Best Place to Get Washer and Dryer (August 2026) Guide

Finding the best place to get a washer and dryer can feel just as overwhelming as choosing the appliances themselves. You are not just picking a machine — you are trusting a retailer with delivery, installation, haul-away, and possibly returns if something goes wrong. After spending months researching retailer policies, scanning thousands of forum posts from real buyers, and comparing what each store actually offers, we put together this guide to help you decide where to buy.

Our team dug into the delivery policies, return windows, brand selections, financing options, and real customer experiences for eight major retailers. Whether you want a budget-friendly front-load washer set, a stackable unit for a tight laundry closet, or a premium LG or Miele pair, the store you choose matters just as much as the model. We looked at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Best Buy, AJ Madison, Wayfair, Amazon, and Walmart to see who truly delivers the best experience.

One thing jumped out immediately from forum research: Costco is wildly popular among actual buyers but frequently underrepresented in mainstream retailer guides. Real homeowners rave about Costco’s free delivery, free hookup, and that automatic second year of warranty coverage. Meanwhile, big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s get praised for smooth logistics but criticized for short return windows. We cover all of that and more below.

This guide is updated for 2026 with current policies, pricing trends, and seasonal sale timing so you can time your purchase right and avoid common buyer headaches.

Our Top Retailer Picks for Washer and Dryer Sets in 2026

Before diving into the details, here is a quick comparison of where we recommend buying based on different priorities. Each retailer below excels in a specific area, so the right choice depends on what matters most to you.

• The Home Depot — Best overall for brand selection and delivery logistics
• Lowe’s — Best for price matching and in-store customer service
• Costco — Best for value with free delivery, free hookup, and extended warranty
• Best Buy — Best for smart appliances and Geek Squad installation
• AJ Madison — Best for premium brands and specialty models
• Wayfair — Best for variety including color options and compact units
• Amazon — Best for portable and compact washer dryer options
• Walmart — Best budget option for affordable laundry pairs

If you want the short version: go with Costco if you are a member and want the best value, choose Home Depot or Lowe’s if you want to see models in person and need reliable delivery, and pick AJ Madison if you are shopping for a premium or hard-to-find brand. Read on for the full breakdown of each retailer.

1. The Home Depot – Best Overall for Selection and Delivery

Home Depot consistently ranks as the best place to get a washer and dryer if you want a smooth, reliable buying experience with a massive brand selection. They carry LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, GE Profile, and their own HD lines, so you can compare models side by side in the store before committing. That hands-on experience matters for a major purchase like a laundry pair.

The big draw here is delivery. Home Depot offers free standard delivery on appliance purchases over $396, which covers most washer and dryer sets. Their delivery team will place the units in your laundry room, uncrate them, and do a basic hookup. The process is generally well-coordinated compared to smaller retailers, and you get tracking updates so you know exactly when to expect the truck.

Home Depot also offers installation services for an additional fee if you need gas line connections, venting work, or stacking kit installation. This is where some buyers get caught off guard — the free delivery covers basic hookup but not full installation. Make sure you understand the difference before scheduling.

Brand Selection and In-Store Experience

Home Depot carries one of the widest brand selections of any retailer. You will find everything from budget-friendly top-load washers under $600 to premium front-load pairs with smart features and steam cycles. Their floor displays let you open doors, feel drum size, and compare capacity measurements in person, which is something online retailers simply cannot match.

Forums consistently mention that seeing appliances in person helps avoid sizing mistakes. A washer that looks perfect online might feel cramped when you actually load it. Home Depot’s showroom experience gives you that tactile feedback before you spend thousands.

Delivery, Installation, and Haul-Away

Home Depot provides free delivery on appliance orders, but the details matter. Free delivery includes placing the unit in your room, uncrating, and basic hookup for water lines. Full installation — which includes gas connections, vent work, or stacking — costs extra and varies by location.

Haul-away of your old appliances is available for a fee, typically around $25 to $50 per unit. Some promotions include free haul-away, so look for those deals especially during holiday sales. The delivery team usually hauls away the old units when they drop off the new ones, which simplifies the logistics considerably.

Return Policy and Financing

Here is where Home Depot draws criticism on forums. The return window for major appliances is only 48 hours after delivery for defects or damage. If you decide you do not like the washer after a week of use, you cannot simply return it. This short window is a common pain point mentioned across Reddit and other forums.

Financing is available through the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, which offers 24-month special financing on appliance purchases over $299 during promotional periods. If you need to spread payments out, this is one of the more accessible financing options among big-box retailers.

For warranty coverage, Home Depot offers extended protection plans through Asurion that cover parts and labor beyond the manufacturer warranty. Pricing varies by product cost, and you can add it at checkout or within 30 days of purchase.

Best For

Home Depot is ideal for buyers who want to compare brands in person, value reliable nationwide delivery logistics, and are comfortable with the 48-hour return window. If you know exactly what you want and just need it delivered efficiently, Home Depot is hard to beat.

Downsides

The 48-hour return policy is the biggest complaint. Installation costs can add up if you need gas or venting work. Some forum users report inconsistent delivery experiences depending on the third-party contractor in their area.

2. Lowe’s – Best for Price Matching and Customer Service

Lowe’s is the closest competitor to Home Depot in the appliance retail space, and many shoppers find it is the best place to get a washer and dryer thanks to their price match guarantee and strong in-store service. They carry a very similar brand lineup including LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, and GE, so you are not sacrificing selection by choosing Lowe’s over Home Depot.

The standout feature at Lowe’s is their price match guarantee. If you find a lower price at a qualifying competitor (including online retailers like Amazon), Lowe’s will match it. This is especially useful for washer and dryer sets because pricing can vary significantly between retailers for the exact same model numbers. Several forum users report successfully getting Lowe’s to match prices from AJ Madison and other online-only retailers.

Brand Selection and In-Store Comparison

Lowe’s carries comparable brands to Home Depot with a slight edge in GE and LG floor models in many locations. Their stores typically have full laundry displays where you can compare front-load and top-load options side by side. Staff in the appliance department tend to be knowledgeable, and many Lowe’s locations have dedicated appliance specialists rather than general floor employees.

For stackable washer dryer units and compact options, Lowe’s has a decent selection but may not match the variety you find at a specialty retailer like AJ Madison. For standard full-size pairs, they cover all the major brands well.

Delivery, Installation, and Haul-Away

Lowe’s offers free local delivery on appliance purchases over $396, similar to Home Depot. Their delivery includes placing the units in your laundry room, uncrating, and basic connection. Full installation for gas lines, venting, or stacking kits is available for an additional fee.

Lowe’s haul-away service is available for around $30 per old unit and is scheduled with the delivery. Some promotions waive haul-away fees, particularly during major holiday sales events. The coordination is generally smooth since Lowe’s uses a national delivery network similar to Home Depot.

Return Policy and Financing

Lowe’s has the same 48-hour return window for major appliances that Home Depot offers. This means you must inspect your washer and dryer immediately upon delivery and report any issues within 48 hours. After that window, you are dealing with the manufacturer warranty rather than Lowe’s return policy.

Financing is available through the Lowe’s Advantage Card, which offers special financing options of 6, 12, or 24 months depending on the purchase amount and promotional period. The 24-month option on larger appliance purchases is competitive with what Home Depot offers.

Best For

Lowe’s is the best place to get a washer and dryer if you want to price match a competitor’s lower price, prefer strong in-store customer service, and want the same nationwide delivery reliability as Home Depot. If you have a Lowe’s nearby and find a better price elsewhere, the price match guarantee makes Lowe’s an easy choice.

Downsides

The 48-hour return window applies here too. Some forum users note that Lowe’s delivery windows can be broader than Home Depot’s, meaning you might need to block out a longer period for delivery. Brand selection for premium or specialty brands is more limited than AJ Madison.

3. Costco – Best for Value and Extended Warranty

If you ask real homeowners on Reddit and other forums where to buy appliances, Costco comes up again and again as the best place to get a washer and dryer. The reasons are simple: free delivery, free basic hookup, free haul-away, and Costco automatically extends the manufacturer warranty by a full year at no extra cost. No other retailer on this list matches that combination of included services.

Costco’s appliance department has grown significantly, and they now carry major brands including LG, Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung. The selection is more limited than Home Depot or Lowe’s, but the value proposition is unmatched if one of their available models fits your needs.

The Extended Warranty Advantage

This is Costco’s killer feature. When you buy a washer and dryer with your Costco membership, the manufacturer warranty is automatically extended for a second year at no additional cost. On a $2,000 laundry pair, that is essentially free extended coverage that would cost $150 to $300 elsewhere.

Forum users consistently cite this as the deciding factor. One Reddit thread on r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer had multiple users saying the extended warranty alone made Costco their top pick, even before factoring in free delivery and hookup.

Delivery, Installation, and Haul-Away

Costco offers free delivery and basic hookup on all appliance purchases. They also include free haul-away of your old units, which Home Depot and Lowe’s typically charge extra for. The delivery is handled through third-party logistics partners, and experiences vary by location, but the included services represent significant savings.

Full installation beyond basic hookup — gas connections, vent work, stacking — may cost extra and is not always available in all areas. Check with your local Costco or their website for installation availability in your zip code before purchasing.

Brand Selection and Pricing

Costco’s appliance brand selection is more curated than the big-box stores. They typically carry LG, Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung, with occasional offerings from brands like Hisense. You will not find the full range of models from each brand, but Costco often features competitive pricing on the models they do carry, especially during their monthly savings events.

Pricing at Costco is consistently competitive, and the combination of lower base prices plus included delivery, hookup, and haul-away often results in the lowest total cost of ownership compared to other retailers. You do need a Costco membership ($65 per year for Gold Star), but the savings on a single appliance purchase can easily offset that cost.

Best For

Costco is the best place to get a washer and dryer for value-conscious buyers who are already members or willing to join. The extended warranty, free delivery, free hookup, and free haul-away create a value package that no other retailer matches. If one of Costco’s available models meets your needs, this is our top recommendation.

Downsides

The brand and model selection is more limited than Home Depot, Lowe’s, or AJ Madison. You cannot see as many models in person since Costco’s warehouse appliance displays are minimal compared to dedicated appliance showrooms. Installation services for gas or complex setups may not be available in all areas.

4. Best Buy – Best for Smart Appliances and Tech Integration

Best Buy has positioned itself as the go-to retailer for smart home appliances, making it the best place to get a washer and dryer if you want Wi-Fi connectivity, app integration, and smart features. They carry LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, and their exclusive Insignia house brand for budget options.

The advantage of shopping at Best Buy is their Geek Squad infrastructure. Geek Squad handles delivery, installation, and ongoing support, which means you get a more integrated service experience than relying on third-party delivery contractors. For buyers who want professional installation and accessible tech support, Best Buy is a strong choice.

Smart Appliance Selection

Best Buy carries the full range of smart washers and dryers, including LG models with ThinQ integration, Samsung smart laundry pairs, and GE washers with SmartHQ. If you want to control your laundry from your phone, get cycle completion alerts, or integrate with Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Best Buy has the deepest smart appliance selection.

They also stock smart appliance accessories like stacking kits, smart pedestals, and universal remote controls for appliance management. Their staff in the premium appliance sections tend to be well-trained on smart features and compatibility.

Delivery, Installation, and Geek Squad

Best Buy offers free standard delivery on major appliance purchases, with same-day or next-day delivery available in many markets. Their delivery includes basic hookup, and Geek Squad installation is available for more complex setups including gas connections, vent work, and stacking.

Geek Squad installation pricing is transparent and quoted upfront. This is an advantage over some retailers where installation costs are vague until delivery day. Best Buy also offers haul-away for old appliances for a fee, typically around $20 to $30 per unit.

Return Policy and Financing

Best Buy’s return window for major appliances is 15 days for standard members, 30 days for Plus and Totaltech members, and 45 days for Best Buy Totaltech members. This is significantly more generous than Home Depot or Lowe’s 48-hour window and is a major advantage if you want more time to evaluate your purchase.

Financing is available through the My Best Buy Credit Card, offering special financing on purchases over $199. Best Buy Totaltech members also get extended return windows and free Geek Squad protection on certain purchases, adding further value.

Best For

Best Buy is the best place to get a washer and dryer for tech-focused buyers who want smart features, professional Geek Squad installation, and a generous return window. The Totaltech membership adds value if you plan to use Geek Squad services or want extended return privileges.

Downsides

Best Buy’s floor selection for non-smart or budget appliances is thinner than Home Depot or Lowe’s. Some forum users report that Best Buy’s appliance pricing can be slightly higher than competitors, though the price match guarantee helps offset this. The Totaltech membership is an annual cost to factor in.

5. AJ Madison – Best for Premium and Specialty Brands

AJ Madison is an online-focused appliance retailer that carries one of the most extensive brand selections of any store on this list. If you are looking for premium brands like Miele, Bosch, Fisher and Paykel, or Blomberg, AJ Madison is likely the best place to get a washer and dryer with the selection you need.

They also carry all the mainstream brands — LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag — often at competitive prices. The advantage is breadth of selection: you can find models and configurations that simply are not available at big-box retailers.

Brand Selection and Specialty Options

AJ Madison’s catalog includes over 30 appliance brands, which is significantly more than any brick-and-mortar retailer. This is where you go for brands like Miele, known for exceptional longevity and performance, or Speed Queen, the commercial-grade brand beloved by r/BuyItForLife users. They also carry compact European brands like Blomberg and compact options perfect for apartment installations.

For ventless dryer options, heat pump dryer technology, and all-in-one washer dryer combos, AJ Madison has the most comprehensive selection. If you need a specialized configuration for a tight space, this is where to look first.

Delivery, Installation, and Pricing

AJ Madison offers delivery across the United States with varying costs depending on your location. They provide free shipping on many items, but delivery fees for remote areas can add up. Installation services are available in select markets, and you should check availability for your zip code before purchasing.

Pricing is competitive, and AJ Madison frequently runs promotions and sales. Forum users report that AJ Madison’s prices on premium brands are often lower than what you find at big-box stores, making them a smart choice for high-end purchases.

Return Policy and Customer Service

AJ Madison’s return policy is more restrictive than the big-box stores. Custom orders and special-order items may not be returnable, and standard returns typically incur restocking fees. Since they are primarily an online retailer, you also lose the in-person showroom experience unless you visit their Brooklyn, New York showroom.

Customer service reviews are mixed. Some buyers report excellent experiences, while others mention difficulties with delivery coordination in certain markets. As with any online-only retailer, research your specific delivery area before committing.

Best For

AJ Madison is the best place to get a washer and dryer if you want a premium brand like Miele or Bosch, need a specialized configuration, or are looking for a model that is not carried by big-box retailers. Their catalog depth is unmatched.

Downsides

No nationwide showroom experience outside New York. Return policies are stricter with potential restocking fees. Delivery and installation quality varies by location since they use regional third-party contractors.

6. Wayfair – Best for Variety and Color Options

Wayfair has built a massive home goods marketplace that includes a substantial appliance section. While they are not primarily an appliance retailer, Wayfair offers a surprising range of washer and dryer options with one distinct advantage: color and style variety that you will not find at most other retailers.

If you want a washer and dryer set in a specific finish or aesthetic, Wayfair is worth browsing. They also carry compact and portable options that are ideal for apartments and small spaces, along with customer reviews that help you evaluate real buyer experiences.

Selection and Unique Options

Wayfair’s appliance catalog includes mainstream brands alongside lesser-known manufacturers that specialize in compact and portable laundry solutions. You will find everything from full-size front-load pairs to portable washing machines that hook up to a standard sink faucet.

The color and finish options are where Wayfair stands out. While most retailers focus on white, black, and stainless steel, Wayfair sometimes carries models in unique finishes. This makes them a good option if you are trying to match a specific laundry room aesthetic.

Delivery, Returns, and Customer Reviews

Wayfair offers various delivery tiers from threshold delivery to room-of-choice delivery. The specifics depend on the seller and product, so read the delivery details carefully before purchasing. Installation is not always available through Wayfair, which means you may need to hire a local installer separately.

Wayfair’s return window for appliances varies but is generally more flexible than the 48-hour windows at Home Depot and Lowe’s. Check the specific return policy for each item since marketplace sellers may have different terms. The extensive customer review section on each product page is genuinely helpful for evaluating compact and portable models.

Best For

Wayfair is the best place to get a washer and dryer for buyers who want maximum variety, especially compact or portable options for small spaces. If you are furnishing an apartment, looking for a unique finish, or need a portable washing machine, Wayfair’s catalog is worth exploring.

Downsides

Delivery and installation are less streamlined than dedicated appliance retailers. Wayfair is a marketplace, so quality control and service consistency vary by seller. You lose the dedicated appliance expertise you get at a specialty retailer.

7. Amazon – Best for Compact and Portable Options

Amazon is not the first retailer most people think of for full-size washer and dryer sets, but it has become the best place to get a washer and dryer if you are shopping for compact, portable, or apartment-size laundry solutions. Brands like BLACK+DECKER, Giantex, and Magic Chef dominate Amazon’s compact laundry category with affordable options.

For full-size washer and dryer pairs, Amazon’s selection is limited compared to dedicated appliance retailers. But for portable washing machines, compact dryers, and all-in-one units, the selection, pricing, and fast shipping make Amazon a strong contender.

Compact and Portable Selection

Amazon excels in the portable washing machine category. You will find compact washers that connect to standard faucets, ventless portable dryers, and space-saving combos that are perfect for RVs, apartments, and small homes. These products typically range from $200 to $600 and ship with Prime delivery.

For full-size laundry pairs, Amazon does carry some LG and GE models through third-party sellers, but the selection is inconsistent and pricing is not always competitive. If you want a full-size pair, you are generally better off with Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Costco.

Delivery and Returns

Amazon’s delivery speed is unmatched for compact and portable units. Prime shipping means you can have a portable washer at your door within two days, which is especially useful if your old machine just died and you need a replacement fast. For full-size appliances, delivery is handled through freight carriers and takes longer.

Returns are straightforward thanks to Amazon’s return policy. Most items can be returned within 30 days, which is far more generous than the 48-hour appliance return windows at big-box stores. This flexibility is a significant advantage for buyers who want a safety net.

Best For

Amazon is the best place to get a washer and dryer for compact, portable, or apartment-size needs. If you need a portable washing machine or compact dryer with fast shipping and easy returns, Amazon is the clear winner. For full-size pairs, look elsewhere.

Downsides

Limited full-size appliance selection. No installation services for standard washer and dryer pairs. Customer reviews can be unreliable on some lesser-known brands, so research carefully before buying a portable unit.

8. Walmart – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Walmart rounds out our list as the best place to get a washer and dryer for budget-conscious buyers. They carry affordable options from brands like Amana, Roper, and Hotpoint, with basic top-load washer and dryer pairs starting well below the prices you find at premium retailers.

Walmart’s appliance section has expanded in recent years, and they now offer more brands and models both in-store and online. While you will not find premium brands like Miele or Fisher and Paykel here, Walmart covers the value end of the market effectively.

Selection and Pricing

Walmart focuses on budget and mid-range appliances. Their selection includes basic top-load washers, affordable front-load options, and some compact units. Brand selection is limited to value-oriented manufacturers, but the pricing is aggressive and often undercuts competitors for equivalent models.

For buyers who need a functional washer and dryer set without premium features, Walmart’s options are worth considering. They carry brands that consistently score well in budget categories, and the pricing reflects their volume purchasing power.

Delivery, Pickup, and Returns

Walmart offers home delivery on many appliances, with fees varying by location and item. They also provide store pickup options for smaller appliances, though full-size washer and dryer units require delivery. Installation services are limited compared to dedicated appliance retailers.

Walmart’s return policy for major appliances typically allows returns within 14 days, which is more flexible than Home Depot or Lowe’s. Check specific product pages for exact return terms since marketplace sellers may have different policies.

Best For

Walmart is the best place to get a washer and dryer for budget-focused buyers who need a basic, functional laundry pair at the lowest possible price. If you do not need smart features, premium brands, or advanced cycles, Walmart’s value options are worth exploring.

Downsides

Limited brand selection with no premium options. Delivery and installation services are basic compared to dedicated appliance retailers. Customer service for appliance-specific issues may be less specialized than what you get at Home Depot or Lowe’s.

How to Choose the Best Place to Get a Washer and Dryer

Now that we have covered the individual retailers, let us walk through the key factors you should weigh when deciding where to buy. Every buyer’s situation is different, and understanding these criteria will help you match your priorities to the right retailer.

Delivery and Installation Services

Delivery is arguably the most important factor when choosing where to buy a washer and dryer. These are heavy, bulky appliances that require proper handling, and a botched delivery can damage your floors, walls, or the machines themselves. Look for retailers that offer free delivery on appliance purchases and have established delivery networks.

Understand the difference between delivery and installation. Free delivery usually means the unit is placed in your laundry room and uncrated. Installation means water lines, drain connections, gas lines (if applicable), venting, and stacking are professionally completed. Gas dryer installation always requires professional gas line work, so factor that cost into your comparison.

Costco wins on included services with free delivery, free basic hookup, and free haul-away. Home Depot and Lowe’s offer free delivery but charge for haul-away and complex installation. Best Buy’s Geek Squad provides the most professional installation experience. AJ Madison’s delivery quality varies by location.

Return Policy and Window

The return window is a critical and often overlooked factor. Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer only 48 hours to report defects or damage after delivery, which is extremely tight. If you discover a problem on day three, you are dealing with the manufacturer warranty instead of a simple return.

Best Buy offers 15 to 45 days depending on your membership level. Amazon and Wayfair typically offer 30-day return windows. Walmart gives you about 14 days. Costco’s return policy is famously generous, with members reporting hassle-free returns well beyond standard windows, though appliance-specific policies do apply.

Inspect your appliances immediately upon delivery regardless of where you buy. Test all cycles, check for cosmetic damage, and verify that connections are secure within the first day. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to resolve issues through the retailer rather than the manufacturer.

Brand Selection and Availability

Different retailers carry different brands, and this matters more than many buyers realize. If you have your heart set on a specific brand like LG, Samsung, or Whirlpool, most major retailers will have you covered. But if you want premium brands like Miele, Bosch, or Speed Queen, your options narrow significantly.

AJ Madison has the deepest brand catalog with over 30 brands including premium and specialty manufacturers. Home Depot and Lowe’s carry the mainstream brands well but lack premium options. Costco has a curated selection of major brands. Best Buy focuses on smart-capable models from major manufacturers.

Forum users on r/BuyItForLife consistently recommend Speed Queen for durability and Miele for premium performance. If those brands interest you, AJ Madison or a local appliance dealer are your best bets.

Pricing, Sales, and Financing Options

Washer and dryer pricing varies widely based on brand, features, and retailer. A basic top-load pair can cost $800 to $1,200, while a premium front-load set with smart features can run $1,800 to $2,500 or more. Retailer pricing on identical models can differ by $100 to $300, so comparison shopping pays off.

Lowe’s price match guarantee is the most flexible, allowing matches against competitor pricing including some online retailers. Home Depot also offers price matching but with more restrictions. Costco’s pricing is consistently competitive, and the included services effectively lower your total cost.

For financing, all major retailers offer store credit cards with promotional financing periods. Home Depot and Lowe’s both offer 24-month financing on larger appliance purchases during sales events. Best Buy’s financing scales with membership tiers. Evaluate the APR after the promotional period, as deferred interest can be costly if you do not pay off the balance in time.

Haul-Away and Old Appliance Removal

Getting rid of your old washer and dryer is a logistical challenge that many buyers forget to plan for. Old appliances are heavy, difficult to transport, and require proper disposal. Most retailers offer haul-away services, but the cost and convenience vary.

Costco includes free haul-away with appliance deliveries, which is a significant value. Home Depot and Lowe’s charge approximately $25 to $50 per unit for haul-away, though promotions sometimes waive this fee. Best Buy charges a similar fee. Amazon and Wayfair typically do not offer haul-away for full-size appliances.

If your old appliances still work, consider donating them to organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore or local charities that offer free pickup. This can save you haul-away fees and is environmentally responsible.

Warranty and Protection Plans

Manufacturer warranties on washers and dryers typically cover one year for parts and labor, with some brands offering longer coverage on specific components like the drum motor. Extended warranties and protection plans are available from most retailers, but their value is debated among buyers.

Costco’s automatic second year of warranty coverage is the best free extended warranty available from any retailer. No other store offers this as a standard benefit. For other retailers, evaluate the cost of their protection plans against the likelihood of needing repairs and the cost of parts.

Forum users generally recommend skipping third-party extended warranties and instead relying on manufacturer coverage plus a credit card that offers extended warranty protection as a cardholder benefit. Many premium credit cards automatically double the manufacturer warranty on purchases, effectively giving you the Costco benefit at any retailer.

Best Time of Year to Buy a Washer and Dryer

Timing your purchase can save you hundreds of dollars. Major appliance sales follow predictable patterns throughout the year, and knowing when to buy can significantly reduce your cost.

The best times to buy washers and dryers are during major holiday sales weekends: Presidents Day in February, Memorial Day in May, Fourth of July, Labor Day in September, Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November, and the year-end clearance period in December and January. During these events, retailers discount appliances by 15 to 30 percent and often throw in free delivery, free installation, or gift card bonuses.

September and October are also good months because new models typically arrive in the fall, which means retailers discount the previous year’s inventory. If you do not need the absolute latest model, shopping last year’s clearance can yield excellent value.

Avoid buying at full price if possible. If your current machine still works, wait for the next major sale weekend. Even waiting three to four weeks can save you several hundred dollars on a washer and dryer set.

Best Place to Get Washer and Dryer FAQs

Final Verdict on Where to Buy Your Washer and Dryer

Choosing the best place to get a washer and dryer comes down to what you value most. If you want the best overall value with free delivery, free hookup, free haul-away, and an automatic extended warranty, Costco is our top recommendation for 2026. No other retailer matches that combination of included benefits.

If you want to compare brands in person and need reliable nationwide delivery, Home Depot and Lowe’s are your best bets. Use Lowe’s price match guarantee to get the lowest available price. For smart appliances and professional installation, Best Buy with Geek Squad is the strongest option. For premium and specialty brands like Miele and Speed Queen, AJ Madison has the deepest catalog. And for compact, portable, or apartment laundry needs, Amazon and Wayfair offer the widest selection of space-saving options.

Time your purchase around major holiday sales to save 15 to 30 percent, inspect your appliances immediately upon delivery, and always read the fine print on return policies and installation fees. With the right retailer choice, you can save hundreds of dollars and avoid the delivery and installation headaches that too many buyers experience. Take your time, compare your options, and choose the retailer that aligns with your budget and priorities.