The Very Best Times to Buy New Appliances (and Why April is NOT!)

So many appliances, such little time. Our own internal data has taught us a few things about timing your purchase.

BY: John Zisa

UPDATED: October 18, 2024

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Here at Trendsicle we’ve been covering sales and deals every month on hundreds of popular products since 2017. From years of data we’ve discovered some of the best times of the year to score the best deals (here’s how we do that). This time around we’re covering major appliances. Let’s do this!

Like so many purchases, the best time to buy new appliances depends on a variety of factors, including seasonal sales, product cycles, and personal needs. But don’t sweat it, there are several times throughout the year when you can take advantage of discounts and promotions to score great deals on a wide variety of appliances.

By the Numbers

Quick stats and facts based on our own internal data, experience, and years of covering all sorts of appliance sales (from major appliances to small). Plus, it’s fun to see numbers move, right?

# of Years Covering Appliance Sales

years

# of Appliance Sales Analyzed

individual sales

Avg % You Can Typically Save

on average

0 %

The Best Month to Buy New Appliances

While there isn’t a single “best” month for buying appliances that applies universally to all consumers, there are a few months that tend to offer better deals and promotions on appliances due to seasonal sales events and industry trends. Let’s break down all the specific months and seasons.

End-of-Summer Clearance (August): As the summer season comes to a close, retailers often hold clearance sales to make room for new inventory. This can result in discounted prices on appliances as stores aim to clear out remaining stock from the previous season.

Labor Day Sales (September): Labor Day weekend, typically observed on the first Monday of September, is known for its sales events and promotions. Many retailers offer special discounts, rebates, and financing options on appliances during this time to attract shoppers.

New Model Releases (September & October): Appliance manufacturers often release new models in the fall, around September and October. As retailers prepare to introduce these new models, they may discount older models to make space for the latest designs. This can result in significant savings for consumers.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November/December): The infamous shopping weekend following Thanksgiving, which includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is renowned for its doorbuster deals and steep discounts across various product categories, including appliances. Shoppers can find significant savings on appliances both in-store and online during this time.

Holiday Weekends (Overall): Major holidays such as Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day often coincide with appliance sales events. Retailers typically offer discounts, promotions, and special financing options during these holiday weekends to attract shoppers quickly, especially for major buys.

Non-Traditional Times to Save

Above we went through the more popular times of the year to make that big appliance purchase, but there are some additional non-traditional times and non-traditional ways to save.

End-of-Year Clearance: As the year comes to a close, retailers may offer clearance sales to make room for new inventory and meet end-of-year sales targets. December can be a good time to find discounted appliances as retailers aim to clear out older models and excess stock.

New Model Releases: Appliance manufacturers typically release new models in the spring and fall. As new models hit the market, retailers may discount older models to make way for the latest designs. Consumers can take advantage of these discounts to purchase last season’s models at a lower price.

Appliance-Specific Sales Events: Some retailers (like Home Depot) and appliance stores host appliance-specific sales events throughout the year, offering discounts, rebates, and package deals on appliances. These events may coincide with store anniversaries, grand openings, or promotional periods.

Manufacturer Rebates: Keep an eye out for manufacturer rebates, which can offer additional savings on appliances. Manufacturers may offer rebates on specific models or brands during promotional periods to incentivize purchases.

Floor Model Clearance: Retailers often sell floor models or display units at discounted prices to make room for new inventory. While these appliances may have minor cosmetic imperfections or signs of wear from being on display, they typically come with full warranties and offer substantial savings.

When NOT to Buy a Some Appliances

While there isn’t necessarily a specific month when you shouldn’t buy major appliances, there are times when it may be less advantageous to make a purchase. One such period we typically see is during the spring, specifically in April. Here’s why:

New Model Releases: Many appliance manufacturers release new models of major appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, in the spring. This influx of new models often leads to retailers focusing on promoting the latest releases, which may result in fewer discounts or incentives for older models.

Preparation for Summer Sales: Retailers may use the spring months, including April, to prepare for upcoming sales events such as Memorial Day and the summer season. As a result, they may not offer as many promotions or discounts on major appliances during this time, as they’re gearing up for larger sales events later in the season.

Lower Inventory Levels: With the transition to new models and the anticipation of upcoming sales events, retailers may have lower inventory levels of major appliances in April. This could limit the selection available to consumers and reduce the likelihood of finding specific models or configurations.

While April may not be the most optimal time to buy major appliances, it’s important to note that there are exceptions, and opportunities for savings can still arise. For example, individual retailers may offer promotions or clearance sales to clear out remaining inventory or attract customers during slower periods. Additionally, factors such as regional sales trends, store-specific promotions, and manufacturer rebates can all influence the timing of the best deals on major appliances. So, it’s always a good idea to research prices, compare options, and keep an eye out for promotions or discounts regardless of the time of year.

You May Want to Buy Last Season's Model

There are several benefits to purchasing appliances from the previous model year:

Cost Savings: Last year’s models are often discounted to make room for newer releases. Retailers may offer significant markdowns on appliances from the previous year, allowing consumers to enjoy savings without compromising on features or functionality.

Proven Reliability: Appliances that have been on the market for some time have a track record of performance and reliability. By opting for a model that has been available for a while, consumers can benefit from user reviews and feedback, gaining confidence in their purchase.

Similar Features: While newer models may boast incremental upgrades or the latest technology, last year’s models often offer similar features and capabilities at a lower price point. For many consumers, the differences between last year’s model and the current one may be negligible, making the older model a practical choice.

Availability: Last year’s models may still be readily available from retailers, especially if they have excess inventory to clear out. This can give consumers more options to choose from and potentially access to models that are no longer in production.

Warranty Coverage: Appliances from the previous model year typically come with standard warranty coverage, providing peace of mind in case of any defects or issues. Consumers can also consider purchasing extended warranty coverage for added protection.

When to Be Cautious of Last Year's Models

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when buying last year’s models of appliances:

Limited Availability: While last year’s models may still be available, selection can be limited, especially if retailers are clearing out remaining inventory. Popular models or specific configurations may sell out quickly, so it’s essential to act fast if you have a particular appliance in mind.

Future Compatibility: Consider the long-term compatibility and support for last year’s models, especially if they rely on proprietary technology or software. Ensure that any accessories, replacement parts, or software updates will remain accessible in the future.

Cosmetic Changes: While the core functionality of last year’s models remains the same, there may be minor cosmetic differences compared to the current year’s models. These changes are usually aesthetic and do not affect performance but may be a consideration for some consumers.

Save Extra By Waiting Until the End of the Month

Waiting until the end of the month to buy an appliance can sometimes be a strategic move to potentially capitalize on additional discounts or incentives. While this tactic may not always guarantee savings, it’s based on the premise that retailers may be more motivated to meet sales quotas or clear out inventory as the end of the month approaches. Here are some potential advantages and considerations:

Advantages:

Quota Pressure: Salespeople and retail managers may be under pressure to meet monthly sales targets or quotas. As the end of the month nears, they may be more willing to negotiate on prices or offer additional incentives to close a sale.

Clearance Deals: Retailers often reassess their inventory levels at the end of the month. If there are any remaining appliances from the previous month’s sales cycle, they may be marked down or offered at clearance prices to make room for new inventory.

Promotional Offers: Some retailers may run end-of-month promotions or sales events to boost sales before the start of a new month. These promotions could include discounts, rebates, or financing options on appliances.

Timing with Paydays: Many consumers receive paychecks at the end of the month, making it a convenient time to make larger purchases like appliances. Retailers may capitalize on this by offering special deals or promotions to attract customers with disposable income.

Considerations:

Limited Availability: Waiting until the end of the month to make a purchase may limit your options, especially if you have specific preferences or requirements for the appliance you’re looking to buy. Popular models or configurations may sell out quickly, leaving you with fewer choices.

Quality and Features: While end-of-month deals may offer savings, it’s essential to prioritize the quality and features of the appliance you’re purchasing. Don’t compromise on important factors such as reliability, energy efficiency, or warranty coverage solely to secure a discount.

Competing with Other Shoppers: Keep in mind that other shoppers may also be aware of end-of-month sales tactics and may be vying for the same deals. Be prepared to act quickly and be flexible with your options if you encounter competition from other shoppers.

Risk of Missing Out: If you delay your purchase until the end of the month in hopes of securing a better deal, there’s always the risk that the appliance you want may sell out or no longer be available by the time you’re ready to buy.

In Conclusuion

There really are so many different appliances out there – from small countertop appliances to major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. Overall there isn’t just one month where you can save the most and, even better, you don’t always have to wait for a major sale to find a super low price, especially if you’re willing to go with a less recent model or waiting until the end of the month.

If you found our research helpful, you may want to check out some additional research we’ve run on the best time to buy a 4K television, which month you should buy a new mattress, and even some additional sales and deals happening today.

John Zisa

John has been our official deals, sales, and trends editor at Trendsicle for the past 3 years (since 2021). John spends his time digging through hundreds of product sales from top online retailers, including during major sale seasons like Black Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day and more. He's also a published author of the children's book, "The Very Patient Christmas Tree" and has a self-produced album of pop/jazz/gospel arrangements of pop songs throughout the decades, "You Gotta Be", which was released in May 2021. Read full bio.

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