The best month to buy a stove is September or October, when new models are released and old ones go on clearance. You can also find good deals on stoves during holiday sales, such as Labor Day, Black Friday, and Presidents Day. In this article, we will explain why these are the best times to buy a stove, and how to get the most value for your money.
Why September and October are the best months to buy a stove
Stoves are major appliances that don’t need to be replaced often. According to Consumer Reports, the average lifespan of a stove is 13 to 15 years. This means that most people don’t buy stoves on impulse, but rather plan ahead and do some research before making a purchase.
One of the factors that affect the price of stoves is the release of new models. Appliance manufacturers usually introduce new models in September or October, to coincide with the fall season and the upcoming holidays. These new models often have updated features, designs, and technologies that appeal to consumers.
However, this also means that the previous year’s models need to be cleared out to make room for the new ones. Retailers such as Best Buy, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Sears often mark down the old models by 30% to 50% to sell them quickly. This is a great opportunity for savvy shoppers to get a high-quality stove at a fraction of the original price.
Of course, buying an older model means that you won’t get the latest and greatest features that the new models offer. But unless you are looking for something very specific or cutting-edge, you can probably find a stove that meets your needs and preferences among the older models. You may also be able to negotiate a lower price or get some extra perks, such as free delivery, installation, or extended warranty, by buying an older model.
Another tip is to look for floor models and scratch-and-dent models that may be hidden in the warehouse or the back of the store. These are stoves that have been used for display or have minor cosmetic damages, but are otherwise fully functional. If you don’t mind a few scratches or dents, you can save even more money by buying these models. Just make sure to inspect them carefully and ask about the warranty and return policy before buying.
Why holiday sales are also good times to buy a stove
If you miss the September and October window, or you need to buy a stove urgently, you can still find good deals on stoves during holiday sales. These are popular times for retailers to offer discounts and incentives on major appliances, as they try to attract customers and boost their sales.
Labor Day: This is the first major sale after the new models are released, and you can find discounts of up to 40% on stoves. Labor Day also marks the end of the summer season, which means that retailers may be eager to clear out any remaining inventory of gas and electric stoves, as well as outdoor grills and smokers.
Black Friday: This is the biggest shopping event of the year, and you can expect to see some of the lowest prices on stoves and other appliances. According to Consumer Reports, you can save up to 44% on stoves on Black Friday. You can also find deals on Cyber Monday, which is the online equivalent of Black Friday.
Presidents Day: This is another major sale event in February, and you can find discounts of up to 35% on stoves. Presidents Day is also a good time to buy other kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves, as they often come in bundles or packages that offer additional savings.
Memorial Day: This is the unofficial start of the summer season, and you can find deals of up to 40% on stoves. Memorial Day is also a good time to buy outdoor cooking equipment, such as grills, smokers, and fire pits, as they are in high demand and may have limited availability later in the season.
Fourth of July: This is the peak of the summer season, and you can find discounts of up to 40% on stoves. Fourth of July is also a good time to buy air conditioners, fans, and dehumidifiers, as they are essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot weather.
When shopping for stoves during holiday sales, it is important to do your homework and compare prices across different retailers and brands. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the stoves you are interested in, and look for features that suit your cooking style and needs. Some of the features to consider are:
Size: Stoves come in different sizes, ranging from 20 inches to 40 inches in width. The most common size is 30 inches, which fits most standard kitchen spaces. You should measure your available space and choose a stove that fits well and leaves enough room for ventilation and safety.
Fuel type: Stoves can be powered by gas, electricity, or a combination of both. Gas stoves offer more precise and instant heat control, but they require a gas line and may cost more to install. Electric stoves are more common and easier to install, but they may take longer to heat up and cool down. Some stoves have a dual-fuel option, which means that they have a gas cooktop and an electric oven, giving you the best of both worlds.
Cooktop: The cooktop is the surface where you place your pots and pans to cook. There are different types of cooktops, such as coil, smoothtop, induction, and modular. Coil cooktops have metal coils that heat up when the electricity is turned on. They are cheap and easy to replace, but they can be hard to clean and may not distribute heat evenly. Smoothtop cooktops have a flat ceramic or glass surface that heats up when the electricity is turned on. They are sleek and easy to clean, but they can be prone to scratches and cracks. Induction cooktops have a magnetic field that heats up the cookware directly, without heating the surface. They are fast, efficient, and safe, but they require special cookware that is compatible with induction. Modular cooktops have interchangeable units that allow you to customize your cooking options, such as grills, griddles, woks, and steamers. They are versatile and flexible, but they can be expensive and take up more space.
Oven: The oven is the enclosed compartment where you bake, roast, broil, and warm your food. There are different types of ovens, such as conventional, convection, and double. Conventional ovens have a single heating element at the bottom or the top of the oven. They are simple and reliable, but they may have hot and cold spots and uneven cooking results. Convection ovens have a fan that circulates the hot air inside the oven. They are faster, more even, and more energy-efficient, but they may require some adjustments in temperature and time settings. Double ovens have two separate ovens that can operate independently or simultaneously. They are convenient and flexible, but they can be expensive and take up more space.
How to get the most value for your money when buying a stove
Buying a stove is a big investment, and you want to make sure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some tips to help you save money and get the most out of your purchase:
Shop around: Don’t settle for the first stove you see or the first price you hear. Compare prices and features across different retailers and brands, and look for coupons, rebates, and discounts. You can use online tools and apps, such as PriceGrabber, ShopSavvy, and Slickdeals, to find the best deals and alerts on stoves and other appliances.
Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to haggle and ask for a lower price or a better deal. You may be able to get a price match, a free delivery, a free installation, an extended warranty, or a bundle offer, depending on the retailer and the situation. Be polite and respectful, but also firm and confident. Have some evidence and arguments ready, such as online quotes, printouts, or competitors’ ads, to support your case.
Buy online: Buying online can save you time and money, as you can shop from the comfort of your home and avoid sales pressure and crowds. You can also access a wider selection of products and prices, and take advantage of online-only deals and discounts. However, buying online also has some drawbacks, such as shipping costs, delivery delays, and return hassles. You should also make sure that you buy from a reputable and secure website, and read the fine print and the customer reviews before placing your order.
Buy used: Buying a used stove can save you a lot of money, as you can find stoves that are in good condition and have low mileage for a fraction of the original price. You can look for used stoves on websites such as Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, or visit local thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. However, buying a used stove also has some risks, such as hidden damages, missing parts, or expired warranties. You should always inspect the stove carefully and test it before buying, and ask for a receipt and a return policy.
Buying a stove is a major decision that requires some planning and research. The best month to buy a stove is September or October, when new models are released and old ones go on clearance. You can also find good deals on stoves during holiday sales, such as Labor Day, Black Friday, and Presidents Day. However, no matter when you buy a stove, you should always compare prices and features, negotiate for a better deal, and look for quality and reliability. By following these tips, you can get the best value for your money and enjoy your new stove for years to come.
