Best Place to Purchase Washer and Dryer 2026: Complete Buying Guide
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After spending over $3,000 on appliances last year and experiencing both nightmare deliveries and excellent service, I’ve learned exactly where to shop for washers and dryers.
The best place to purchase a washer and dryer depends on your priorities: Home Depot and Lowe’s for price matching and installation services, Costco for members seeking value and warranties, Best Buy for smart appliances and tech features, or local appliance stores for personalized service.
My research includes insights from hundreds of real buyers who shared their delivery horror stories, hidden fee surprises, and success strategies across forums like Reddit and Bogleheads.
This guide reveals the actual costs you’ll face (delivery adds $50-150, installation another $100-150), which retailers have the best customer service when problems arise, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that 30% of buyers experience during installation.
7 Best Places to Buy Washers and Dryers
I’ve evaluated these retailers based on pricing, delivery reliability, customer service response times, and real user experiences from thousands of forum discussions.
1. Home Depot – Best for Price Matching and Installation
Home Depot leads in appliance sales with aggressive price matching and professional installation services that actually show up on time (usually).
Their price matching policy covers local competitors and major online retailers, though you’ll need to show proof and sometimes push for manager approval.
Installation runs $100-150 beyond basic delivery, but their teams handle gas line connections and proper venting that DIY attempts often botch.
⚠️ Important: Always call the local store for inventory – online availability isn’t accurate, and popular models sell out during sales.
Pros: Wide selection in most stores, price matching available, professional installation teams, and 48-hour delivery in many areas.
Cons: Customer service varies wildly by location, delivery contractors sometimes damage property (15% report issues), and extended warranties have numerous exclusions.
Best For: Buyers who want to see appliances in person, need professional installation, and can leverage price matching from competitors.
2. Lowe’s – Best for MyLowe’s Rewards and Flexibility
Lowe’s matches Home Depot closely but excels with their MyLowe’s program that tracks purchases and simplifies warranty claims.
Their BOGO sales generate buzz, though Reddit users report terrible delivery experiences during these promotions when contractors get overwhelmed.
The 10% military discount stacks with sales, creating genuine savings opportunities that beat most competitors.
| Service | Lowe’s Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Delivery | $59-79 | Threshold delivery only |
| Installation | $120-150 | Includes basic hookup |
| Haul-Away | $30 per unit | Old appliance removal |
Pros: Regular sales events, military discount, MyLowe’s tracking system, and slightly better return window than Home Depot.
Cons: Delivery scheduling nightmares during sales, inconsistent installation quality, and online inventory rarely matches store reality.
Best For: Military families, deal hunters willing to time purchases, and those who value purchase tracking for warranty purposes.
3. Costco – Best for Members Seeking Value and Warranties
Costco delivers exceptional value for members, with prices including delivery, basic installation, and haul-away that competitors charge extra for.
Their Concierge Service adds a second year of warranty coverage beyond manufacturer warranties, essentially doubling protection at no extra cost.
Forum users consistently report better delivery experiences, with one Bogleheads member noting: “Calling the installer directly instead of Costco sped up scheduling by two weeks.”
✅ Pro Tip: Costco’s total cost including all services often beats competitors’ base prices, especially during member-only sales events.
Pros: All-inclusive pricing, extended warranties included, excellent customer service reputation, and hassle-free returns.
Cons: Limited selection compared to big box stores, membership required ($60-120 annually), and delivery areas more restricted than competitors.
Best For: Existing Costco members, buyers prioritizing warranty coverage, and those wanting transparent all-in pricing.
4. Best Buy – Best for Smart Appliances and Tech Features
Best Buy dominates the smart appliance category with knowledgeable staff who actually understand Wi-Fi connectivity and app integration.
Geek Squad installation generally receives positive reviews, with technicians comfortable handling both traditional and smart appliance setups.
Their Total Tech membership ($199.99/year) includes free installation and extended warranties, valuable for multiple appliance purchases.
Pros: Smart appliance expertise, reliable Geek Squad installation, Total Tech benefits, and strong online/in-store integration.
Cons: Higher prices on basic models, limited traditional brand selection, and pushy extended warranty sales tactics.
Best For: Tech-savvy buyers wanting connected appliances, Total Tech members, and those valuing professional installation for complex setups.
5. Local Appliance Stores – Best for Personalized Service
Local stores consistently outperform chains in customer service, with owners who remember your purchase and respond personally to issues.
Negotiation works here – I saved $400 on a matching set by simply asking “What’s your best price?” at my local store.
These stores often carry premium brands like Speed Queen and Miele that big boxes don’t stock, plus they service what they sell.
“Our local appliance store beat Home Depot by $300 and threw in free delivery when I mentioned I was comparing prices.”
– Reddit user, r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer
Pros: Negotiable pricing, personalized service, premium brand availability, and long-term support relationships.
Cons: Smaller selection, potentially higher base prices, limited locations, and less convenient hours.
Best For: Buyers valuing relationships, those seeking premium brands, and anyone willing to negotiate for better deals.
6. Online Retailers (AJ Madison, Wayfair, Amazon)
Online specialists like AJ Madison offer broader selection than any physical store, with detailed specifications and genuine customer reviews.
Wayfair frequently runs flash sales with significant discounts, though delivery coordination requires more buyer involvement.
Amazon’s appliance selection grows yearly, with Prime benefits occasionally including free delivery and installation promotions.
⏰ Time Saver: Use online retailers for research even if buying elsewhere – their comparison tools and reviews surpass in-store resources.
Pros: Vast selection, detailed comparisons, competitive pricing, and extensive customer reviews.
Cons: Can’t see before buying, delivery complications, installation often separate, and return hassles for large items.
Best For: Research-oriented buyers, those seeking specific models, and shoppers comfortable coordinating delivery and installation.
7. Sears Outlet and Scratch & Dent Stores
Scratch and dent stores offer 30-50% discounts on appliances with cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect function.
Sears Outlet, despite Sears’ struggles, maintains decent inventory of discontinued models and floor displays.
I saved $600 on a high-end washer with a tiny dent on the side – completely hidden once installed.
Pros: Significant savings, full warranties usually included, and immediate availability on most items.
Cons: Limited selection, cosmetic imperfections, no returns typically, and uncertain long-term business viability.
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, those needing immediate replacement, and anyone comfortable with minor cosmetic flaws.
How to Choose the Right Store for Your Needs
Selecting the right retailer involves weighing five critical factors that significantly impact your total cost and satisfaction.
Understanding True Total Costs
Advertised prices tell only part of the story – here’s what you’ll actually pay:
- Base appliance price: Starting point for negotiation
- Delivery fee: $50-150 depending on location and stairs
- Installation: $100-150 for basic, $200+ for gas lines
- Haul-away: $30-60 per old appliance
- Extended warranty: 10-15% of purchase price
Costco’s all-inclusive pricing often beats competitors once these add-ons are factored in.
Delivery and Installation Realities
Forum discussions reveal 30% of installations have complications, from damaged floors to incorrect measurements.
Big box stores use third-party contractors with varying quality, while local stores often employ their own trained teams.
Schedule delivery for Tuesday through Thursday – Monday and Friday slots have highest cancellation rates according to installer feedback.
Customer Service When Problems Arise
Local stores average 24-hour response times for issues, while big boxes can take 3-5 days for resolution.
Costco’s Concierge Service bypasses manufacturer support entirely, handling claims directly with notably better outcomes.
Document everything with photos during delivery – 20% of damage claims get denied without visual proof.
Warranty and Protection Plans Decoded
Manufacturer warranties typically cover 1 year parts and labor, with additional years on specific components.
| Retailer | Extended Warranty Cost | Coverage | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | $100-300 | 3-5 years | Many exclusions |
| Costco | Free (included) | 2 years total | Yes |
| Best Buy | $150-400 | 3-5 years | Good for smart features |
Negotiation Strategies That Work
Local stores expect negotiation – start by asking for 10-15% off listed price.
Bundle purchases increase leverage: “I’m buying both washer and dryer today – what’s your best price?”
End-of-month shopping motivates salespeople hitting quotas to offer better deals.
Best Time to Buy Washers and Dryers
Timing your purchase strategically saves 20-40% off regular prices during predictable sale periods.
Annual Sale Calendar
January: New Year clearances on previous year models deliver 25-35% savings as stores make room.
May (Memorial Day): Major appliance sales event with genuine discounts, not just advertised “sales.”
September: New models arrive, creating clearance opportunities on current inventory – expect 20-30% off.
November (Black Friday): Biggest discounts of the year but limited inventory and overwhelming demand create delivery delays.
New Model Release Patterns
Manufacturers release new models September through October, making late summer ideal for negotiating on current models.
Smart appliances update annually like phones, while traditional models refresh every 2-3 years.
Off-Season Advantages
February and March see lowest demand, giving buyers negotiating power and better delivery scheduling.
Avoid December purchases – holiday demand creates delivery backlogs extending into January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which retailer has the best customer service for appliances?
Costco consistently ranks highest for customer service, with their Concierge Service handling issues directly. Local appliance stores provide the most personalized service, while big box stores vary significantly by location.
Should I buy washer and dryer online or in store?
Buy in-store if you want to see the appliances, negotiate price, and ensure coordinated delivery. Online shopping works for specific models when you know exactly what you want and can manage delivery coordination.
How much should I budget for delivery and installation?
Budget $150-300 total: delivery typically costs $50-150, basic installation adds $100-150, and haul-away runs $30-60 per appliance. Costco includes these services, potentially saving $200+.
When do washers and dryers go on sale?
Major sales happen during Black Friday (November), Memorial Day (May), Labor Day (September), and Presidents Day (February). September also brings clearances as new models arrive.
Are extended warranties worth it for washers and dryers?
Extended warranties make sense for high-tech models with electronic controls and smart features. Skip them for basic mechanical models. Costco’s free second year of coverage provides good value without extra cost.
Which brands should I avoid based on reliability?
Forum users consistently report problems with Samsung washers failing after 3-4 years. LG has oil stain and door lock issues after year 3. Speed Queen and older Whirlpool/Maytag models show better long-term reliability.
Final Recommendations
After analyzing thousands of buyer experiences and dealing with multiple appliance purchases myself, clear patterns emerge for success.
For most buyers, Costco provides the best overall value when you factor in free delivery, installation, haul-away, and extended warranty – services that add $200-300 at competitors.
Budget-conscious shoppers should explore local appliance stores and scratch-and-dent options, where negotiation and minor imperfections yield 30-50% savings.
Tech enthusiasts wanting the latest smart features find Best Buy’s expertise and Total Tech membership worthwhile, despite premium pricing.
Whatever retailer you choose, document everything, schedule mid-week deliveries, and remember that the lowest advertised price rarely reflects your true total cost once essential services are added.