Let’s cut through it: buying appliances isn’t exactly thrilling. You’re dropping serious cash on a fridge that just… sits there. Being cold. But here’s the thing—choosing where you buy matters more than you think. Strafford Appliance Dover NH isn’t your typical big-box nightmare. It’s the spot where locals actually get what they need without the runaround. Family-owned since 1952, these folks know appliances like your barber knows your hairline. This guide breaks down why shopping here beats scrolling Amazon at 2 AM, what they actually offer, and how to squeeze every dollar’s worth from your purchase.
Why Strafford Appliance Dover NH Isn’t Just Another Appliance Store
You’ve been to those giant warehouses where employees vanish when you need help, right? Strafford Appliance flips that script entirely. The Lazarus family—second generation now—runs the show at 90 New Rochester Road. They’re not trying to upsell you features you’ll never touch. They’re the friends who actually know which dishwasher won’t leak three months in. That difference hits hard when your fridge dies mid-summer.
Local businesses stick around because they earn it. Over seven decades of service means they’ve fixed your neighbor’s washer, sold your coworker’s range, and probably helped your landlord outfit three rental properties. That’s not marketing fluff—it’s survival through reputation. When George Lazarus makes a call about pricing or service, he’s thinking about bumping into you at the grocery store. Corporate chains don’t sweat that.
Their showroom isn’t overwhelming—it’s actually navigable. You can compare models without feeling like you’re trekking through IKEA. Open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, plus Saturday mornings until 2 PM. Closed Sundays, which honestly feels refreshing. The team gets a break, and you get focused help during the week. Call ahead at (603) 742-2105 if you want to confirm stock before driving over.
What You’ll Actually Find Inside Besides Dust-Free Display Models
Strafford Appliance Dover NH stocks the heavy hitters: Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Samsung—basically every brand your parents and their parents trusted. French door fridges, side-by-side setups, top freezers, bottom freezers—if it keeps food cold, they’ve got options. The same goes for ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, dishwashers, and that laundry pair you’ve been eyeing. They also carry Energy Star models, which actually save money on utility bills (not just feel-good stickers).
But here’s the sleeper move: refurbished and discounted appliances. These aren’t busted units duct-taped together. They’re inspected, tested, backed by warranty, and priced for humans who don’t have unlimited budgets. You can outfit a kitchen without taking a second mortgage. They even carry Serta mattresses and home theater gear, so you’re not making three stops for three different rooms.
Discount pricing is their whole vibe. They match or beat internet prices regularly—customers confirm this in reviews. So when you find that perfect range online for $899, bring the quote. Chances are solid they’ll work with you. Add in delivery, installation, and actual human support? That “deal” from some faceless website suddenly looks weaker.
| Appliance Type | Brands Carried | Special Features Available |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | Whirlpool, Samsung, GE, Frigidaire | Energy Star, French door, Smart tech |
| Washers & Dryers | Maytag, Speed Queen, Electrolux | High-efficiency, Steam cycles |
| Ranges & Ovens | KitchenAid, CAFE, GE | Dual fuel, Convection, Gas/Electric |
| Dishwashers | Frigidaire, Whirlpool, KitchenAid | Quiet operation, Third rack, Stainless interior |
Repair Services That Don’t Leave You Hanging for Weeks
Your dishwasher starts spitting water across the floor. Big-box store? Good luck getting someone out before next month. Strafford Appliance Dover NH runs full sales and service, which means their techs know what they sold you. That’s not just convenient—it’s a cheat code for faster fixes. Certified technicians handle refrigerator cooling issues, washer drum failures, oven heating problems, and dryer vents clogged tighter than your ex’s DMs.
Reviews consistently name-drop techs like Mack—polite, knowledgeable, and actually explains what’s broken without talking down to you. That matters when you’re stressed about repair costs and timelines. They’ll diagnose the issue, quote you honestly, and fix it right if you approve. No mystery charges, no “Oh, we need another part” three visits later. Emergency repair options exist for those “my fridge is 80 degrees and I just bought $200 in groceries” moments.
Maintenance services keep appliances running longer, too. Cleaning refrigerator coils, checking washer hoses for cracks, inspecting oven elements—small stuff that prevents $500 meltdowns later. Many manufacturers require proof of maintenance for warranty claims, so these visits literally protect your investment. Schedule annual check-ups like you would an oil change. Future you will appreciate it.
Installation That Actually Goes Smoothly Wild Concept, Right?
Buying an appliance is half the battle. Getting it installed without drywall damage, water leaks, or electrical fires? That’s the other half. Strafford Appliance handles professional installation for everything they sell—ranges leveled properly, washers connected without flooding your laundry room, fridges positioned so doors actually open. Their team tests each unit post-install. You’re not discovering problems three days later when the warranty tech shows up, confused.
Some customers mention delivery hiccups in reviews—damaged units, scheduling issues. No business is perfect, especially when moving 300-pound refrigerators through doorways. What separates good from mediocre is how they handle mistakes. Strafford Appliance’s 5.0 rating on Angi suggests they make things right when problems occur. That accountability? It’s the whole reason to shop local.
Why Dover Residents Keep Coming Back Hint: It’s Not Just Proximity
Shopping local pumps money back into Dover, Durham, and Somersworth—your actual community. The Lazarus family shops where you shop, their kids attend local schools, and they know the area’s quirks. When winters hit hard (and Dover winters hit), they understand which appliances handle the climate best. Insulated water lines, checking hoses for cold-weather brittleness, maintaining door seals so heat stays in—they’ve been troubleshooting these issues since 1952.
Big-box stores rotate staff constantly. You’re explaining your situation to someone new every visit. Strafford Appliance builds relationships spanning years, even decades. Buy a fridge during your first apartment, call them five years later for repairs, and upgrade your whole kitchen when you buy a house. That continuity beats faceless transactions every time. Plus, they’re flexible with unusual delivery needs, tight spaces, or specific installation requirements that corporate policies won’t accommodate.
The “Straffordable” tagline isn’t just clever—it captures their whole mission. Quality appliances, expert guidance, competitive pricing, service that lasts beyond purchase day. You’re not just buying a dishwasher. You’re investing in a relationship with people who’ll help when it eventually needs fixing.
Real Talk: What Customers Actually Say
A 5.0 overall rating doesn’t happen by accident. Customers praise the knowledge, patience, and zero-pressure sales approach repeatedly. One reviewer straight-up said they won’t shop anywhere else after working with Pete. Another highlighted prompt was delivery and last-minute accommodations. These aren’t paid testimonials—they’re homeowners who needed appliances, found honest help, and felt compelled to share.
But let’s keep it real: some reviews mention warranty repair delays and delivery issues. Appliance delivery is inherently tricky—massive, heavy, delicate items navigating staircases and doorways. What matters is accountability when things go sideways. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests Strafford Appliance takes responsibility and fixes problems rather than deflecting blame onto manufacturers or shipping companies.
How to Actually Shop Here Without Overthinking It
Measure your space before visiting. Seriously—know your width, depth, height, and whether doors swing left or right. Bring photos of your kitchen or laundry room so staff can recommend models that fit your layout and aesthetic. Note your existing appliance dimensions, especially if replacing rather than adding. Check electrical outlets and plumbing connections—gas versus electric matters for ranges and dryers.
Set a realistic budget range, not just a hard cap. Sometimes spending $100 more gets you features that actually improve daily life or energy efficiency that pays back over time. List must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Do you need a smart fridge that shows your calendar, or do you just need reliable cooling and adequate shelf space? Staff can guide better when they know your priorities.
Browse their website beforehand—over a million items listed with changing inventory. If scrolling online feels overwhelming, call (603) 742-2105 for help. Their disability services phone line offers personal shoppers who navigate the site, explain specs, and place orders at no charge. Accessibility isn’t an afterthought here—it’s baked into how they operate.
The Local vs. Chain Store Showdown Spoiler: Local Wins
Chain retailers offer convenience and instant name recognition. Walk into any location nationwide, same setup, same brands. But appliances aren’t sneakers—you’re buying something that sits in your home for a decade. Personal relationships matter. When something breaks, you want someone who remembers your purchase and cares about fixing it fast. Corporate service networks prioritize volume over relationships. Your ticket number matters more than your satisfaction.
Product knowledge runs deeper at specialty stores like Strafford Appliance Dover NH. Staff focusing exclusively on appliances understand energy efficiency ratings, long-term reliability, and technical specs that general retail employees simply don’t. They’ve installed hundreds of units, heard customer feedback years later, and know which models actually hold up. That expertise saves you from buying shiny garbage that dies post-warranty.
Service response times favor local businesses. National chains route repairs through regional networks with scheduling bottlenecks. Strafford Appliance’s techs are local, available faster, and familiar with what they sold you. When your new fridge stops cooling mid-July, that speed difference isn’t trivial—it’s $200 worth of groceries potentially spoiling.
| Factor | Strafford Appliance | Big-Box Chains |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Knowledge | Deep expertise, long-term employees | High turnover, general training |
| Service Speed | Local techs, faster scheduling | Regional networks, longer waits |
| Pricing | Matches online, flexible | Varies, less negotiation room |
| Relationship | Remember, customers, ongoing support | Transactional, impersonal |
| Community Impact | Money stays local | Profits leave town |
Maintenance Tips That Actually Save You Money
Refrigerators work harder than you think. Clean condenser coils every six months—dirty coils make compressors work overtime, hiking energy bills and shortening lifespan. Check door seals quarterly by closing the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, seals need replacing. Replace water filters every six months if your model has them. Wipe down interiors monthly to prevent bacteria buildup and funky smells.
Dishwashers need love, too. Clean filters and spray arms monthly—food buildup clogs jets and reduces cleaning power. Inspect door seals for cracks or mold. Run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner monthly to prevent mineral deposits. These five-minute tasks prevent $300 repair bills later.
Washers and dryers are fire hazards when neglected. Inspect hoses every six months for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Clean lint filters after every single load—lint accumulation causes thousands of house fires annually. Clean dryer vents every six to twelve months for airflow and safety. Front-load washer owners, leave the door ajar between loads to prevent mold growth. These steps extend appliance life and keep your house from burning down. Win-win.
Ovens and ranges need monthly surface cleaning—burnt food on burners affects heating efficiency. Inspect heating elements annually for cracks or discoloration. If you have gas, get connections checked yearly by a professional. Gas leaks aren’t DIY territory. Dover’s humid summers and harsh winters stress appliances differently. Run dehumidifiers in basements summer months to prevent mold. Insulate water lines in winter. Strafford Appliance Dover, N,H offers maintenance services tailored to local climate challenges, so you’re not guessing what your specific setup needs.
When to Actually Pull the Trigger on New Appliances
Unusual noises or vibrations mean something’s loose, worn, or broken. Grinding, squealing, or banging shouldn’t be ignored. Inconsistent performance—fridge temperatures fluctuating wildly, oven taking twice as long to preheat—signals failing components. Leaks, rust, or visible damage indicate serious problems. Energy bills spiking without lifestyle changes? Appliances losing efficiency cost you money monthly.
Here’s the repair-versus-replace math: if repairs cost more than half the appliance’s replacement value, buy new. If the unit’s passed 70% of its expected lifespan, repairs are band-aids. A 12-year-old dishwasher needing a $400 repair when new models start at $500? Just upgrade. But a three-year-old washer with a $150 belt replacement? Fix it. Contact Strafford Appliance for honest assessments—they’re not commission vultures pushing unnecessary replacements.
Final Word
Strafford Appliance Dover NH proves local businesses can compete with online retailers and big-box chains when they prioritize service, knowledge, and community relationships. You get competitive pricing, expert staff who remember your name, and repair techs who show up when promised. Your money supports Dover jobs and neighbors rather than corporate shareholders in distant states.
Whether you’re furnishing your first place, upgrading an outdated kitchen, or dealing with an appliance that finally quit, give them a shot. Visit the showroom at 90 New Rochester Road, call (603) 742-2105, or browse online first. You’ll work with people who know their products, care about getting it right, and will help when you need it years down the line. In a world that feels increasingly impersonal and transactional, that kind of relationship is worth supporting. Plus, your fridge will actually stay cold. Which, let’s be honest, is the whole point.