Our top picks include Home Depot, which has detailed product descriptions online and free delivery, and Wayfair, which frequently runs good sales and has a wide selection of products you may not be able to find elsewhere. Ahead, the best places to buy a refrigerator for a successful kitchen upgrade. Of course, you can also visit one of Home Depot’s brick-and-mortar stores to check out appliances in person. Just note: they don’t have their full selection of offerings on the showroom floor, so be sure to inquire before you go if you’re seeking a particular model. However, no matter how you choose to shop, the retailer’s stellar price-matching policy ensures you get the best deal. For the greatest savings, take advantage of Home Depot’s holiday sales or look for items with the “Special Buy” designation, which typically indicates savings of 25 percent or more. Once you’ve made your purchase, delivery is free on appliance purchases of $396 and up—which includes most refrigerator models. Just don’t count on them taking the old one away, unless you opt-in for the added haul-away fee. In addition, be prepared to face a strict return policy if you change your mind, or come across any defects or damages. Home Depot’s return policy for major appliances states that, once an appliance has been delivered and accepted by the customer, you must identify the damages and call their service number to report them within 48 hours of the delivery. This is quite a small window, so plan accordingly. Plus, this in-store and online retailer has a similar price-match guarantee. You can browse a vast line of offerings on the brand’s site or you can check out a more limited selection in-store before deciding on a new appliance for your kitchen. Either way, there are experts on-hand to help you make the best choice based on your needs, whether that relates to door configuration, features, or a panel-ready design. The big-box retailer offers free local delivery on appliances. This service includes unpacking, leveling, and connecting the refrigerator. If you’re not a Lowe’s Pro customer, Lowe’s does charge a haul-away fee on old appliances. However, in general, you can typically rely on this retailer to have a top-notch selection, and easy-to-navigate policies and services. While there are options abound at pretty enviable prices, it’s worth noting that the site isn’t as user-friendly as some other retailers. For starters, their search is a bit lacking, so you’ll need to do a fair amount of filtering to narrow things down. That said, they do have some very helpful filters, including one that allows you to find the best price possible by filtering for instant savings, mail-in rebates, free delivery, and more. The Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ 21.4-cubic-foot Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a more budget-friendly option for someone looking for the aesthetic of a French door refrigerator without the extremely high price tag. While this model may not have any innovative features, it has an ice and water dispenser, deli drawer, and in-door can caddy for plenty of organizing possibilities. It’s good to know that the drawers on this model don’t slide easily when overfilled, so be sure to optimize your space wisely. When it comes to delivery, you have three choices: standard, white glove, or in-home. The downside is none of these options include unpacking, plugging in of your new refrigerator, installation, or debris removal. Shipping also takes up to two weeks, and installation services are only available for certain zip codes. However, AJ Madison is partnered with Affirm to help you create a financial plan around your big purchase. The retailer is also partnered with Allstate so your purchase is protected under a 3-year or 5-year warranty, depending on what you opt into. The KitchenAid KRMF706ESS 25.8-cubic-foot 5-Door French Door Refrigerator is a five-door refrigerator that takes innovation to a new level. With three pull-out drawers that offer custom temperature settings and a three-tiered freezer section, you certainly won’t run out of room for your fresh and frozen food with this fridge. However, it is paired with a hefty price point, but we think its design makes it a worthy splurge. Best Buy’s showroom is limited—and in some cases absent—on refrigerators, but the website is easy enough to shop by type: French door, side-by-side, counter-depth, or bottom-freezer. Plus, Best Buy also offers free, nationwide, in-home delivery services for refrigerators priced at $399 or more. In some locales, customers can even select free, same-day warehouse pick-up for in-stock appliances—a great option if you’re replacing a refrigerator that unexpectedly bit the dust. The BLACK+DECKER BCRK43W 4.3 cu. ft. Freestanding Mini Fridge with Freezer is a garage-ready mini fridge with thoughtful door storage and a reversible door hinge. Although the shelves aren’t adjustable on this model, it’s an energy-efficient choice with plenty of room for a week’s worth of groceries in a small living space. Wayfair has a nice, reliable shipping service, too. It’s free on most models, and you can even select delivery directly into the room of your choice for a small fee. Either way, don’t forget to fully inspect the unit carefully before installation—unless the fridge is defective, returns aren’t accepted once it’s installed. In addition, don’t expect Wayfair to haul away your old refrigerator when delivering your new one. Luckily, you can expect this online-only retailer to run lots of good sales that mark down top models for your kitchen. One of Frigidaire’s newest models, the Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273BF 21.5-cubic-foot Counter-Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator, available at P.C. Richard & Son, has plenty of storage, making it a convenient choice for busy families or large households. A collapsible shelf can slide back to make room for tall pitchers, and a “Custom-Flex Temp” drawer can switch settings between refrigerator or freezer mode. The retailer’s website is vast and relatively easy-to-navigate, with plenty of details on product offerings. It features tips for measuring for installation and maintaining your machines. If there’s any downside to shopping at this retailer, it’s their strict return policy. Make sure to inspect your appliance thoroughly before signing. If opened or used in any capacity, you cannot return it. Now, it’s worth noting that you have to keep an eye out for third-party retailers. Not everything on the site is sold directly by Walmart. If you feel more comfortable, you can also visit a Walmart store in person, but it’s worth calling ahead to see if your store stocks the specific model you’re interested in. Even from notable brands like GE, Whirlpool, and LG, in-store offerings are limited. The Maytag MRT311FFFZ 20.5-cubic-foot Top-Freezer Refrigerator, available at Walmart, includes Maytag’s PowerCold feature, which cools down the fridge with the push of a button. This model also features bottom-mounted crisper drawers, so even the most overflowing drawers will glide easily. A gallon door storage section also offers extra organization for food items like condiments or a container of milk. This model is also compatible with an ice maker, if you’d like to purchase this must-have separately. Walmart may not have any delivery or installation services, but they do offer purchase protection, which can help put your mind at ease for such a big-ticket item. It’s pretty affordable, too—you can choose 3-year or 4-year plans for well under $100. While it’s true that you’ll need a membership to shop, it only costs $60 per year, so it’s well worth the upfront investment given the savings you’ll score when you make your purchase. In addition to the great value you’ll get on the product itself, Costco also offers an easy delivery process and extended warranty coverage. If you’re looking to splurge and still save on a refrigerator, the Café CFE28TP4MW2 27.8 cu. ft. French-Door Refrigerator with Hot Water Dispenser is available at Costco for members. With a larger capacity than most refrigerator models and a hot water dispenser, this refrigerator is high on function and design. Most appliances are delivered for free and come with complete basic installation services—you may even be eligible to have your old refrigerator hauled away without additional cost. Unlike other retailers, Costco also offers plenty of support after you make your purchase. They provide free tech support, an impressive 90-day return policy, and in some cases, an additional two-year warranty plan. Do note, you won’t be able to check out most available models on the floor, so you need to be comfortable browsing online before purchasing at the warehouse. Be wary that a 15 percent restocking fee will be applied to any built-in appliance returns, in addition to a pick-up fee. Sears’ haul away policy is also confusing and varies based on appliance type. When selecting your delivery preferences online, you can opt for additional installation help.  If you’re hoping to find a counter-depth, built-in refrigerator, the GE GLE12HSPSS 11.9 cu. ft. Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is a great choice, and available at Sears. A sleek stainless steel finish tops off an inside that’s just as functional as it is stylish. Seven shelves can easily hold all of your refrigerated food essentials and store wine bottles with no problem. While this model isn’t as spacious as other options, its removable and adjustable shelving make it an optimized pick for smaller households.  If you’re looking for a compact refrigerator, consider the Frigidaire FFET1022UV 10.1 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator, which is Energy Star-certified and has two door shelves for storing condiments and beverages. Although this refrigerator has plenty of space, we wish it came with a deli drawer and butter keeper for even more convenience. It’s still a great compact refrigerator option, though, with a capacity comparable to that in standard refrigerator sizes. Free shipping is available for most appliances, and free delivery is offered for those within 100 miles of the ABT warehouse. If you need help setting up your appliance, free tech support is available to all customers. Free returns are available on some appliances—look out for the “Free Shipping, Free Returns” prompt on product listings—but, you may have to cover the cost of shipping on some product returns. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you have 30 days to return it.  If you’re searching for some of the most innovative refrigerators with smart technology, check out the LG Electronics LFXS26973S 26.2 cu. ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator with Wi-Fi Enabled. This model can be controlled through your smartphone. You can make temperature adjustments, and receive notifications if the door is left open or a maintenance issue occurs. The ice maker can be rather noisy on this model, but its French door design and luxe appearance make up that minor mechanics issue.  If you want to physically check out an appliance before buying, you may want to consider a retailer with a brick-and-mortar location. Do note that many appliance retailers have limited showrooms or only put a small fraction of their offerings on display in-store. However, you can call ahead to see if your model is being displayed. The perk of shopping, or even just viewing, an appliance in-person is that you can get a feel for the features, finish, and size of an appliance better than you could while looking at a product listing. If you’re shopping for more than one appliance, you can also often work with a sales associate to pick out an entire suite of products from one or multiple brands, and may even be able to score a bundling deal or bargain.

Return Policies

In general, return policies for refrigerators (and other large appliances, for that matter) are relatively strict. The vast majority of retailers won’t accept returns after the fridge has been installed—unless there’s a defect. Some won’t even accept returns after the box has been opened, or will only accept returns within 48 hours or so of you receiving your delivery. It’s best to review these return policies in advance, and also look into warranty options. That way, you know how and when you’re covered if your appliance is a no-go.

Bundling Options

Buying multiple appliances at once is called bundling, and it’s a great way to get a discount on a very expensive set of purchases. Shopping this way is particularly helpful if you’re remodeling or moving into a new home without any existing appliances, but it’s important to note that not all retailers offer this service. Keep an eye out for bundle specials that your desired retailer may be running. Typically, bundles are offered for appliances that all come from the same brand (like GE or Samsung), and will be offered by retailers with physical locations.

Installation and Delivery Services

Many retailers offer delivery and installation for free, but it’s worth reading the fine print, since there are often some “catches.” For example, they may deliver the fridge for free, but not install it or even bring it into your home. Many retailers also charge a fee to take away an old appliance, or don’t haul away old appliances at all. You’ll want to look into these “catches,” in addition to scheduling options your retailer provides and whether the installation is performed by a third-party company. Some big-box retailers rely on third-party companies to complete installation, opposed to having an in-house team that will take care of this process from start to finish.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Erica Puisis. Erica is an experienced product researcher with years of experience in covering large and small appliances. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2017, and has also contributed to Forbes, and leading smart home blogs like TechDigg. This roundup was updated by Brigitt Earley, a writer who has spent nearly 15 years writing about consumer products, including home appliances. Brigitt has a large family of six, including four children under the age of four, so when she renovated her kitchen a few years ago, choosing a large, quality refrigerator was key. After extensive research, she landed on a KitchenAid appliance from P.C. Richard & Son. The refrigerator is still running efficiently, despite being filled to the brim at all times.  This roundup was also updated later by Emma Phelps. Emma is an updates writer for The Spruce and works across every commerce beat to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate information is present.