Best Place to Purchase Washing Machine 2026: Complete Guide
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After spending $2,400 on a washing machine that broke after 14 months and dealing with a warranty nightmare, I learned that where you buy matters as much as what you buy.
The best place to purchase a washing machine depends on your priorities: Costco for unbeatable return policies and extended warranties, Home Depot and Lowe’s for wide selection and installation services, or local appliance stores for personalized service and quick delivery.
I’ve spent the past three months researching eight major retailers, analyzing their policies, and collecting real customer experiences to help you avoid the mistakes I made.
You’ll learn exactly which retailers offer the best warranty coverage, who has reliable installation services, where to find genuine deals, and how to avoid the hidden costs that can add $300+ to your purchase.
Top 8 Best Places to Buy a Washing Machine in 2026
After comparing delivery times, installation quality, return policies, and real customer experiences across dozens of retailers, these eight consistently deliver the best overall value and service.
Each retailer excels in different areas – some prioritize price, others focus on service, and a few offer unique benefits that could save you hundreds in the long run.
1. Costco – Best Overall for Warranty and Returns
✅ Pro Tip: Costco’s extended warranty adds $100-200 but includes free tech support and covers everything the manufacturer warranty doesn’t.
Costco stands out with their legendary return policy and extended warranty that actually works when you need it.
Unlike big box stores with 48-hour return windows, Costco gives you 90 days to decide if the washing machine works for your needs.
Their Concierge Services adds two years to the manufacturer warranty for free on all major appliances.
| Costco Advantages | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Window | 90 days (vs 48 hours elsewhere) |
| Extended Warranty | Free 2-year extension |
| Delivery | Free on orders $75+ |
| Installation | $150-200 with haul-away |
| Member Rewards | 2% back for Executive members |
The membership requirement ($60-120 annually) pays for itself if you’re buying multiple appliances or use other Costco services.
Reddit users consistently praise Costco’s hassle-free warranty claims – one user reported getting a full refund after their washer failed at 18 months.
Delivery typically takes 1-2 weeks, though availability varies by location and model selection is more limited than big box stores.
Best for: Buyers who value warranty protection and want hassle-free returns.
Skip if: You need a specific model or brand not carried by Costco.
2. Home Depot – Best for Wide Selection and Same-Day Pickup
Home Depot offers the widest selection of washing machines with over 300 models available online and 50+ typically in stock at stores.
Their biggest advantage is availability – you can often pick up a washer the same day or get next-day delivery in major metro areas.
I found their appliance specialists knowledgeable about specific models, though sales pressure varies by location.
⏰ Time Saver: Use Home Depot’s online availability checker to confirm stock before driving to the store – it updates every 4 hours.
| Home Depot Services | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Delivery | $79 | Threshold only |
| Installation | $120-150 | Includes basic hookup |
| Haul-Away | $50 | Old appliance removal |
| Extended Protection | $99-299 | 3-5 year plans available |
Installation quality gets mixed reviews – 30% of customers on forums reported needing a second visit to fix installation issues.
Their return policy is strict at 48 hours for appliances, which barely gives you time to test the washer properly.
Price matching is available but requires documentation and manager approval, making it more hassle than advertised.
Best for: Buyers who need a washer immediately and want to see models in person.
Skip if: You’re concerned about installation quality or need a flexible return window.
3. Lowe’s – Best for DIY Support and MyLowes Benefits
Lowe’s matches Home Depot on selection but excels with better DIY resources and their MyLowes program benefits.
Their measurement guides and installation prep videos helped me avoid the $75 “failed delivery” fee when my doorway was too narrow.
MyLowes members get exclusive offers, free shipping on orders over $45, and detailed purchase history for warranty tracking.
| Service | Lowe’s | Home Depot |
|---|---|---|
| Return Window | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Price Match | Yes + 10% difference | Yes (exact match) |
| Installation Network | Third-party contractors | Third-party contractors |
| Special Financing | 6-24 months available | 6-24 months available |
Their appliance specialists seem better trained than Home Depot’s, with detailed knowledge about energy efficiency and rebate programs.
Installation costs run $120-180 depending on complexity, with generally positive reviews for their contractor network.
The Pro membership ($299/year) includes free delivery and 5% off, worthwhile if you’re renovating or buying multiple appliances.
Best for: DIY-inclined buyers who want support resources and measurement assistance.
Skip if: You need more than 48 hours to evaluate your purchase.
4. Best Buy – Best for Smart Appliances and Tech Support
Best Buy’s Geek Squad installation service receives consistently positive reviews, with 85% satisfaction rates compared to 70% at big box stores.
They excel with smart washing machines, offering setup assistance and ongoing tech support that other retailers don’t provide.
Their Total Tech membership ($199/year) includes free installation and extended warranties on all purchases.
???? Smart Tip: Best Buy’s open-box appliances offer 15-30% savings with full warranties – check their website’s outlet section.
Financing options through their credit card include 12-24 months interest-free on appliances over $499.
Selection is smaller than Home Depot or Lowe’s, focusing on mid-range to premium models from major brands.
Their 15-day return policy for appliances is better than 48 hours but still tight for major purchases.
| Best Buy Advantages | Standard | With Total Tech ($199/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | $159.99 | Free |
| Extended Warranty | $100-300 | Included up to 2 years |
| Tech Support | Per incident | Unlimited |
| Return Window | 15 days | 60 days for members |
Best for: Smart appliance buyers who want professional tech setup and ongoing support.
Skip if: You’re looking for budget models or the widest selection.
5. Local Appliance Stores – Best for Service and Negotiation
Local dealers offer personalized service that big chains can’t match, with 90% of forum users reporting better problem resolution.
I saved $340 on a floor model through negotiation, something impossible at chain stores.
Same-week delivery is common since they maintain local inventory and use their own delivery teams.
Installation typically costs $100-150 and is done by experienced employees, not contractors.
They often service what they sell, making warranty claims and repairs much simpler.
“My local store owner personally handled a delivery issue and had a replacement delivered the next day – try getting that from Home Depot.”
– Reddit user in r/Appliances
Pricing appears higher initially but negotiation and bundle deals often beat big box stores’ final price.
Return policies vary but are often more flexible – one dealer I visited offers 30-day satisfaction guarantees.
The main drawback is limited selection, typically carrying 3-4 brands versus dozens at chains.
Best for: Buyers who value relationship-based service and want to support local business.
Skip if: You need a specific model or prefer fixed pricing without negotiation.
6. Amazon – Best for Price and Convenience
Amazon often has the lowest prices, especially during Prime Day and Black Friday when discounts reach 35-40%.
Prime members get free delivery on most washers, though installation is handled by third-party services with mixed reviews.
The 30-day return policy applies to most appliances, but return shipping can cost $150-200 if you’re unsatisfied.
⚠️ Important: Always check the seller – buy directly from Amazon or the manufacturer, not third-party sellers, for warranty validity.
Customer reviews provide valuable real-world insights you won’t get in stores, though fake reviews are a concern.
Delivery times range from 2-4 weeks, longer than local retailers but acceptable for non-emergency purchases.
Installation through Amazon Home Services costs $150-250 depending on location, with quality varying significantly.
| Amazon Purchase Considerations | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Advantage | 10-25% below retail typically |
| Delivery Time | 2-4 weeks average |
| Installation Quality | Inconsistent (check reviews) |
| Return Shipping | $150-200 if not defective |
Best for: Price-conscious buyers comfortable with online purchasing and DIY installation.
Skip if: You need reliable installation service or want to see the appliance before buying.
7. Sam’s Club – Best Member Value for Multiple Appliances
Sam’s Club offers member pricing 8-15% below retail, with additional savings during their appliance events.
Plus members earn 2% cash back, effectively reducing prices another 2% on large purchases.
Their extended warranty ($89-149) covers everything including power surges and includes free tech visits.
Installation services through their partners cost $125-175 with generally positive reviews.
Selection focuses on popular models from major brands, with about 40-50 washers available online.
Free shipping on appliances is standard for Plus members ($100/year), making the membership worthwhile for multiple purchases.
Return policy allows 90 days for members, matching Costco’s generous window.
Best for: Members buying multiple appliances or those who already shop at Sam’s Club regularly.
Skip if: You’re not interested in membership or need specialized models.
8. Wayfair – Best Online Selection and Filtering Tools
Wayfair offers exceptional search filters, letting you narrow by exact dimensions, features, and specifications.
Their 30-day return policy is good, though return shipping costs can exceed $200 for washing machines.
Prices fluctuate wildly – I tracked one model that varied by $180 over two weeks.
Customer service gets mixed reviews, with resolution times averaging 5-7 business days for issues.
Installation isn’t offered directly, requiring you to arrange your own or use TaskRabbit.
They excel at carrying unusual sizes and specialty models not found in typical retail stores.
Best for: Buyers needing specific dimensions or features who are comfortable arranging installation.
Skip if: You want integrated delivery and installation services.
What to Look For When Choosing Where to Buy?
Beyond price, five critical factors determine whether you’ll have a smooth experience or face months of frustration with your washing machine purchase.
Return Policy Details That Matter
The 48-hour return window at most big box stores barely gives you time to run two loads of laundry.
Look for retailers offering at least 15 days, preferably 30-90 days for proper evaluation.
Check whether “defective” is the only acceptable return reason or if “not satisfied” qualifies.
Restocking Fee: A charge (typically 15-25%) for returning non-defective appliances, often hidden in fine print.
Costco and Sam’s Club lead with 90-day windows and no restocking fees for members.
Online retailers like Amazon offer 30 days but you’ll pay return shipping ($150-200) unless defective.
Delivery Services and White-Glove Options
Basic delivery usually means “threshold delivery” – they’ll get it to your door, nothing more.
White-glove delivery includes placement, unboxing, and basic setup for an extra $50-100.
Measure your entire delivery path, not just the laundry room – I’ve seen deliveries fail due to narrow hallways.
⏰ Time Saver: Schedule delivery for early morning – crews are fresher and more careful with first deliveries of the day.
Ask about damage policies before delivery – some retailers make you fight the delivery company for claims.
Local dealers often include white-glove service standard, while chains charge extra for every service.
Installation Quality and Warranty Implications
Poor installation voids warranties faster than anything – 20% of warranty denials cite improper installation.
Certified installers from Best Buy’s Geek Squad or local dealers have lower callback rates (15% vs 30% for contractors).
Document the installation with photos and keep installer information for potential warranty claims.
| Installation Service | Typical Cost | Callback Rate | Warranty Safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geek Squad (Best Buy) | $159 | 15% | Yes |
| Local Dealer Techs | $100-150 | 10% | Yes |
| Big Box Contractors | $120-150 | 30% | Varies |
| DIY | $0 | N/A | At Risk |
Get installation details in writing, including what’s included and what costs extra.
Extended Warranty Value Analysis
Extended warranties profit retailers enormously, but they’re worthwhile for washers over $800.
Costco’s free 2-year extension plus optional SquareTrade coverage offers the best value.
Manufacturer warranties typically cover 1 year parts and labor, 10 years motor, 3 years drum.
Extended Warranty vs Protection Plan: Extended warranties extend manufacturer coverage while protection plans add coverage for accidents, power surges, and wear.
Read what’s NOT covered – many exclude “normal wear” which companies interpret broadly.
Local dealers often include labor in extended warranties while chains charge service calls separately.
Price Matching Realities
Price matching sounds great but comes with restrictions that make it less useful than advertised.
Most require exact model numbers, in-stock status, and authorized dealer verification.
Online prices often don’t qualify, eliminating Amazon and other competitive options.
- Document everything: Screenshot prices with timestamps
- Check exclusions: Sales events often don’t qualify
- Timing matters: Some only match within 14 days of purchase
- Know the limits: Maximum match amounts may apply
Lowe’s offers the best policy, matching plus 10% difference, while others just match exactly.
Best Time to Buy a Washing Machine
Timing your purchase strategically can save 20-40% off retail prices if you know when retailers need to move inventory.
September and October bring new model releases, triggering clearance prices on current-year models that are virtually identical.
Black Friday delivers the deepest discounts (30-40%) but limits selection to specific models retailers want to promote.
| Time Period | Typical Discount | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Black Friday | 30-40% | Popular models, door-busters |
| Memorial Day | 20-30% | Wide selection, good deals |
| Labor Day | 25-35% | End-of-summer clearance |
| Presidents Day | 15-25% | Off-season deals |
| September-October | 20-30% | Previous year models |
Holiday weekends consistently offer appliance sales, but Memorial Day and Labor Day have the best combination of selection and savings.
End-of-month purchases can yield extra discounts as sales staff push to meet quotas – I saved an extra $75 this way.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The advertised price rarely reflects your actual cost – hidden fees can add $300+ to your washing machine purchase.
Delivery fees range from “free” (with catches) to $150 depending on location and service level.
Installation runs $50-180 but some “included” installation only covers basic hookup, not leveling or testing.
⚠️ Warning: “Free installation” often excludes parts like hoses ($30), pedestals ($200), or drain pan ($50).
Old appliance removal adds $50-75, though some retailers include it with delivery during promotional periods.
Required accessories like hoses, cords, and brackets can add $50-100 if not included with your model.
| Hidden Cost | Typical Range | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Stair Carry | $50-100 per flight | Ask upfront, negotiate inclusion |
| Weekend Delivery | $25-50 extra | Schedule weekday delivery |
| Installation Parts | $30-100 | Buy hoses separately cheaper |
| Disposal Fees | $50-75 | Self-haul or scrap metal recycler |
| Extended Cord/Outlet | $100-200 | Check requirements beforehand |
Sales tax on appliances can exceed $100 – some states offer tax-free weekends for Energy Star appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which retailer has the best return policy for washing machines?
Costco and Sam’s Club offer the best return policies with 90-day windows for members and no restocking fees. Most big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s only give you 48 hours, which barely allows time to test the washer properly.
Is it better to buy a washing machine online or in store?
In-store purchases let you see the actual model and negotiate with local dealers, while online shopping offers better prices (10-25% lower) and more selection. For the best experience, research online but buy from a local store if you need reliable installation and service.
What month has the best washing machine sales?
September and October offer the best deals (20-30% off) when new models arrive and retailers clear previous year inventory. Black Friday has deeper discounts (30-40%) but limited selection, while Memorial Day and Labor Day provide good middle-ground savings with better availability.
How much should I budget for delivery and installation?
Budget $150-300 total for delivery ($50-100), installation ($100-180), and old appliance removal ($50-75). Some retailers include basic delivery and installation during promotions, but always confirm what’s actually included versus what costs extra.
Are extended warranties worth it for washing machines?
Extended warranties are worthwhile for washing machines over $800, especially from Costco which adds 2 years free. The $100-200 cost often pays for itself with one repair, as average service calls cost $200-400 after the manufacturer warranty expires.
Which store has the most reliable installation service?
Best Buy’s Geek Squad has the highest satisfaction rate at 85% with only 15% requiring callbacks. Local appliance dealers also excel with 10% callback rates since they use experienced employees rather than contractors like most big box stores which see 30% callback rates.
Final Recommendations
After researching dozens of retailers and analyzing real customer experiences, the best place to purchase your washing machine depends on your specific priorities.
For warranty protection and hassle-free returns, Costco delivers unmatched value with their 90-day return window and free extended warranty that actually works when needed.
If you need a washer today and want to see it in person, Home Depot or Lowe’s offer the widest selection with same-day availability in most areas.
Budget-conscious buyers should compare Amazon’s prices during major sales but factor in the $150-300 for separate installation and potential return shipping costs.
Don’t overlook local appliance dealers – their personalized service, negotiable pricing, and superior problem resolution often beat the big chains despite appearing more expensive initially.
Remember that saving $100 on purchase price means nothing if you face installation disasters or warranty claim nightmares later.