8 things you should know before you buy a major appliance online

Buying a major appliance can be a major decision, which is why most people buy appliances in person. But given everything that's happening in the world right now, you might not want to spend time in a crowded store—if that's even an option in your area.

Fortunately, it is possible to buy an appliance (even a great one that's just the right fit) without setting foot in a store. It just takes some prep work on your part, including reading, cross-checking prices, and a whole lot of measuring!

What's more, shopping online opens up some possibilities that local retailers might not have. Now, you don't have to trek to Sears to get Kenmore appliances, since they're for sale on Amazon. You can buy a GE fridge along with a new sofa at Wayfair. And a number of major online retailers like AJ Madison and Appliances Connection offer a huge selection of brands and prices.

The Reviewed labs have tested hundreds of appliances and we buy online all the time. Here's what we've learned from talking to customers, as well as from our own experience.

What to do when you're buying an appliance online

Don't be afraid to buy an appliance online. Just realize that the more you know, the better your experience can be. Before you order an appliance from an online vendor, take the time to do these things:

1. Read reviews on our site and others. Get the experts’ opinions, then compare features, quality, and reliability of models. Find out what real people have to say about the appliance you want to buy on the brand and retailer sites.

2. Make sure the price you find online is a better deal than buying from a local store. Calculate based on the cost of the appliance, plus shipping, taxes, and installation charges.

3. Visit the appliance in person if you can. Once you get eyes on it, you might find that it isn’t what you expected. It can also be difficult to envision the scale of an appliance from online images, even if the site lists the measurements. If you pay a visit to the appliance in a store, it’s easier to decide whether it will fit your space, and just as important, whether it will fit through your halls, doors, and stairways. And if you tell the salesperson you found it for less online, you might just get a lower price.

1. Plan ahead for the old appliance. When you buy a new model online, you will likely have to pay extra to have the old one hauled away, or you may be completely on your own getting rid of it.

2. Research delivery and install options. Sometimes delivery is included. For example, if you buy a Kenmore appliance on Amazon, Sears will provide delivery and installation. Some other online stores will make you pay for even the most minimal drop-off at the curb.

1. Check the retailer's warranty policy. Don’t buy the appliance at a retailer if the warranty is not as good as what you could get elsewhere.

2. Review the return and exchange policy on the online retailer's site. Be aware that you may have a tough time refusing a delivery or sending an appliance back, even if it’s visibly damaged or doesn’t work as expected. If you end up in that situation and you paid with a credit card, the card company may be able to help you wrangle with the retailer.

3. Check your cart before you buy. Some retailers will try to sneak in extras—like a broiling pan, or heavy-duty hoses—that you didn't request, don't need, or can get cheaper elsewhere.

Read more about shopping for major home appliances:

12 things you need to know before your next appliance delivery 5 ways to make sure you are getting a good deal on a major purchase What to expect when you’re expecting an appliance delivery