It’s time. Your oven is sending smoke signals and your dishwasher is doing its best rendition of “Tiny Bubbles” all over your kitchen floor. Or maybe you're just looking to replace your avocado-green relic with a stylish, modern alternative that connects to your WiFi. The idea of being able to watch Harry Potter on your fridge is exciting — until you start looking at the price tags for all the latest features. So how do you do this without breaking the bank?
Prices for major appliances have certainly escalated with inflation and the latest smart technology, but here are some concrete ways you can help keep costs in line.
Budget, Budget, Budget
The first step is to decide what you can reasonably afford, preferably without adding a huge charge (and interest payments) to your credit card balance. To avoid cost and feature creep, conduct your initial research online, sorting the options by price and must-have features. And don’t forget to factor in delivery, set up charges and disposal fees. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, limit your comparison shopping to only those models that fit your criteria.
What a Difference a Year Makes
Look for deals on last year’s models. You can find substantial savings, especially when retailers are clearing out older inventory. If your cooktop isn’t quite kaput and you can wait awhile, ovens, ranges and dishwashers should be cheaper in September and October, while you often find good deals on refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers in May or June. Some retailers hold annual clearance sales, so ask when those are scheduled.
Scratch up Some Savings
Open-box items that have been returned, or scratch-and-dent items that were damaged in shipment, may be available at substantial discount. Check for damage carefully, making sure it doesn’t compromise functionality. A range that has a dent in the side or back where it will be hidden by cabinets might be a great deal.
Haggle Away
You can often negotiate appliance prices. Some brick-and-mortar stores price match their competitors. If you find a better price in an ad, take a dated copy of the offer into the store with you. Ask if they’ll include delivery and set-up for free, or at a reduced cost. Sales associates may be more flexible at the end of the month if they’re trying to meet their sales quota. A 10% discount on a $1,000 fridge — with free delivery and haul away — is a win.
Rebates and Reliability
Manufacturers, retailers and even utility companies may offer rebates on major appliances. Check with local retailers and look online to see what’s available. Visit energystar.gov and plug in your zip code to see if there are energy conservation rebates in your area and call your local utility company. Carefully research the reliability of the model(s) you want by searching online with “problems with the [manufacturer] [name or model number]” and see if the same issue keeps coming up. Mega-retailers like Amazon and Walmart collect a lot of appliance reviews, so look there as well to minimize the chance of facing a costly repair bill. Also consider whether getting a few dollars off by purchasing online is worth not having the option to go back and ask for a store manager should you have a problem down the line.
Don’t Get Burned on a Kitchen Appliance … Purchase
Buying a major appliance doesn’t have to be a major budget buster. With a little smart shopping know-how, you can cook up some serious savings for your next refrigerator, dishwasher or oven.
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