March 25th, 2025 | 8 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect kitchen products with our Appliance Buying Guide
Appliance prices might seem set in stone, but there are plenty of ways to save - if you know where to look.
That includes those hidden (yet considerable) delivery fees no one talks about.
But here’s the real kicker: one often-overlooked part of the buying process - delivery and installation - can save you even more than the appliance itself.
As a bonus, I’ll also break down why extended warranties are usually a waste of money, and the one rare case where they’re actually worth it.
There are lots of ways to save, so let’s start where everyone does.
📌Skip Ahead:
- Appliance Prices
- How to Save Money
- Extended Warranties
- When to Buy
- Final Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
Appliance Prices
Ever wonder why appliance pricing looks almost identical at Best Buy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and even Yale?
That’s because manufacturers set the prices.
What you see online is called MAP, or Minimum Advertised Price. It’s the lowest price retailers are allowed to advertise.
But the better question is: Can you buy appliances for less than MAP?
The answer is: maybe.
Most retailers stick to MAP pricing because the average profit margin on a MAP-priced appliance is about 25 to 33 percent. And it costs at least that much just to operate an appliance store.
Where Prices Get Interesting: PMAP
Then there’s PMAP, or Promotional Minimum Advertised Price. These are the bigger discounts you see during major holidays, often 10 to 35 percent off.
Longtime readers know I always recommend waiting for a holiday if you can.
But right now, waiting may not be necessary. Appliances have been on near-constant promotion since Black Friday 2023.
Manufacturers overproduced after COVID and ramped up supply for demand that never came.
Many of us shifted our spending to travel and experiences instead of our homes, unlike in 2020 through 2022.
Can You Buy Below MAP or PMAP?
Maybe. But tread carefully.
If you see a price that’s significantly lower than MAP or PMAP, it could signal trouble. In 2024 alone, more than 100 appliance dealers closed, including Conn’s, one of the largest.
So whatever you do, don’t pay in cash. Use a credit card or financing to protect your purchase in case something goes wrong.
There are safer and smarter ways to save money. Let’s keep going.
How to Save Money Buying Appliances in 2025
Stacking Rebates
If you're buying more than one appliance, sticking with the same brand can be a smart way to save.
Most manufacturers offer “buy more, save more” rebate programs.
If you're considering brands like LG, Samsung, GE, or Whirlpool, you’ll find options that can help you save hundreds just by bundling.
Premium Appliance Brands
High-end brands have their own versions of these deals.
Thermador’s well-known “1-2-Free” promotion offers free appliances or credits when you buy a qualifying refrigerator and cooking package. Monogram and JennAir have similar offers worth looking into.
Sub-Zero and Wolf provide a credit toward a Cove dishwasher when bundled with their other appliances.
Miele is the wildcard here.
Their promotions, like free installation or 15% off, are less consistent and show up at unscheduled times throughout the year.
Still, they’re worth waiting for. A smart move? Start a quote and ask a salesperson to alert you if and when that promo goes live.
The Outlet Opportunity
There’s another often-overlooked way to save: outlet appliances, a.k.a. unboxed appliances.
Right now, homeowners across the country are refusing deliveries of perfectly good appliances.
Sometimes it's a sizing issue - refrigerators don’t fit through doorways or landings. Other times, a range is delivered as gas when it should be electric or induction.
The second most commonly returned item? Washing machines, mostly because newer models are too large for older laundry spaces.
And in many cases, delivery teams simply won’t make the effort on difficult installs.
Pro tip: Always check delivery reviews before you buy.
So where do all these rejected but perfectly working appliances go?
They end up in outlets or warehouse stock, available at 10% to 40% off, and still covered under the full manufacturer’s warranty.
These are brand-new products that were simply unboxed or returned.
It’s one of the best ways to save - as long as you inspect everything before accepting delivery to make sure there's no damage in transit.
You can also find great deals on discontinued or older models. No one will know the difference once they’re installed.
Well… maybe I’ll know. But I’ll still give you a high five for being smart.
Looking for answers about Appliances?
Short on time? Download our free Appliance Buying Guide.
Floor Models
Buying a floor model can be a smart way to save - if you know what to look for.
The key question: How long has it been on the floor?
Most dealers (yes, I know some of you are reading this) don’t always stay on top of rotating floor displays.
Swapping out floor models can be a hassle, but you probably don’t want a six-year-old appliance as the centerpiece of your new kitchen.
That said, you’d only know how old it is by checking the features and serial number.
And yes, you’ll still get the full manufacturer’s warranty.
Personally, I prefer that you look at returns or open-box items. The product is usually newer and just as reliable.
Now let’s move into a few hidden areas where you can save even more.
Installation
Installation is one of the biggest issues facing appliance buyers today.
Modern appliances are more complex, and skilled tradespeople are in short supply.
So who’s actually responsible for the installation? The cabinet shop? General contractor? Subcontractor? Appliance store?
We now have 18 installation teams because contractors don't want the hassle.
But here’s the thing: installation pricing varies a lot.
Right now, we’re seeing a $500 difference on the exact same built-in refrigerator install, ranging from $99 to $599 depending on the provider.
Free Installation
We all love free stuff. But as always, read the fine print.
A free dishwasher installation? That’s a great deal - if it includes everything.
Be sure to confirm it covers the removal of your old dishwasher and any necessary plumbing or electrical connections.
Free isn’t worth it if the job’s rushed or careless. A leaking dishwasher can cause thousands in damage, especially when water is involved.
So take a minute to check installer reviews in your area. A good install can save you a lot more than just money.
Appliance Delivery
Do you know what a delivery actually costs?
Honestly, I don’t either - unless the answer is: it depends.
Delivery pricing varies more than almost any other part of the buying process.
Free Delivery
You’ll typically only find “free delivery” when the appliance is dropped at your curb. That’s it.
The moment delivery crews step into your home, the cost rises due to added liability, workers’ comp, and potential property damage.
In-Home Delivery
This is where things get confusing.
Most companies make you do the math. At Yale, we keep it simple: $129 for a single appliance or laundry pair, and $199 for multiple items or multiple stops.
With box stores or online dealers, costs can vary based on:
- The type of appliance - standard or professional-grade (like Sub-Zero or oversized ranges)
- The number of stairs in your home - many charge extra after one flight
- Whether they’re removing old appliances - usually $30 per unit
- If basic hookups are included - like plugging in electric stoves, dryers, or attaching water lines for fridges and washers
We created a free Delivery Checklist that breaks down every delivery scenario, including leak detection. It's worth checking out if you're trying to avoid surprise charges.
🔎Read More: The Problem of Appliance Deliveries and Why You’ll End Up Paying More Than Expected
Delivery Time
If you're reading this, your time matters.
Appliance delivery is one of the biggest time wasters in the buying experience.
In a world where Uber and Lyft can tell you exactly when your ride will arrive, appliance deliveries are still scheduled in broad windows like morning, afternoon, or even the whole day.
Some retailers, including Yale, have finally caught up. We now offer real-time tracking interfaces similar to Uber or Lyft, letting you monitor your delivery within a 30-minute window.
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My advice, as always: check the reviews. Google and Yelp will give you a good sense of what to expect after the sale.
No store is perfect, but the pattern in reviews will tell you how well a company handles issues once they have your money.
Extended Warranties
Let’s talk about that extended warranty your store is trying to sell you.
Don’t buy it - at least, not yet.
That “free” 10-year component warranty? It’s usually worth about five bucks.
Sure, your appliances won’t last like your mom’s old Maytag. Yes, the water dispenser on that sleek new French door fridge might leak. And odds are, at least one burner ignitor will fail within five years on your range.
But extended warranties typically aren’t the answer - for one key reason: most don’t include actual service.
Think about that. You’re buying a contract, but when your ice maker breaks or your ignitor stops working, there may be no one available to fix it.
If you’re going to buy an extended warranty, only do so through a retailer with its own service team or from a reputable service agency that sells five-year coverage directly.
Will all of these companies still be around in five years? That’s a topic for another article.
When Should You Buy Appliances?
Between 2020 and 2022, if you wanted a Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Thermador appliance, you had to order it a year in advance.
Yes, a whole year.
Fast forward to 2023 and 2024, and you could have that same Sub-Zero delivered and installed within a week, along with just about anything else you needed.
What about 2025?
It’s harder to predict. I wrote a separate article on tariffs (linked here), but here’s the short version:
Many appliance components are sourced from different countries, and with shifting tariffs and trade policies, prices could climb by the end of the year.
That alone might be a good reason to consider buying sooner rather than later.
🔎Read More: The Best Time to Buy Appliances
Final Takeaways
It’s still worth waiting for a holiday sale if you can - but not as much as in years past.
Spring Savings events now look a lot like Presidents’ Day and even last year’s Black Friday. So you don’t have to hold out for just one major sale anymore.
If you’re serious about saving, your best bets are:
- Stacking rebates by purchasing multiple appliances from the same brand
- Shopping outlet or discontinued models for big discounts
- Being strategic about delivery and installation, which can save you just as much - and prevent a ton of frustration
In fact, the real opportunity to save isn’t just in the sticker price - it’s in what happens after you buy the appliance.
Delivery, installation, and post-sale support matter more than most people realize.
And as always, check reviews. Price is important, but service can make or break your experience.
Additional Resources
Looking for more help on appliances? Get our free Appliance Buying Guide with the 10 most frequently asked questions, their answers, features on the major brands, and advice for the best buying strategies. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
