When Is the Best Time to Buy Appliances? Top 6 Times of the Year to Save

Timing is everything, especially when you need to buy a large appliance. Whether you have an appliance that frequently breaks down or needs repair, you’re moving into a new home or you’re currently renovating your kitchen, it’s always best to try and score a deal. But if you’ve been shopping around, looking at various appliance brands, and haven’t found anything within your budget, the good news is that all you need to do is wait, because prices will eventually drop. If you’re looking for the best time to buy a TV or washers and dryers, read on to learn when to hit the stores.

When is the best time to buy appliances?

Whether you’re looking for the best time to buy electronics like a TV, a laptop or other medium to large appliances like grills or refrigerators, there isn’t a single best time in particular—rather, there are several times of year when prices are lower. “Three-day weekends, like Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day, are good times to look for deals on appliances,” shares Trae Bodge, a smart-shopping expert. “Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be good for sales, as is Amazon Prime Day,” she adds.

Should you try to buy right before the release of a new model?

This can be a smart strategy. “New appliances are introduced to the industry on a rolling basis. Sometimes you can find a good deal on a discontinued model,” says Jessica Petrino, educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison. “Typically, new models are announced in January and begin shipping in late March or early April. This is especially true for washers and dryers.”

When is the best time of the month to shop for appliances?

If you’re shopping around for a new range, range hood or washing machine, or you’re looking for the best time to buy a TV, and you’re ready to pull the trigger on a specific model, you might consider going to the store on a particular day or week of the month. While there isn’t a rule that applies to all appliances and situations, Bodge suggests making your trip toward the end of the month, when stores are clamoring to reach their sales goals. Still, this approach isn’t as reliable as waiting for a three-day weekend or holiday sale.

What are the best months to buy appliances?

Any month with a major holiday is the best time to buy a TV or another appliance. However, this can vary depending on what you’re looking for. For example, the best time to buy Apple products will definitely differ from the right time to invest in a hot tub. Mackenzie Shand, shopping expert at BlackFriday tells Reader’s Digest, “Rising temperatures and plummeting prices make July 4th the perfect time to purchase a new fridge. You may be able to score name-brand appliances at up to 40% off at stores like Best Buy, Lowe’s and Home Depot.”

But if you miss Independence Day, just wait for a Labor Day sale. “It is a great time to buy appliances, as many manufacturers will be announcing or releasing their latest models in September or October. Since they will be looking to offload some of their older stock, the end of August or early September is going to be when you will see the best savings,” says Shand.

However, if you’re looking for a new refrigerator, Memorial Day sales rarely disappoint. “During this time, shoppers can typically expect to see up to 40% off price tags on fridges, ranges, washers and dryers,” she explains.

If you need a new appliance during the winter, the best time to buy is Presidents Day. “Merchants like Best Buy, Lowe’s and Home Depot also offer between 30% and 50% off refrigerators, microwaves, washers and dryers,” she says.

When is the worst time to buy appliances?

“The worst time to buy appliances is when your old appliance is broken and you’re desperate,” Petrino says. “The more time you give yourself, the more options and deals you’ll have.”

So, if you have an appliance that’s constantly breaking down or on its last legs, and the repairman is on speed dial—you’re better off looking for the best deal possible while there’s still time. Either plan to wait for a sale, if it is coming up soon, or shop around. That way you won’t get stuck without a working refrigerator or another essential appliance.

What if you need an appliance now?

Appliances can and do break down at inopportune times, or perhaps you’re moving or renovating and you need a replacement immediately. If this is the case, Tobie Stanger, senior home and appliances editor at Consumer Reports, suggests trying an independent dealer first. “They typically don’t depend on third-party delivery services, which means they can often be more exact on when you’ll get your machine,” he says. “If you want to shop at a major chain, take advantage of any search tools that let you quickly find what’s in stock locally and available for delivery now. Last, consider alternate models that might be available.”

The average lifespan of various appliances

According to survey data from Consumer Reports members, the median number of years members had appliances before they had to be replaced due to reliability or performance issues is as follows:

Other ways to save when buying appliances

• Buying old or used appliances is an option, but it’s not a good idea to buy from an individual, as you won’t know how dependable it is. Bodge suggests purchasing certified refurbished appliances only.

• Open-box and floor models are another great way to save money. However, Bodge notes, “It’s important to inspect these items carefully for external damage. But, damages aren’t all bad. Sometimes you can ask for an additional discount for a dent or scratch, which is a great way to save if that imperfection won’t be visible once you install the appliance.”

• Coupon sites are another way to save big. “Slickdeals.net is a particular favorite of mine for appliances, because once you have a specific model in mind, you can create a Deal Alert for it,” says Bodge.

• Bodge also recommends being strategic about what credit card you use for these purchases. “If you have a store card for the retailer you are shopping with, sometimes you can get 0% interest for a few months while you pay off the appliance. Home Depot and Lowe’s often offer this benefit.”

• Buying multiple appliances can often mean getting a discount. “Luxury brands are never discounted but will often offer a package rebate when buying two to four appliances,” says Petrino. “Mass brands will also offer bundle rebates during the year. So during promo periods, you get a reduced price and a package rebate when you buy a full suite of appliances.”

• Many people explore Costco as an alternative to other big-box stores such as Home Depot, Best Buy and Lowe’s. But Petrino warns that this isn’t always a great idea. “Costco and other big-box retailers negotiate with brands directly for specific models. This significantly limits your choices with features and sometimes availability. Whatever is available in the specific location is all the inventory they will have. For basic entry-level appliances, you can find good options at Costco, but they are not typically cheaper when you add in the cost of delivery and installation.”

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a major purchase and trying to figure out the best time to buy a house, fine jewelry or a lawnmower—patience and planning are key. While the best time to buy sporting equipment or the best time to buy exercise equipment can vary, for most household appliances, it’s safe to say, waiting for a holiday will always save you some cash.

Sources:

• Trae Bodge, smart-shopping expert at Truetrae
• Jessica Petrino, educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison
• Mackenzie Shand, shopping expert at BlackFriday
• Tobie Stanger, senior home and appliances editor at Consumer Reports

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