September 18th, 2025
Shopping for a new refrigerator can feel overwhelming, especially when you factor in the cost of such a large purchase. Refrigerators are among the most expensive major appliances in the home, and prices can vary dramatically depending on the time of year, store promotions, and even whether you’re looking at older models or the newest releases. The good news is that if you time your purchase right, you can save money without sacrificing the style or features you need.
This guide breaks down the best times to buy appliances like refrigerators, month by month, so you know when to start looking, when to hold off, and when to strike a deal.
January and February: Clearance for Newer Models
The start of the year is often overlooked when it comes to appliance shopping, but it can be one of the smartest times to shop. In January and February, many manufacturers start releasing newer models, and big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s clear out older stock to make room.
This is when you’ll find discounts on older models that are still high quality but lack the latest bells and whistles. If you don’t need the absolute newest design, buying in the first two months of the year can help you save money while still upgrading your kitchen. Plus, this is often when you’ll see bundled deals that pair refrigerators with washing machines or washers and dryers—a win if you need multiple appliances at once.
Presidents Day: First Major Holiday Sale of the Year
February also brings the first major holiday sales event: Presidents Day weekend. Retailers know shoppers are eager for deals after the holiday season, and this is when they start rolling out promotions on major appliances.
Expect holiday sales on refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other essentials, especially from big box stores like Home Depot that use price match guarantees to stay competitive. While discounts might not be as steep as later in the year, Presidents Day is a great option if your refrigerator is failing and you can’t wait until summer or fall.
Spring: April Through May
Spring isn’t typically the peak season for refrigerators, but it can still be a good time of year to shop, especially around Memorial Day. Many retailers launch early holiday sales on appliances, offering modest discounts on major appliances like refrigerators.
It’s also when new product lines start trickling into stores, which means older stock may go on clearance. While deals aren’t as deep as in September or November, savvy shoppers who keep an eye out for times to buy appliances in spring can still catch bargains.
Summer Savings: Memorial Day Through Labor Day
The summer stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is one of the most active times to shop for appliances. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer sales, and retailers often push package deals on refrigerators, washers and dryers, and other major appliances.
By Labor Day, discounts tend to deepen, especially on older models that stores want to move before the fall release of newer models. For shoppers willing to be flexible, this is an excellent time of year to upgrade without overspending.
September and October: New Model Launch Season
Industry experts often cite September and October as the absolute best times to buy appliances, particularly refrigerators. This is when manufacturers roll out the latest models, forcing retailers to slash prices on last year’s designs.
If you don’t mind buying an older model, you can get significant savings while still enjoying reliable performance. For example, if a Thermador refrigerator or other premium unit is updated for the season, last year’s version may drop hundreds of dollars in price.
Shoppers also benefit from big box stores competing heavily during this season, offering promotions, price match guarantees, and even bundled deals across categories like washing machines or ranges and ovens.
November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
There’s no denying it: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are among the most popular times to buy appliances. Retailers slash prices on major appliances like refrigerators, sometimes offering the lowest prices of the entire year.
Both big box stores and specialty appliance retailers participate in these holiday sales, with some deals extending into early December. For shoppers who can wait until the end of the year, Black Friday is a can’t-miss time to shop for refrigerators. Keep in mind, however, that inventory may be limited, so shopping early during these sales is key.
December: End-of-Year Clearance
Finally, December offers one last chance to save money before the new year. Retailers often hold clearance events to hit annual sales goals and make room for January shipments of newer models.
If you’re flexible on features or willing to purchase a floor model, December can be one of the most rewarding times to buy appliances. Discounts may not always match Black Friday levels, but paired with clearance incentives and price match guarantees, you can still walk away with a deal on a refrigerator.
Buying a refrigerator is a major investment, but you don’t have to overspend. The key is knowing the times to shop throughout the year when deals are most plentiful. From Presidents Day and Labor Day to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, timing your purchase around major holiday sales and new product launches will help you save money without sacrificing quality.
At Appliance Gallery, we help customers navigate the best times to buy appliances with personalized guidance and expert advice. Whether you’re eyeing the latest release or hoping to score discounts on older models, our team can help you find the right refrigerator for your home at the right price.