Buying home appliances can be overwhelming, considering the number of available options and steep price tags.
Because many people wait to buy new appliances when the old one breaks down, this urgency-induced stress can make the process feel even more daunting.
If your appliance is more than 10 years old or is showing signs of wear and tear, consider replacing your appliance sooner rather than later to avoid being without it as you search for a replacement. Whether you need a new dishwasher, gas grill, or deep freezer, use this guide to understand the best time to buy appliances.
The Best Time To Buy Appliances
From major holiday weekends to the start of the new year, here are the best times to buy a new appliance.
Before a Product’s New Release
Learn when certain appliances are released, so you can purchase a replacement accordingly. Once new releases are out, manufacturers and retailers typically reduce prices on the previous year’s models to make room for the new versions. Refrigerators generally come out in the spring, and most other major appliances are released in the fall and month of January.
Note: Purchasing appliances without the latest features can help safeguard your investment against any technical glitches newer models might have.
Begin doing your research in the early summer (or for refrigerators, early winter), to understand when the new models will be released so you can plan accordingly and capitalize on the best time to buy this appliance.
At the End of the Month
Your best opportunity to negotiate down the price of an appliance is at the month’s end. Since many stores that sell appliances operate on a commission structure and need to meet quotas, visit at the end of the month so you can have an edge on negotiations. Sales people who haven’t hit their quota for the month will be eager to make the sale and be more interested in negotiating.
Major Holidays and Holiday Weekends
Because of the prevalence of holiday weekend sales, particularly over Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, President’s Day, and the Fourth of July, retailers can’t afford not to discount appliances. This is because of the increase in both foot and web traffic, as well as the need to stay competitive with other retailers.
With the volume of sales going on, compare prices across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Since most retailers try to clear their inventory to make room for new releases in the new year, New Year’s Day is a particularly good time to buy new appliances.
Black Friday
It’s the biggest shopping day of the year and appliances are no exception. Braving the crowds could be worth it for the level of discount you may score. Expect to deal with long lines and crowded stores to secure your deal, but know that the payoff can be worth it with the cost savings you’ll receive.
Weekdays
If you can, avoid shopping for new appliances on weekends when everyone else has the same idea. Venture out mid-week after work or in the middle of the day to avoid the crowds and take advantage of quieter, less crowded stores. Because of the slower pace, you may have a better opportunity to negotiate a lower price with a salesperson and take your time scoping out good deals in the store.
If you go during the week when stores are less crowded, you’ll also get the opportunity to check out floor models. These are sold as is but can be less expensive than brand new models that need to be shipped from the manufacturer.
Anytime Online
When you’re shopping for large appliances, you want to be certain you’re purchasing the best option for you. Visit a brick-and-mortar store to check out the appliance you want in person and wait to purchase until there’s an online sale. Consider setting up a Google Alert on your phone to notify you when a particular appliance goes on sale.
Deeply discounted annual online sales, such as those found on Amazon Prime Day (in July) or during Cyber Week (post-Thanksgiving), should also be taken advantage of when looking to buy an appliance. Sign up for a cash back site, such as Rakuten, to earn money on your online purchase.
Worst Time To Buy Appliances
Just like there’s an optimal time to buy appliances, there are also times when you should avoid shopping for appliances, altogether. For example, you should avoid buying appliances after the latest models are released. The older models are likely to be already cleared out, and the cost of the new models will still be high.
While it’s hard to predict when an appliance may stop working, avoid purchasing new appliances when yours breaks—you’ll probably spend more out of desperation. Instead, check your home warranty to see if your appliance is covered or contact the appliance manufacturer to understand coverage. Have the make and model number available to make the process go more smoothly.
Knowing how long your appliance is supposed to last will give you an idea of when you should start looking into replacements. If you know when your appliance was installed, you can be proactive about looking into replacements before your system completely breaks down.
Money-saving Tips When Buying Appliances
Now that you know the best time to buy appliances, here are a few extra tips to help you secure the best deal.
- Always negotiate—Ask the salesperson, “What is the best you can do?” Be prepared to offer price matches and always ask for floor model or open box pricing.
- Browse before buying—Scour consumer reports, read trusted, third-party customer reviews, and factor in delivery time before making a purchase.
- Look into retail alternatives—Check out your neighborhood message center, such as NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. Someone may be selling a perfectly good appliance at a fraction of the retailer’s cost.
- Consider the appliance’s lifespan—Many appliances have a 10-year lifespan, which can help you determine the best year to buy a new appliance. For example, Energy Star recommends washers and dryers be replaced every 10 years to remain energy efficient.
- Pay attention to seasonality—For seasonally driven appliances such as heaters and air conditioners, purchase in the off-season (spring for heaters or fall for air conditioners) to save money.
- Remember the best time to buy appliances—The best time to buy is January and fall (September and October) for most appliances and in the spring for refrigerators.
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