When is the Best Time to Buy Appliances: A Guide

Replacing your home appliances can be expensive. Buying a new oven to replace your old or broken model can cost thousands of dollars. Even if you’re prepared for the purchase, spending that kind of money on a new appliance can take a toll on your budget. Choosing the best time to buy appliances can help you save money in the long run while still helping you upgrade to a newer, better model.

Related: Want to protect your appliances of any age? Learn about what is a home warranty.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Appliances?

There is no single best time of year to buy new home appliances, but there are some events during the year that can make buying new home appliances more affordable than they may be at other times.

During Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Both big box stores and small local retailers tend to offer discounts during holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The discounts you can expect will vary depending on the type of appliances you’re shopping for and the retailer you’re shopping with. However, it’s not uncommon to see discounts of more than 40% on some large home appliances.

Keep in mind that you’ll typically find steeper discounts when shopping in person on Black Friday and shopping online on Cyber Monday.

During Holiday Sales

Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales can offer deep discounts, they’re not the only sales you should watch for. Look for discounts on key holidays and holiday weekends like:

• New Year’s Day
• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• July 4^th
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day

Discounts will vary, but many retailers use these holidays to clear out stock of home appliances. You may want to shop around to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.

When Companies Release New Models

Companies release new models throughout the year, and those new models will take priority for retailers. To clear out older inventory, retailers often choose to discount the price of older models. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with those older models. They’re just not the latest version available.

You could end up saving hundreds of dollars by purchasing a slightly older model. Those older models should still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and may be eligible for coverage under home warranty plans after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

When Floor Models Are Available

At about the same time that new models hit the market, retailers will start to replace their floor models with the latest and greatest appliances. Use this to your advantage and speak to retailers in your area. Ask if they sell their floor models, and when those models typically go on sale.

When You Need to Replace a Broken or Outdated Appliance

The best time of year to buy home appliances is when you need to replace your current equipment. If an appliance breaks or becomes so outdated that it’s no longer efficient, waiting for a sale may not be in your best interest. If you find yourself looking for a new refrigerator, air conditioner, dishwasher, or other major appliance, ask each retailer about any rebates they may have. These rebates are typically offered through the manufacturer and can save you hundreds off an otherwise full-price item.

Tips for Shopping for New Appliances

Looking for the best time of year to buy appliances can help you save money, but there are other things you can do to help you get the best deal possible. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you start your search.

Track Prices Across Retailers

Prices for the same home appliances can vary from retailer to retailer, even when they’re not on sale. Before you buy anything, check prices with several retailers. Be sure to check for any delivery or haul-away fees with each retailer you’re considering. You may find that one retailer charges a little more for the new appliance but doesn’t charge for delivery, installation, or disposal. This could end up saving you money even if you pay a slightly higher upfront price.

Buy in the Off-Season

Replacing your air conditioner in late fall may seem counterintuitive, but it can save you money. Why? Because retailers know that demand for out-of-season items will be lower and they still need to get rid of inventory taking up space in their warehouses. When demand is lower, retailers often lower prices to encourage homeowners to make a purchase. And when demand is high, they’ll typically raise prices to take advantage of that increase in demand.

Consider buying major home appliances during the off-season. Replace your heater during the summer and your air conditioner during the winter when retailers drop prices.

Check With Your Credit Card Provider

Many credit card companies will partner with specific retailers to offer additional rewards to credit card holders who use their cards to make purchases either online or in-store. Check with your credit card provider and see if they’re partnering with any appliance retailers in your area.

Consider “Open Box” Sales

Sometimes, customers will purchase an appliance and return it in a like-new or unused condition for one that better fits their needs. Retailers may offer these returned items at a discount. Keep in mind that you may see some scuffs or dents on the appliances, but they should work just as well as new models. And you’ll get them at a fraction of the price.

Check out our tips for how to clean appliances to help make that open-box model feel brand new. 

Protect Your New Appliances for Years to Come

Investing in new appliances can be expensive. Make sure you’re protecting your investment with a First American home warranty. These warranties cover major home appliances like dishwashers, vent hoods, heating and cooling systems, and more. Want to know how it works? Request a free quote today.

FAQs About Buying Appliances 

What is the best month to buy appliances?

The best months to buy appliances are typically around holidays. Whether it's Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, or Black Friday — different appliances go on sale at various times of the year. 

What month is the cheapest to buy a fridge?

The best months to buy a refrigerator may be towards the end of the calendar year, just before new models are released. Retailers may need to get rid of older models to make room for the new ones. This makes holidays like Black Friday and Christmas ideal for large appliance shopping.

What is the best holiday to buy kitchen appliances?

Holidays near the end of the year, like Black Friday and Christmastime, tend to be good times to buy kitchen appliances because retailers are getting rid of old models to make room for new ones. President’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day also often boast impressive appliance sales.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.