Extended warranty versus a surge protector

I'm noticing that stores selling modern washers and dryers are trying very hard to add extended warranty packages. Now that the washer and dryer console is mostly electronic, sellers have new ammunition to use to justify the extended warranty, warning that any power surges will possibly severely damage the electronic circuit board in the washer, a costly repair.

Of course, what they don't tell you is that for $15, you could buy a wall mounted surge protector that would protect your washer for far less money.