[zoombini]

You can save a fortune getting a fridge/washing machine with a big dent/scratch in the sides etc. And as it wont be seen normally who cares, just seal it.

Many a time a returned time can be perfectly OK but the customer just does not want it, however it would have to go back to the supplier to be checked out/retested. Slight problems like broken "thingies" that are easy to replace or missing parts that can easily be added also account for some.

If there are any that have definite "faults" then they should not be seloing them as refurbished & instead as a managers special where you just know that there is something wrong/missing etc.

Either way, give it a damn good check & get a guarantee that if it does not work correctly they will resolve it to your satisfaction.
The monkey that sells it to you will most likely no nothing of the items history, why its reduced etc & they usually make some rubbish up.