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Q: In six weeks, our new-construction house will be complete and ready for us to move in, so we’re in the market for new appliances. As renters, however, we’ve never purchased our own appliances before, so we could use a little help. Where is the best place to buy appliances?
A: Congrats on moving from renters to homeowners! In today’s bustling appliance marketplace, you have a wide variety of options—both online and in brick-and-mortar stores—where you can shop a variety of appliances, based on your needs, budget, and style. But in addition to the devices themselves, you’ll want to consider factors such as free delivery and setup, extended warranties, and of course the best price. The best place to buy appliances will depend on your priorities, so keep reading for the 411 that will simplify your shopping.
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If you want to compare appliances online but purchase locally, shop Lowes or The Home Depot.
Both big-box home improvement centers offer a wide range of popular appliance brands, including Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, and KitchenAid, and both offer free delivery and setup of non-gas appliances within a 60-mile range. If you purchase gas appliances, you’ll need to hire a licensed plumber to install the gas lines. Both stores also offer extended warranties (up to five years) in addition to old appliance pick-up and disposal for a fee (under $40). These big-box retailers do have large appliance showrooms, but they don’t carry every appliance you can order from their online sites.
If you’re looking to finance a houseful of “smart” appliances, check out Samsung.
By shopping directly on the manufacturer’s site, you can select a two-year, interest-free payment plan. Samsung manufactures some of the best “connected” appliances on the market, such as fridges that feature Family Hub (a touchscreen panel that can be used to display photos, make grocery lists, and browse the internet). Samsung also offers other connected appliances, such as robot vacuums, washers, dishwashers, and dryers, and when you buy from the site, you can choose custom appliance colors, such as matte black and champagne. Samsung’s warranty on appliances ranges from two years for complete coverage, up to 11 years for specific parts, such as a fridge motor.
For buying small appliances, it’s hard to beat Amazon.
While this major online retailer carries a limited number of large appliances, Amazon excels in the sheer range of small appliances they offer—everything from coffee makers and stand mixers to air fryers and mini-refrigerators. When shopping appliances on Amazon, check out the appliance’s ratings and reviews to see what other buyers think. While some independent Amazon sellers offer extended warranties, many small appliances will come with just their manufacturer warranty. If you’re a member of Amazon Prime ($118 per year, $59 for students), you can get free one- or two-day shipping.
If you’re looking for gas appliances, check out Best Buy.
While big-box retailers will deliver appliances and even move them into your home, they usually don’t offer professional installation of gas appliances, because connecting gas lines is governed by local building codes and usually requires the services of a licensed plumber. Best Buy not only sells a wide range of gas appliances, but they also offer professional installation of gas appliances. If you’re curious about the codes in your community, Best Buy can help. Just call 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289), and the customer service rep will research the requirements in your community. Best Buy will then install your new appliances in compliance with those codes. You can also purchase extended warranties (up to five years) on a variety of appliances.
If you want to save money, the best place to buy appliances is at a wholesale club.
You can get deep discounts on a variety of big-name appliances, including LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool if you’re a member of a wholesale club such as Costco or Sam’s Club. Neither club offers any manufacturer’s full line of appliances, but if you’re content to choose from a limited selection, you can save up to $800 on featured models. You’ll need to purchase a membership first: Costco memberships start at $60 and Sam’s Club memberships start at $45. Both clubs offer extended warranties through Square Trade, an Allstate Company, which can add up to three years to the manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’re looking for specialty appliances, check out Wayfair.
While the e-commerce company is best known for furniture and home goods, Wayfair does carry a limited range of appliances from major U.S. manufacturers, including Samsung and KitchenAid. It also sells a selection of appliances from specialty manufacturers in both the U.S. and Europe. Browse appliances from Italian manufacturers Smeg and Bertazzoni, the German company Blomberg, and the U.S. manufacturer Marvel. Shipping is free, and buyers have the option of purchasing extended warranties (up to five years).
For full service, a local appliance retailer might be best.
Don’t write off the local appliance store in your community because you think it’s more expensive or has a smaller selection. While they don’t have the buying power of major chains, small, independent retailers often belong to “buying pools,” which allows them to purchase appliances at reduced costs. You may pay as little as just $25 more than what you’d pay at a big-box outlet, but a major upside to independent appliance stores is that they usually have professional installers to put in all types of appliances—and return to service them if necessary down the line. Many local appliance stores also offer extended warranties.
If you’re looking to save a buck by buying used appliances, try Craigslist.
Started in 1995 by Craig Newman, this nationwide online classified advertisement site is a free platform for selling and buying virtually anything, including appliances. On Craigslist, you can find lightly used appliances that are still in great shape at a fraction of the price you’d pay for new appliances, but be aware that you’ll have to self-install and won’t get a warranty. You may, however, be able to negotiate the price a bit lower than listed. While most sellers on Craigslist are honest, trust your instincts and be sure to read and follow the site’s suggestions for avoiding scams.