What the dealio, guys? Remember how we mentioned a few times that we’d like to upgrade to an energy efficient front loading washer and dryer sometime down the line when we saw a killer deal (we heard they pop up around February since new models are often introduced then)? Well, one found us a lot sooner than we expected. Yesterday actually.
We were walking through Lowe’s on Saturday when we noticed a sign that said 10% off all appliances. Not much of a deal, but enough to make us take a detour through the appliance section for fun. And while we were in that shiny-new-appliance-induced-euphoria, we noticed a big sign on an energy efficient Whirlpool Duet washer & dryer set that said $898 for the pair (marked down from $1198). Not a bad deal but not an earth-shatteringly amazing one either. But boy were they beauts.
We knew we liked Whirlpool Duet front loaders (they’re what we had for over three years in our last house). And they’d work in our new laundry room since they’re stackable. So we asked a salesperson if the 10% off offer that we noticed was valid on top of the posted $898 sale price for the pair. No dice. Since they were already labeled as an “in-store special” there weren’t any added price cuts they could apply. So we called it a day and went home.
The very next morning (Sunday), as if by fate, John got an email saying all Energy Star washer & matching dryer sets priced over $397 each were 20% off for a limited time (hooray for signing up for the Lowe’s mailing list when we moved). So we figured that it was worth calling Lowe’s to clarify if we could use the 20% coupon on the $898 set we had seen. Although in all honestly we went into it assuming they would say no…
… which they did. Boo.
Then we noticed that on lowes.com the exact same washer & dryer were marked down to $399 each ($798 for the set instead of the $898 in-store sales price we saw earlier). And it appeared as though the 20% email offer that John received would work on top of that online sale price. Score. But we’d always rather purchase things from our local store than order them online, so we called the store back and explained that we wanted to order the set online for $319 a pop thanks to the additional 20% off the $399 sale price that we found online, but we’d be happy to come in and order directly from the store if they’d honor the $638 grand total…
… which they did. Yay.
Why the change of heart when we mentioned ordering them online? If Lowe’s is anything like my old days in retail (I worked at Express on 34th Street in Manhattan for a few years during college) they’re working to personally hit a sales goal in each store every day, so they’d much rather you go through them than order something online since it’ll boost their daily numbers. Plus they’re probably allowed to honor online prices if you print out and bring them those e-promotions and show them what you could get on their website (although we did have to speak to a supervisor on the phone before getting the all-clear).
So that’s how we practically bought one and got one free (saving almost 50%) when it came to a new Whirlpool Duet front loading washer & dryer. We plan to stack them in our laundry room in the place of our existing not-front-loading-or-energy-efficient current set so we save a bundle when it comes to water and electricity (plus they’re a lot more functional thanks to the front loading washer capability along with the extra internal space and other brand-spanking-new features).
And while we’re on the subject of saving energy, guess how many clams our new set will cost to run per year according to the Energy Star tag? Fifteen bucks. A year. For all those loads of clothes and cloth diapers that we’re doing these days. Actually it’ll probably be around $9 for the year because their $15 estimate is based on eight loads of wash per week, and we usually get by with about four to five including Clara’s cloth diapers. You know how there’s that crass term for people who are obsessed with celebs? Star effers? Well we’re Energy Star effers. They’re just so much better than the old electricity and water wasters of the past- like the older stackable washer and dryer that we inherited with the house.
Speaking of those, since they’re still in great working order, instead of sending them off to a landfill we’re hoping to sell ’em on craigslist soon since we have to wait a week or two for the new dryer to come in and get delivered. And if nobody bites on craigslist we’ll donate them to the Habitat For Humanity ReStore (they do pick-ups, which makes things even easier). And we promise to share pics of the new ones (possibly with Clara playing Vanna White) when they arrive. Have you guys scored any after-holiday appliance deals? Or convinced a store to honor an online deal with some over the phone eyelash batting?
Psst- Thanks to a few smart commenters, we just learned that we can get a $75 rebate from the VA government for buying an Energy Star appliance thanks to this link, which would take our total down to $563. Squeeeeeeeee!
Katherine says
Very nice! It’s amazing how much money you can save if you just take a bit of time to find the deals.
You’ll be able to sell your old washer and dryer on Craigslist, no problem. I sold mine in August when I moved and a company that buys old appliances and resells them snatched them up.
Mike @HA says
That’s a super good deal!!! I wonder how long until lowes sells out now that you mentioned it :)
Sara says
I’m wondering if anyone was able to get the 20% off the $399 price. I don’t see it applying any additional discounts online, just the $399 price which it says is already 33% off. I tried adding it to my cart and the price stays at $399.
We have been looking for a good deal on front loaders and these look perfect. We may try in store and see if they will honor the coupon code.
Also don’t forget to sign up online for both the Lowe’s and Hom Depot Movers club coupons. They can be found on their website or by googling. They will e-mail you coupons for 10% off your entire in store purchase!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sara,
It seems as though at least one commenter had luck getting it to apply online while others have tried with no luck. Perhaps calling your store and speaking to a real person will help instead of being at the mercy of the checkout software! Good luck!
xo,
s
Lindsey says
Sherry, would you mind sharing the 20% coupon code that you can use online? Maybe it is still good? I might go for the same deal!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lindsey,
It actually wasn’t a coupon code, just an email with a promotion (not scanner bar or code) that we printed out. The good news is that the same language is showing up over on lowes.com so if you call your store and show them the washer and dryer that you want with that promo written on the top of the screen hopefully they’ll go for it!
xo,
s
CJ says
Nice steal! We also recently bought two front loaders to replace an older unit. The stacking kit was easy to use! Just warning you – make sure they put the units on top of each other for you or tell John he needs a strong friend! Lifting the dryer requires a lot of effort!
jbhat says
You guys do not let any grass grow under your feet, I tell you. Way to go on scoring an amazing deal! I can’t wait to see them in the space.
jbhat
Andrea says
Wow! Such an awesome price! I don’t know what I’m missing, but I can’t get the 20% off :( My local store was a no-go for honoring the online price so I’m trying to order online. I’ve tried clicking through from my email (got the same one you did), I’m on the page that says “Shop 20% off Energy Star…” when I put the washer/dryer in my cart, but it never takes 20% off the $399. I’ve tried being logged in, not being logged in, picking up at different stores, having it delivered…nothing works.
Getting frustrated, but I haven’t given up yet. We were ready to spend about $300 on a basic dryer (dryer’s all we really need right now, but we’re only going to be in this house another 2-3 years so we didn’t want to get a super-nice one), but for this price we want the set :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Andrea,
Some people have had luck getting the same deal we did and others have said the price of the washer and dryer is already 20% off (which might be why you don’t see the price drop when you put it in the cart when ordering online). Maybe your best bet is to call the store and just ask if they’ll honor the online price and take 20% off thanks to that promotion? That way you’re not at the mercy of the computer and you get to talk to a real person. It can’t hurt to ask!
xo,
s
anne marie says
“Energy Star Effers” !!!
can’t….stop….laughing….
Jessica says
When we were in the market for appliances, Lowe’s was having a 10% off Energy Star appliances. The sales lady at Lowe’s was very helpful and told us that they would price match any competitor. Fortunately for us, Sears was having a 20% off appliances. SOOO, Lowe’s ended up giving us the 10% off, plus the 20% off price match (because Lowe’s had already discounted the appliances 10% on the price tag.) 30% off our brand new Samsung stainless steel appliances! Score!
Kelsi @ Modern Mom Redefined says
Wow! JEALOUS!! =) We are on the lookout for a deal just like that. Is it a one time only thing or do you think it’s still valid? If I could copy you, I’d stalk your site even more than I already do. Haha ok maybe not because then I’d be super weird- I’m already pushin’ it lol- but still….
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kelsi,
According to various commenters, some have had success getting the same exact deal while others have gotten them to match the $399 price but not go below that (or quite as much below that- I think someone got 10% off that). It never hurts to ask your local store to see what they’ll do!
xo,
s
Toni says
Wanted to give your Arkansas readers a big heads up. The rebate for the Energy Efficient appliances in AR is $225 for washers!!! That brings the cost of this baby down from $399 to $174!! Go to http://www.ar.state-rebate.com/arra-appliance/ for more info.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow Toni! That’s a huuuuge rebate. Amazing. Thanks for sharing!
xo,
s
Andrea says
Maybe this has already been covered, but do you know what those little guys that look like drawers are next to the washer/dryer set in your picture? The white things?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Andrea,
We think that’s a rolling caddy (we got one of them for our old laundry room for around $19 at Target). Very handy for detergent and stuff!
xo,
s
Naomi says
Amazing! I love that you came up on such a great deal! I used to shop like that but my husband, unfortunately, is a “get in now I don’t care I just want it” kind of guy. Maybe I can get back on the bargain train this 2011, for my wallets sake!
In any case, please let us know about stacking them! I have been considering stacking my set to maximize my tiny laundry closet space so it would be great to see your tutorial ;) on how to do it and how you like it. Thanks a bunch! =)
Kathi says
My husband made our pedestals himself for about $30 worth of materials and they are awesome! He is a tile contractor so had some leftover tile. He made the actual base out of concrete block and filled in with a sand/cement drypack. Then he tiled them top and sides. So much cheaper than the pedestals they try to sell with the sets in the store. :)
Kristina says
Loving the pic of the washer dryer! I want that rug! Awesome deal by the way! Thought we were going to be in the market, but the hubs fixed the dryer. Darn it for handy husbands sometimes. ha ha
Shannon says
They look great. Yeah for a good deal!
Dayna says
I tried getting the same deal online and in the store, but they said an extra 20% off the $399 price would put it below cost. I think you guys just got really lucky or that manager really liked you! Maybe since you gie your local store so much business they are willing to work with you more. I was so disappointed bc I know thats a great deal and we’ve needed a washer and dryer for a month now. Gonna try to see if Georgia gives any rebates for energy star appliances now…
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Dayna,
It couldn’t be that they liked us or thought we gave them a lot of business because they didn’t even know who we were. We just called them from home and they didn’t even ask our name, I just talked to the appliance person and she put the manager on and I explained everything. It sounds like some people are getting the same deal we got (it seems to vary store to store) and others are getting their store to honor the $399 deal or even getting 10% off that instead of 20%. It’s definitely a good reminder that it doesn’t hurt to ask! Good luck with your washer & dryer search! Who knows, there might be even better deals in February…
xo,
s
Jamie says
No luck at my Keller, TX store either. Boo! I’m glad ya’ll got such a great deal though!!! I looked at it in the store and it seemed like the washer would only hold a pretty small load. Is that how front loaders work in general anyone?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jamie,
We actually had the Whirlpool Duet “Sport” version before, which was smaller, so this one is actually an upgrade. But we used to wash an entire sofa full of slipcovers in one load back in our smaller “sport” models, so they tend to look smaller than they really are!
xo,
s
Jaimie@AtHome says
Wow!! What a deal! I hope when I have to face buying appliances that I can find a score like that!
Cait @ Hernando House says
Hey J&S, the white thing people are asking about is the Whirlpool Laundry 1-2-3 Storage Tower. It is extra storage, but it’s not a rolling cart (it’s metal to match the washer/dryer & it has a pull out bar for hanging things and it’s also SUPER heavy, so probably good that it doesn’t roll!) I got ours on eBay from a really nice seller who made a special listing for me when my mom wanted one, too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UW0AZ8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000UW3NYI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1S8J9MKKXSFE0C074F2V
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh la la! So fancy!
xo,
s
Sam says
This post couldn’t have come at a better time! My hubby and I were shopping around for a new washer and dryer and had left several places feeling bummed at our options. When we saw this post this morning we were all over it! We weren’t able to get the Lowe’s in our area to give us 20% off the online price, but it was still a sweet deal for a really nice set. I will be enjoying them tomorrow and laundry day has never seemed so sweet! Thanks again! =)
Renee says
Amazing deal! And this is completely random, but I just got a lovely tree skirt at Pottery Barn that reminded me of your improvised Ikea sheepskin rug tree skirt. It was marked down to $29.99 from $119. They are sold out online but it found one in store. Since you always alert us to good deals, I thought I would do my part!
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/faux-sheepskin-tree-skirt/
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Renee,
So cute!!! Thanks for sharing the tip!
xo,
s
Monica says
Holy cow! Way to score an awesome deal!
Kimberly says
That is a very sexy looking laundry room. I know it isn’t your laundry room, but I am quite jealous of it.
Katie says
We’ve had the same luck as well through the local “big box retailers.” When we wanted to buy a patio set this summer, Home Depot was offering free delivery if you purchased the set online. We, like you, figured the local stores had sales numbers to meet, and mentioned to the store manager that we were planning to purchase online for the free delivery. Sure enough–he offered us the free delivery directly from the store, and even did an inter-store transfer for the merchandise he didn’t have in the store. It really does pay to speak to the local store directly!
Nicole says
Um…that is AMAZING. I wish I could land deals like that! Hubby and I really want to upgrade but need to sell our less-than-efficient washer and dryer first. Since we’re using cloth diapers for our little one, an energy efficient washer and dryer sure would be nice!
Jacqueline says
Looks good, I am currently looking for a frontloader washer and noticed them quite cheap in the post-xmas sales.
RE dryer, I actually prefer the 100% energy efficient option – ie, I don’t own a dryer I just use the sun/air (what a novel concept!). :-)
Amanda I says
We just bought the same ones. We only had a 10% off code, but the delivery was free, too. I’m so excited. We have a washer from the 90s and a dryer from the 60s, so these will be a major upgrade! Thanks so much!!!!
Sara @ House Bella says
Our energy star washers were WAY more than that, but I can appreciate a good deal when I see one. Nice work, youngsters!
Staci Mikelle says
I just bought the pair in L.A. they where the same price you stated in store. We paid 100$ more for a gas dryer. They gave us 20% plus 10% and free delivery. I showed him the adds and he said the register automatically gave me 30% off. I didn’t even need the coupons. Also the pedestals are buy one get one free, for people who don’t want to bend over too far.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome Staci! Out in LA you don’t even need to haggle. Haha. Congrats on the score!
xo,
s
Ange says
Ooh! Congratulations, they are so pretty (as far as applicances go)They will definitely make that laundry nook, look YHL! I bought a new washer 4 months ago & paid $938 for it alone. I didn’t need a dryer but wish I had been presented a deal like this!How can you not smile everytime you do a wash now?
Tovah says
What a great post–we just went and bought a new fridge today from Lowe’s and also scored money off by checking online vs. just the store price. That added to the ten percent sale on appliances (ending today!) and an extra ten percent military discount (had to get manager approval on that) means that we scored a deal ($350 off!) on an energy star fridge that will be SO much better then our current one.
Keep the coupon hints and tips coming! :)
Angela says
I both called Lowes (national) and checked with my local store. Both said the 20% promo was already applied to the $399 prices online and was not legit as an additional discount. Sad, sad – (but good job YHL on getting a great deal!). However, they will match online prices to in-store. Also, the matching pedestals are buy one, get one which really does make this an excellent deal.
(I bought set several days ago, and now will at least be getting a partial refund to match the online prices.
kimliveshealthy says
Genius!!! Your blog makes me so excited to save up to buy our first home – hoping 2011 is the year!
amber w says
Thank you SO, SO much for this tip! We are moving into our very first home {with a family of 5!} in 10 days and this deal was amazing. We had a 10% off coupon but the deal was still smokin! My store wouldn’t do it but they did have them in stock so I was able to do in store pick up for free. I’ve been giddy all day about our washer and dryer. We needed them and we wanted them to be nice and inexpensive. Perfect post today!
Emily says
Does anyone know what is on top of the washer and dryer? It looks like some sort of clip on work surface.
You guys score the MOST amazing deals!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Emily,
Yes, it looks like some sort of snap-on counter that joins the washer and dryer together for a seamless work surface. Looks fancy!
xo,
s
MS says
I saw your post at work today and stopped by Lowe’s on the way home for some other supplies and strolled through the appliance aisle. At the time, I thought, nah, maybe next year. Got home, put in a load of laundry and am currently listening to the LOUDEST most irritating noises in the world from that dumb old thing! Headed to lowes.com now to see what the deal is, cuz I’m over it! Thanks for the intel!
K Spencer says
Hi, I know your were excited to purchase the washer and dryer set. I owned the set liked the one you just purchased.I hated the washer, it made the jet engine noise when it is in the spin cycle, I had the reapirman twice to fix the problem and they siad it was normal. you can’t load the washer with too much clothes or the washer would shake so hard and it actually shifted. I hope you have a newer model washer and the co has fixed the problem. By the way I love your blog!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey K Spencer,
So sorry to hear that! We had Whirlpool Duets in our last house for three years and loved them (we didn’t have any issues that you describe). Since these are the newer models of the same brand (Whirlpool Duet) we’re hoping they’re the same (or even better, since they’re newer- haha). Hope you don’t have any more issues with your washer & dryer!
xo,
s
erin says
You might want to also check with your local water, gas, and electric companies to see if they offer any rebates as well. When we purchased our Duets a couple years ago, all three were offering rebates. We had paid $800 total for ours then, and got $200 of rebates from the utilities on top of that.
Just curious, have you had any problems with mold on the washer gasket (around the door)? Ours has molded up like crazy and I don’t know what to do about it as no amount of elbow grease or bleach seems to get the stains out.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erin,
Thanks for the tip! We’ll definitely give it a shot! Who doesn’t love a rebate? As for mold, we didn’t have any issues with ours, but we did leave the door open for a bit after running a load just to air things out. We have heard that they sell something called Afresh (or something like that) to run through your washer if you have any mold issues so maybe that will help? We use old fashioned vinegar from time to time and that might also be what has kept us from having any mildew or mold problems. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Keli Cook says
A week before Christmas, I called my SIL for her advice on a food processor for my husband, to which she recommended a Cuisinart for the quality and price. She is a devout online shopper and while on the phone, she pulled up a deal through Williams Sonoma that was ending the next day at midnight. Long story short, I called a local store and purchased a die-cast, 16 cup Cuisinart, regularly $545, for $199. In addition, we received a $10 gift card for every $50 spent, to be used after the holidays, so I purchased a little stocking stuffer and received a $40 gc. All in all, roughly $160
I’m still not sure which was more awesome: the look on his face when he opened it, or the crazy deal I got, but when I got home after buying it, I broke down and cried.
Jen {Savvy Homegirl} says
AWESOME deal!! I love that you guys aren’t afraid to ask. I find it’s easy to get frustrated in those stores with all their clever promotions. I LOVE the washer & dryer too. My mom has always swore by Whirlpool. Haha random.. who knows what appliance brand their parents love?
Stacy says
Since you have had them before I don’t have to tell you how much you’re gonna love them! I have the Duet Steam washer and dryer with the pedestals and the laundry tower pictured, which is great for storage and it looks pretty. Thanks to a corp. partnership through my work and buying during a AMAZING sale we got them for half of the regular price of Lowe’s. We have had them 18 months running about 7 loads a week and note 1 problem!
The thing on top is a work station kinda like ya’ll made in your last house but they are pricey!
Jackie H. says
Tried to get the deal you did and w/o another 20% off coupon at our local Lowes and it was ‘no dice’. They said the 20% off was the $898 price posted. Our present w/d set is 8 years old and just had a new dryer element put in to the tune of nearly $175! So it is what it is. I did sign up at lowes.com for email alerts etc. so I don’t miss the next big coupon. I did see coupons offered on ebay etc. Wonder if they’re real or illegal?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jackie,
We have no idea about that. Anyone know if the ebay coupons are legit and legal? We’ve noticed that some coupons say “not valid if auctioned or sold” so maybe it’s questionable?
xo,
s
Michelle says
Woo Hoo, awesome deal guys!!! I’m obsessed with a good deal :)
Jenn A. says
Now THAT is an awesome deal!!! It is inspiring, in fact! Thanks for the February tip, too-we need a new washer/dryer so badly right now. As in, I would love to stop drying everything twice. :) Thanks for sharing your tips!
jayyy says
what is your friend katies blog?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jayyy,
Here’s her url for ya: http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/
xo,
s
Tarnya Cook says
That is an awesome score guys, last year I had to buy a new washer as ours died and I paid around $750 just for a top loader which in Australia is mid range pricing, so what you got is a major bargain where I come from and with the aussie and US dollar on par at the moment I can’t even comtemplate a deal like that. Well done!!
Sarah (Sarah Learns) says
Wow, the photos of the washer and dryer pretty much made me drool. I currently live in an apartment with a communal laundry room, but I have sworn to myself that my next apartment will have in-unit washer/dryers. Here’s hoping they’re as pretty as your new ones! :)
Merri says
They’re pretty. Hope you enjoy them. Wish I could say that about mine, I have 1st gen Whirlpool Duet w/d and they’re horrible. Doesn’t clean well, jeans come out really bunched up, smelly. Dryer “dampness” sensor useless. Maybe they’ve improved a lot. I love the idea of being energy efficient, but I’ll never buy another front loader. Okay, sorry to vent. Mere mention of Whirlpool brings out the worst in me. Love your blog.
Jessica says
Awesome deal! Our washer JUST died, so I was pumped to see this post. However. I’ve called four Lowes stores and none will honor the 20 percent on top of the online price! It is still a great deal without it, but it makes me a little ill to know I could have gotten it cheaper at a more accomodating location.