Here’s Why May is the Best Time to Buy a New Refrigerator

And some additional months where the fridge deals are flowing!

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 new refrigerators. Let’s do this!

When it comes to purchasing a refrigerator, timing is everything. Whether you’re upgrading your old model that’s barely working or furnishing a new home, understanding the best time to buy can save you both time and money. Let’s explore the optimal timing for purchasing a fridge, the month to avoid, and additional strategies for saving even when there are no sales in sight!

By the Numbers

Quick stats and facts based on our own internal data, experience, and years of covering all sorts of refrigerator sales (from french door to side-by-side and traditional). Plus, it’s fun to see numbers move, right?

# of Years Covering Fridge Sales

years

# of Outdoor Fridge Sales Analyzed

individual sales

Avg % You Can Typically Save

on average

0 %

The Best Month to Buy a New Refrigerator

We’re not going to gate-keep this info. Let’s get right to it! After covering a wide variety of refrigerator sales over the course of 5 years, we’ve found that, on average, May emerges as the prime time to invest in a new refrigerator.

As spring transitions into summer, retailers often offer enticing deals to coincide with Memorial Day sales. With the approach of warmer weather, homeowners are more inclined to undertake renovation projects, making May the perfect time for retailers to roll out discounts on appliances. Additionally, new refrigerator models typically hit the market in the summer, prompting retailers to clear out older inventory to make room for the latest arrivals. Keep an eye out for Memorial Day weekend promotions, which often feature significant markdowns on refrigerators – upwards of 20% off the original price.

The "Worst" Month to Buy a New Refrigerator

From our analysis of 5 years of our own internal sales data, we found that July is typically one of the worst months to purchase a refrigerator if you’re looking to save money. As the peak of summer, July sees heightened demand for appliances, with many homeowners embarking on home improvement projects and renovations. Retailers are less likely to offer substantial discounts or promotions during this time, as demand outpaces supply.

While we all know that Amazon Prime Day is usually in July, where there are discounts and sales all over the place, we’ve found that the majority of refrigerators that are actually on sale are either dorm-sized fridges or wine fridges.

Additional Ways to Save if You Miss the Sale

Of course we all try to plan ahead as much as we can and make our purchases during the most opportune sale time, but if you miss the window there are still some additional ways you can try and save a bit, especially since most refrigerators really are so expensive. Here are some tips and tricks to add to your money-saving arsenal.

Research and Compare Prices: Take the time to research different refrigerator models and compare prices across multiple retailers. Online comparison tools and websites can help you identify the best deals and discounts available, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.

Consider Floor Models or Open-Box Deals: Floor models and open-box refrigerators are often available at discounted prices, as they may have minor cosmetic imperfections or be lightly used for display purposes. These models can offer significant savings without compromising on functionality or performance. We always recommend to make sure the warranty is still in full-effect. If not, request it be extended.

Negotiate with Retailers: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with retailers, especially if you’re purchasing multiple appliances or bundling your refrigerator with other items. Retailers may be willing to offer additional discounts or perks to secure your business, so don’t hesitate to ask for a better deal.

Explore Manufacturer Rebates: Keep an eye out for manufacturer rebates or promotions that offer cashback incentives or free accessories with the purchase of a new refrigerator. These offers can provide additional savings and enhance the overall value of your purchase. Typically big-box stores like The Home Depot have a section on their site that displays all applicable rebates, but it can also be worth it to go direct to the manufacturer (i.e, Samsung or LG) because they’ll list out possible rebates on their sites as well.

Some of the Best Places to Find a Fridge Deal

We always recommend shopping local when you can. A lot of times your local appliance store can match big-box store pricing and even offer additional discounts and incentives like free delivery, free install, haul-away, etc. If you can’t go local check out some of the top-rated retailers. Most you may have thought of and others may be new for you and worth checking out, especially online.

Home Depot: Home Depot is currently the leading home improvement retailer known for its extensive selection of appliances, including refrigerators. With both online and brick-and-mortar stores, Home Depot offers a variety of brands, styles, and price points to suit every budget and preference.

Lowe’s: Similar to Home Depot, Lowe’s is another major home improvement retailer that carries a diverse range of refrigerators from top brands. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Lowe’s provides helpful customer service, financing options, and delivery and installation services for added convenience.

Best Buy: Best Buy is a popular electronics retailer that also offers a wide assortment of appliances, including refrigerators. With a focus on technology and innovation, Best Buy features a curated selection of refrigerators with advanced features such as smart connectivity and energy efficiency.

Costco: Costco is a membership-based warehouse club known for its bulk discounts and value-oriented pricing. While Costco’s selection may not be as extensive as specialty appliance retailers, they often offer competitive pricing on refrigerators from reputable brands, along with additional benefits for members.

AJ Madison: AJ Madison is an online retailer specializing in appliances, including refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers. With a focus on customer satisfaction, AJ Madison offers a wide selection of brands and models, along with helpful resources such as buying guides and expert advice.

Abt Electronics: Abt Electronics is a family-owned retailer based in Illinois, known for its exceptional customer service and extensive selection of appliances and electronics. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Abt Electronics provides personalized assistance, financing options, and installation services.

In Conclusuion

While there are plenty of times during the year where you may find deep discounts on some of the top selling refrigerators, our research and internal data analysis shows that May is one of the best months to find the best sale price. If you can, hold off making that purchase during July as we’ve seen the least amount of fridge sales. And, when you can, shop local!

If you found our research helpful, you may want to check out some additional research we’ve run on when should you buy a dryer, the best month to buy a YETI, the best time to buy furniture, 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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