areas.
2. Electric or gas dryer? Check before you shop. Most Tampa homes use electric dryers, but some older homes and certain neighborhoods have gas hookups and this is critical because your home either has a 240V electric outlet or a gas line hook up in the laundry room area — and you cannot use the wrong type, it will be one or the other. Some gas clothes dryers used propane gas and others use natural gas. Typically one way you can tell which of the other is If the gas lines comes from the ground, its most likely natural gas and if the lines comes from a tank outside it means you most likely have propane and will need a propane gas dryer to go with your washer dryer set.
3. What capacity do you need is going to be the next important thing to consider? A family of four or five people doing 7–10 loads per week needs a full-size washer (4.0–5.5 cu. ft.). A single person or couple doing 2–3 loads per week can get by with a compact or standard-size washer and dryer machine
Step 2: Understand the Difference Between Used, Refurbished, and “As-Is”
These three terms are not the same thing, and sellers don’t always use them accurately.
- (as-is): Typically From a private person seller that is not giving you a warranty and sold it in whatever condition it’s in. May or may not work properly. The Bad part about this is they most likely don’t know how to fix it even if they wanted to help you after the sale. Which is why we always recommend our costumers that regardless were you buy your next washer and dryer, even if you spend another fifty or seventy five buck that what you may think you had saved it can end up costing you more money and headache instead of a peace of mind buying your next major home appliances.
- Refurbished: Typically brand new, cleaned, inspected, and repaired to working order. Usually includes some kind of warranty. This is typically more affordable and what reputable local appliance stores may sell.
- Certified Used/Second Hand: Has been run through the different full cycles by a technician, Repaired if needed and verified to function as expected. The cheapest option when buying second hand used appliances like a washer dryer.
At ABC Used Appliances in Tampa, every home appliance we sell has been through a meticulous process before and after they are repaired they are inspected, tested and detailed clean before they hit the sales and showroom floor. That’s not something you can say about every used appliance store or a Craigslist classifieds seller. As a matter of fact we on a regular base, are asked if our appliances are new by our store shoppers because of how clean and refurbished they look.
Step 3: The 7 Things to Check on Any Used Washer
If you’re buying from a private seller and you know your not getting a warranty, run through this checklist before handing over your money:
- Run a full wash cycle. Not just spin — a full cycle with water. Listen for loud grinding or rattling during the spin cycle, which signals bearing wear.
- Check the drum interior. Look for rust spots, cracks, or residue that won’t wipe off. A stained drum can transfer marks to your laundry.
- Inspect the door seal (front-loaders). The rubber gasket should be in good condition and clean — not cracked, torn, or covered in dark mold.
- Look at the hose connections. Old or cracked hoses are a water leak waiting to happen. Budget to replace them if they look worn.
- Run the hot water and cold water. Make sure the hot water inlet is working and the temperature selection controls actually responds switching between the two.
- Check for error codes. Modern washers with LED displays will display error codes on the screen if it’s detecting something’s wrong. Ask the seller if any codes have appeared recently.
- Spin and listen. Excess vibration or bouncing around during the spin cycle (beyond normal) can indicate worn suspension rods or a loud jet taking off sound, could mean bad drum bearings going out — these types of repairs are often not worth repairing on an older washer machine.
Step 4: The 5 Things to Check on Any Used Dryer
- Run it for 10 minutes and feel for heat. A dryer should generate strong, consistent heat within the first 3–5 minutes. Weak heat or no heat usually means a failed heating element — one of the most common used dryer issues.
- Check the drum. Open the dryer door and spin the drum by hand. It should rotate semi smoothly and freely. If their is completely no difficulty turning the tub it may suggests a worn or broken belt.
- Inspect the lint trap. A clogged lint trap is a fire hazard. If it’s just a little dirty,versus completely closed with crud that tells you about how the previous owner maintained it.
- Check the exhaust vent connection. The vent duct on the back should be in good condition with a sturdy mounted feel and size is compatible with your home’s venting setup.
- Look at the moisture sensor strips (if present). These small metal bars inside the drum detect when clothes are dry and stop the cycle. If they’re heavily coated with dryer sheet residue, they may not work properly — but a wipe with rubbing alcohol usually fixes it.
Step 5: The Best Used Washer & Dryer Brands for Tampa Buyers
Based on years of experience handling, repairing, and reselling appliances in the Tampa area, these are the brands that tend to hold up best over time:
Best Used Washers
- Whirlpool — Widely available, parts are cheap and easy to find, very reliable top-loaders
- Maytag — Built tough, especially their commercial top-load models
- Speed Queen — The gold standard for longevity; if you find one, buy it
- LG — Good front-loaders if the gasket is clean; check the control board for error history
- GE — Dependable and straightforward, especially older top-load models
Best Used Dryers
- Whirlpool / Maytag — Simple, reliable, and easy to repair
- GE — Solid heating elements, commonly available
- Kenmore — Often made by Whirlpool or Frigidaire; decent reliability
- Samsung — Good machines but more complex electronics; inspect carefully
Step 6: What’s a Fair Price for a Used Washer & Dryer Set in Tampa?
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you should expect to pay in the Tampa Bay area:
| Condition | Where You’ll Find It | Price Range (Set) |
|---|---|---|
| As-is, unverified | Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist | $75 – $300 |
| Good used, private seller | Facebook Marketplace | $200 – $500 |
| Tested, store-sold, no warranty | Some used appliance shops | $300 – $600 |
| Tested + warranty + delivery | ABC Used Appliances | $350 – $700 |
| New (big box retail) | Home Depot / Best Buy | $900 – $2,500+ |
The sweet spot for most buyers is a local second hand used appliance store that sells used and refurbished washer dryer sets with a warranty — you’re paying a bit more than a private sale but far less than new, and you have protection if something goes wrong.
Step 7: What to Ask Before You Buy
Delivery, Installation, and Warranty
Delivery: Used washer and dryer sets are heavy — typically 150–200 pounds each. Unless you have a truck and a dolly with a strong helper with some basic knowledge and can arrange a delivery. At ABC Used Appliances, we offer delivery service that includes installation in Tampa and the surrounding areas.
Installation: Most dryer installations involve attaching a vent duct and plugging in the power cord (or connecting the gas line). Washer installations involve connecting hot and cold water hoses and the drain hose. Both are manageable DIY jobs if you’re comfortable with it — but we’re happy to help.
Warranty: At ABC Used Appliances and Repair Service we offer a 30 days warranty covering parts and labor. When you pay to have your washer dryer set to be delivered and its installed by us or our vendor, we also cover any warrantee needed coming back to your home to repair or replace your appliance in your home verses if you take it yourself and installed it yourself, you would be responsible to bring in your appliance to our shop for any needed warranty work needed during your warranty period. We also offer all our costumers a FREE In Shop diagnosis for the life time of the appliance that they bought from us in the past, as long as they bring in the appliance to our shop we will check it for free and consider them on any parts and labor needed for repair.
Questions you can ask any seller:
- How old is the unit?
- Why are you selling it?
- Has it needed any repairs? What was done?
- Can I see it run a full cycle?
- What’s your return or warranty policy, if any?
Where to Buy Used Washer & Dryer Sets in Tampa
If you want a tested, warranted, locally-sold washer and dryer set in Tampa, ABC Used Appliances and Repair Service on North Nebraska Ave is Tampa’s go-to source for quality pre-owned used appliances for sale store. We’ve been serving the Tampa Bay area since 2008, and every appliance we sell has been cleaned, inspected, and tested by our certified and vetted technicians.
📍 8704 N. Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 📞 (813) 900-7823 🕐 Mon–Fri 9am–6pm | Sat 9am–5pm
👉 See our used washers for sale → 👉 See our used dryers for sale → 👉 Visit our homepage →
Frequently Asked Questions: When Buying Used Washer & Dryer Sets in Tampa
Q: How long does a used washer and dryer typically last? A: A well-maintained washer or dryer can last 10–15 years. If you’re buying a set that’s 5–8 years old from a reputable brand, you can reasonably expect 5–8 more years of reliable use with basic maintenance.
Q: Is it worth buying a used washer and dryer? A: Yes — if you buy from a tested by time and reputable source with a warranty. A used set from a reputable Tampa appliance store like ABC Used Appliances can give you the same function as a new washer and dryer set at 50–65% less cost.
Q: What warranty do I get on used appliances at ABC Used Appliances? A: All appliances we sell come with a 30-day warranty. If something stops working within 30 days of purchase, we’ll fix it or offer to exchange it if necessary. We offer all our costumers a FREE In Shop diagnosis for the life time of the appliance that they bought from us in the past, and as long as you bring it in to our shop we won’t charge them the $40.00 we charge the regular public for an in shop diagnosis.
Q: Do you offer delivery for used washer and dryer sets in Tampa? A: Yes. We offer delivery with installation service in the Tampa and surrounding areas like Lutz, Ybor City, Carrollwood , Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, South Tampa, Tampa Palms, Temple Terrace, Riverview, Zephyrhills, Seffner, Sulpher Springs, Town ‘N Country, Brandon, New Tampa and West Chase just to name a few Call us at (813) 900-7823 for details and pricing.
Q: What’s the difference between a washer dryer combo and a matched set? A: A washer/dryer combo is a single machine that both washes and dries in one unit how ever two separate compartments like a stackable washer dryer unit — some times they can be a smaller capacity for space constraints like the 24 inches compact sizes and their for longer drying and more loads of washing time periods during the week if trying to keep up with a larger family. A matched set is two separate laundry machines (a washer and a dryer) that are designed to work side by side each other with their own features, duties and compartments. Most Tampa households residents prefer the two-machine set for faster laundry and larger capacity how ever some times space can be an issues witch is why the space constraint models are just as valuable and sought after as the regular and traditional size washer and dryer set as well.
Q: Can they haul away the old washer and dryer set at no charge? Yes! We will, at your request, haul away and recycle your old appliances for free. We will not charge you a recycling fee to remove your old appliances like the major retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot or lows charges to pick up and haul away your old appliances.
This guide was written by the team at ABC Used Appliances & Repair, Tampa’s locally-owned used appliance store since 2008. We’re not a national chain — we’re your neighbors, and we are proud to stand behind what we sell and how we serve our community.
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