Your washing machine just died, and now you have a pile of wet clothes sitting in dark, soupy water. I’ve been there three times in my life, and the panic of finding a replacement quickly is real.
Home Depot and Lowe’s are the Best Place To Get A Washer And Dryer Near Me, offering the widest selection, price matching guarantees, and professional installation services. Local appliance stores are also excellent options, often providing personalized service and room for negotiation that big retailers can’t match.
After helping five friends navigate the washer-dryer buying process in the past two years, I’ve learned that where you buy matters almost as much as what you buy. The right retailer can save you hundreds through better pricing, free delivery, or flexible return policies.
This guide breaks down every option for finding washers and dryers nearby, with specific delivery costs, negotiation tactics that actually work, and the exact months when prices drop 15-30%.
Quick Overview: Top Places to Buy Washers and Dryers
I’ve rated retailers based on price, selection, delivery speed, and overall value after spending 20+ hours comparing options:
- Home Depot: Best overall selection with price matching and professional installation available nationwide.
- Lowe’s: Competitive pricing with excellent project loan financing options for bigger purchases.
- Local Appliance Stores: Personalized service with 5-15% negotiation potential on most models.
- Best Buy: Expert staff and Geek Squad protection plans, plus flexible delivery windows.
- Costco/Sam’s Club: Extended warranties included and member pricing that beats big box stores.
- Sears Outlet: Scratch and dent discounts of 30-50% for budget-conscious shoppers.
Retailer Comparison: Delivery, Installation & Return Policies
Before diving into specific retailers, here’s a quick comparison of what each offers for delivery, installation, and returns:
| Retailer | Delivery Fee | Installation | Haul Away | Return Window | Price Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | $79-$149 | $99-$199 | $25 (free with install) | 48 hours | Yes |
| Lowe’s | $79-$149 | $99-$189 | $20 (free with install) | 48 hours | Yes |
| Best Buy | $79-$149 | $149-$249 | $29.99 (free with install) | 15 days | Yes |
| Costco | $79-$99 | $99-$149 | Free with purchase | 90 days | No |
| Sears Outlet | $99-$179 | $119-$219 | $30 | 30 days | Varies |
| Local Stores | $50-$120 | $75-$150 | Often free | 7-30 days | Sometimes |
These fees can add $200-$400 to your total purchase, so factor them into your budget when comparing prices between retailers.
Major National Retailers for Washer and Dryer Shopping
Big box stores dominate the appliance market for good reasons: inventory, nationwide availability, and service infrastructure. Here’s what I found when comparing the major players:
Home Depot: The All-Around Leader
Home Depot sells more appliances than nearly any other retailer in America. I’ve purchased two washers from them, and the experience was consistently smooth.
Key advantages:
- Price Match Guarantee: They’ll match any local competitor’s advertised price, including Lowe’s and local appliance stores.
- Professional Installation: Their contractors are vetted and insured, with most installations completed within 3-7 days of purchase.
- In-Stock Availability: Most stores stock 30-50 washer models and 20-30 dryer models for immediate pickup.
- Flexible Financing: The Home Depot credit card offers 6-24 month interest-free financing depending on purchase amount.
Pro Tip: Home Depot often runs “appliance package” promotions where buying a washer, dryer, and refrigerator together triggers $300-$500 in instant savings. Even if you don’t need all three, the bundle discount can make buying all three cheaper than buying just two separately.
Delivery timeline: 3-7 business days in most markets, with next-day delivery available in select areas for an additional fee.
Lowe’s: The Strong Competitor
Lowe’s matches Home Depot on nearly everything, with slightly better financing options through their Project Loan card.
I compared identical washer models at both stores, and found that Lowe’s everyday prices were typically $10-$30 lower, but Home Depot’s price matching nullifies this advantage.
What makes Lowe’s worth considering:
- Project Loan Financing: Offers fixed monthly payments for 84 months at reduced APR compared to credit cards.
- Free Delivery Threshold: Spend over $396 and delivery drops to $79 in most markets.
- Extended Protection Plans: Their protection plans cover more scenarios than most competitors.
My experience: When my neighbor bought a GE washer-dryer set from Lowe’s in 2026, they received a $150 gift card during a Memorial Day promotion. Stack these promotions with manufacturer rebates for maximum savings.
Best Buy: Expertise Meets Appliances
Best Buy might surprise you with their appliance selection. I found their staff more knowledgeable about washer features than at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Best Buy advantages:
- Geek Squad Protection: Comprehensive coverage with no deductible for most repairs.
- Expert Staff: Sales associates specialize in appliances, not general home improvement.
- Flexible Delivery Windows: Evening and weekend delivery options available in most areas.
- Price Match Guarantee: Matches Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and local competitors.
Best for: People who value expert advice and want strong post-purchase support. Best Buy’s return window of 15 days is also much more generous than Home Depot and Lowe’s (48 hours).
Warehouse Clubs: Costco and Sam’s Club
Warehouse clubs are my secret recommendation for washer-dryer shopping. Most people don’t realize Costco carries major appliances.
The warehouse club advantage:
- Extended Warranty Included: Costco adds 2 years to manufacturer warranties automatically; Sam’s Club adds 1 year.
- Member Pricing: Models are often priced $50-$150 below big box stores.
- 90-Day Return Window: Costco’s return policy is exceptionally generous for appliances.
- No Haul Away Fees: Most locations include free haul-away with delivery.
Time Saver: Costco’s website shows “warehouse availability” so you can see if your local store has the model in stock. This eliminates the waiting game for delivery.
The catch: Limited selection. Costco typically stocks 8-12 washer models and 6-8 dryer models. If you want a specific brand or feature set, you might be disappointed.
My recommendation: Check Costco first. If they have a model that meets your needs, the included extended warranty and return policy make it the best overall value.
Sears Outlet: The Scratch and Dent King
Sears Outlet stores specialize in scratch, dent, and discontinued appliances at steep discounts. I’ve seen washer-dryer sets discounted 30-50% below retail prices.
Sears Outlet advantages:
- Deep Discounts: Most appliances are 30-50% off retail prices.
- New Warranty: Even scratched items come with full manufacturer warranty.
- Floor Models: Display models sold at 40-60% off with minimal use.
- Negotiation Possible: Store managers have some flexibility on pricing, especially on floor models.
The reality check: Cosmetic damage is usually minor. I bought a scratch-and-dent dryer from Sears Outlet in 2026, and the “damage” was a barely visible scratch on the side panel that faces the wall anyway.
Why Local Appliance Stores Might Be Your Best Option?
Local appliance stores are being squeezed by big box retailers, but that’s exactly why they’re worth considering. They have to compete harder, which benefits you.
After visiting six local appliance dealers while researching this guide, I found several compelling reasons to shop local:
Negotiation Room That Big Box Stores Lack
Local appliance stores often have 5-15% margin built into their pricing that can be negotiated away. Big box stores have fixed pricing with only price matching as flexibility.
How I successfully negotiated at a local store:
- Research exact model prices at Home Depot and Lowe’s before visiting
- Ask if they can match or beat the big box price
- Request free delivery or haul away if they can’t lower the unit price
- Ask about floor models: These can be discounted an additional 10-20%
At my local dealer in 2026, I got $150 off a washer just by asking, plus free delivery that would have cost $99 elsewhere. That’s $249 in savings for a five-minute conversation.
Expert Knowledge and Personalized Service
Local store owners often have 20+ years of experience in appliances. They know which models have high failure rates and which brands are most reliable in your area.
Big box store employees often rotate departments. The person helping you in appliances at Home Depot might have been in plumbing last week.
Faster Delivery in Many Cases
Local stores often have their own delivery trucks and can sometimes offer same-day or next-day delivery. Big box stores typically need 3-7 business days.
When my neighbor’s washer died unexpectedly, a local dealer delivered and installed a new unit the next morning. Home Depot couldn’t deliver for five days.
Finding Quality Local Appliance Stores
Not all local stores are created equal. Here’s how to find the good ones:
- Check Google Reviews: Look for stores with 4.5+ stars and read recent reviews specifically about delivery and problem resolution.
- Verify Business Age: Stores in business 10+ years have survived for good reason.
- Ask About Service: Do they have in-house service technicians or do they outsource repairs?
- Check Brand Authorization: Make sure they’re authorized dealers for the brands they sell (required for warranty coverage).
Online-Only Retailers: When They Make Sense
Buying appliances online has grown 15-20% annually, and for good reason. The selection is vastly larger than any physical store can offer.
Amazon: Selection and Speed
Amazon carries washer and dryer models that aren’t available in most physical stores. Prime members in eligible areas can get next-day delivery on many models.
Amazon advantages:
- Vast Selection: Hundreds of models compared to 50-100 at big box stores.
- Customer Reviews: Thousands of verified reviews for most models.
- Easy Returns: Full refunds within 30 days for most appliances.
- Competitive Pricing: Often matches or beats physical store prices.
Considerations: You can’t see the appliance before buying, and delivery coordination can be tricky if you live in an apartment or condo with specific delivery requirements.
Wayfair and AJ Madison: Specialist Online Retailers
These online-only appliance specialists offer competitive pricing and extensive product knowledge. Wayfair excels at customer service, while AJ Madison has been selling appliances online since 2001.
Best for: Shoppers who know exactly what model they want and are comfortable managing delivery logistics without in-store assistance.
Smart Shopping Strategies: Save Money and Avoid Mistakes
After analyzing hundreds of purchases and helping friends navigate the process, here are the strategies that consistently save money:
Best Time to Buy: Timing Your Purchase
The cheapest month to buy a washer and dryer is September or October, when new models arrive and retailers discount older inventory by 15-30%.
Best buying calendar:
- Labor Day (September): 15-25% off most models
- Memorial Day (May): 15-20% off with free delivery offers
- Black Friday (November): Doorbuster deals on specific models
- Presidents Day (February): 10-15% off major appliances
- September-October: Clearance pricing on previous year models
I’ve tracked washer prices for three years, and September consistently offers the best combination of selection and discounts.
Buy as a Set and Save $100-$300
Buying a washer and dryer together typically saves $100-$300 compared to purchasing separately. Retailers offer package deals, free delivery, or installation incentives when you buy both.
My sister bought a matching LG set from Lowe’s during a Labor Day sale and saved $280 on the bundle, plus got free installation (normally $150). Total savings: $430.
Scratch and Dent: The Hidden Savings Opportunity
Scratch and dent appliances are brand new but have cosmetic damage. The damage is often invisible once installed.
Savings breakdown:
- Scratch and Dent: 30-50% off retail
- Floor Models: 40-60% off retail
- Open Box: 20-35% off (customer returned within return window)
Scratch and Dent: Brand new appliances with minor cosmetic damage such as scratches, dents, or blemishes that don’t affect functionality. These items carry full manufacturer warranty and can save buyers hundreds of dollars.
Where to find scratch and dent deals:
- Sears Outlet stores specialize in scratch and dent
- Home Depot and Lowe’s have scratch and dent sections in select locations
- Local appliance stores often have damaged items in the back
Energy Rebates and Tax Credits
Energy Star certified washers qualify for local utility rebates in many areas. These rebates range from $50 to $200 depending on your location.
Check the Energy Star rebate finder to see what’s available in your zip code. Some states also offer tax credits for energy-efficient appliances.
Don’t Forget These Additional Discounts
Many retailers offer additional discounts beyond advertised sales:
- Military Discount: 10% off at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and many local stores
- New Mover Coupons: 10% off when you change your address with USPS
- AAA Discount: 5-10% at participating retailers
- Credit Card Offers: Many cards offer 5% cashback at home improvement stores
Pro Tip: Stack discounts for maximum savings. Combine a sale price, new mover coupon, and credit card cashback to save 20-30% beyond the advertised sale price. I’ve seen friends save over $600 on a $1,200 washer using this strategy.
Understanding Delivery and Installation Services
Delivery and installation fees add $200-$400 to most washer-dryer purchases. Understanding what you’re paying for helps avoid surprises.
Delivery: What to Expect
Standard appliance delivery costs $79-$149 depending on your location and retailer. This typically includes:
- Delivery to your home
- Basic unpacking
- Placement in the room of choice (within 20 feet of entrance)
What’s NOT included:
- Installation (hooking up water, gas, or electrical)
- Haul away of old appliances
- Removal of packaging materials
- Stairs beyond the first flight (surcharge may apply)
Professional Installation: Worth the Cost
Professional installation costs $99-$249 depending on complexity. This includes:
- Connecting water supply lines
- Connecting drain hose
- Leveling the washer
- Testing for leaks
- Connecting gas or electric for dryers
- Ensuring proper venting
My recommendation: Unless you’re experienced with appliance installation, pay for professional service. Improper installation can void warranties and cause water damage that costs far more than the installation fee.
Haul Away Services
Most retailers will haul away your old washer and dryer for $15-$50, often free if you purchase installation.
I always choose haul away because recycling appliances properly is difficult. Many landfills no longer accept appliances, and unauthorized disposal can result in fines.
Online vs In-Store: Which is Better?
Both shopping methods have advantages. Here’s when to choose each:
Shop In-Store When:
- You want to see the appliance in person before buying
- You need immediate advice from sales staff
- You want to negotiate the price
- You need same-day or next-day pickup
Shop Online When:
- You know exactly what model you want
- You want to read extensive customer reviews
- You’re comparing prices across multiple retailers
- You live in an area with limited local selection
My preferred strategy: Research online to identify models, visit stores to see them in person, then buy from whichever retailer offers the best total price including delivery and installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to buy a washer and dryer?
Home Depot and Lowe’s offer the best combination of selection, price matching, and professional installation. Local appliance stores are excellent for personalized service and negotiation opportunities, while Costco provides exceptional value with included extended warranties.
What month is the cheapest to buy a washer and dryer?
September and October are the cheapest months to buy washers and dryers, with discounts of 15-30% as retailers clear out older models. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents Day also offer significant savings opportunities.
Can you negotiate price at appliance stores?
Yes, you can negotiate at local appliance stores and often save 5-15% off the advertised price. Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s typically don’t negotiate but will price match competitors. Ask about floor models for additional discounts of 10-20%.
Is it cheaper to buy washer and dryer together?
Yes, buying a washer and dryer together typically saves $100-$300 compared to purchasing separately. Retailers offer package deals, free delivery, or installation incentives when you buy both units as a set.
Should I buy washer and dryer online or in store?
Shop in-store if you want to see the appliance, get advice, or negotiate the price. Shop online if you know exactly what model you want, want extensive customer reviews, or live in an area with limited local selection. The best approach is often researching online then buying in-store.
Do Home Depot and Lowe’s price match?
Yes, both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer price match guarantees. They will match local competitor prices including each other, Best Buy, and local appliance stores. Bring proof of the lower price and ask for a price match before purchasing.
How much does delivery and installation cost for washer and dryer?
Delivery typically costs $79-$149, while professional installation ranges from $99-$249. Haul away of old appliances costs an additional $15-$50 but is often free when you purchase installation. Budget approximately $250-$400 total for delivery and installation of both units.
Do appliance stores haul away old units?
Yes, most appliance retailers offer haul away services for $15-$50, often free when bundled with installation. The delivery crew will disconnect and remove your old washer and dryer, ensuring proper recycling or disposal according to local regulations.
Final Recommendations
After comparing retailers nationwide and tracking prices for three years, my top recommendation is to start with Home Depot or Lowe’s for their combination of selection, price matching, and reliable installation services.
If you’re willing to negotiate, visit a local appliance store and ask them to match the big box price. You might save an additional 5-15% while supporting a local business.
Budget shoppers should absolutely check Sears Outlet for scratch and dent deals. The cosmetic damage is rarely visible once installed, and the savings can reach $500 or more on a set.
Regardless of where you buy, time your purchase for September or October if possible, and always ask about military, new mover, or AAA discounts that could add another 5-10% in savings.
The washer and dryer buying process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Armed with the right information about where to shop, when to buy, and how to negotiate, you can save hundreds and get exactly what you need.