Our large kitchen appliances are essential to the everyday running of our households – they wash our clothes and our dishes, and keep our perishables fresh. So it's important to do your homework when buying a refrigerator in terms of the size, features, and design, as well as figuring out the best times to shop, in order to get the right model at the best possible price.
The best refrigerators on the market are significant investments and there are lead times to factor in, too.
Industry experts have shared when the best time to buy these large appliances, whether you're looking for something with all the bells and whistles or something that's going to be efficient and energy-saving.
The best time to buy a refrigerator: timings to consider
It's important to have realistic expectations, and a refrigerator is certainly an appliance you should never buy cheap. Insiders have explained when you are most likely to find the best deals, and when to hold off on your purchase.
Buying last year's model can be a great way to save, as can purchasing multiple appliances at once, a good route for those who prefer their appliances to match in terms of color and finish. Some stores will also take donations of old appliances.
The best refrigerator overall
A well designed refrigerator for any home, the Samsung has all bases covered: the interior camera lets you see what you have in stock, even when you're in the shops. With wide drawers for large platters and good temperature control, it's a must-have.
The best for efficiency
Beko's refrigerators aim to promote a healthier lifestyle. WIth usable shelving space and smart technology that replicates sunlight, to preserve vitamins in your fruits and vegetables, it's a brilliant choice.
The best for families
Reliably consistent, this is all you need in a family home. There's enough capacity for a full food shop and plenty of other useful features. It's a big single investment, but actually incredible value with everything considered.
September to December
The good news is that right now is one of the best times to invest in a refrigerator. 'Historically, new models have been released between September and December, which means older refrigerators may be available at a lower price to make space for new stock,' says Alex David, appliances expert and Homes & Gardens' head of eComm.
'Consider the best places to buy appliances in 2023, from Lowe's to The Home Depot, and narrow down your options to three to four models before comparing prices and deals.'
If you have a specific model and finish in mind, chances of getting a significant discount are reduced, so it also depends on whether you prioritize saving some money or having a particular design to fit with your kitchen's aesthetic.
We also spoke to Rebecca Evans, Brand Manager at Miele GB, who recommended replacing your refrigerator ahead of the festive season when hosting family and friends.
As Head of eCommerce, Alex David makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, Alex learned the tricks of the trade at the Good Housekeeping Institute, testing everything from vacuums and washing machines to dog toys to exercise bikes. He then moved to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, where he got into the weeds to discover the best gardening tools, machinery, and wildlife products. At a time when it can be tricky to know what's what, and when budgets are tighter than ever, helping readers to find the right products to make their lives a little easier is a genuine passion.
Holiday sales
Aside from shopping in fall and early winter, it's absolutely worth keeping an eye on holiday sales. You may snag a good deal at the predictable times of the year, from the weekend after Thanksgiving, starting with the Black Friday deals and ending on Cyber Monday.
'Our data shows it pays off to make the upgrade now, especially in times of discount. And if you’re in a dilemma about which sales period offers the best discounts, we can tell you that last year over 50 popular items were cheaper on Black Friday than in the post-Christmas sales,' say the experts at Loop, an energy-saving app.
A Samsung spokesperson agreed, saying that generally, June and around the Black Friday period are the most popular times for people to replace their refrigerator. 'We would recommend looking at replacing your refrigerator as part of a planned kitchen renovation or if you are looking to potentially upgrade,' they add.
And if you don't find what you are looking for, Memorial Day sales in May and Labor Day sales in September are also opportunities to find discounted appliances. It's also worth noting that shopping in-store midweek can mean better customer service.
FAQs
Should I wait for my current refrigerator to stop working?
'Overall, energy-saving is the one area where many people believe the “replacement fallacy” – that it’s best to wait for old appliances to fail,' say the experts at Loop. But when you think about the inconvenience of being without a fridge/freezer, the potential lead times for your replacement, and the fact some stores will accept donations of old appliances, it's better to purchase a new one if yours is coming up to ten years old.
Avoid rushing your purchase – if you don't have some particular brands and models in mind already, and don't urgently need a replacement for a faulty refrigerator, you can absolutely wait until next year.
While making changes to your kitchen appliances, you might also want to reassess your kitchen layout and where your refrigerator should be placed to make morning routines, cooking, and baking as effortless as possible.
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