Best Memorial Day Sales on Large Appliances - Consumer Reports (2024)

Washing Machines

Overall, theElectrolux ELFW4222AW, which is back down to the best price we’ve seen,performs very well across CR’s tests. Its washing performance and water efficiency are excellent, and its energy efficiency, its gentleness on clothes, and the vibration levels during its 65-minute operation earn very good ratings. In our most recent surveys, CR members reported that Electrolux, as a company, had excellent predicted reliability. (Electrolux and LG are the only companies with a compact washing machine to achieve this rating.) But its owner satisfaction score was only adequate.

TheLG WT7405CW, now just $50 more than its lowest price,is the top-rated top-load agitator in our ratings. Its 85-minute wash cycle requires patience, and it’s kind of rough on fabric, so you may want to consider the delicate cycle for your best threads. But it will clean your clothes effectively. It receives stellar ratings for water and energy efficiency and a strong score for washing performance. Check your space, because this washer’s measurements differ slightly from standard models. It stands at 44.5 inches tall, 27.5 inches wide, and 28.5 inches deep.

One of the most budget-friendly—especially at Home Depot—top-load agitators in our tests, theLG WT7005CWdelivers across the board. This eco-friendly Green Choice washer isn’t the gentlest on clothes, but it conserves energy and water. It’s among the quietest models in our tests and causes little to no vibration, meaning it won’t disturb you with rumbling. The cycle time is 70 minutes using the normal wash, heavy-soil setting. Shorten it by using the normal-soil setting when you can.

TheLG WT7150CW, now back to its best price,ranks among the top high-efficiency washing machines in CR’s tests, primarily for its first-rate cleaning performance, water efficiency, and vibration. It also earns a top rating for energy efficiency, but its gentleness on clothes is middling. It can still handle big loads within its slight interior and exterior frame: 5 cubic feet, 44.5 inches high, 29.1 inches deep, and the standard 27 inches wide. LG’s HE washing machines earned top marks for predicted reliability in CR’s latest member survey, which means they’re less likely to develop problems or break within the first five years.

Clothes Dryers

We expect the top-ratedLG DLE3400Wto perform similarly to the CR-testedLG DLEX3700W(now discontinued). The tested model delivers solid performance across the board, nabbing an ace rating for noise and ratings near the top in our drying and convenience tests. This stackable Energy Star certified machine, with a claimed capacity of 7.4 cubic feet, is equipped with a moisture sensor, an extended tumble, custom programs, and an end-of-cycle signal—offering all these features at a fairly low price. It’s now back down to the best price we’ve seen.

TheLG DLGX5501Woffers great performance and some nice extras at a moderate price—and it’s our top-rated dryer. It scores admirably in our tests for drying performance, convenience, and noise, and offers a steam option, extended tumble, and WiFi capability. Its stainless steel drum has a 7.4-cubic-foot capacity. In our surveys, CR members rank LG gas dryers tops in both reliability and owner satisfaction.

ThisLG gas dryer performs very well in our drying tests and offers several handy features, including a moisture sensor that automatically adjusts drying time and an auto dryness control that turns off the dryer within 5 minutes of clothes being fully dry. It also has a duct blockage indicator to alert you when ducts need cleaning. This model is also very quiet, with a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity and electronic controls.

TheLG DLG3471Wgas dryer shares its impressive score with several other LG models in our tests (theLG DLG7401WEand theLG DLGX6501W), but it’s less expensive than both while offering similar performance. That said, this is a basic machine that’s a bit short on extras. If you’re looking for a steam option, WiFi, or a stainless steel drum, you’ll want to pay a little more for theDLGX6501W. Whichever model you choose, you’ll be buying from a brand with high marks from CR members for reliability and owner satisfaction.

The Energy Star certified SamsungDV25B6900EWcompact dryer earns CR’s Green Choice designation for being among the most eco-friendly models in our ratings. This 4-cubic-foot-capacity dryer gets high scores for both drying performance and noise, and an average score for convenience. It offers extras that include a moisture sensor, a stainless steel drum, and WiFi capability. As a brand, Samsung compact dryers get a very good mark from CR members for reliability but a mediocre mark for owner satisfaction.

Dishwashers

This modelis part of Bosch’s Benchmark series, which has the brand’s most expensive and feature-packed dishwashers. It does a very good job of both washing and drying, and it’s especially quiet. It also has many of the things you’ll find in higher-end dishwashers, like an adjustable upper rack, a third rack, a stainless steel interior, and adjustable tines. Because the dishwasher is WiFi-connected, you can use an app on your phone to customize where the wash arm goes and how heavily it washes different sections of the dishwasher. One downside, though, is that some cycles—like the delayed-start option—can be initiated only through the app rather than by using the buttons on the machine itself.

This500 Series modelis part of Bosch’s all-new lineup. It doesn’t have Bosch’s new motorized spray arm, but it still washes as well as the Benchmark model above, and it’s very quiet. Though it has Bosch’s Auto Air feature, where the door opens automatically at the end of the drying cycle to let steam escape, its drying performance leaves something to be desired. Its energy efficiency, however, is excellent. It also has WiFi, which allows you to monitor and customize wash cycles from an app on your phone. And like the model above, some functions are only accessible via the app.

TheThermador DWHD760CFPis an all-around powerhouse. It scores very well in all our tests for washing, drying, and noise, and it’s energy-efficient. It has the design features you’d expect in a high-end dishwasher: an adjustable upper rack, a third rack, a stainless steel interior, and adjustable tines. It also has WiFi, hidden controls, a built-in water softener, and a built-in leak protection system that will shut off the water supply if it detects a leak and drain the excess water. This model comes in stainless steel (along with two handle styles to choose from), or it comes ready for you to apply your choice of cabinetry to the front.

Those looking for a budget-friendly dishwasher that offers solid performance may find it inthis GE model. For less than $700, it consistently delivers clean dishes with each wash, according to CR’s tests. Drawbacks include a less-than-stellar drying performance and a somewhat noisy operation. But with a cycle time of 125 minutes—the shortest on this list—you might be able to brush aside the inconveniences. GE receives a midlevel rating for predicted reliability but an unfavorable one for owner satisfaction.

TheWhirlpool WDTA50SAKZ dishwasher is already one of the best options under $1,000, and it’s at its lowest price right now. It’s a strong performer, with a third rack and an upscale look for the price, including integrated controls. Whirlpool also earned a very good rating for predicted reliability and a midlevel score for owner satisfaction based on data from our reader surveys. It’s similar to lower-end models from the KitchenAid brand, which is also owned by Whirlpool.

Top-Freezer Refrigerators

The budget-friendly 28-inchFrigidaire FFHT1425VV, now $50 less than during the last big sale,is a great top-freezer for performance. It’s extremely energy-efficient, and it garners solid scores in all other tests except ease of use, where it receives an unsatisfactory rating (although that’s similar to many other top-freezers). According to our latest member survey, Frigidaire top-freezers are reliable, but they have a poor owner satisfaction score.

One of our highest-rated top-freezers at the 30-inch width, theLG LTCS20030S is on sale for just $50 more than the best price we’ve seen. Itearns top-level ratings for thermostat control and energy efficiency, and it has a pleasing rating for temperature uniformity. But it gets a less-than-favorable rating for ease of use. Features include an icemaker, touchpad controls, and spillproof shelves, but it lacks a freezer light. In our member surveys, LG top-freezers earned a first-rate score for predicted reliability and a decent score for owner satisfaction.

The 28-inchSamsung RT16A6195SRturns in solid, above-average performance among top-freezers, notching our highest possible scores for thermostat control, temperature uniformity, and energy efficiency, while earning a middling rating for noise. (Ease of use gets a less-than-satisfactory rating, but that’s typical for top-freezers.) Features are scarce here, per the norm, but it does come with gallon storage on the door and spillproof shelves. In our member surveys, Samsung top-freezers receive an exemplary score for predicted reliability but just a passable one for owner satisfaction. This model has an optional icemaker.

At just 24 inches wide, theWhirlpool WRT112CZJZis one of thesmallesttop-freezers available, yet it delivers strong performance all-around. And given its price, it’s also an incredible bargain. This refrigerator garners stellar ratings for temperature uniformity and noise output, making it one of the quietest top-freezers we’ve tested, and it receives a strong rating for energy efficiency. But this model receives our lowest rating for ease of use. In surveys of our members, Whirlpool top-freezers got a top-notch rating for predicted reliability but a poor rating for owner satisfaction, a common combination with top-freezer brands.

TheLG LRTLS2403Sis the second-best top-freezer model we’ve tested in sizes wider than 30 inches. It nabs an outstanding rating for energy efficiency and very good scores for thermostat control, temperature uniformity, and noise. It falls short on our ease-of-use test. This fridge comes with a built-in water filter and spillproof shelves. LG top-freezers received an excellent score for predicted reliability and a decent score for owner satisfaction in our latest member survey.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Equipped with an external water/ice dispenser, touchpad controls, and gallon-sized storage bins on the doors, the low-priced 33-inchWhirlpool WRS321SDHZhits our thermostat control test out of the park. This side-by-side fridge also earns a solid rating for temperature uniformity, midlevel ratings for noise output and ease of use, and a substandard rating for energy efficiency.In our surveys, members give Whirlpool’s side-by-side models a passable rating for predicted reliability and a rock-bottom rating for owner satisfaction.

French-Door Refrigerators

At 30 inches wide, theLG LFCS22520SFrench-door refrigerator receives excellent ratings for thermostat control and temperature uniformity and gets a very good score for noise performance. Like the GE GNE21FSKSS, this LG achieves only midlevel scores for energy efficiency and ease of use. And LG French-door refrigerators earn only decent predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, which are based on our member surveys. This model comes with digital controls, a door-open alarm, an icemaker, and spillproof shelves, like the GE before it, but it lacks a built-in water filter. For a similar version of this refrigerator with a through-the-door water/ice dispenser, see theLG LFDS22520S.

TheLG LRFXS2503Sshines in thermostat control, which is top-notch. This 33-inch fridge also nabs respectable ratings for temperature uniformity, noise, and ease of use. But it falls short when it comes to energy efficiency compared with the other models in this category. In our latest member survey, LG French-door refrigerators receive adequate scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. This model features a through-the-door water/ice dispenser, an icemaker, a built-in water filter, half-shelves for better organization, spillproof shelves, and digital temperature controls.

Gas Ranges

Thissingle-oven gas slide-in LG is among the best gas ranges we’ve seen. It heats fast, simmers consistently, and bakes well, too, though broiling lags a bit behind. It has convection, continuous grates (for easily sliding pots and pans between burners), a griddle burner, and front-mounted controls with no back panel. It’s available in stainless steel or black stainless.

The sleek slide-inGE Profile PGS930YPFSis at a decent discount, though it was $300 less last month. It offers performance on a par with other top competitors. More important, GE gas ranges are among the most reliable of any brand in our member surveys. In addition, top of the stove performance is admirable—heating fast and maintaining steady simmers—as is oven performance, earning solid scores for both baking and broiling. This range comes with features like an integrated griddle burner, convection, and WiFi connectivity.

TheSamsung NX60T8711SSis only available at a discount at Walmart right now, but it’s within $100 of the best price we’ve seen this year. It has a slide-in design, continuous cooking grates, and an integrated griddle. It bakes well, too, though not as evenly. Broiling is so-so, but the cooktop heats fast and simmers impressively steadily. As a brand, Samsung’s gas ranges garner a very good rating for reliability and a passable rating for owner satisfaction in CR’s latest member surveys.

Double-Oven Gas Ranges

At the very top of our double-oven gas range ratings is theGE Profile PGB965YPFS, which is at a good discount but was $200 less last month, so it’s not the best offer and may be cheaper during a future sale. In addition to convection and air-frying modes, this range has continuous grates, a griddle, two high-power burners, and WiFi connectivity. It’s also a stellar performer, holding steady simmers and baking beautifully, all while offering exceptional reliability. But broiling is just so-so, and the self-clean cycle isn’t as effective as it could be, so you’ll still need to do some scrubbing. If you want the sleek look of a slide-in, consider theGE Profile PGS960YPFSwith front-mounted controls, which we haven’t tested but expect to perform almost identically to this model.

TheLG LTGL6937Fhas a gas cooktop and two gas ovens, both with convection. It’s among the best double-oven gas ranges in our ratings, and it comes with continuous grates, a griddle burner, and WiFi connectivity that lets you control the oven temperature from your smartphone. Broiling is just middling. Otherwise, it heats fast, simmers steadily, and bakes evenly, too.

TheGE JGBS86SPSSmay have jumped up in price by $100 since the last big sale weekend, but it’s the least expensive model of the double-oven gas ranges recommended by CR. But it doesn’t skimp on features. It’s equipped with continuous cast-iron grates, two high-power burners, and convection and air-frying modes. The ovens perform solidly in our baking and broiling tests, and the cooktop simmers very steadily, but its boiling speed is on the slower side of all the gas ranges we’ve tested. Our members give GE gas ranges a top-notch rating for reliability and a so-so owner satisfaction rating.

Electric Ranges

TheLG LREL6321Ssingle oven is an exceptionally strong performer at a great price. It’s far cheaper than the spiffier LG below, but it still heats fast and simmers steadily on top of the stove, earning an excellent performance rating in our cooktop high and low tests. It also bakes and broils evenly. There’s no convection mode, but you’ll find a warming element, along with two high-powered burners on the cooktop. LG earns high reliability ratings for its electric ovens based on our member surveys.

If you want a high-tech oven, consider theSamsung NE63T8751SG. A slide-in partition allows you to bake food in two cavities at different temperatures, but you can also remove the partition to bake larger foods, like a turkey. This model also has onboard diagnostics as well as an app that allows you to check on your smartphone to see whether, say, you left one of its four burners on. The cooktop has a warming element, and the oven has a convection mode. Performance is strong, too, with impressive ratings in both our cooktop low and high tests. But Samsung received only a middling reliability score for its electric ovens based on our member surveys.

TheLG LTE4815ST, a handsome electric range with double convection ovens, packs in a lot for the money. It offers a slide-in design and earned the top marks in almost all our tests. (Baking was the only exception, but it scored above average nonetheless.) Notably spacious, it allows for plenty of food to fit into each oven, and it’s one of the only electric smoothtops we’ve tested to offer a self-clean setting. Plus, LG earned a top-notch predicted reliability rating for its electric ranges, according to our member surveys, but the brand’s owner satisfaction score was lukewarm.

Wine Refrigerators

TheAntarctic Star 36 Bottle Wine Cooleris at the lowest price we’ve ever seen. It’s the best freestanding wine fridge in our ratings by a healthy margin. In our lab tests, it offers very good temperature performance but only decent energy efficiency and middling noise output (meaning it’s somewhat noisier than other tested models). This Antarctic Star fridge features temperature controls on the front of the unit, child control locks, and shelf stops, but it lacks a door lock.