Buying a refrigerator is part timing, part research, and part patience. Suppose you’re shopping at St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers (also known as St. Louis Appliance Outlet). In that case, you already have an advantage: they stock new, open-box, and scratch-and-dent models across many styles and brands. That variety means best deals on refrigerators — but only if you know what to compare and how to spot real value. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to maximizing savings without compromising reliability or features.

1. Start by narrowing the style and size you actually need

Before you chase a “deal,” decide what type of fridge fits your kitchen and lifestyle: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, French door, or a compact unit for a small home. Measure the available space (height, width, depth) and remember door clearance and hallway access. Once you know the category and size, you’ll avoid wasting time on bargains that won’t fit.

2. Compare like-for-like models, not just prices

A cheap price isn’t a win if the model lacks key features you care about. When comparing offers at St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers, match models by:

• capacity (cubic feet),

• configuration (e.g., French door vs side-by-side),

• energy efficiency (Energy Star or kWh/year),

• core features (ice maker, water dispenser, adjustable shelving, humidity-controlled crispers).

St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers lists a wide range of refrigerator categories and brands across their collections — so use their category pages to shortlist similar models before comparing prices. 

3. Hunt scratch-and-dent and open-box units — but know the risks

If saving money is the priority, scratch-and-dent or open-box units can drop the price dramatically. St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers advertises scratch-and-dent refrigerators starting at low price points, with items inspected and refurbished before sale. That makes them a compelling option — especially if the cosmetic damage doesn’t affect function. However:

• Ask what the cosmetic issues are and request photos or inspect in person.

• Confirm what’s been tested and repaired.

• Verify warranty length and what it covers.

St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers states they inspect items and offer a 90-day warranty on scratch & dent appliances, and they offer extended warranties — important protections you should factor into the “true” cost. 

4. Factor in warranty, delivery, and haul-away fees

A low sticker price can be offset by extra fees. When comparing deals:

• Ask whether the price includes delivery and basic installation.

• Check haul-away fees for your old fridge (some stores include this; others charge).

• Confirm who provides the warranty — manufacturer or retailer — and how service works.

St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers lists delivery and haul-away services and offers financing; include these in your comparison so you don’t get surprised at checkout. 

5. Use brand and model research to predict longevity

If you’re choosing between brands or specific models, look up owner reviews and reliability ratings online. New models may have features you love but fewer long-term user reports; established models often have clearer reliability histories. Save time by shortlisting on the store’s site then scanning reviewer sites and forums for common failure points (compressor issues, door seals, ice maker reliability).

St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers carries many major brands across multiple fridge categories (four-door, French door, side-by-side, etc.), so you’ll have options to cross-compare. 

6. Don’t ignore energy use — small differences add up

Energy consumption matters over the life of the fridge. Look for Energy Star ratings or the annual kWh figure in spec sheets. A slightly more expensive, energy-efficient model can save you money over years — especially if you live in a region with higher electricity costs.

If the store’s listing doesn’t show kWh/year, ask for the spec sheet or the model number so you can look it up. St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers’ product pages often categorize by type and brand, which makes it easier to pull model numbers for this research. 

7. Time your purchase: clearance, seasonality, and sales events

Appliance stores run clearance events when new models arrive or manufacturers offer promotions. Look for:

• Clearance pages and “special buys” on the store site.

• Major sale windows (holiday weekends, Presidents’ Day, Black Friday, end-of-year).

• End-of-model-year discounts.

The outlet model of St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers means they frequently list clearance and special buys on their site and in showrooms — keep an eye on those pages or call the store to ask about current clearance stock. 

8. Inspect in person whenever possible

If you’re buying scratch-and-dent or open-box, a showroom visit matters. Inspect for:

• Hidden dents that could affect door alignment or seals,

• Signs of water damage or rust,

• Whether doors close properly and seals look intact,

• Cosmetic damage level and whether it will bother you long term.

St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers has physical locations (check store address and hours) and active showroom listings — use those to schedule a visit and verify inventory. 

9. Ask for price matching or bundle discounts

If you find a lower advertised price elsewhere for the exact model, ask if the store will match or beat it. Also ask about bundling (buying a fridge with a range or washer/dryer) — outlets often give better rates for multi-appliance purchases.

10. Final checklist before you buy

• Confirm exact model number and serial (so you can research it later).

• Get all fees written on the receipt (delivery, installation, extended warranty).

• Keep the warranty paperwork and the store’s contact info handy.

• Test the unit on delivery (temperature control, ice maker, lights, compressor noise).

Shopping at St. Louis Appliance Wholesalers can deliver serious savings because of its mix of new, open-box, and scratch-and-dent inventory — but the savings are maximized when you compare like for like, account for extra costs, and verify condition and warranty. Use the store’s collections pages to shortlist comparable models, check scratch-and-dent details and warranties, and inspect in person when possible. Happy hunting — and may your next fridge be both a bargain and built to last.