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How to Find the Best Major Appliance: Buyer's Guide

What Is a Major Appliance?

A major appliance is any machine used to support basic home activities like cleaning, cooking, food preparation and/or storage that requires fuel (e.g., electricity or gas) to operate.

Major home appliance examples include refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines and dryers.

What Major Appliance Uses the Most Energy?

Appliances that heat or cool use the most energy. Think of clothes dryers and refrigerators. To conserve energy, save money and protect the environment, choose an appliance bearing the United States's Energy Star certified seal.

How Do I Find the Most Energy Efficient Appliances?

Large home appliance manufacturers like Samsung and LG offer many Energy Star appliances. (Note that as of this writing, there are no Energy Star certified ranges.)

Where Do I Buy New Major Appliances?

Sam's Club is the one-stop shop for every major home appliance needed to run your home or small business efficiently, saving time, money and conserving energy. Major appliances available at SamsClub.com include Samsung and LG refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwave ovens, ranges, washing machines, dryers and air conditioners.

Small kitchen appliances from SamsClub.com include over-the-range microwave ovens and built-ins, induction cooktops and ice makers. Essentially, we carry everything needed to run your home but the kitchen sink - but we have those, too!

How Much Do Major Appliances Cost?

SamsClub.com has an appliance for every budget. SamsClub.com also offers members-only prices, so any time of year is a good time to buy a major appliance. One tip: look for appliances bearing a ""Tech Savings"" banner, for additional savings. Tech Savings are available at Sam's Club retail stores or at SamsClub.com and range from $75 off a microwave oven to more than $500 off a french door refrigerator.

How to Choose a Major Appliance

Get a tape measure

The first thing to consider when shopping for a new appliance is size. Measure the space available and include room for any wiring or hook up to ensure your new appliance will fit. For gas ranges or dryers, make sure gas hookups are within reach.

Make it smart

Many major appliances feature Smart Wi-Fi-enabled technology for remote operation. Reviews are mixed on whether/not all smart appliances are worth the additional price at this time. But it's comforting to know that with a smart oven, for example, you'll never worry again about whether or not you turned it off before you left home.

The (color) choice is yours

Most large appliances today feature a stainless steel, black stainless steel or a white finish. Black stainless steel is simply stainless steel treated with a polymer coating to give it a black matte finish. One benefit of black stainless steel is that it doesn't show as many fingerprints as traditional stainless steel appliances, so it's easier to keep clean. White is considered a traditional color choice that's easy to clean and at times less expensive than stainless steel. The bottom line however, is that finish or color choice is really a matter of personal taste.

What Are Major Kitchen Appliance Products?

Here's a brief overview of select major appliance products.

Refrigerators

There are a variety of refrigerator sizes and styles on the market today. French door refrigerators are one of the most popular models and a good choice if space is limited and your family eats a lot of produce, dairy and deli items. If space and budget limitations are top of mind, consider a side-by-side refrigerator or other top-freezer model. Once you've selected the refrigerator model, dive into the appliance's additional features such water-filtration capabilities and temperature settings of most interest to your family.

Cooking Ranges

Choose from gas or electric cooking ranges in slide-in or drop-in models. Electric range options include coil, smooth or the energy- and time-saving induction-top cooking. Other available features include hot surface lights, warming drawer, double oven (with a convection oven offering) and self-cleaning options.

Kitchen Suites

A kitchen appliance package that includes a refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher and range. Kitchen suites are often purchased for new or remodeled homes and kitchen renovations.

Microwave Ovens

Microwaves are considered small appliances if they are countertop and portable. Major microwave appliances are built-ins that go inside or under a cabinet, or over-the-range like a wll oven. Look for settings that mirror your use of microwaves, such as defrosting frozen foods, cooking popcorn or potatoes for example. Another key feature is a sensor function that automatically turns off the microwave when the food is done.

Dishwashers

Standard size is 23 inches for families or 18 inches compact size for a couple or for a second home. Dishwashers with a ""quick wash"" option are helpful if you're on metered-water. Another way to save: Choose a model with a delayed start option so you set the dishwasher to operate when electric rates are lowest.

Freezers

Stand-alone freezers provide storage space for bulk foods or prepared meals. There are chest or upright models ranging in size from a compact 12 cubic feet to a foodservice-size 72 cubic feet. Features include an alarm which sounds if inside temperature gets too warm.

Convection Ovens

Cook foods quicker and reduce energy costs with a convection oven. Many traditional ovens have a convection setting or separate convection oven as this cooking method is ideal for baking and roasting. Countertop convection oven models, about the size of a toaster oven, are also available.

Shop Major Laundry Appliance Products

Washing Machines

Today's favorites are front-loading or top-loading models. Front loaders, including the compact stackable models, have longer cycles, but typically use less water enabling a faster drying time. Top-loading models have shorter cycles, but often have larger tubs which can make clothing retrieval difficult. HE or high-efficiency top loaders are more popular and quieter than the top-loading agitator. Regardless of the model, most families are best served by a 4 cubic foot capacity model.

Dryers

There are both gas and electric models, with gas dryers typically more expensive to buy, but cheaper to run. There are front- and top-loader models available with benefits similar to the washing machine options (i.e., laundry retrieval is more difficult with top loaders, which operate more quickly, while front loaders are more energy efficient).

Other laundry appliance features to consider include a time- and money-saving sensor, which stops the machine once clothes are dry, a steam cycle that removes odors and wrinkles and a high-heat sanitation cycle, which kills bacteria. One final note: Select a dryer that has twice the capacity of your washing machine. This allows enough space for proper airflow while drying.

Laundry Pedestals

A pedestal raises front-loading washing machines and dryers off the floor by 12 inches to 16 inches, making it easier to load/unload the appliance. Pedestals also provide extra storage space for detergents and other laundry supplies, making the laundry area look cleaner and less cluttered. Before you buy, check the your laundry machine's owner's manual to make sure its compatible with a pedestal.

Washer Dryer Combos

The all-in-one single machine that washes and dries laundry is best for those with severe space restrictions. Its portable use is perfect for apartment dwellers or renters. SamsClub.com carries Galaxy washer dryer combo appliances.

Major Appliances Brands at Sam's Club

Samsung

Major appliances from Samsung:

• Refrigerators
• Washers
• Electric dryers (electric and gas)
• Ranges (electric and gas)
• Microwave ovens
• Convection microwave ovens
• Dishwashers

Many Samsung appliances are Smart Wi-Fi-enabled. Finishes include stainless steel, black stainless steel and white. Most products are Energy Star certified to save money, protect the environment and conserve energy. Warranties are available.

LG

Major appliances from LG:

• Refrigerator
• Washer
• Dryer (electric and gas)
• Laundry pedestal
• Range (electric and gas)
• Microwave oven
• Convection microwave oven
• Dishwasher

Many LG appliances are Smart Wi-Fi-enabled. Finishes include stainless steel, black stainless steel and white. Most are Energy Star certified to save money, protect the environment and conserve energy. Warranties are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I buy a new appliance?

Buy a new major appliance when your current one breaks down often or no longer works. On average, lifespan is anywhere from nine years for a microwave to 15 years for a gas range. The good news for major appliance buyers is that SamsClub.com offers members-only prices, so any time of year is a good time to buy a major appliance. Plus, Sam's Club Plus Members get $10 reward for every $500 spent.

Does Sam's Club offer free installation of major appliances?

Yes. SamsClub.com offers basic installation and haul-away of your old appliance. Parts and accessories required for basic installation are included. Be sure to review the basic installation requirements listed for your new appliance for additional information on limitations and services.

Will Sam's Club take away my old appliance?

Yes, Sam's Club will haul away your old appliance.

Is there any way to recycle old major appliances?

If your appliance still functions and is less than five years old, consider donating it. Otherwise, be sure to recycle your appliance. Most appliances are 75 percent steel, which is the most recycled material in the United States.

If the appliance is not hauled way when your new one arrives, and it is inoperable or more than five years old, consider taking it to your town's transfer station for recycling or contacting a Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) service who will pick up and recycle your appliance safely.

*Appliance Delivery and Basic Installation1. The home delivery service includes basic installation1 to set up your new appliance as well as haul-away of your old appliance. Parts and accessories required for basic installation1 are included. Please read the appliance installation requirements in the Appliance Measurement Guide PDF documents below. Member must be at home during the scheduled delivery time frame. Delivery is available only in certain zip codes within the continental United States. Delivery is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories or for APO or FPO addresses. Additional service fees will apply if delivery is attempted and Member is not home or does not answer. For details regarding the services available for your delivery zip code, contact 844-825-9069 for LG deliveries; and 833-451-0634 for Samsung deliveries. Installation of gas appliances (stoves and dryers) is restricted in certain locations and available only in certain zip codes within the continental United States. For details regarding the services available for your delivery zip code, contact 844-825-9069 for LG deliveries; and 833-451-0634 for Samsung deliveries. Samsung Appliances: Samsung and its third-party contractors are responsible for the administration and performance of delivery and installation services for Samsung appliances. LG Appliances: LG and its third-party contractors are responsible for the administration and performance of delivery and installation services for LG appliances. Washers, Electric Dryers, and Laundry Pedestals: Basic installation1 & haul-away service is included. Refrigerators, Over-the-Range Microwaves, and Electric Ranges: Basic installation1 & haul-away service is included. Dishwashers: The delivery service includes haul-away of your old dishwasher, if it has been uninstalled. The delivery team will not uninstall your existing dishwasher. Basic installation1 is included, but limitations apply depending on the installation requirements of your home. Delivery and basic installation1 are scheduled separately. Every effort is made to schedule delivery and installation on the same day, although these services may be scheduled on different days. 1Note about Basic Installation: The delivery and installation teams are NOT authorized to perform any modifications to your home, such as carpentry, plumbing or electrical work. Additional fees will apply for any installation work that exceeds the included basic installation service. During your home delivery appointment, the delivery and/or installation team(s) will be able to determine if any additional work and/or permits are required that exceed the basic installation and you will be given a quote before agreeing to additional installation work. You will be responsible for direct payment to the installer for any work exceeding the basic installation. ** Subject to credit approval. Exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. See the Member Services Desk or for details. The Sam's Club MasterCard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. *** Cash Rewards are only available for Sam's Plus™ Members. Sam's Plus Members earn $10 in Cash Rewards for every $500 in qualifying pre-tax purchases with a maximum reward of $500 per 12-month membership period. Cash Rewards are awarded annually and loaded onto the membership card for use in-club, on or redeemable for cash. A member can accumulate a Maximum Balance of $2,000 in earned Cash Rewards on a membership card, at which point accrual of Cash Rewards stops until the Maximum Balance is reduced. Cash Rewards are not earned for purchases made during the time of Maximum Balance. Cash Rewards are not earned for purchases made at the Sam's Club Wholesale Trading Center #7191 located at 11700 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar, FL 33025. Restrictions apply. Visit SamsClub.com/cashrewards for program details and terms and conditions.

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