9 min. read
Dishwashers really are essential appliances in the modern home, making cleaning up after family meals a breeze. However, they're also expensive, and understanding the best time to buy can help save you a lot of money.
In this guide, I dig into the data to show you the best times to buy dishwashers, including the top sales dates and market trends. By following these tips, you can get a high-quality dishwasher at a price even Mom can't complain about.
Undoubtedly, major holidays are the best times of the year to buy large appliances, but why?
Firstly, it's easier to make time for a big excursion to view your potential new appliances if you have an extra day off work over a long holiday weekend. Retailers know this and plan their biggest sales to coincide with these long weekends.
Secondly, even with the rise in online sales, physical stores still account for the bulk of all retail sales. When it comes to major appliances, most people want to see the item they're buying beforehand. Even if “free” return shipping is offered from an online retailer, sending back a large appliance can be a hassle that makes the whole process a pain.
If you understand the seasonal price changes, you can double-up your potential savings and save yourself a lot of money
However, while holidays are great times to buy, there are seasonal shifts in the appliance world as well. If you understand the seasonal price changes, you can double up your potential savings and save yourself a lot of money.
For dishwashers, the best time to buy is typically during the fall and winter months,[8] as retailers make space for winter products and holiday displays.
As national inventory data shows, in November you're likely to get the best deals on the latest stock of appliances. In December, on the other hand, you're going to have fewer options, but the retailer might be likely to slap a large discount on an older item to get it off the floor.
Black Friday is the most famous shopping day of the year, with retailers offering massive discounts on a wide range of products, including dishwashers. There are common key discounts online for Black Friday, but the discounts between a chain's website and the local branch may differ—Costco, for instance, offers deals in person that can't be found online.
As with all appliances, it's better to spend a little more up-front so as to save more money in the long run. But when you're going for the pricier product, shaving a couple of hundred dollars off the top can be a real boon. During Black Friday, retailers typically offer some of the best deals of the year, often reducing the price of dishwashers significantly.
As a primarily online event, deals on tech-focused items will be steeper than ever. This makes it an ideal time to look for “smart” dishwashers, which are traditionally higher in price but also filled with efficiency-supporting features. You'll find some deals in stores during this time as well, so don't... “discount” the possibility of in-person deals. Still, your best bet will be to look for deals from online retailers for Cyber Monday.
Memorial Day is a great time to buy a dishwasher, as retailers aim to meet consumer expectations and provide solid discounts.
Many retailers offer sales on appliances[11] in general during this time, but what makes Memorial Day discounts are unique because retailers are trying to capture as much attention as possible before the traditional sales lull of the summer months.
Maytag Month, an annual rebate promotion from appliance brand Maytag, also happens to coincide with the Memorial Day holiday, and Maytag rebates combined with discounted holiday prices can make even high-end appliances affordable.
Amazon Prime Day, typically held in July, can be a good time to buy a dishwasher as retailers offer deep discounts on a wide range of products, including appliances.
Many Amazon reviewers report difficulties with returning malfunctioning dishwashers due to their awkward size and weight
If Prime shipping and paid installation is taken into account, delivery of a new dishwasher can be a relatively painless effort. Just don't wash out (ha!) on a bad deal: many Amazon reviewers report difficulties with returning malfunctioning dishwashers due to their awkward size and weight.
For something closer to home, remember that other businesses offer deals during Amazon Prime Day in order to compete with the corporate giant. From major chains to local businesses, the best deals may be found in your backyard.
If you're buying from a major retailer and need a new dishwasher quickly, the end of any month can also be a good time to buy because salespeople may be more willing to negotiate if they have quotas to meet.
When you're searching for a dishwasher, try to see a functional display model because certain factors of its operation, like how loud it is when running, might determine if you really want it in your home.
Additionally, make sure you opt for a dishwasher with a fully stainless-steel tub! These will add a little to your initial cost, but they can withstand higher temperatures and are less prone to bacterial growth than porous plastic.
Russia's war on Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic worked together to tank sales worldwide, largely due to a continuous disruption to the supply chain.
While supply chain issues are slowly resolving themselves[8], they still pose a problem for quality items. This is because, while prices are declining[10], the raw materials and specialty parts for advanced large appliances are still running afoul of supply lag.
According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, however, the worldwide market for appliances is set to grow by 4% over the next five years. Major players like Whirlpool, Haier, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Bosch are likely to continue to control important recognition in the market during this time.
Likewise, there has been a growing trend towards more energy-efficient dishwashers, and large appliances in general. This desire to replace old and inefficient appliances with environmentally responsible ones appears to be contributing to growth in affluent markets like North America.
One MarketResearch.com report[5] shows that “[h]ousehold appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers with advanced microchips and sensors can typically perform more efficiently.”
[h]ousehold appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers with advanced microchips and sensors can typically perform more efficiently.
This lines up with budding research from the Appliance Standards Awareness Project[9] that states that new standards for major appliances could save United States consumers over $3.5 billion dollars a year. Which would incidentally prevent “233 million metric tons of carbon emissions” over thirty years.
So-called “smart” dishwashers, which can be controlled via a mobile app or voice assistant, are also becoming increasingly popular, and go hand-in-hand with efficiency upgrades. These models generally have the best ENERGY STAR ratings as well, as they are designed with water-saving and electricity-saving features.
It turns out that it's advantageous to have strict environmental protections, not only for the welfare of the world you live in, but for your own sanity in balancing your utilities' checkbook!
There are several common types of dishwasher, each with their own unique pros and cons depending on your needs. Not all dishwashers are created equal, and you might be surprised about which could work best in your home.
Built-in dishwashers are the most common style found in U.S. homes, generally as a permanent fixture that fits neatly under the kitchen counter. These don't take up a lot of your floor space, and they're wired directly into your home's plumbing and electrical system.
Built-in dishwashers have larger capacities than other common models. However, built-in dishwashers often require professional installation and can be difficult to move once installed. On top of that, built-in dishwashers can be more expensive up-front than other kinds.
Portable dishwashers don't require permanent installation and can be moved around easily. This makes a portable model a great option if you rent your home or have limited space.
Portable dishwashers are typically more affordable than built-in dishwashers, though they tend to have smaller capacities than built-in styles and may not be able to accommodate larger items like pots and pans. They also take up floor space and may need to be moved around in order to be used, which can be inconvenient in a small kitchen.
Countertop dishwashers are compact units that sit on top of your kitchen counter. These are generally small, efficient, and less expensive than built-in or portable dishwashers.
However, countertop dishwashers have a smaller capacity than their larger cousins, so if you have a large family, or want to accommodate bigger gatherings, this might not be your ideal choice. They are also not as powerful as larger dishwashers and may not clean dishes as thoroughly. On top of this, they require a fair bit of counter space and need to be hooked into your sink, which can become a bit of a hassle.
Drawer dishwashers are designed to fit into existing cabinet spaces. You can configure these to match the aesthetic of your kitchen, and they do well in kitchens with a smaller footprint. Drawer dishwashers are also known for their quiet operation, making them a great option for those sensitive to sound.
However, drawer dishwashers cost a lot more than traditional built-in dishwashers, and they still require professional installation. Because of their specialized nature, they also might be difficult to repair if you run into problems.
There are several optimal times of year to buy a dishwasher in the United States, including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Memorial Day weekend.
You can take advantage of sales during these holidays and save hundreds of dollars on high-quality dishwashers. Remember, it's worthwhile investing in energy-efficient appliances, as these can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills. For this reason, always look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label to ensure you're getting the most efficient model.
Just don't get washed away by the first deal that comes your way. Unless you need a new dishwasher ASAP, hold out until one of our recommended dates to increase the chance of a real deal.
