Top 10 Appliances You Can Rent to Own Today
Michael Chen
VRTO Editorial Team
Written by RTO industry professionals
Appliances aren't optional — they're essential. When your refrigerator dies or you move into an unfurnished apartment, you can't wait months to save up. Rent-to-own stores carry a full range of major appliances from trusted brands, available with same-day or next-day delivery and no credit check required.
Here at VRTO (Virtual Rent To Own), we've compiled the most commonly rented appliances across the nationwide RTO industry, along with what you can expect to pay and what features matter most.
1. Refrigerators
The most rented appliance in America — and for good reason. You literally can't live without one.
| Style | Retail Price Range | Typical Weekly RTO | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top freezer | $500 – $900 | $12 – $18 | Budget-conscious, smaller households |
| Bottom freezer | $800 – $1,400 | $18 – $28 | Families, frequent cooks |
| Side-by-side | $1,000 – $1,800 | $22 – $35 | Large families, ice/water dispenser needs |
| French door | $1,200 – $2,500 | $28 – $50 | Premium features, wide shelving |
What to look for: Energy Star certification (saves $50–$100/year on electricity), adjustable shelving, and the right capacity for your household — 20 to 25 cubic feet for most families.
2. Washing Machines
Doing laundry at home saves the average family $1,500 to $2,000 per year compared to laundromat costs. A rented washer pays for itself quickly.
Top-load vs. front-load: Front-loaders use about 40% less water and are gentler on clothes, but top-loaders are more affordable and easier to load. Most RTO stores carry both.
Typical weekly payment: $14 – $28 depending on brand and features.
3. Dryers
Often rented as a pair with washing machines at a bundled rate. If your home has a gas hookup, a gas dryer is cheaper to operate long-term, but electric dryers are more universally compatible.
Typical weekly payment: $12 – $25. Washer/dryer pairs typically save 10–15% compared to renting each individually.
4. Ranges and Stoves
Available in gas and electric models, with options from basic coil-top ranges to smooth ceramic cooktops.
What to look for: Self-cleaning ovens save significant time and effort. Convection cooking is a premium feature worth considering if you bake frequently. Most RTO stores carry 30-inch standard ranges that fit existing cutouts.
Typical weekly payment: $14 – $30.
5. Dishwashers
An often-overlooked quality-of-life improvement that saves roughly 230 hours per year of hand-washing time for a family of four.
What to look for: Noise level (look for 45 dB or lower for open-concept kitchens), adjustable racks, and soil sensors that optimize water use per load.
Typical weekly payment: $10 – $20.
6. Air Conditioners (Window and Portable)
Seasonal demand makes these one of the most popular RTO items in summer months. Available in window-mount and portable floor models.
| Room Size | Recommended BTU | Typical Weekly RTO |
|---|---|---|
| 150 – 250 sq ft | 6,000 BTU | $8 – $12 |
| 250 – 400 sq ft | 8,000 – 10,000 BTU | $12 – $18 |
| 400 – 550 sq ft | 12,000 – 14,000 BTU | $16 – $25 |
7. Freezers (Chest and Upright)
Standalone freezers are popular for bulk shopping, meal prep, and families who buy meat in quantity. Chest freezers are more energy-efficient; upright freezers are easier to organize.
Typical weekly payment: $10 – $20.
8. Microwaves (Countertop and Over-the-Range)
While countertop microwaves are inexpensive enough to buy outright, over-the-range models (which include a built-in vent hood) are pricier and make good RTO candidates.
Typical weekly payment: $6 – $14.
9. Washer/Dryer Combos (All-in-One)
Ideal for apartments and small spaces, all-in-one units handle both washing and drying in a single machine. They're compact and require only a standard electrical outlet — no special venting needed.
Typical weekly payment: $18 – $32.
10. Space Heaters and Portable Heaters
Like air conditioners, these are seasonal rentals that peak in winter. Modern ceramic and oil-filled radiator models are energy-efficient and safe for homes with children.
Typical weekly payment: $6 – $12.
How to Get the Best Deal on RTO Appliances
Pro tip: Appliance purchases through RTO have the highest same-as-cash utilization rate of any category. Because appliances are a necessity rather than a luxury, customers are more motivated to pay them off quickly — and stores know this, so same-as-cash terms are often very competitive.
- Ask about bundle pricing when renting multiple appliances (kitchen package, laundry pair, etc.).
- Check for Energy Star models — the savings on your electricity bill offsets part of the RTO premium.
- Consider pre-leased appliances for significant savings. A pre-leased refrigerator that's been rented for 3 months works identically to a new one.
- Time your rental — stores often run promotions around holidays, back-to-school season, and tax refund season (January–April).
Use VRTO's store locator to find rent-to-own appliance stores in your area. Filter by the brands and categories you need to find exactly what you're looking for.
