What that second-hand bargain could really cost you

New analysis from MoneySuperMarket has uncovered the hidden risks behind second-hand household appliances and the findings might make you think twice before snapping up that next online bargain.

With household budgets under increasing pressure, it’s no surprise that more people are turning to resale platforms to save money on big-ticket items like fridges, cookers, and washing machines. But while second-hand shopping can seem like a smart way to cut costs, it could also be putting your home and your safety at risk.

Second-hand shopping is on the rise - but so are the risks

We’ve analysed listings from one of the UK’s leading resale platforms to understand the scale of the second-hand electricals market. In just one month, we found more than 37,400 household electrical items for sale, with a combined value of £726,045.

The most frequently listed items were fridges, freezers, cookers, and hot plates - all everyday essentials that when overlaid against Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics^[1], also turned out to be among the most common culprits in domestic fires.

Our research revealed that over the course of a year, faulty appliances were responsible for 12,486 accidental house fires, spreading concern for bargain hunters and homeowners.

Many of these pre-owned items are sold without safety checks, warranties, or proof of purchase^[2], which not only increases the chance of faults but can also make it harder to claim on insurance if something goes wrong.

The UK’s most fire-prone household appliances

The data shows a clear overlap between popular second-hand listings and the appliances most frequently linked to house fires. Understanding these risks can help you make safer, more informed choices.

Expert advice: Stay safe while you save

Buying second-hand can be a savvy way to make your money go further,  but only if it’s done safely. Missing documents, safety certificates, or proof of purchase can make claiming on your home insurance more difficult if something goes wrong.

Kara Gammell, home insurance expert, explains: “Buying second-hand can save money and be good for the environment but going about it the wrong way could end up costing you more in the long run. We always recommend checking that any used appliance has been properly tested or refurbished, and that it comes with the right documentation. Insurance is designed to protect you, but it works best when you have the right information and paperwork in place.”

How to minimise your risk

Even if you’re buying on a budget, there are simple steps you can take to stay safe and avoid costly damage:

• Buy new where possible: New appliances come with warranties, safety certifications, and proof of purchase - reducing the risk of electrical faults.

• Check for safety marks: Look for the British or European safety mark to confirm that the appliance meets strict health and safety standards.

• Keep appliances away from water: Always keep electricals at least five feet from sinks or taps, and turn off the power supply if there’s any risk of water contact.

• Unplug overnight: Apart from fridges and freezers, unplug unused appliances at night and avoid running machines like washers or dryers while you’re asleep.

Stay safe: Four questions to ask before buying second-hand appliances

To help shoppers stay safe, MoneySuperMarket Home Insurance teamed up with former Fire Service Commander Steve Dudeney, who shared four questions every buyer should ask before purchasing a used electrical appliance.

Why is it being sold?
“Always ask the reason for the sale. If it’s due to a house move, an upgrade, or downsizing, that’s reassuring. But if the seller is vague or admits the item has faults, take that as a clear warning sign.”

Does it pass the sniff test?
“Inspect and test the item before buying. Plug it in, check that it works, and watch out for unusual noises or overheating. If you detect a burning smell around the plug or motor, walk away - it’s a strong indicator of electrical damage.”

Has it ever been recalled?
“Check whether the product has been recalled by the manufacturer using the Gov.uk product recall database. A recalled item should never be sold or reused.”

Is the bargain really worth it?
“Whenever possible, buy from reputable sources such as charity shops, authorised resellers, or retailers that provide a guarantee or returns policy..”

How to stay safe if a fire breaks out:

“If you ever suspect an electrical fire, remember that your safety comes first. These fires can spread rapidly, so get everyone out of the house immediately and call 999 once you’re safely outside.

“Never go back inside to collect belongings - your possessions can be replaced, but your life can’t.

“Once it’s safe to do so, take photos and notes of any damage to support your insurance claim, and contact your insurer as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps you recover faster and ensures a smoother claims process.”

Protect your home and your family

“An electrical fire can cause significant damage, both financially and emotionally. That’s why having the right home insurance in place is essential.

“Home insurance offers financial support to cover the cost of any loss or damage caused by unavoidable events such as fire, flood, or theft.

“There are two main elements to home insurance:

1. Contents insurance - protects your personal belongings, from furniture and appliances to clothes and gadgets, so you can replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or destroyed. 

2. Buildings insurance - covers the structural elements of your property, protecting against risks like fire, flooding, or storm damage.

“Together, these coverages help ensure that both your home and everything in it are protected, giving you peace of mind.

“Start comparing home insurance quotes with us today and make sure your home, and everything in it, is properly protected.”

Sources

1. GOV- UK Fire and rescue incident statistics on causes of fires 2022/2023

2. Electrical Safety First survey

      * A leading pre-owned re-sale platform was analysed for the month of August, with all listings from the month-long period recorded and analysed by MoneySuperMarket.