The Best Places to Buy a Refrigerator for Your Kitchen 2023

Searching for the best refrigerator models that can chill beverages like milk, freeze meats, preserve your vegetable and fruits, make ice, and utilize a built-in water dispenser, is one thing. The other thing you need to be aware of is knowing the best places to buy a refrigerator for your home. You need to consider […]

Apr 24, 2023 - 15:00
The Best Places to Buy a Refrigerator for Your Kitchen 2023

Searching for the best refrigerator models that can chill beverages like milk, freeze meats, preserve your vegetable and fruits, make ice, and utilize a built-in water dispenser, is one thing.

The other thing you need to be aware of is knowing the best places to buy a refrigerator for your home. You need to consider factors such as product quality, price, durability, warranties, and customer service.

After all, appliances like a refrigerator are practical devices you’d be using for decades, not to mention sophisticated home decor that keeps your kitchen and home beautiful.

To help you find the right one, I’ve compiled the top ten places to buy a refrigerator for your kitchen in this article.

The 10 Top Places to Buy a Refrigerator Today

The 10 Top Places to Buy a Refrigerator Today
© Homesthetics – Monica Hewitt

One of the considerations that need to be made before buying major appliances is to examine the store where you will buy them from.

The best factors to consider are the place’s reputation through customer feedback, customer service, deals being offered, and the models and brands of refrigerators available in their stores.

Allow me to introduce the top ten places to get your refrigerator today!

1. Home Depot

Home Depot

At the top of my list is The Home Depot, an online and on-site retailer offering a variety of brands carrying major appliances, such as:

  • Bosch
  • Frigidaire
  • General Electric (GE)
  • Samsung
  • Whirlpool Corporation

Apart from giving you a wide array of options, it also caters to your saving needs through discount deals from at least $100 to a maximum of $1000.

The Home Depot is also one of the few retailers with three-year and five-year protection plans, which means your appliances are still protected after the original warranty expires.

They also have free delivery and basic installation by professionals within their arsenal, from loading to uncrating and installation, for products above $396.

In Home Depot, you can get built-in or free-standing appliances from these brands:

  • Frigidaire
  • KitchenAid
  • Amana
  • Vissani

However, Home Depot has a strict 48-hours-from-delivery return policy wherein you must call them within that time frame if you find any defects or damages.

Failure to do so will forfeit the total refund or product exchange (mail-in-rebates).

Nevertheless, browsing in Home Depot (courtesy of their online user interface) is easy and can be done comfortably. The accessibility is comparable to their 2,300 physical stores in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Warranty: 90 days to 1 year and five-year company protection plans | Return Policy: Within 180 days of purchase with a valid sales receipt, shipping email, or valid ID | Delivery Options: Free for purchases over $396 | Payment Options: Visa Debit, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Home Depot credit cards | Haul-away: Present, but with an additional service fee for your old appliance

2. Appliances Connection

Appliances Connection

The second in line is the Appliances Connection which has a wide range of refrigerator choices from 103 brands. To name a few, these are:

  • Avanti
  • Azure
  • Bosch
  • Frigidaire Professional
  • GE
  • Ikon

The good news is that Appliances Connection not only gives you all these brands but also offers free delivery for every appliance purchase of at least $99.

To top it all off, Appliances Connection is also generous enough to give coupon codes ranging from $5 to $750 for every specific minimum purchase.

Appliances Connection also has a wide range of payment options under its belt, such as:

  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Appliances Connection credit card
  • PayPal
  • Personal Check
  • Money Order
  • Purchase Order

However, when customers need to return their items, they must pay for the insurance and the trackable shipping method.

Warranty: 90 days to 1 year, with Consumer Protection Services after the warranty of the manufacturer ends | Return Policy: 30-return day policy with items in new condition, original packaging, and uninstalled | Delivery Options: Free for purchases of over $99 | Payment Options: PayPal Credit, Paypal, Checks, Money Order, Wire Transfers, BrandSource Financing, Bread Financing, and Purchase Orders | Haul-away: Haul away and dispose

3. Lowe’s

Lowe's

If you are a buyer who wants to shop for home appliances such as bottom freezer refrigerators or french door refrigerators in-person rather than through an online retailer, then Lowe’s has your back.

Lowe’s has over 1,700 physical stores in the United States and 15 other retailers (distribution centers) across North America. These numbers speak so much about how available and accessible Lowe’s can be.

With their significant number of stores comes their comprehensive options for affordable large and small appliances.

For affordable options, Lowe’s carries 172 distinct products that are priced under $1000, which include:

  • Top freezer refrigerators from Frigidaire
  • Bottom freezer refrigerators from Hisense
  • Energy Star top freezer refrigerator from Samsung
  • Mini fridge from Maxximum

Fact

Appliances with Energy Star labels mean they have efficient energy use.

On the other end, Lowe’s is also equipped with first-class refrigerators, such as:

  • Smart Technology French door refrigerators from LG Corporation
  • 4-door French refrigerator with dual ice maker from Samsung
  • Stainless steel new refrigerator from Bosch

The catch is that while you can buy all these and get a local free delivery for most appliances that cost $396 and above, their haul-away services can only be availed by their pro customers, leaving the others paying huge fees.

Warranty: 1 year | Return Policy: New and unused items with valid proof of purchase | Delivery Options: Free for purchases over $45 | Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, in-house financing | Haul-away: Free for Pro customers appliance

4. Best Buy

Best Buy

You can indeed find some of the best deals in Best Buy as they offer small and large appliances from brands such as:

  • Maytag
  • Samsung
  • GE Appliances
  • KitchenAid
  • LG

Aside from that, what makes Best Buy a standout online and in-store retailer is their all-in-one service, which means they will deliver, unpack, and install the new refrigerator you just bought.

More than that, while buying, you can even ask a professional’s opinion through chat or video with their shop’s expert option.

Besides these, the main selling point that makes Best Buy purchases some of the best buys is their price match guarantee.

This is a feature wherein Best Buy will refund a customer if the latter can show proof that after buying that they found the same item for a lower price in another retailer.

Best Buy also offers Geek Squad protection, where you can purchase a plan that will extend the warranty of your new refrigerator with repair services from professionals.

However, if you buy refrigerators in-store, Best Buy has limited options.

Warranty: 1-year manufacturing; Geek Squad protection (optional) | Return Policy: 15 days for standard customers and 60 days for TotalTech members | Delivery Options: Free for purchases above $399 | Payment Options: My Best Buy credit, Visa, and gift cards, most credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Progressive Leasing | Haul-away: With a $29.99 fee

5. AJ Madison

AJ Madison

A relatively new appliance authority in this list, established in 2001, is AJ Madison, which offers the following regular and specialty refrigerators:

  • French door refrigerators
  • Bottom freezer refrigerators
  • Side-by-side refrigerators
  • Top freezer refrigerator
  • Built-in fridge
  • Panel ready refrigerators
  • Beer coolers and kegerators
  • Chest freezer refrigerator
  • Wine coolers

With Aj Madison, you have more than 1000 choices available online, which is excellent if you want to buy a refrigerator from the comfort of your home. Not just that; Aj Madison has a user interface that displays everything you need within eye view.

Aj Madison also partnered with Allstate for warranty protection that covers different defects, leaks, and other mechanical issues for at most five years.

However, Aj Madison has a 35% restocking fee for returned appliances. They will only cater to brand-new appliances and those that have never been moved away from the original delivery location.

Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty and extended in-house protection plans | Return Policy: Within 24 hours in original packaging without installation attempt | Delivery Options: Standard with fees | Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Affirm payment plan financing options | Haul-away: With a third-party

6. Sam’s Club

Sam's Club

In the search for a new refrigerator, one of the places you should take advantage of is Sam’s Club which offers most refrigerator models on the market. These are some of the types available:

  • French door refrigerators
  • 4-door refrigerators
  • Side-by-side refrigerators
  • Top freezer refrigerators

When you buy refrigerators from Sam’s Club, you are entitled to a 90-day return period where they will return your money in the same method you paid, whether cash or credit.

Also, if you are a Plus member, you get free delivery and shipping without needing to worry about the minimum purchase requirement.

Yet, club members can still avail of this free delivery, but it will depend upon the specific product bought.

Nevertheless, a Sam’s Club MasterCard holder can have a 2% cashback for a maximum of $500 annually on every purchase.

That said, regular or guest members will be charged a 10% service fee for every online checkout.

Warranty: 90 days to 1 year with extended protection options | Return Policy: 90-day return period | Delivery Options:Free for Plus members | Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash, debit cards, Sam’s Club gift cards | Haul-away: Applicable

7. Abt

Abt

Abt Electronics is about everything you need – from small to large appliances, built-in or free-standing fridges, and other necessary electronics.

It offers a variety of fridge and large appliance models, such as:

  • Stainless steel top freezer refrigerator
  • Fingerprint-resistant french door refrigerator
  • Kegerators
  • Freezer drawers
  • Ice maker

Buying one (or more) of these products will give you the opportunity for free shipping and delivery for purchases of at least $35.

Apart from this, they also offer white glove delivery, which means they will be the ones to deliver, uncrate, place, and remove packaging materials, everything except basic installation.

Yet, what caught my attention is their competitive pricing, where Abt ensures consumers that they have the lowest price available. If proven otherwise after purchase, they will perform a price match.

Additionally, if the price of the new refrigerator you bought decreases within 30 days, Abt will refund you the excess amount.

But wait, there’s more! Abt is also known for its free tech support from experts through calls and even videos from their learning center that give users a concise buying guide and other technical discussions that benefit their consumers.

Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty with extended protection plans | Return Policy: 30-day return policy | Delivery Options: Free local delivery | Payment Options: Amazon, Google Checkout, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, BillMeLater | Haul-away: Available but with a fee

8. Wayfair

Wayfair

Through Wayfair, you can shop even while comfortably lying on your bed because it is a purely online retailer.

It showcases a user-friendly website interface with loads of refrigerator choices and a whole lot of sales and discounts up its sleeves.

Wayfair is home to most refrigerators from popular brands, like the following:

  • GE Appliances
  • Samsung
  • Bosch
  • Frigidaire
  • Haier
  • SMEG (appliances)
  • Bertazzoni

More importantly, it offers regular discount promos and free shipping options that help budget buyers buy refrigerators and save an average of $100 simultaneously.

If you are concerned about basic installation service, Wayfair has your back as their in-house experts can do the job for you, but at a price.

The only downside of shopping in Wayfair is that it’s not for people who like to see or feel their new refrigerator in person. Nevertheless, they have a pretty lenient return window if you have problems with your online order.

Warranty: Manufacturer’s | Return Policy: 30-day return policy | Delivery Options: Free shipping | Payment Options: Credit and debit cards, ApplePay, PayPal, gift cards, store credit, and rewards | Haul-away: Depends on the brand and model appliance

9. Costco

Costco

Do the right thing. Like Costco’s tagline, you can do the right thing if you check their store and buy refrigerators from their long list of brands and models, but only if you are a Costco member.

Costco offers in-home delivery, including having trusted professionals unpack and install the new refrigerator.

After they have installed your appliance, they will even provide haul-away services for your old refrigerator. They will take the old refrigerator to another floor or place within your home and not to another delivery address.

What is important is that the following prominent brands will greet you when you decide to shop at Costco:

  • Whirlpool
  • Samsung
  • GE
  • LG
  • Haier

To buy appliances from Costco means having a 2-year extended warranty aside from the one-year manufacturer’s warranty. There is also a 2% cashback reward for every member’s purchase.

Warranty: Manufacturer and 2-year Costco extended warranty | Return Policy: 90-day return policy  | Delivery Options: With free shipping | Payment Options: Credit and debit cards, personal and business checks | Haul-away: Applicable and free

10. Sears

Sears

“Sears the day!” Sears is one of the best places to buy refrigerators, especially when looking for a fast and reliable online transaction when shopping and returning items.

Aside from that, they charge zero processing fees for the return of incorrect items, except when you cancel or refuse to accept correct appliances, wherein they charge you at most 15%.

Some of the appliance brands you can choose from in Sears are the following:

  • Samsung
  • LG
  • Electrolux
  • Danby
  • Summit 

At Sears, you also do not need to worry about installing your own appliance packages, as they will do it for you at reasonable installation costs.

Additionally, the best way to get all the perks from Sears is to avail of their Sears credit card, which can give you exclusive discounts and even zero-interests when you choose installments to pay for your appliances.

However, remember that you must properly store the original packaging of your appliances from Sears, as the loss of it will surely forfeit your chances of returning items whenever damages or defects are found.

Warranty: Manufacturer and Sears Home Warranty Appliance Plan | Return Policy: 30-day return policy with original package | Delivery Options: Additional fees | Payment Options: Credit, debit, and Sears credit card | Haul-away: Depends on the appliances

What to Look for in a Refrigerator Retailer
© Homesthetics – Monica Hewitt

Comparing The Places Best For Buying Refrigerators

Top Refrigerator Brands Warranty Return Policy Free Delivery Options
Home Depot 90-days to 1-year 180 days Over $396
Appliances Connection 90-days to 1-year 30 days Over $99
Lowe’s 1-year New & Unused Items Only Over $45
Best Buy 1-year 15 days Standard Over $399
AJ Madison Manufacturer Warranty Within 24 hours No Free Deliveries
Sam’s Club 90-days to 1-year 90 days Free For Plus Members
Abt Manufacturer Warranty 30 days Free Local Delivery
Wayfair Manufacturer Warranty 30 days Free Shipping
Costco Manufacturer’s + Costco’s 2-years 90 days Free Shipping
Sears Manufacturer’s + Sears’ Appliance Plan 30 days No Free Deliveries

What to Look for in a Refrigerator Retailer

To ensure you get the best deal for your new fridge, remember that there are certain factors you need to look out for when choosing the best refrigerator reseller.

In choosing the best, always check the location, bundling options, return policy, selection, in-person viewing, delivery service, and installation service.

To get to know each consideration, read on!

Locations

The first consideration you must bear in mind at all times is the location of the retailer. If you choose the location closest to you, it can open up opportunities for the following:

  • Free shipping
  • Free Installation
  • Easy returns

Moreover, buying from the closest store would mean fewer chances for defects and damages caused by the shipping.

With that outcome, you will not have to deal with rigid return policies and additional delivery, insurance, and other fees.

Bundling Options

Sales and discounts are everything, especially for consumers on a tight budget. That is why you must consider the different bundling options to save more dollars from each purchase.

Aside from that, a perspective you can look at is that bundling options can mean the inclusion of the new refrigerator, a discount, a cashback, added warranty, and delivery and installation.

The best deals come from retailers who offer as much value for your money in every deal, from the product sold to the services rendered during and post-sale.

Return Policy

The return and refund policy that most retailers (whether online or a brick-and-mortar store) offer displays how much they value and respect their customers by assuring them that they deliver quality products. 

If the contrary happens, the retailer gives the consumers a chance to return their relatively old appliances while giving them a refund in return for the inconvenience.

You can say that a store is an ideal place to buy an appliance in person or online if they have the following characteristics in their policy:

  • Moneyback guarantee
  • An extended return period (e.g., 90 days)
  • Restocking fees only for items returned by customers, even without defects

Selection

With various refrigerator choices from a store, you can get to know what you need based on size, function, design, and features that you can independently research and verify.

Suppose a store only has a limited number of refrigerators available. In that case, it may not be one of the best places to buy from, especially if you are undecided on what you want, as this can make your purchasing decision more difficult.

Moreover, the perks of an online store are that they filter what you need by allowing you to click on different specifications in their interface.

Meanwhile, a physical store can provide in-person expert support to guide you on what price points, new models, and other considerations fit your standards and lifestyle.

In-Person Viewing

Even if online viewing provides comfort and accessibility, it is still a different story if you can hold and assess your new fridge in person.

However, for those who are okay with online selections, make sure the store you are buying from offers a filter system where you can choose the best deal from the specifications you have pointed out.

Delivery and Installation Services

Check if the store you are eyeing has delivery and installation services because these two are indispensable aspects that can make it easier for you to enjoy your new appliance.

It will also prevent further damage from mishandling.

Some stores provide free basic installation services, and some give you the option to add a certain amount of money for a professional installation service.

Tips for Buying a Refrigerator
© Homesthetics – Monica Hewitt

Tips for Buying a Refrigerator

Buying a refrigerator means more than choosing the one that catches your eye; it also takes a lot of planning and consideration.

To help you out, here are some tips (and tricks!) for buying a new fridge!

Pick the Right Style

Always pick the right style that will fit your lifestyle, kitchen design, overall home aesthetics, and, most significantly, the style that will complement the purpose of your new fridge.

To give you a glimpse, here are the different fridge models you can choose from:

  • Bottom freezer refrigerators
  • French door refrigerator
  • Top freezer refrigerators 
  • Side-by-side refrigerators
  • Undercounter refrigerators
  • Quad door refrigerators
  • Beer coolers
  • Wine coolers
  • Beverage centers

Now, choose the style that will serve you both in terms of functionality and visual aesthetics.

Tip

If you are inclined to buy mini freezers for your place, check out this article on the best mini freezers available today.

Measure Your Kitchen Space

Before buying, ensure you have accurate measurements, as failure to do so may result in a bigger or smaller fridge than needed.

This problem is usually not included in the list to completely return or exchange an item. With this, you will surely be charged restocking fees if you prefer to return it.

In most cases, if the retailer doesn’t accept your return because there have been no damages, you are stuck with having to resell it and buy a new one.

Remember

If you want to buy a small fridge but need help to fit everything you have, check out this article on different freezer organization ideas.

Read Customer Reviews

Trust is a strong word, and before giving it to the retail store, check the reviews to see if they have established credibility in terms of product quality, customer service, and after-sales service.

For your new appliance, always go with the retail store with more three to five-star recommendations rather than those whose majority of feedback is limited to one or two stars.

But, you should not only depend on star ratings as it is equally essential to delve into the content of the comments.

If you think the comments from low-star ratings do not affect the quality of the new appliance and store, you can consider that option.

Compare Prices

Look for other retailers and how they price their products compared to your first retailer store.

Most of the time, this will do you good, especially when the store has a price match offer, as this will mean the following:

  • Lower or matching price offer for you
  • Discounts
  • Refund in some stores (e.g., Abt) when the price drops within 30 days of your purchase

Buy at the Right Time

Buying at the right time means having these considerations aligned with each other simultaneously:

  • You need to replace your old refrigerators with a new refrigerator (or other large appliances)
  • You can afford to buy a new one, be it a built-in fridge, bottom freezer, one with an ice dispenser, one embedded with a water dispenser, or others
  • The best places to buy are within your reach.
  • The sales, discounts, and other bundle options are present (e.g., Black Friday shopping)
  • You have the best price from major brands. 

Inspect the Refrigerator Models In-Person

The best way to assess if the refrigerator is in tip-top shape is by inspecting it in person and not waiting for delivery people to place it right on your front door before getting a glimpse.

In inspecting the refrigerator, here are the things that you need to keep in mind:

  • Internal and external built
  • Check for dents
  • Check if it gives off unnecessary loud noises (depending on the store)
  • Check the temperature

However, if the retailer you are buying from does not have a physical store, ensure that you check the item in the presence of their delivery people and experts to gauge the damages and defects properly.

Scout Potential Retailers

The major brands of appliances have retailers, and it is more cost-efficient to buy from them because retailers offer extended warranty periods apart from the manufacturer’s.

Other than that, other retailers will provide in-store technical assistance and professionals to deliver and install your appliances.

Another plus when scouting for potential retailers is knowing whether they have competition in the same area, which means better chances of finding lower prices.

In areas where the store does not have competition, it is most likely that you cannot compare prices, much more ask for lower ones.

Choose from the Top Brands

The top brands are there for a reason, as they have already established their reputation of giving the following products and services to their consumers:

  • High-quality products
  • Reliable after-sale services
  • Products made of superior materials
  • Premium warranty

Aside from that, you do not have to worry about where to get your defective parts changed because the top brands have established themselves, allowing you to find replacement parts with legitimate resellers easily.

The good thing is the stores we mentioned above are the best places to buy small and large appliances from the best brands, such as:

  • LG
  • Samsung
  • GE
  • Frigidaire
  • Bosch 

Best Places to Buy a Refrigerator Realted FAQs

  • I know that the information above made you curious, or maybe you already had something to ask even before the start of this article. With that, I have answered some of your FAQs in this section.

  • What is the Best Time to Buy a Refrigerator?

    The best time to buy a refrigerator is when the following considerations are aligned:

    • The urgency to buy
    • The presence of the best places to buy
    • There are sales and discounts available
    • Delivery, installation, and refund policies are well-thought-of

    Moreover, check these articles to know the best time to buy refrigerators and the best refrigerators on the market.

  • What Is the Most Important Thing to Look For in Fridge Resellers?

    Some of the most important things to look for in fridge resellers are the following:

    • Credibility
    • After-sales service
    • Return and refund policy
    • Sales, discounts, and cashback
    • In-house experts
    • Product quality and quantity
    • Best price on the market
  • How Long Should a Refrigerator Last?

    A refrigerator should last between 10 and 20 years, regardless of whether it is a built-in fridge or a free-standing one.

    • The best places to buy a refrigerator for your kitchen Conclusion
    © Homesthetics – Monica Hewitt

    Conclusion

    Now that you know where to buy your new refrigerator, what to look for in retailers, and some essential tips before buying, you are equipped with everything you MUST know to get the best deal on the market.

    Remember always to check the location, bundling options, return policy, selection, in-person viewing, delivery, and installation services of the retailers you are eyeing.

    So, save time by replacing your old fridge with a new one from the best places to buy a refrigerator list for your kitchen in 2023!

    Read More at Homesthetics