Memorial Day 2026: The Best Time to Buy Appliances All Year
Memorial Day weekend (May 22–25, 2026) is consistently one of the top 2–3 best times to buy major appliances. Retailers slash prices to clear out current inventory before new models arrive in summer and fall. We're talking 20–40% off refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, and more — savings of $200–$1,500+ on a single appliance.
But here's what most shopping guides won't tell you: the best deals often start 1–2 weeks before Memorial Day, and some of the deepest discounts hit on the Tuesday and Wednesday after the holiday when stores dump leftover sale inventory. Knowing when and where to shop can save you hundreds more than just walking into a store on Saturday.
Expected Discounts by Appliance Type
Based on historical Memorial Day pricing data, here's what you can realistically expect to save in 2026:
| Appliance | Average Price | Expected Discount | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Door Refrigerator | $1,800–$3,500 | 25–35% | $450–$1,200 |
| Top-Load Washer | $600–$1,200 | 20–30% | $120–$360 |
| Front-Load Washer | $800–$1,500 | 25–35% | $200–$525 |
| Dryer (Electric) | $600–$1,200 | 20–30% | $120–$360 |
| Dryer (Gas) | $700–$1,300 | 20–30% | $140–$390 |
| Dishwasher | $500–$1,200 | 20–30% | $100–$360 |
| Gas/Electric Range | $700–$2,500 | 20–30% | $140–$750 |
| Over-the-Range Microwave | $200–$600 | 15–25% | $30–$150 |
| Wall Oven | $1,500–$4,000 | 20–30% | $300–$1,200 |
Where to Shop: Store-by-Store Comparison
Not all retailers offer the same deals. Here's how the major players typically compare during Memorial Day:
| Store | Strengths | Price Match? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | Huge selection, bundle deals, free delivery on $396+ | Yes | Kitchen packages, installation add-ons |
| Lowe's | Strong discounts, 5% off with Lowe's card, rebates | Yes | Washer/dryer sets, budget-friendly brands |
| Best Buy | Best tech features, Totaltech membership deals, open-box | Yes | Smart appliances, Samsung/LG |
| Costco | Lowest base prices on select models, extended warranty included | No | Members wanting best overall value |
| AJ Madison | Massive online selection, competitive pricing, appliance specialists | Yes | Specific model shopping, premium brands |
| Samsung.com | Direct brand deals, trade-in credit, exclusive bundles | No | Samsung loyalists, Bespoke line |
Package Deals: Where the Real Savings Are
If you're buying 2+ appliances, package deals are where you save the most money. Retailers offer additional discounts when you bundle:
- Home Depot: Up to $600 off when you buy 3+ qualifying appliances from the same brand. Stack this with sale prices for total savings of 30–40%.
- Lowe's: Bundle rebates of $100–$500+ on qualifying packages, plus an extra 5% off with the Lowe's Advantage card.
- Best Buy: Kitchen packages (fridge + range + dishwasher + microwave) typically save $400–$1,000 over buying individually. Totaltech members ($199/yr) get extra discounts and free installation.
- Samsung: Bespoke kitchen packages (4 appliances) can save $1,000–$2,000 during Memorial Day events.
Pro tip: If you need a washer AND dryer, always buy them as a set. Retailers price washer/dryer bundles $100–$300 cheaper than buying each separately, and you get a matching pair that looks clean in your laundry room.
Floor Model & Open-Box Deals
This is the insider move that most people miss. During and right after Memorial Day sales, stores need to clear floor models to make room for new inventory. Here's how to score these deals:
- Floor models: 30–50% off retail price. These are fully functional — they've just been sitting on the showroom floor. Minor cosmetic scratches are common but usually on the sides (hidden once installed). Ask the manager directly — floor models aren't always marked down on the price tag yet.
- Open-box returns: 20–40% off. These were purchased, delivered, and returned — often because the color was wrong or the customer remodeled their plans. Best Buy is the king of open-box deals; check their website under "Open-Box" and filter by your local store.
- Scratch and dent: 25–50% off. Usually sold at dedicated outlet locations (Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sears Outlet all have them). The damage is typically cosmetic and on the side panels you won't see once installed.
Price Matching Tips That Actually Work
All three major retailers (Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy) offer price matching, and Memorial Day is a great time to use it. Here's how to maximize it:
- Screenshot competitors' prices before you go — prices change quickly during sales events
- Home Depot and Lowe's will match each other's prices, plus online retailers like AJ Madison and ABT Electronics
- Best Buy matches Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's, and most major online retailers
- Don't forget to check Costco's price — even if the store won't officially match Costco (members-only pricing), mentioning it gives you negotiating leverage, especially on floor models
- Stack the price match with store credit cards for an additional 5% off on top
What to Buy Now vs. What to Wait On
Not everything is at its cheapest during Memorial Day. Here's a quick guide:
Buy during Memorial Day:
- Refrigerators (current models get biggest discounts to clear for new lineups)
- Washers and dryers (especially front-load sets)
- Dishwashers
- Ranges and wall ovens
Consider waiting:
- Air conditioners: Better deals hit in September–October when demand drops
- Small kitchen appliances: Black Friday/Cyber Monday offers deeper discounts on blenders, mixers, coffee makers
- Smart home devices: Prime Day (July) and Black Friday offer better pricing
Delivery & Installation Scheduling
Memorial Day is one of the busiest delivery windows of the year. A few tips to keep things smooth:
- Schedule delivery at least 2–3 weeks out — weekend slots fill up fast
- Measure your doorways, hallways, and the appliance space before ordering. A 36" fridge through a 34" doorway isn't happening.
- Confirm whether the delivery price includes haul-away of your old appliance (most retailers offer free haul-away during Memorial Day events, but double-check)
- If you're buying a gas range, make sure installation includes a gas line connection. Some retailers charge $100–$150 extra for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do Memorial Day appliance sales actually start?
Most major retailers start their Memorial Day sales 1–2 weeks early. In 2026, expect Home Depot and Lowe's to begin around May 8–11, with the deepest discounts hitting May 18–25. Best Buy typically starts their sale about 10 days before the holiday. Some deals extend through the following Wednesday (May 27).
Q. Is Memorial Day or Black Friday better for appliance deals?
They're roughly equal in terms of discount percentage (20–40%), but the selection is better at Memorial Day. Black Friday tends to focus on doorbuster deals with limited inventory, while Memorial Day offers broader sales across more models and brands. If you need a specific model or want to see appliances in person before buying, Memorial Day is the better event.
Q. Should I buy the extended warranty on sale appliances?
For appliances under $800, probably not — the warranty often costs 15–20% of the appliance price, and most issues occur within the manufacturer's warranty period (1 year). For appliances over $1,500 (especially refrigerators with ice makers and smart features), an extended warranty from Costco (included free) or a third-party provider like Asurion can be worth it. Avoid store-branded warranties — they're typically overpriced at $150–$400.
Q. Can I negotiate appliance prices at Home Depot or Lowe's?
Yes, especially during Memorial Day. Floor managers at both stores have authority to offer additional discounts of 5–15%, particularly on floor models, package deals, and high-ticket items. The key is being polite, knowing the competitor's price, and being ready to buy on the spot. Mention you're buying multiple appliances — that gives them more incentive to discount. Don't try this at the service desk; ask to speak with the department or floor manager directly.
Q. How do I know if an appliance deal is actually good?
Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), Google Shopping price history, or the Honey browser extension. These show you the historical price range so you can confirm the "sale" price is genuinely below average. A good Memorial Day deal should be at or near the appliance's all-time low price. If the "discount" just brings it back to its normal non-inflated price, skip it.