Not Lowe's, Not Home Depot: The Appliance Store Ranked Lowest By Consumer Reports

When it comes to appliances, big-name stores like Lowe's and Home Depot are top of mind for many potential buyers. But are these home improvement stores actually the best for customers? According to Consumer Reports' latest findings, buyers revealed their best and worst picks for appliances stores based on factors like price, customer service, and available selection. With these features in mind, the worst-ranked appliance store was Menards, according to Consumer Reports' members.

Menards is a home improvement store with more than 300 physical locations across 15 states. Founded in 1958, Menards offers a variety of home appliances, from refrigerators and cooktops to small appliances like coffee makers. There are a variety of Menards items that provide a great value, but the home improvement store's selection scored very low with Consumer Reports members. The store received mid-level scores for its prices, service, and in-store environment.

So, does this mean you should skip shopping at Menards in lieu of somewhere else? Honestly, that depends on where you live. There are some things you should never buy from Menards based purely on the quality and price. If you have other appliance stores in the area, you could compare Menards' prices and available products with those of its competitors to see which option aligns with your budget. It's also worth keeping in mind that customer service can vary significantly by store. While some customers reported average customer service at their local Menards, you could look up reviews for the branch closest to where you live for a more accurate idea of the experience you'd receive.

If you're in the market for affordable appliances like a highly-rated refrigerator that is worth every penny, you should start by shopping at the right store. While Menards earned lower scores with Consumer Reports, a number of outlets earned very positive ratings. According to members, the best place to buy appliances is Abt Electronics. The home improvement store earned top marks for categories like selection and service. Outside of Consumer Reports' findings, Abt Electronics stands out among competitors because of its offerings, like free technical support after a purchase and its price-match guarantee.

Another highly-rated appliance store with Consumer Reports' members is Costco. While it didn't score as high as Abt Electronics, it received very positive feedback for its website usability. For customers who are thinking about upgrading their fridge or dishwasher, there are a number of new appliances to check out at Costco. There's also a chance the chain will charge a lower price than many other appliance stores, and it offers a two-year warranty on major appliances purchased in-store or online.