As a savvy shopper and self-proclaimed deal-hunting expert, I‘m always on the lookout for ways to save money without sacrificing quality. And when it comes to small kitchen appliances, one retailer that often pops up on my radar is Dollar General. Known for its low prices and convenient locations, DG has become a go-to spot for budget-conscious consumers looking to stock up on everything from pantry staples to cleaning supplies. But what about when it comes to outfitting your kitchen with essential electrics like coffee makers, blenders, toasters, and microwaves? Does this discount chain deliver the same value in the appliance department as it does in other areas? I decided to do a deep dive and find out.
Can You Buy a Microwave at Dollar General?
Let‘s start with the question on everyone‘s mind: does Dollar General sell microwaves? The short answer, unfortunately, is no. As of 2021, microwave ovens are not part of DG‘s small appliance offerings. While you will find a selection of other kitchen electrics lining the shelves (more on that later), microwaves are noticeably absent.
So why the omission? Well, as a retail expert, I suspect it has to do with a combination of factors. For one, even the most compact countertop microwaves take up a fair amount of shelf space—a precious commodity in Dollar General‘s relatively small stores. Additionally, the average price point of a microwave is likely higher than what most DG shoppers are looking to spend on a single item. Remember, this is a store where a significant portion of the merchandise costs $5 or less. Stocking a high-ticket appliance like a microwave just doesn‘t fit with Dollar General‘s overall business model and customer base.
Of course, that doesn‘t mean you‘re totally out of luck if you‘re in need of a microwave. Plenty of other retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, carry them in a range of sizes, styles, and prices to suit any budget. Some of the top spots to shop for microwaves include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Amazon
- Home Depot
- Lowe‘s
So while you might not be able to pick up a microwave on your next Dollar General run, rest assured you have plenty of other options. And if you play your cards right and shop sales or use coupons, you can still snag a great deal.
What Kinds of Small Kitchen Appliances Does Dollar General Sell?
Okay, so we‘ve established that microwaves are a no-go at DG. But that doesn‘t mean this discount retailer isn‘t worth a look for your other small kitchen appliance needs. Take a stroll through the home goods section and you might be surprised at the selection—and the prices. Here‘s a breakdown of some of the most common appliances you‘ll find at Dollar General, along with price ranges and a few specific model examples.
Coffee Makers
Whether you‘re a daily drip drinker or an occasional coffee sipper, DG has you covered with a small selection of budget-friendly brewers. Expect to see major brands like Mr. Coffee, Sunbeam, and Black+Decker represented, with prices starting around $15 for a basic 5-cup model and going up to about $25 for a programmable 12-cup machine.
A few models I‘ve personally spotted at my local DG include:
- Mr. Coffee 5-Cup Mini Brew Switch Coffee Maker ($14.95)
- Sunbeam 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker ($19.95)
- Black+Decker 5-Cup Coffee Maker ($15.00)
Blenders
From smoothies to soups to salsas, a good blender is a must-have for any well-equipped kitchen. At Dollar General, you‘ll find a handful of models from trusted brands like Oster, Hamilton Beach, and the DG house brand Trueliving. Most have a 48-ounce capacity and include multiple speed settings for blending versatility. Prices generally range from $20 to $30.
Some specific models to look for include:
- Oster 6-Cup Glass Jar Blender ($23.00)
- Hamilton Beach Power Elite Multi-Function Blender ($25.00)
- Trueliving 10-Speed Blender ($20.00)
Toasters
Toast, bagels, frozen waffles—whatever your go-to breakfast carb of choice is, Dollar General has an affordable toaster to help you perfect it. Available in 2-slice and 4-slice models from brands like Sunbeam, Black+Decker, and Trueliving, these gadgets boast handy features like adjustable browning controls, wide slots for thicker breads, and removable crumb trays. Prices start around $10 for a basic model and go up to about $25 for a larger 4-slice version.
A few popular picks I‘ve noticed at DG include:
- Sunbeam 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster ($15.00)
- Black+Decker 2-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster ($12.00)
- Trueliving 4-Slice Extra-Wide Slot Toaster ($20.00)
Slow Cookers
For the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it meal prep convenience, you can‘t beat a slow cooker. And at Dollar General, you can score one of these kitchen workhorses for a fraction of what you‘d pay at other retailers. Look for major names like Crock-Pot, Hamilton Beach, and Oster, with prices ranging from around $15 for a basic manual model to $30+ for a programmable version with bonus features like automatic keep-warm.
Here are a few specific models I‘ve seen at DG:
- Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker, 4 quart ($15.00)
- Trueliving Manual Slow Cooker, 6 quart ($20.00)
- Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker, 7 quart ($24.00)
Other Small Appliances
In addition to the heavy hitters listed above, Dollar General also carries a rotating selection of other handy kitchen electrics. The exact items and brands can vary by store and tend to change frequently, but a few I‘ve personally come across include:
- Electric can openers
- Hot air popcorn poppers
- Hand mixers
- Electric kettles
- Rice cookers
- Sandwich makers
- Waffle irons
- Electric skillets
Prices on these miscellaneous small appliances typically fall between $5 and $20, making them easy impulse buys or affordable gift options.
Is It Worth Buying Small Appliances at Dollar General?
As a consumer expert and avid bargain hunter, I‘m always weighing the pros and cons of shopping at different retailers. And when it comes to buying small kitchen appliances at Dollar General, there are definitely some factors to consider before taking the plunge. Let‘s break it down:
Pros of Buying Appliances at DG
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Unbeatable prices: It‘s hard to argue with Dollar General‘s affordability. With most appliances priced under $30, you can easily outfit your kitchen with the essentials without breaking the bank.
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Convenient locations: According to the company‘s website, there are over 17,000 Dollar General stores across 46 states. Chances are, you‘ve got at least one or two within easy driving distance, making it a convenient spot to shop for small electrics and other household items.
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Trusted brand names: While DG might not carry the flashiest or fanciest models, they do stock appliances from well-known and reliable brands like Oster, Hamilton Beach, Sunbeam, and more. So you can feel confident in the quality and performance you‘re getting.
Cons of Buying Appliances at DG
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Limited selection: With a smaller footprint than big box stores, it‘s no surprise Dollar General has a more curated appliance assortment. You won‘t find endless options to choose from, so if you‘re looking for something specific or want lots of features, you may need to shop elsewhere.
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Basic models: In keeping with the low price points, most of DG‘s appliances are fairly basic in terms of functionality. If you want the latest and greatest technology or specialty features, you‘re probably not going to find it here.
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Potential quality issues: As with any budget buy, there‘s always the risk that you‘ll sacrifice some quality in favor of a lower price. While I haven‘t personally had any major issues with appliances from Dollar General, it‘s a good idea to read reviews carefully and manage your expectations.
What Real Customers Have to Say
To get a better sense of how Dollar General‘s appliances stack up, I took to the internet to see what actual buyers had to say. On the whole, reviews seem to be pretty positive, with many shoppers expressing surprise at the quality and performance they got for such a low price. Here are a few examples:
"I bought a Black & Decker toaster oven at Dollar General for $29 and it works great! It‘s not too big, not too small, and toasts evenly. I was definitely not expecting much for that price, but I‘m impressed!" – Kelly S., Google Reviews
"Needed a cheap coffee maker in a pinch and picked up a $15 Mr. Coffee at DG. It gets the job done! Nothing fancy but makes a good cup of coffee. Can‘t beat the price." – Tom R., Google Reviews
"I‘ve had mixed experiences with appliances from Dollar General. Some have been great and lasted a long time, others not so much. I would say stick to name brands and read reviews first. For the price, it can be worth the gamble though!" – Laura T., Facebook
Of course, no product or retailer is perfect, and there are certainly some less-than-glowing reviews out there too. Common complaints seem to center around durability issues, with some shoppers reporting that their appliances conked out after only a few uses. Others gripe about limited functionality or missing features compared to pricier models. At the end of the day, it‘s all about weighing the potential risks and rewards and deciding what matters most to you in an appliance.
The Bottom Line on Buying Kitchen Appliances at Dollar General
So where does all this leave us? Is Dollar General the place to shop for small kitchen electrics? I‘ve crunched the numbers, scoured the shelves, and pored over the reviews, and here‘s what I‘ve concluded:
If your top priority is price, then DG is definitely worth a look. You‘d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper coffee maker, toaster, or blender anywhere else. And with a decent selection of models from trusted brands, you can feel pretty confident in the quality and performance you‘re getting. No, these aren‘t top-of-the-line appliances loaded with bells and whistles. But for basic, everyday use, they get the job done at a price that can‘t be beat.
On the flip side, if you‘re more concerned with features, technology, or aesthetics, you‘re probably better off shopping elsewhere. Dollar General‘s no-frills approach means you won‘t find the latest innovations or design trends here. And if you‘re looking for a specific appliance like a microwave or a high-end coffee maker, you‘ll definitely need to check out other retailers.
As with any purchase, the key is to do your research and know what you‘re getting into. Read reviews, compare prices and models, and be realistic about your expectations. Don‘t just buy the cheapest option because it‘s cheap—consider how and how often you‘ll be using the appliance, and decide what features and level of quality make sense for your needs and budget.
At the end of the day, Dollar General isn‘t trying to be a one-stop shop for all your kitchen needs. But if you‘re in the market for a few affordable small electrics and are willing to trade a little selection for a lot of savings, this discount retailer is definitely one to add to your list. And hey, you can stock up on snacks and cleaning supplies while you‘re at it—now that‘s what I call savvy shopping!
