UsersRatedQuick Answer
September–October offers the best appliance deals as new models arrive and retailers clear inventory. Labor Day weekend is the single best sale event for appliances — often better than Black Friday. Also check for open-box deals at Best Buy year-round.
✓ Best Months to Buy
- September7% below avg
- October8% below avg
- November6% below avg
✗ Worst Months to Buy
- March1% above avg
- June2% above avg
- July1% above avg
Monthly Price Index
100 = average price. Lower is better for buyers.
| Month | Price Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 96 | Post-holiday clearance, retailers clearing inventory |
| February | 98 | Presidents Day sales, good deals on select models |
| March | 101 | Tax refund season increases demand |
| April | 100 | Spring cleaning season, moderate prices |
| May | 99 | Memorial Day sales begin |
| June | 102 | Summer demand peaks, fewer deals |
| July | 101 | July 4th sales offer some relief |
| August | 98 | Back-to-school, new models start arriving |
| September | 93 | New model rollout — steep discounts on outgoing models |
| October | 92 | Best month — clearance continues, pre-Black Friday deals |
| November | 94 | Black Friday/Cyber Monday — excellent but crowded |
| December | 97 | Holiday deals continue, less selection |
Key Sale Events
Labor Day Sales
September (Labor Day weekend)
Historically the best appliance sale of the year. Retailers discount heavily as new models arrive. Often better than Black Friday for appliances.
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
November (Thanksgiving week)
Major discounts across all categories. Best for bundles and package deals. Shop early — popular models sell out.
Memorial Day Sales
May (Memorial Day weekend)
Solid sales across major retailers. Good for summer prep items like refrigerators and outdoor grills.
Presidents Day Sales
February (Presidents Day weekend)
Underrated sale event. Less competition, decent discounts. Good for washer/dryer sets.
July 4th Sales
July (Independence Day week)
Mid-summer event with moderate discounts. Better for grills and outdoor equipment.
New Model Rollout
September–October
Manufacturers release new models in fall. Last year's models get steep discounts to clear inventory.
Best Time by Appliance Type
| Appliance | Best Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | September–October | New models arrive in fall. Buy outgoing models for 20–30% off. |
| Washers & Dryers | Labor Day, Presidents Day | These sales consistently have the best deals on laundry pairs. |
| Dishwashers | September–November | Often bundled with other appliances for extra savings. |
| Ranges & Ovens | Black Friday, Labor Day | High-ticket items see biggest percentage discounts during major sales. |
| Microwaves | November (Black Friday) | Often used as doorbuster deals with steep discounts. |
| Air Conditioners | Late August–September | End of summer clearance. Buy ahead for next year. |
Appliance Shopping Tips
- 1Measure twice, buy once. Measure the space, doorways, and paths the appliance will travel. Return/exchange fees are painful for large appliances.
- 2Check open-box at Best Buy. Their open-box appliances are often customer returns in perfect condition. Ask to inspect before buying.
- 3Look for bundle deals. Buying multiple appliances together (kitchen suite, washer/dryer pair) often triggers additional 10–20% discounts.
- 4Don't forget delivery and haul-away. Factor in delivery costs. Costco often includes free delivery and haul-away of old appliances.
- 5Skip the extended warranty. Most appliances are reliable. Use a credit card with extended warranty benefits instead.
- 6Check energy rebates. Many utilities offer rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances. Check dsireusa.org or your utility's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labor Day or Black Friday better for appliance deals?
Labor Day is often better for appliances. It coincides with the new model rollout, so retailers are motivated to clear old inventory. Black Friday has great deals too, but selection may be more limited and stores are more crowded.
Should I buy a floor model or open-box appliance?
Floor models and open-box items can save you 15–30% off retail. Inspect carefully for dents or scratches, and confirm the warranty still applies. These are especially good for appliances that will be built into cabinetry where minor cosmetic damage won't be visible.
Do appliance prices drop when new models come out?
Yes, this is one of the best times to buy. New appliance models typically arrive in September–October. Outgoing models can be discounted 25–40% to clear inventory. The new models often have only minor updates.
Is it worth buying extended warranties on appliances?
Generally no. Most appliances either fail within the manufacturer's warranty period (1 year) or last well beyond the extended warranty. Save the warranty cost and self-insure. Exception: high-end refrigerators with complex ice makers or smart features.
Where can I find the best appliance deals?
Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Costco consistently offer competitive pricing. Don't overlook Costco — they often include delivery and haul-away. Use Slickdeals and retailer apps to track prices and get alerts.
Should I wait for a sale or buy when I need it?
If your appliance is working, wait for a major sale (Labor Day, Black Friday, or October clearance). If it's broken, buy at the end of the month when stores have sales quotas to hit. Always check for open-box deals at stores like Best Buy.