Where to Buy a Refrigerator Online

The main online retailers for refrigerators

You can buy a refrigerator online from five major retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Wayfair. Each one stocks different brands and price ranges, and each handles delivery differently. Amazon carries mid-range and budget models with fast shipping in many areas. Best Buy stocks premium brands like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool, often with same-day delivery in major cities. Lowe's and Home Depot both sell full ranges of appliances and offer in-home delivery with installation included on many models. Wayfair specializes in smaller and compact refrigerators, useful if you need a specific size.

Manufacturer websites—like Samsung.com, LG.com, and Whirlpool.com—also sell directly to consumers. Buying from a manufacturer sometimes gives you access to models not sold elsewhere, and their customer service handles warranty issues directly. The trade-off is that shipping and delivery are usually slower than retail sites, and you may pay full price without sales or discounts.

Costco and Sam's Club sell refrigerators online if you have a membership. Their selection is smaller than general retailers, but prices are often lower, and both include delivery and haul-away of your old unit. Scratch-and-dent appliance sites like AJ Madison and Appliances Connection sell open-box and returned models at discounts of 20 to 40 percent, though you cannot return them if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Wayfair each offer different delivery speeds and installation options, so compare what each includes before you buy.
• Manufacturer websites let you buy directly from Samsung, LG, or Whirlpool, but shipping is usually slower and prices are rarely discounted.
• Costco and Sam's Club require membership but include delivery and removal of your old refrigerator in the price.
• Scratch-and-dent retailers sell returned or open-box models at lower prices, but most do not allow returns.
• Check the delivery date and installation details before you complete your purchase, because some retailers charge extra for setup and connection.

What delivery and installation actually include

Delivery is not the same across retailers, and the difference matters. Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot offer white-glove delivery on most refrigerators, which means the delivery crew brings the unit into your kitchen, removes packaging, and connects water lines if your model has an ice maker or water dispenser. They also haul away your old refrigerator. This service is usually included in the advertised price, though some retailers charge extra if your home is far from their warehouse.

Amazon and Wayfair typically offer standard delivery, which means the refrigerator arrives at your door or driveway, but the delivery crew does not bring it inside or connect it. You are responsible for moving it into place and connecting water lines yourself. Some Amazon listings include installation for an extra fee—check the product page to see if it is offered for your model.

Manufacturer websites often charge separately for delivery and installation. A Samsung refrigerator ordered from Samsung.com may cost $50 to $150 extra for delivery and another $100 to $200 for installation, depending on your location. Always scroll to the bottom of the product page to see what fees apply before you add the item to your cart.

Comparing prices and finding current discounts

The same refrigerator model often costs different amounts on different sites. Use a price comparison tool like Google Shopping or PriceGrabber to search for your model number and see which retailer has the lowest price. Enter the full model number from the manufacturer—for example, "LG LRMVS3006S"—rather than just the brand name, because different models have different prices.

Check for sales around major shopping events: Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November, Presidents' Day in February, and Memorial Day in May. Retailers also run appliance sales in late summer and early fall. Sign up for email alerts from Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot so you see sales before they sell out.

Read the fine print on any discount. Some retailers advertise a low price but charge extra for delivery or installation that other sites include. A refrigerator that appears $200 cheaper on one site may cost the same once you add delivery and setup fees. Add all costs together before you decide.

Reading reviews and checking return policies

Refrigerators are expensive, so read reviews from people who own the model you are considering. Look at reviews on the retailer's site and also on independent sites like Consumer Reports or RTINGS. Pay attention to reviews that mention ice maker reliability, temperature consistency, and noise level—these are the things that matter most over time. Ignore reviews that complain about delivery, because delivery experience varies by location and does not reflect the refrigerator itself.

Check the return policy before you buy. Best Buy allows returns within 15 days. Lowe's and Home Depot allow 30 days. Amazon's return window depends on the seller, but is usually 30 days. Wayfair allows 30 days on most items. Manufacturer websites vary—Samsung allows 30 days, but LG allows only 14 days. If you think you might want to return it, buy from a retailer with a longer window.

Scratch-and-dent retailers and clearance sales usually do not allow returns at all. Only buy from these sites if you are certain about the model and have no concerns about it.

Checking your home setup before you order

Before you buy, measure the space where your refrigerator will go. Measure the width, depth, and height, and also measure the doorways and hallways the delivery crew will use to bring it inside. A refrigerator that fits the kitchen space may not fit through the front door or down the basement stairs. Take a photo of your measurements and the space, and keep it handy in case you need to contact the retailer with questions.

Check whether your refrigerator will need a water line for an ice maker or water dispenser. If it does, make sure you have a cold water line near the refrigerator, or budget for a plumber to install one. This can cost $100 to $300 depending on how far the water line needs to run. Some retailers offer this service for an additional fee.

If you live in an apartment or rental, check your lease to see whether you are allowed to install a water line or whether the landlord has rules about appliance connections. Some landlords require that you use a portable ice maker instead of a built-in one.

Timing and tracking your order

Refrigerators take longer to ship than most items because they are large and heavy. Amazon typically ships within 5 to 10 business days. Best Buy's standard delivery is 5 to 7 days, but same-day delivery is available in some cities. Lowe's and Home Depot usually deliver within 7 to 14 days. Wayfair takes 10 to 21 days. Manufacturer websites often take 2 to 3 weeks because they ship from the factory rather than a warehouse.

Once you place your order, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. Use this number to check the delivery date and time. Most retailers send a text or email 24 hours before delivery to confirm the time window. Be home during this window—if you are not there, the delivery crew will not leave the refrigerator, and you will have to reschedule.

If your delivery is delayed, contact the retailer's customer service with your order number. They can tell you why the delay happened and give you a new delivery date. Some retailers offer a discount or refund if delivery is more than a few days late.

Warranty and support after you buy

Every refrigerator comes with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects for at least one year. The warranty covers parts like the compressor and control board, but not damage from accidents or misuse. Read the warranty document that comes with your refrigerator so you know what is covered and how long.

Some retailers offer extended warranties for an extra cost. Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot all sell extended warranties that add 2 to 5 years of coverage. These warranties are optional and often expensive—a 5-year warranty can cost $200 to $400. Decide whether you want one before you check out, because it is harder to add later.

Keep your receipt and warranty paperwork in a safe place. If something breaks, you will need the receipt to prove you own the refrigerator and the warranty document to know what the manufacturer will cover. Take photos of any damage or defects as soon as you notice them, and contact the retailer or manufacturer within the warranty period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a refrigerator online and pick it up in a store?

Yes. Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot all offer buy-online-pickup-in-store for refrigerators. This option is useful if you want to avoid delivery fees or if you have a truck to transport it yourself. Check the product page to see if pickup is available for your model and location.

What happens if the refrigerator arrives damaged?

Do not sign the delivery paperwork if the box is visibly damaged or dented. Take photos of the damage and refuse the delivery. Contact the retailer immediately with the photos and your order number. They will send a replacement or issue a refund. If you sign for a damaged unit, the retailer may not replace it.

Do I need to let my refrigerator sit before I plug it in?

Yes. If your refrigerator was transported on its side or at an angle, let it sit upright for 4 to 6 hours before you plug it in. This allows the refrigerant to settle. Check your manual for the exact time, because it varies by model. Plugging it in too soon can damage the compressor.

Can I return a refrigerator if I just changed my mind?

Most retailers allow returns within their return window—usually 14 to 30 days—even if you simply changed your mind. However, you may have to pay a restocking fee of 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price, and you are responsible for arranging pickup. Check the retailer's return policy before you buy.

Which retailer has the fastest delivery?

Best Buy offers same-day delivery in many major cities, making it the fastest option if you live in an urban area. Amazon is next, with 5 to 10 business days in most locations. If speed is your priority, check Best Buy's delivery options for your zip code before you decide.