6 min. read
A brand-new washing machine or dryer is a serious commitment of cash, so you want to make sure that you get the best deal on the market. That’s why knowing when the best time to buy comes in handy.
Washers and dryers cost anywhere between $400 for budget models, to over $1500 for more advanced products. Since machines at the low end tend to create more problems than they solve, getting a discount on middle-of-the-range washers and dryers is key.
Since machines at the low end tend to create more problems than they solve, getting a discount on middle-of-the-range washers and dryers is key.
These days, there are also “smart” washers and dryers. These little technological beauties tend to run at the highest end of the price range, but also feature some of the steeper discounts, especially during sales periods like Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day that traditionally focus on technology.
Memorial Day is considered the start of the summer shopping season, and may feature discounts on the latest models that have been released that year. Home Depot and Lowes, for instance, historically offer discounts of 20-30% of MSRP at this time[5].
Obviously, Amazon itself offers numerous discounts during this time. However, other major retailers[6] (as well as local businesses) have started offering larger discounts on, or near, Amazon Prime Day in order to compete.
As the last major sales period for large appliances during the year, all models will likely experience a discount during Black Friday. Larger and older models may experience large discounts to make room for holiday merchandise, especially in smaller stores.
Some Black Friday deals will persist, but Cyber Monday comes with its own opportunity: “smart” products are likely to find special discounts during this holiday, especially for online retailers.
The hard and fast rule is: shoot for the holidays, but there are a couple of important trends that can get you even better deals.
Major appliance trade shows and events, such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), often take place in January and February. These trade shows often feature new washing machine models and technologies which will begin to hit stores near March. Our analysis of the data[2] suggests that this is the best time to purchase older models that are being cleared off the floor to make room for new merchandise.
Our analysis of the data suggests that this is the best time to purchase older models that are being cleared off the floor to make room for new merchandise.
The “back-to-school season” during the early fall may see retailers offering light discounts to coincide with the beginning of the shopping season.
Knowing the type of washing machine you want will help you narrow down the best time to buy.
Automatic and semi-automatic washing machines come in top or front-load versions, as do dryers. These are the most common types of design, and generally the cheapest.
You can also find stacked models called “Laundry Centers” that reduce space requirements (at the expense of the available volume within the machine). These are pricier than buying a single washing machine or dryer, but are often cheaper than buying both a washer and dryer separately.
Note: “Stackable” washers and dryers are different from “stacked” models. “Stackable” models can only be stacked with the inclusion of a special kit, whereas “stacked” Laundry Centers are built as a single, self-contained unit.
New “smart” washing machines and dryers come with features like local network connectivity (which allows them to be controlled by your smart home hub), remote controls, self-diagnostics for problems, advanced energy efficiency, and wash cycle scheduling.
While more advanced appliances like “smart” washers and dryers are more expensive, they also tend to have better available discounts, as well as the potential for certain types of rebates from plans like EnergyStar.
Installation, haul-away of old appliances, venting kits (for dryers), and hoses (for washing machines). While some models will come with hoses and vent kits, not all do. You may also need a special stacking kit if you have a front-load washer and dryer that you want to stack to save room.
Be sure to ask, up front, about haul-away fees for any old washer or dryer that you happen to have. Some major suppliers, as well as local businesses that are trying hard to compete with online retailers, will be willing to provide free delivery, installation, and haul-away.
When you require the cheapest deal on a new washing machine, your best bet is a physical retailer. Most retailers will push the newest models to the most prominent positions in the store.
Avoid “exclusive” models, as these generally feature limited gimmick changes for very little extra gain.
Older models may not have a listed discount, so ask the store directly if they will supply one. Because these appliances take up so much floor space, it is in the store’s best interest to move old supplies as quickly as possible.
If you are low-income, be sure to check the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
However, washing machines at the lowest end of the market tend to function far more poorly than those at the mid-range[3]. This means that the cost of running a product that seems, at first, to be cheaper, could become more expensive after just a year or two of use.
The invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive disruptions in the flow of materials needed for the appliance industry[8]. The market is expected to grow, but costs have been passed along to the consumer, resulting in more expensive appliances (and even great importance for finding the best time to buy!).
Due in part to these rising costs, businesses in some countries are implementing circular business strategies. This involves customers entering long-term leases rather than purchasing outright. While hurdles in transitioning to this strategy remain, it seems likely that more companies in the next decade will move to this model. Such a change may raise prices for purchased appliances overall and introduce a greater need for discount-watching for those who do wish to buy.
