Buying new appliances for your home is thrilling, but it can also be pricey. Depending on the season, you might be able to score substantial bargains. So when should you shop for big-ticket appliances?
We investigated and pinpointed the times of year when it makes the most sense to buy appliances. Specific holidays and promotional events — notably Black Friday and Cyber Monday — frequently deliver generous discounts on that next refrigerator, range or washer and dryer.
What’s the Optimal Time to Purchase Appliances?
Retailers are eager to move appliances; they don’t intend to stockpile a kitchen’s worth of inventory. Throughout the year, stores slash prices to clear out major appliances.
Here are the top times to buy appliances:
Get Major Savings on Black Friday
Large shopping events, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day, are prime opportunities to purchase appliances. Merchants often present their deepest markdowns during these occasions, with Black Friday typically delivering the biggest savings.
As these shopping holidays near, check the websites and flyers of nearby appliance sellers. Many shops start promoting holiday deals weeks ahead so you can plan your purchase.
Keep in mind that deals disappear quickly during these events, so move fast. If waking up early for Black Friday isn’t appealing, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day let you buy appliances online while you stay comfortable at home.
Memorial Day and Labor Day Also Offer Strong Deals
Don’t overlook traditional national holidays. Retailers love tying discounts to major holidays, turning them into big sales occasions. Common holidays with solid appliance deals include Memorial Day, Labor Day and the Fourth of July.
Similar to shopping holidays, stores will advertise deals in the weeks before these holiday sales. Subscribe to email lists and newsletters to get an early heads-up on discounts.
Holiday sales often run through the entire weekend rather than a single day, so you usually don’t need to rush. Still, popular deals can be limited, so getting to a store sooner helps secure the best bargains.
May Is “Maytag Month”
Maytag accomplished something notable: it turned an entire month into a shopping event to lure buyers. If you watch TV in May, it’s nearly impossible to miss appliance ads announcing that “May is Maytag Month.”
Besides its flagship brand, Maytag markets appliances under many related names. These brands include Admiral at Home Depot, Amana, Inglis, JennAir, Magic Chef and Norge.
If you’re in the market for new appliances, waiting for Maytag’s May promotions can be a smart way to capture discounts. Be sure to confirm that your local retailer is participating in Maytag’s May deals by calling or checking their website.
Three Ways to Save on Appliances Year-Round
Aside from waiting for holiday sales and promotional events, there are other tactics to lower the cost of your next appliance purchase.
1. Choose Last Year’s Model
Appliance model changes are usually incremental year to year. Unlike consumer electronics, which often evolve rapidly, home appliances generally receive modest updates.
Manufacturers may try to convince you otherwise, but opting for a previous year’s model is a reliable way to save. When new models arrive, retailers typically reduce prices on older units, giving you the chance to buy at a discount.
2. Consider Open-Box or Floor Models
Don’t shy away from open-box or floor model appliances. These items can represent excellent value and usually carry limited risk.
Open-box products are often returned in nearly new condition and have seen little, if any, use. Floor models are display pieces and typically show minimal mechanical wear.
When buying open-box or floor models, make sure they include a standard full-length warranty in case problems arise. It’s also smart to choose a retailer with generous 14- to 90-day return windows so you can return the appliance if necessary.
Some stores list open-box and floor units online, so you might need to purchase online if you want to pursue this option.
3. Shop Around and Compare Prices
Finally, always comparison-shop and check multiple prices.
We often spot significant price gaps between retailers for the same appliance. If you find a unit you like at one store, see if another seller offers it cheaper.
Some of the big-box retailers we recommend checking include:
- Best Buy
- P.C. Richard & Son
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Costco
- Walmart
Also look into local independent appliance dealers. You might uncover deals comparable to national stores while supporting small businesses with your purchase.
Choosing the Right Appliances for Your Home
When selecting new appliances, there are several important considerations. You’ll likely live with these purchases for many years, so think through the following features before buying.
Dimensions and Fit
That oversized fridge or commercial-style range might be appealing, but will it actually fit where you plan to install it? Measure the intended spaces carefully before shopping.
Electric vs. Gas
Some appliances, like stoves and dryers, require different power sources. If you’re buying a natural gas model, confirm your home has a gas hookup. Conversely, a 240-volt appliance will need the appropriate outlet installed.
Energy Efficiency
Look for the most energy-efficient models you can reasonably afford. Newer appliances typically use less energy than older ones, helping reduce utility bills over time.
Manufacturer Warranty
Appliances can be costly, so ensure your investment includes a solid warranty. Most manufacturers back products with one-year warranties; anything shorter warrants caution.
Appearance and Finish
Style matters too. Choose an appliance you’ll enjoy seeing every day, since you’ll likely be looking at it for years. Some models come in a few standard finishes, while others allow custom panels or trim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Black Friday tends to offer some of the best appliance bargains, making November one of the top months to buy appliances. That time of year also kicks off the holiday shopping season, when retailers compete with attractive pricing.
May can also be a favorable month, thanks to Maytag’s “May is Maytag Month” promotions. If you’re targeting Maytag-branded products, you can find noteworthy savings during this spring event.
There are several times throughout the year to find appliance sales. Late fall brings major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Spring features promotions like “May is Maytag Month.” Other good opportunities include national holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, as well as Amazon Prime Day.
Because of Costco’s membership model, you can often find appliances at competitive prices there. If you’re hunting for home appliances,Costco is a worthwhile place to check. If you don’t have a membership, consider asking a friend or family member for help.
Jordan Pierce is a senior writer at Savinly specializing in home and consumer topics.
