How to save money on kitchen appliances

It’s no secret a kitchen appliance is a major purchase. So you might be surprised to learn some of these clever money-saving tips from industry insiders.

• Don’t focus on seasonal sales. You don’t want to wait until your refrigerator or oven breaks before replacing it, but you don’t need to time your purchases around sales events, either. Kevin Brasler, executive editor at Consumers’ Checkbook, recommends consumers begin shopping for kitchen appliances when they’re ready to buy them instead of waiting for “deals” from retailers.

• Get quotes via email. Many consumers make the mistake of physically going to stores for quotes when they should be obtaining them through email, Brasler said.

• Look past advertised prices. Just because something is listed at a certain price doesn’t mean you can’t get a better deal.

• Don’t rely on haggling. A better approach, Brasler said, is to simply ask stores for their best price upfront when gathering quotes. Make sure you’re getting the “all-in price” that includes installation and delivery costs and taxes.

• Compare policies on price-matching.

If you have a favorite retailer, see whether the shop is willing to match the best price you obtained. When hunting for deals, look at both online and in-store promotions.

• Check for utility rebates. Many manufacturers offer rebates on appliances, but a lot of shoppers don’t cash in on utility rebates, said Dan DiClerico, home expert at HomeAdvisor. You can search for rebates on Energy Star appliances at energystar.gov/rebatefinder and on your utility company’s website.

• Resist extended warranties. Extended warranties are highly profitable for stores but rarely a good deal for consumers, Brasler and DiClerico said.

• Bundle. If you’re buying more than one appliance, you can save a bundle by bundling.

• Hire a contractor for installation. A number of retailers charge steep fees for installation services. Try hiring a licensed plumber, electrician or HVAC contractor to install appliances at a cheaper price.

• Buy secondhand. Generally, you’ll want to buy from a used-appliances store that sells refurbished products with warranties rather than from Craigslist or eBay. One reputable place to purchase gently used appliances is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.