Best Time to Buy Appliances

The 3 Best Months to Buy Large Appliances

September -- Labor Day Sales + Model Changeover (Rating: 5/5)

September is the single best month to buy large appliances. The Labor Day sales event coincides with the annual model changeover, creating a perfect storm of discounts. Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE all introduce their new lineups in the fall, and retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's need to move outgoing inventory fast.

Expect 25-40% off prior-year models, with the deepest cuts on refrigerators and washer/dryer pairs. Home Depot and Lowe's typically run 4-day sales with additional rebates on top of marked-down prices. Best Buy matches aggressively. Package deals (3+ appliances from one brand) can save an extra $300-500 beyond individual sale prices.

Pro move: Shop the outgoing models in person at Lowe's or Home Depot, then check AJ Madison for price matching -- they often beat big-box pricing and include free delivery.

May -- Memorial Day Weekend (Rating: 5/5)

Memorial Day is the traditional kickoff for major appliance sales. Retailers run some of their biggest promotions of the year, with 20-35% off across brands. This is the best time if you need appliances for a spring/summer move or renovation.

Home Depot and Lowe's compete fiercely this weekend. Watch for stackable offers: a sale price + brand rebate + store credit on future purchases. Samsung and LG frequently offer gift cards ($100-300) with qualifying purchases during this window.

November -- Black Friday (Rating: 4.5/5)

Black Friday delivers strong appliance deals, though inventory on the best models can be limited since the model changeover already happened in September. Discounts of 30-45% are common, with doorbuster pricing on select models.

Best Buy tends to have the most aggressive Black Friday appliance pricing. Lowe's and Home Depot often start their sales the week before Thanksgiving. Bosch, which rarely discounts, occasionally offers rebates during this period.

Secondary Buying Windows

• January (New Year's Sales): Retailers clear holiday overstock; 15-25% off with limited selection
• July (Prime Day): Best Buy and Home Depot run competing sales; good for smaller appliances like dishwashers
• February (Presidents' Day): Modest 10-20% off; worth checking if you can't wait for May

What to Buy: Category Breakdown

Refrigerators

Refrigerators see the widest price swings. A Samsung Bespoke 4-door that lists at $3,200 routinely drops to $2,200-2,400 during Labor Day. French-door models from LG and Whirlpool follow similar patterns. Side-by-side models are the most affordable but least efficient with space.

Washer/Dryer Pairs

Best value when bought together. LG and Samsung front-loaders dominate the mid-range ($800-1,200 each). Maytag and Whirlpool are the reliability picks -- fewer smart features, but they last. Speed Queen is the buy-it-for-life option at a premium.

Dishwashers

One of the few appliances where spending more genuinely matters. Bosch 500 and 800 series are the gold standard for quiet operation (38-42 dB). Budget picks from Whirlpool and Frigidaire work fine but run noticeably louder.

Ranges

Gas ranges from Samsung and LG offer the most features per dollar. If you're going induction, Bosch and GE Profile are the leaders. Slide-in models cost $300-500 more than freestanding but look dramatically better.

Where to Buy by Budget

Budget ($400-$900 per appliance)

Lowe's house brands and Frigidaire models. Home Depot for Hotpoint (GE's budget line). Costco occasionally stocks Whirlpool and LG at member pricing with extended warranties included.

Mid-Range ($900-$1,800)

Home Depot and Lowe's are your primary battleground. Samsung and LG dominate here. Best Buy for competitive pricing and solid delivery logistics. Check AJ Madison for floor models and open-box deals.

Premium ($1,800+)

AJ Madison and Yale Appliance for Bosch, KitchenAid, and GE Profile. Best Buy Magnolia for premium brands. Costco for KitchenAid bundles at member pricing.

Delivery and Installation

Free delivery is standard at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy for orders over $396. Installation (hooking up gas lines, water lines, electrical) typically costs $100-200 extra. Haul-away of old appliances is usually free but confirm at checkout. AJ Madison includes white-glove delivery on most orders. Costco delivery is free but scheduling can take 2-3 weeks.

Buying Tips

• Buy last year's model. A 2025 refrigerator and a 2026 refrigerator from the same brand are 95% identical. The "old" model costs 25-40% less starting in September.
• Bundle when possible. Buying 3+ appliances from one brand unlocks package rebates of $300-800 at most retailers. Samsung and LG offer the most generous bundle deals.
• Measure twice. The #1 reason for appliance returns is incorrect measurements. Note the width, depth (including door swing), and height of your space. Account for counter depth vs. standard depth on refrigerators.
• Check the rebate fine print. Many "sale" prices require a mail-in rebate or brand-specific credit card. Factor this into your comparison shopping.
• Skip extended warranties from retailers. Manufacturer warranties cover 1-2 years standard. If you want extended coverage, buy through Costco (automatic 2-year extension on appliances) or use a credit card with purchase protection.
• Negotiate floor models. Home Depot and Lowe's will discount floor/display models 15-25% -- just ask. Inspect carefully for dents and scratches, and confirm the full manufacturer warranty still applies.
• Gas vs. electric ranges: Gas is preferred by most cooks for stovetop control. Induction is faster and more efficient but requires compatible cookware. Standard electric coil/smoothtop is the budget option.

Quality Indicators

• Noise level: For dishwashers, under 44 dB is "quiet." Bosch 500/800 series (38-42 dB) set the standard. Anything over 50 dB is noticeable during conversation.
• Energy Star rating: Energy Star certified appliances use 10-50% less energy. The savings compound over the 10-15 year lifespan of a large appliance.
• Warranty: Major brands offer 1-2 year standard warranties. Costco extends this to 3-4 years automatically. Longer manufacturer warranties often indicate higher build confidence.