Where to Pick Up a Refrigerator the Same Day
Same-day pickup is possible, but only from certain retailers and only if the model is in stock at a location near you
Most big-box appliance retailers—Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Costco—offer same-day or next-day pickup on refrigerators that are already on the showroom floor or in their local warehouse. The catch is inventory. If the exact model you want is not physically present at your nearest store, you will wait for delivery instead, which typically takes one to two weeks.
Local appliance shops often have faster turnaround than national chains because they stock fewer models but keep them ready to move. If you need a refrigerator today, call ahead to confirm the store has one in your size and style before you drive over. Asking "Do you have this model in stock right now?" is faster and more reliable than showing up and hoping.
Scratch-and-dent or floor-model refrigerators—units with minor cosmetic damage or display wear—are almost always available for immediate pickup because stores want to clear them quickly. These cost 10 to 30 percent less than new units and work exactly the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Costco offer same-day pickup on refrigerators in stock at your local store, but you must call or check their website first to confirm availability.
- Local independent appliance dealers often have faster pickup than national chains because they stock fewer models and prioritize quick turnover.
- Floor models and scratch-and-dent refrigerators are almost always available for immediate pickup and cost significantly less than new units.
- Delivery to your kitchen and installation of water lines or ice makers is a separate service that may add time even if pickup is same-day.
- Rental centers and used appliance shops sometimes have refrigerators ready to go, though selection is limited and condition varies widely.
How to check inventory before you leave home
Every major retailer has an online inventory checker on their website. Enter your zip code and the model number or brand you are looking for, and the system will show you which nearby stores have it in stock. This takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip. If the website says "in stock," call the store directly to confirm—online systems sometimes lag by a few hours.
For Best Buy, go to bestbuy.com, search the refrigerator section, filter by "in stock," and click "check nearby stores." For Lowe's and Home Depot, the process is identical on their websites. Costco does not list inventory online, so you must call your local warehouse directly or visit in person with your membership card.
If you do not know the model number, describe what you need: size (French door, top-freezer, side-by-side), capacity (18 to 28 cubic feet is standard), and color. The store employee can tell you what they have on hand right now.
Retailers that typically have refrigerators ready to pick up today
| Retailer | Same-Day Pickup Available? | How to Check | Typical Wait if Not in Stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | Yes, if in stock locally | bestbuy.com inventory checker | 1–2 weeks |
| Lowe's | Yes, if in stock locally | lowes.com inventory checker | 1–2 weeks |
| Home Depot | Yes, if in stock locally | homedepot.com inventory checker | 1–2 weeks |
| Costco | Yes, if in stock locally | Call warehouse directly | 2–3 weeks |
| Local appliance shops | Often yes | Call or visit in person | 3–7 days |
| Rent-A-Center | Yes, rental units | Visit location or call | Same day |
| Used appliance dealers | Often yes | Call or visit in person | Same day to 3 days |
What happens after you pick it up
Picking up the refrigerator is only the first step. You still need to get it home, position it in your kitchen, and let it sit for a few hours before plugging it in—this allows the oil in the compressor to settle if the unit was transported on its side. If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, you will also need to connect a water line, which requires either a plumber or basic DIY skills and a shut-off valve under your sink.
Many retailers offer delivery and installation as an add-on service, even for same-day pickups. This costs extra (usually $100 to $300) but saves you the heavy lifting and the water-line work. Ask about this option when you confirm availability, because some stores bundle it into the price for same-day orders.
If you are picking up a used or floor-model refrigerator, inspect it carefully before you leave the store. Check that the seals are tight, the shelves are not cracked, and the compressor runs quietly when plugged in. Used units do not always come with a warranty, so this is your chance to spot problems while you are still at the store.
Floor models and scratch-and-dent units: the fastest option
Appliance stores keep floor models on display so customers can open the doors and see the interior. Once a newer model arrives, the old display unit goes on sale at a steep discount—often 15 to 30 percent off the original price. These refrigerators are fully functional; they just have minor dents, scratches, or worn handles from months of customer use.
Scratch-and-dent sections exist at Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot, though inventory changes daily. Call ahead or ask a store employee to show you what is available. Because these units are already on the floor, pickup is almost always same-day or next-morning. The trade-off is that you cannot choose the exact color or style—you get what the store has marked down.
Some floor models come with a limited warranty (30 to 90 days) covering mechanical failure, though cosmetic damage is not covered. Read the warranty tag before you buy so you know what is protected.
Local and independent appliance shops
Small appliance dealers often have better same-day availability than national chains because they stock a curated selection and turn inventory faster. They also tend to have more floor models and ex-display units ready to go. The downside is that prices are sometimes higher, and selection is smaller.
To find a local shop, search "appliance store near me" or "used appliances [your city]." Call and ask specifically: "Do you have a [size and type] refrigerator I can pick up today?" Independent dealers are used to this question and will give you a straight answer. Many will also deliver and install for a fee, and some offer a 30-day return window on used units.
Local shops are also your best bet if you need an unusual size—compact refrigerators for dorms or offices, or extra-large models for a big family. National retailers stock the middle range; independents often have the outliers.
Rent-to-own and rental centers
Rent-A-Center and Aaron's rent refrigerators with the option to own after a set period. These units are always in stock and available for same-day or next-day delivery because the business model depends on fast turnover. The catch is cost: renting a refrigerator for 24 months and then owning it often costs two to three times the purchase price of a new unit from a regular retailer.
Rent-to-own makes sense only if you cannot afford the upfront cost and have no other option. If you can wait a week or two, buying from Best Buy or Lowe's will cost you far less in the long run. If you need a refrigerator for a temporary situation—a rental apartment, a dorm, or a few months while you save up—renting might be worth it.
Check the rental agreement carefully. Some places charge extra for delivery, installation, or repairs. Others include these services in the weekly or monthly payment. Ask for the total cost to own before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up a refrigerator if I don't have a truck?
Yes. Most retailers offer delivery for an extra fee, even on same-day pickups. You can also hire a local moving company or ask the store if they have a delivery partner. Some stores will hold the refrigerator for a few hours while you arrange transport, but call ahead to confirm.
What if the refrigerator I want is not in stock anywhere nearby?
You have two options: order it for delivery (typically one to two weeks) or buy a different model that is in stock today. If you need a refrigerator urgently, a floor model or scratch-and-dent unit in a similar size is often a better choice than waiting.
Do I need to pay extra for delivery and installation?
Yes, usually. Pickup means you take the refrigerator as-is from the store. Delivery to your kitchen and installation of water lines or ice makers are separate services that cost $100 to $300 depending on the retailer and your location. Ask about this when you confirm availability.
Are used refrigerators from appliance shops reliable?
It depends on the shop and the unit's age. Reputable used appliance dealers inspect their stock and often offer a 30-day return window or a short warranty. Ask how old the unit is, whether it has been serviced, and what the warranty covers before you buy. Avoid units that are more than 10 to 15 years old unless they are very cheap and you are willing to replace them soon.
What should I check before I take a refrigerator home?
Plug it in and let it run for a few minutes to confirm the compressor starts and runs quietly. Open and close the doors to make sure the seals are tight and the hinges work smoothly. Check the interior for cracks, rust, or missing shelves. For used units, ask about the age and service history. If anything seems off, ask the store to discount it or choose a different unit.