Whether you’re a new homeowner looking to buy the latest smart refrigerator or a renter looking for the best air fryer, buying appliances requires a lot of research. Finding the perfect retailer for your preferred appliance means looking for the best option, a price that fits your budget, a practical shipping and return policy, and a warranty that protects the longevity of your appliance.
We researched several retailers to find out which ones meet these requirements, as well as factors such as whether the website is easy to navigate. We also interviewed Mr. Neighborhood Inc. Ron Shimek, president of Appliance, learns about the best places to buy appliances and tips on how to care for them so they last a lifetime at home.
1. Lowe’s
- What we love it: They have a wide variety of appliances at affordable prices.
- Remember: They don’t have as many high-tech features or colorful options compared to other retailers.
Lowe’s is a great one-stop retailer that provides you with everything your household items to keep them running smoothly. You’ll find almost all appliances, including stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, wall-mounted ovens, dishwashers, and even small appliances like stand mixers and pressure cookers, all at different prices to suit your budget and style. With hundreds of stores across the country, you can see your appliances in person, but it’s just as simple to buy online.
Lowe’s offers protection for all major appliances, with the manufacturer offering a minimum one-year warranty, while Lowe’s Protection Plan offers a warranty of up to five years. This includes a rebate reward, which gives you a 30% rebate on the price plan if you don’t use the plan for repairs before it expires. There are also reinstall labor and restocking incentives, which can be awarded up to $300 for each loss of food due to a refrigerator or freezer failure.
Plans range in price from $25 to $132, depending on the price of the appliance and whether you want the three-year or five-year option. As for delivery, the options vary depending on the type and size of the appliance. Most appliance deliveries include services such as unpacking, inspection, and unpacking, but there may be additional costs associated with installing and removing existing appliances. Lowe’s also offers free in-store pickup, a price match guarantee, and free shipping on orders over $45.
2.Wayfair
- Why we love it: There are often home appliance promotions and offers.
- Remember: They have fewer options for large appliances than other retailers.
When it comes to home décor and furniture, Wayfair is a well-known and reliable option with thousands of items at varying prices. But they also offer a surprising selection of microwaves, stovetops, refrigerators, washers, and dryers, making them the perfect place to shop for appliances and their parts.
We especially like the many energy-saving options they have, including our pick of the best washing machines with smart features. Since Wayfair has regular sales, extra discounts, and clearance items, we also like that you can find some branded appliances at lower prices.
With so many sellers, manufacturers, and brands, browsing options online can be overwhelming. However, website filters make it easy to filter for type, brand, color, finish, and more.
Shipping and warranty options vary depending on the brand, appliance type, cost, and other factors. Appliances from GE Appliances, Samsung, Bosch and Frigidaire are fully installed, removed and removed from the old appliances. However, other brands like Smeg, Zline, and Bertazzoni have the option to add an Angi installation service at checkout, but not a ship-and-go service.
3. Costco
- What we love it: The shipping service is free.
- Remember: A Costco membership is required to purchase appliances.
Whether you already have a Costco membership or are hesitating to become one (membership costs $60 per year), you know it’s one of the best places to buy appliances, mainly because of membership benefits, savings, and bonuses. Costco members get free home service, free shipping on most appliances, and a 90-day grace period (request pickup in-store or online).
While it may not have state-of-the-art appliances, you can find several trusted home brands like KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and GE. Their warranty also includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, a two-year Costco extended warranty, and up to 4% cashback rewards.
In addition to large appliances, Costco offers wine cellars, beverage refrigerators, freezers, and ice machines, as well as heating, cooling, and air quality appliances. While the in-store selection of appliances is limited, buying online is simple. However, if you don’t log in as a member, you won’t be able to browse or check home appliance prices thoroughly.
4. Walmart
- What we love it: They offer affordable prices and numerous locations to shop in person.
- Remember: Third-party sellers can’t guarantee seamless returns.
If you’re looking for an affordable retailer, Walmart is a great place to shop for appliances. You can easily find a variety of large appliances like deep-freezers and gas stoves, as well as small appliances under $30 like mini-fridges and handheld vacuum cleaners.
It’s also one of the best places to buy portable appliances for small living spaces, such as desktop dishwashers, window air conditioners, and more. With daily deals and discounts, you can find any appliance you need at an extremely affordable price.
Walmart offers two-, three-, and four-year protection plans (including a one-year manufacturer’s warranty), depending on the type of appliance and price. It is important to note that some appliances are sold by third-party sellers, so they cannot be returned in-store, and the return period also varies from seller to seller. However, if your order was sold and shipped directly through Walmart, you can return it for free within 90 days.
5. A.J. Madison
- We love it: It’s one of the best places to buy appliances because of the high-quality goods and appliance sets.
- Remember: they have a strict return policy and hefty restocking fees.
If you’re looking for a premium appliance package, a luxury fridge with extra features, or a smart self-cleaning wall-mounted oven, look no further than AJ Madison. We’ve even rated this compact set as the best choice among the stackable washer-dryer sets.
At AJ Madison, you’ll also find an outdoor pizza oven, electric grill, air conditioner, and all other major appliances, including a vintage-style refrigerator to give your kitchen a personal touch.
All appliances purchased through AJ Madison are covered by the manufacturer’s one-year warranty, but the duration and scope of the appliance warranty depends on the manufacturer. AJ Madison offers extended warranties with three- and five-year warranties and 30% cashback through Allstate.
As for delivery times, some appliances can take two to four business days for delivery within the New York metro area, but delivery outside of this area can take up to two weeks. Delivery costs and additional services, such as removal of old appliances and installation of new appliances, depend on the location and size of the appliance.
When it comes to returns, they have a very strict policy. There is a 35% restocking fee on all items, and returned products must be brand new with all packaging. You must also call customer service to obtain a return authorization number before returning the device.
6. Home Depot
- Why we love it: They offer a robust selection of warranties and protection plans for major appliances.
- Remember: You will have to pay for return shipping unless the item is returned in-store.
Home Depot may feel like the ultimate destination for your home improvement needs, but we also appreciate its selection of appliances. You can find appliances at competitive prices, such as our selection of the best convection ovens, commercial refrigerators, range hoods, vacuum cleaners, and heating and cooling appliances.
The Home Depot offers three- and five-year appliance protection plans, rebate incentives, and spoiled food insurance of up to $300. In addition, Home Depot offers coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty period ends, including premium technical support for smart appliances, a two-day service guarantee in the first 100 metropolitan areas, surge protection, and a lemon-free policy.
Home Depot offers a variety of popular and trusted brands to choose from, such as LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and GE. In-store pickup and delivery are free for orders over $45, while free professional delivery and installation are available for select appliances over $396. However, large appliances under $396 are subject to a $59 delivery fee. In addition, you will also have to pay for return shipping unless you return the item in-store.
7. Amazon
- Why we love it: There are both popular brands and affordable options to suit any budget.
- Remember: Returning an item from a third-party seller may not be as straightforward as going through Amazon.
The list of items you can buy from Amazon, including appliances, may be longer than the list of items you can’t buy. From affordable basics to high-end luxury brands and smart appliances, Amazon has you covered when it comes to buying appliances that fit every part of your home. Whether you want a dehumidifier, a full-size refrigerator, or our top picks for the best microwave, Amazon has you covered.
While not all appliances are eligible, Amazon offers three- and five-year extended warranties through Assurant and Allstate to cover mechanical failures after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Buying and shipping through Amazon also guarantees a 30-day return period for most appliances, and most fees will be waived or reduced if you’re a Prime member.
In addition to popular appliance brands like Galanz, Smeg, and Frigidaire, you can also find more specialty and niche brands that have the quality of a famous brand but at a more affordable price. However, it’s important to consider the third-party seller’s delivery time and location, delivery options, and warranties, which may not always guarantee a seamless shopping experience.
8. Sears
- What we love it: They have flexible financing options, a wide range of options, and frequent sales to accommodate tighter budgets.
- Keep in mind that many appliances are subject to a restocking fee.
Sears has long been a well-known retailer in the home appliance sector, so there is no doubt that it is one of the best and most efficient retailers. If you’re looking to save money on appliance packages or packages like a fridge, stovetop, and dishwasher, Sears has great options.
While shopping in a Sears brick-and-mortar store may no longer be as convenient and appealing as it once was, you can still easily find plenty of top brands for all major appliances online. Even though there are frequent promotions and discounts, you can choose one of the reasonable financing options.
We also love the simple delivery process offered by Sears – simply select your desired delivery date at checkout and a Sears representative will contact you within 24 hours to confirm the two-hour delivery period.
However, returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee plus any applicable shipping charges. There are some caveats to the return service (limited to similar types of appliances, appliances that have already been installed are not eligible) and come at an additional cost, but the Sears warranty covers 11 major appliances, depending on the appliance.
9.Best Buy
- Why we love it: They have a wider selection of smart appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity than other retailers.
- Remember: They have a 15-day return period.
Although Best Buy is known for electronics and technology, it also has a range of home appliances to keep an eye on, such as our favorite smart dishwasher. With hundreds of stores across the country and easy website navigation, Best Buy is one of the best places to shop for home appliances, especially smart appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control.
From large appliances like range hoods and refrigerators to small appliances like ice makers, toasters, and coffee makers, this retailer has a variety of brands, affordable prices, and often offers deals and promotions (especially during major holiday seasons). We also like that Best Buy has a wide range of appliances with voice compatibility and Wi-Fi capabilities.
With Geek Squad Protection, you can also rest assured that your appliances will be in good care if repairs are needed or malfunction after the manufacturer’s warranty period has passed. You can schedule a free consultation (in-person or virtual) and spend $399 or more to get free shipping on large appliances. They also offer shipping and recycling services for an additional fee.
10. Target
- What we love about it: They have a range of small appliances at reasonable prices.
- Remember: They have a limited selection of major appliances, many of which are sold through third parties.
If you’re a renter or living in a small space and want a small, portable appliance, Target offers a wide range of affordable appliances to choose from. Whether you’re looking to buy an air fryer, oven, bread maker, robot vacuum cleaner, or space heater, Target has you covered for your small living needs.
While most Target stores don’t offer in-store options for large appliances like refrigerators (many are sold and shipped through third-party sellers), you can easily and conveniently find small appliances in most stores and avoid shipping costs.
Similar to other retailers, Target offers extended warranties through Allstate to protect certain appliances and electronics. Plus, free shipping is available on all orders over $35, and you can also choose same-day delivery or free in-store pickup. Their website has a variety of filters that make it easy to find the perfect appliance for your home.
