I like refurbished products in general. I figure with a refurb an actual human has given it a look over and determined it's good. With a brand new item, a computer and robot have built it, and sent it out. You have no idea if it even works.
I'm talking about real refurbs here. I wouldn't touch an open box, or return with a 10'pole. You have no idea what you're getting into then, and will more likely than not run into problems.