We spent nearly $3,800 on new kitchen appliances this weekend, and if you know us, you know we love a bargain. With careful timing and a few stacked discounts, we reduced that cost by about $1,392 and ended up paying roughly 63% of the original total. Here’s how we did it—and what we bought.
First, why replace our appliances? Short answer: multiple reasons.
- We prefer a consistent stainless-steel finish instead of the current bisque/black mix.
- The wall oven has a large burn mark and cooks unevenly.
- The refrigerator is showing age: the ice maker no longer works and its cooling has been inconsistent since a past storm.
- In short: all of the above. We knew several of these issues when we bought the house and had been saving for a proper kitchen refresh.
We spent months researching and waiting for the right deals. Our search included:
- monitoring Craigslist for affordable used appliances,
- checking local thrift stores and the ReStore, and
- visiting our regional Sears “Scratch & Dent” outlet.
Those options didn’t produce the right mix of size, finish, and condition. Prices at the scratch-and-dent store often matched retail sale prices, so we focused on major retailers. Lowe’s showed the most attractive discounts, and since they match prices and usually have competitive appliance deals, we decided to move forward.
We already had a preferred brand: Frigidaire. Our previous house had Frigidaire appliances for more than four years with no problems, so brand familiarity played a big role. We also wanted the whole set to match visually, so buying the same line ensured a consistent stainless finish. We ended up choosing Frigidaire Gallery models that include a fingerprint-resistant coating on the stainless steel—exactly what we wanted to minimize constant wiping.
Here’s the appliance lineup we chose:
- 22.6 Cu. Ft. Energy Star Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Our current fridge is counter-depth, so we needed another counter-depth model to maintain the kitchen flow. This newer model is actually roomier than our current and previous fridges, so we’ll gain storage without sacrificing the sleeker look.
- Electric Convection Range (with Quick-Boil): Instead of replacing an expensive wall oven and separate cooktop, we’re converting to a standard range. We chose a model that includes convection and a quick-boil burner—features we value that only added a small premium thanks to sale pricing.
- Microwave: A straightforward, reliable over-the-range microwave similar to our last one.
- Energy Star Dishwasher: Energy-efficient and a major convenience upgrade. Our first house gained a dishwasher later in the remodel and it transformed daily life—no regrets getting another Energy Star unit.
Even after months of saving, the total price felt high—until discounts kicked in. Several factors combined to lower our outlay significantly:
- The fridge had an immediate markdown of $500 (the salesperson said it fluctuates between $1,799 and $1,299).
- Both the refrigerator and the dishwasher qualified for an Energy Star discount of about 15%.
- The range was on a separate promotional sale for about 10% off.
- We used a Lowe’s credit account to get an additional 5% off the entire purchase, which stacked on top of those sale prices.
- Our state (Virginia) happened to be running a tax-free weekend on Energy Star appliances, effectively removing the 5% sales tax on the fridge and dishwasher—another subtle savings.
Between the markdowns, Energy Star incentives, the store card discount, and the tax-free weekend, our final paid amount was about 63% of the original list prices—approximately $1,392 in total savings. That discount effectively covered most of the range and microwave combined, and we were surprised to find a counter-depth fridge at this price when many comparable models exceeded $2,500.
Delivery is still pending (Lowe’s delivery is free), so we don’t have installation photos yet. When the appliances arrive and are installed we’ll share updated pictures and notes about how they fit into our kitchen plan. We plan to donate the old, working appliances to the ReStore, which offers free pickup; some items in better condition may be listed locally if they seem to have resale value.
If you’re in the market for kitchen appliances, consider these strategies to maximize savings:
- Watch retailer websites for timed sales and promotional codes.
- Check for Energy Star discounts and local tax-free periods tied to energy efficiency.
- Use store credit or loyalty cards that offer percentage discounts and allow stacking with other sales.
- Compare scratch-and-dent and used options, but verify dimensions and finish matches to avoid mismatched looks.
- Explore state and utility rebates for Energy Star replacements—many programs offer rebates for new refrigerators and dishwashers.
We’re excited to see these new appliances in place and to continue planning the kitchen remodel with a unified look and better performance. If you scored similar savings this weekend—or have tips on appliance hunting—share what worked for you. For Virginians: the sale prices and tax-free incentives we used were time-sensitive, so check current promotions and state programs in your area before you buy.