As a wise old sage once said, time is a commodity, too, and that goes double for consumers wondering when the best time is to buy a new appliance. And we're not talking toasters or teapots—we're talking big, muscle-bound appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, generators, and dishwashers.
These sorts of big-ticket items can cost quite a lot, so any opportunity for a discount can translate to significant savings. Higher-end, french-door refrigerators with bottom freezers and built-in water/ice dispensers ranged from $2,000 to over $3,000 on Best Buy's website as of 2023, for instance.
Let's try to cut that price tag—and others like it—down significantly, by identifying the best times of the year to buy a major appliance at a real value-based price point.
When Can You Get Discounts on Major Appliances?
Historically, certain times of the year (or month) are more likely to land you significant savings on major appliances. Here are seven times you can likely get a better deal.
1. Before Your Appliance Gives Out
Okay, nobody really knows when an appliance is going to break down; there's no event on the calendar that marks the end of your washing machine's useful life. Consumers can, however, turn to their appliance manufacturer, who can likely provide a lifespan estimate of that refrigerator or hot water heater.
Check the appliance provider's website using the appropriate product ID code or number, and see when your product is expected to give out. If this information can't be found online, try contacting the manufacturer by phone.
Once you know when your appliance is likely to fail, you have an estimated time of year to buy a new appliance. This gives you time to plan ahead, save money, look for deals, and buy a new fridge or heater—before yours gives out—on your terms and not the manufacturer or retailer's terms.
Here's a good rule of thumb. According to Sears, these major appliances have a fixed lifespan—check your purchase date and use it to estimate when you may need a new appliance:
- Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers typically last 10–13 years
- Gas ranges typically last around 15 years
- Stovetops typically last between 15–18 years
- Microwaves typically last 9–10 years
Think late summer and autumn. Like auto dealers and cell phone providers, appliance retailers have a favorite time of year to reveal their new models, and it's usually around Labor Day. For consumers, though, the opportunity lies not in the new models but in the old ones still on the retailer's showroom floor (or warehouse if you're shopping digitally.)
Manufacturers and retailers often cut the price of "last year's model" by 20% to 30%, just to get them out the door so they can make room for newer models. Consequently, be ready to jump on some great appliance deals just after Labor Day.
One caveat—large refrigerator manufacturers tend to release their new models in May. So, if you're looking for a new fridge, plan for Memorial Day instead of Labor Day.
2. New Year's Day
Retailers really have to move last year's models out after the first of the year, making January a great time to snag a new appliance at a deeply discounted price. Granted, you won't have a lot of models to choose from, but what does remain will likely be heavily discounted for quick sale.
3. Black Friday
If you can stand the crowds, or you don't mind spending a few hours doing some Sherlock Holmes-style sleuthing online, you can snag some great deals on major appliances on Black Friday (or Cyber Monday/Cyber Week).
In fact, pretty much any major holiday is a "go time" for appliance retailers looking to unload some inventory. You'll need to plan in advance and possibly download some mobile apps from major retailers like Best Buy, Overstock, or Costco to get the good news on discounts in advance, but holidays are almost always a good time to get a price break on that new range or dishwasher.
4. The Last Week of the Month
Large appliances, like autos and high-tech phones and computers, are sold by sales staffers on a commission basis. Like most sales models, those staffers are given monthly quotas to meet, and as the end of the month approaches, salespeople are under more pressure to meet or exceed their targets.
Consequently, by waiting until the last week of the month, you stand a good chance of negotiating a major appliance price tag downward by working directly with a sales representative.
5. Weekday Mornings and Afternoons
Why fight traffic and squeeze your way through the crowd on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon if you don't have to? After all, that's what Tuesday afternoons are for.
If you can swing some time off from work, shopping for a new appliance on a weekday gives you more time with a sales staffer to negotiate, more space to roam and look for the best deals, and more time to mull over your options.
Sure, taking time off from work isn't always easy. But it's worth it to save $350 on a new refrigerator.
6. During the Off-Season
The off-season is a great time to buy a seasonal appliance. Try shopping for a new backyard barbecue grill or an air conditioner in late Fall or early Winter. Few consumers demand large quantities of air conditioners in January or snow blowers in July—but they should. That's when they can get the best price on seasonal items.
5-Appliance Buying Tips for Additional Savings
While it's always a good idea to eyeball the calendar when buying a large appliance, there are some general tips to deploy when you're on the hunt, too. These tips may be able to help get you the best deal possible, especially if your appliance breaks down suddenly and you need to act fast.
1. Ask for Dinged-Up Appliances
Retailers often have appliances with dents, scratches, or other signs of disrepair. When you're on a showroom floor, ask the salesperson if they have any appliances discounted because of dings or dents. If they do, you may be able to knock 15% or so off the typical retail price.
2. Buy in Advance
You never know when a fridge or heater is going to break down. Ideally, you'll want to buy when you don't have to—before an appliance breaks down. That way, you're making a purchase on your own terms. If your appliance goes on the fritz, you're likely buying on the manufacturer's terms and could well spend more money than you wanted to.
3. Do Some Serious Price Shopping
Retailers often match or even beat a competitor's price if you can show it to them. Many major retailers like Lowes, Best Buy, and Home Depot have formal price-match guarantee programs.
4. Check With Friends and Family
Ask around and see for yourself how a friend's recently purchased dishwasher or refrigerator is performing. There's nothing wrong with kicking some tires and getting some free research on the latest appliances before you buy. When you buy that new fridge or dishwasher, return the favor.
5. Check Out Product Reviews
Going online and googling the name of your appliance and "reviews" is well worth it. When you read most product reviews, you're getting real-world takes on a particular appliance from regular people who've made a big investment and have some valuable feedback to provide.
The Bottom Line
There's a lot on the line when you're buying a new large appliance, so do your research, plan ahead, and buy when you want to—not when you have to (and always keep an eye on the calendar). Do all that, and you're well on your way to getting the best deal possible
