When is the best time to buy microwaves?🍽️

The Perfect Time to Buy a Microwave: Maximize Savings with Strategic Timing

Get industry insider knowledge on when microwaves are at their lowest prices and how to save up to 50% on top brands

Timing is everything when it comes to purchasing a new microwave. As someone who's analyzed thousands of appliance price points and sales patterns, I can tell you that strategic shopping can save you anywhere from 18% to a whopping 49% off retail prices. The global microwave oven market, now valued at roughly $15 billion and growing at a 4.2% CAGR through 2034, follows predictable sales cycles that savvy shoppers can leverage for maximum savings.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll share exactly when microwaves hit their lowest prices, which sales events offer the deepest discounts, and how to time your purchase for the perfect balance of need and savings. Whether you're eyeing a basic countertop model, a multi-function air fryer combo, or a sleek microwave drawer, let's dive into the data-driven insights that will help you get the best deal possible on your next microwave purchase.

The Best Months to Buy a Microwave

The annual cycle of microwave pricing follows a clear pattern, with certain months consistently offering better deals than others. Based on extensive analysis, here are the prime times to make your purchase:

Month	Average Discount	Sale Frequency	Key Events	Worth the Wait?
November	18.5-28.9%	High	Black Friday, Cyber Monday	Stars: 5/5
October	15.2-20.4%	Medium	Fall sales, Pre-holiday sales	Stars: 4/5
May	21.1-24.7%	High	Memorial Day, Maytag Month	Stars: 4/5
September	15.9-20.1%	High	Labor Day sales	Stars: 3/5
December	13.9-25.9%	High	Holiday sales, After-Christmas sales	Stars: 3/5
January	15.2-20.3%	Medium	Post-holiday clearance, New Year sales	Stars: 3/5

November stands out as the absolute best month to purchase a microwave, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday driving discounts of up to 28.9-49% off MSRP. Historical pricing data consistently shows that most major brands hit their lowest prices of the year during this period. In 2025, GE Appliances kicked off Black Friday microwave deals as early as November 5, and Whirlpool extended offers through early December.

October is a strong runner-up as retailers begin their pre-holiday promotions and clear inventory ahead of new model releases (most major brands release new models in September).

May rounds out the top three with Memorial Day sales offering substantial discounts of 21.1-24.7% off retail prices. In 2025, major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy offered up to 40% off select appliances during Memorial Day, with bundle deals sweetening the pot even further.

On the flip side, April and September (early in the month, before Labor Day) typically show the highest average prices for microwaves throughout the year, making these months less optimal for your purchase.

The Big Sales Events for Microwaves

When it comes to microwave purchases, certain sales events stand head and shoulders above the rest. Here are the four sales events that consistently deliver the deepest discounts:

1. Black Friday (Late November)

• Typical Discount Range: 28.8-49% off MSRP
• Why It's Great: This is when retailers offer their deepest discounts of the year on microwaves. Pre-Black Friday deals now start weeks early, giving you even more opportunities to score big savings.
• Shopping Strategy: Research models in advance and be ready to pounce as many deals start earlier in Thanksgiving week. In recent years, retailers like GE have launched Black Friday pricing in early November.

2. Cyber Monday (Monday after Thanksgiving)

• Typical Discount Range: 23.8-37.5% off MSRP
• Why It's Great: Online-only deals that sometimes beat Black Friday prices, especially for premium models and the increasingly popular air fryer combo microwaves.
• Shopping Strategy: Compare prices across multiple retailers as exclusivity deals can vary widely.

3. Memorial Day (Last weekend in May)

• Typical Discount Range: 19.1-28.5% off MSRP
• Why It's Great: The first major appliance sale of the summer season. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Amazon regularly offer up to 40% off on select appliances, with free delivery and haul-away perks on many models.
• Shopping Strategy: Look for bundle deals if you're also shopping for other appliances. Bundling typically unlocks extra discounts and bigger rebates.

4. Labor Day (First weekend in September)

• Typical Discount Range: 18.9-27.2% off MSRP
• Why It's Great: Coincides with new model releases, so previous models get marked down significantly.
• Shopping Strategy: Focus on last year's models for the deepest discounts. With manufacturers pushing out new smart and multi-function models each fall, last-generation inventory gets aggressively cleared.

What makes these sales events particularly powerful is that they coincide with key points in the microwave product lifecycle. For instance, Labor Day sales come right as manufacturers like Panasonic, Toshiba, and LG are releasing their new models (typically in September), creating the perfect storm for discounts on existing inventory.

Brand-Specific Buying Insights

Different brands follow slightly different sales patterns. Here's the inside scoop on the top microwave brands:

Panasonic

• Best Time to Buy: Late November (Black Friday) and May (Memorial Day)
• New Model Release Cycle: Annual releases in September/October
• Pricing Strategy: Premium pricing with occasional deep discounts. Panasonic's inverter technology, which provides steady power instead of on-off cycling, remains a key differentiator.
• Notable Model Discounts: The Panasonic NN-SN686S (1.2 cu. ft., 1200W) historically drops from its regular $155 price to around $89 during Black Friday, a savings of roughly 43%. The newer HomeCHEF 4-in-1 Multi-Oven (NN-CV87QS), which adds air frying, convection baking, and broiling, sees Black Friday discounts of 20-30% off its $400+ retail price.

Toshiba

• Best Time to Buy: November (especially Black Friday weekend)
• New Model Release Cycle: Annual releases in September/October
• Pricing Strategy: More frequent but smaller discounts throughout the year. Toshiba remains a top pick for budget-conscious shoppers.
• Notable Model Discounts: The popular Toshiba EM131A5C-BS (1.2 cu. ft., 1100W) typically drops to around $110-120 during major sales events from its usual $140 price point.

LG

• Best Time to Buy: November and March (Spring sales)
• New Model Release Cycle: Annual releases in September/October
• Pricing Strategy: Premium positioning with bundled promotions. LG's NeoChef line with Smart Inverter technology has earned top marks from Consumer Reports and RTINGS for heating evenness.
• Notable Model Discounts: The LG NeoChef LMC1575ST (1.5 cu. ft.) has historically dropped from $230 to around $150 during October promotions, a savings of roughly 35%. The LG MVEL2125F over-the-range model, rated a top performer for 2025-2026, also sees seasonal discounts of 25-35%.

Whirlpool

• Best Time to Buy: November and January (post-holiday clearance)
• New Model Release Cycle: Annual releases with emphasis on September
• Pricing Strategy: Higher MSRP with aggressive sale discounting
• Notable Model Discounts: The Whirlpool WMH53521HZ has seen discounts of up to 47% (from $410 to around $216) during Black Friday sales.

Breville

• Best Time to Buy: November (particularly during Black Friday/Cyber Monday)

• New Model Release Cycle: Annual releases in September/October

• Pricing Strategy: Premium pricing with fewer, but deeper discounts

• Notable Model Discounts: The Breville Smooth Wave BMO850BSS, a top-rated premium countertop model, retails around $400 and has dropped to $280-320 during major sales events, representing savings of 20-30%.

The Waiting Game: Is It Worth It?

One of the most common questions I hear is: "Should I buy now or wait for a better deal?" Let's break down exactly what waiting might save you:

If You Buy During...	Vs. Buying During Peak Price Times	Potential Savings on a $250 Microwave
Black Friday (November)	vs. April Prices	$60-$123 (24-49%)
October Pre-Holiday Sales	vs. April Prices	$35-$51 (14-20%)
Memorial Day (May)	vs. April Prices	$47-$61 (19-24%)
Regular Price (Non-Sale)	vs. Best Sale Timing	$0 (You're paying up to 49% more)

The data shows that the difference between buying at the worst time (April) versus the best time (November) can translate to savings of up to 49% on popular models. For a $250 microwave, that's a potential savings of over $120. Enough to buy several months' worth of groceries to cook in your new appliance.

However, there's a tradeoff. If your current microwave is broken and you're relying on takeout food, waiting 6 months for Black Friday could end up costing you more in restaurant bills than you'd save on the appliance. In these cases, I recommend aiming for the next upcoming sales event rather than waiting for the absolute best deal of the year.

Microwave Product Cycles and Model Updates

Understanding product release cycles gives you another edge in timing your purchase. Most major microwave manufacturers release new models annually, typically in September or October. This timing creates predictable discount opportunities:

1. End-of-Model Clearance: In August and September, retailers discount existing models to make room for upcoming releases, offering savings of 16.5-19%.

2. Black Friday New Model Discounts: New models released in September/October often see their first significant discounts during Black Friday, sometimes dropping 24-35% from initial pricing.

3. Last Year's Model Steals: Previous generation models can see extreme discounts of 40-50% during major sales events after the new models are released.

For example, when Panasonic released their 2024 models in September, their earlier NN-SN67HS saw price drops from $155 to as low as $89 in subsequent sales. A similar pattern plays out across all major brands each year.

What's Trending in Microwaves Right Now

The microwave landscape has shifted significantly. Here are the trends shaping what you'll find on shelves and how they affect your buying strategy:

Air Fryer Combo Microwaves are the hottest category right now. Models like the Panasonic HomeCHEF 4-in-1 let you microwave, air fry, convection bake, and broil in a single appliance. Search interest for these combos has surged over 45% year-over-year, and they're particularly popular in smaller kitchens and urban apartments where counter space is limited. Expect to pay $250-$500 for a quality combo, with the best deals landing during Black Friday.

Microwave Drawers are gaining ground as homeowners move away from over-the-range models. Built into lower cabinets or kitchen islands, these provide a sleek, integrated look. Sharp remains the primary manufacturer, though brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, and Thermador offer rebadged versions. Prices range from $1,000 to $2,000+, with the best discounts appearing during kitchen remodel sales (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday).

Smart Microwaves with Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control (Alexa/Google), and app integration are becoming standard in mid-range and premium models. Samsung has been particularly aggressive here, integrating their microwaves with SmartThings home ecosystems.

Inverter Technology continues to spread beyond Panasonic (its pioneer) into LG, Toshiba, and other brands. Inverter microwaves deliver consistent, even heating rather than cycling full power on and off, which means better cooking results. If you're upgrading from an older microwave, this is the single biggest quality-of-life improvement you'll notice.

Smart Shopping Strategies Beyond Timing

While timing is crucial, combining it with these additional strategies can maximize your savings:

1. Price Tracking Tools: Use price tracking tools to monitor specific models you're interested in. Some retailers will even match a price drop if it occurs shortly after your purchase.

2. Bundle Deals: If you're remodeling a kitchen, look for bundle deals where buying multiple appliances together yields bigger discounts than individual purchases. Memorial Day and Black Friday bundles regularly unlock extra rebates of $200-$500.

3. Floor Models and Open Box: These can offer savings of 11-15% beyond the sale price, particularly toward the end of major sales events.

4. Retailer-Specific Promotions: Some retailers offer exclusive models or additional discounts through their credit cards or loyalty programs, adding another 4-9% in potential savings.

5. 2025 Model Clearance: As we move through 2026, 2025 models will start getting cleared out to make way for new inventory. The best absolute price on a specific 2025 model often appears in early-to-mid 2026 as retailers dump previous-year stock.

The Bottom Line: When Should YOU Buy?

Based on the comprehensive data, here's my actionable advice:

If you need a microwave immediately: Shop during the next upcoming sales event (check the table above) and focus on models from previous generations for the best value.

If you can plan ahead: Target Black Friday/Cyber Monday for the absolute best deals of the year, with potential savings of 28.8-49% off MSRP.

If you want the latest technology: Buy in October/November after the September release cycle, when the newest models see their first significant discounts. This is especially true for the new wave of air fryer combo and smart microwaves launching each fall.

If you're extremely budget-conscious: Wait for Black Friday deals on last year's models, which can see discounts of up to 49% off original MSRP.

If you want a multi-function model: The air fryer combo category is expanding rapidly with new entrants from Panasonic, Toshiba, and others. Competition is driving prices down, and Black Friday 2026 should offer the best selection and pricing yet for these versatile appliances.

Remember that the microwave market is growing steadily at a 4.2% CAGR through 2034, with increasing emphasis on multi-function cooking, smart connectivity, and space-saving designs like microwave drawers. This means that while timing sales events is important, you're also investing in technology that's becoming increasingly sophisticated and valuable in the modern kitchen.

By combining the right timing with strategic model selection, you can enjoy the perfect balance of features, performance, and value on your next microwave purchase. Happy shopping!