Do microwaves go on sale for Black Friday?

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, with retailers offering major discounts and deals on a wide variety of products. Many people wonder if popular kitchen appliances like microwaves will be marked down for Black Friday sales events. There are a few key factors to consider when determining if and how much microwaves may be discounted for Black Friday.

What are the typical discounts on microwaves for Black Friday?

Microwaves do often go on sale for Black Friday, with discounts generally ranging from 20% to 50% off regular prices. Here are some examples of typical microwave Black Friday discounts:

  • A microwave with a regular price of $100 may be $80 on Black Friday (20% off)
  • A higher-end microwave regularly $200 could be discounted to $150 (25% off)
  • Some particularly good deals may cut 50% or more off the regular price, taking a $150 microwave down to $75

The specific discount amount will vary by retailer, brand, and model. In general, basic microwaves under $100 tend to see discounts around 20-25%, while pricier models over $200 are more likely to be marked down 30-50%. High-end smart microwaves or convection microwaves may also see steep discounts.

What microwave brands and models go on sale most for Black Friday?

Some of the most popular microwave brands like GE, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire often offer great discounts on Black Friday. Bestselling countertop microwaves like these tend to see some of the deepest price cuts for the holiday sales:

  • GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt Microwave
  • LG NeoChef 1.5 Cu. Ft. 1100-Watt Microwave
  • Samsung 1.1 Cu. Ft. 900-Watt Microwave
  • Whirlpool 1.4 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave Hood Combo
  • Frigidaire 1.3 Cu. Ft. 1000-Watt Microwave

These are popular everyday basic microwaves that retailers tend to heavily discount to attract Black Friday shoppers looking for kitchen deals. Higher-end smart microwaves and convection microwaves may also see significant discounts.

Where are the best deals on microwaves for Black Friday?

Some of the major retailers known for having great Black Friday discounts on microwaves include:

  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Best Buy
  • Lowe’s
  • Home Depot
  • Amazon
  • Wayfair

Checking Black Friday advertisements from these major retailers can help find the biggest discounts they are offering. Walmart, Target, and Best Buy in particular tend to have dozens of different microwaves marked down for the holiday sales weekend. Their websites and apps typically list all the Black Friday deals on kitchen appliances like microwaves as well.

Should you wait until Black Friday or buy early?

In most cases, the best discounts on microwaves will be available on Black Friday and the weekend after Thanksgiving. However, retailers have been starting holiday sales earlier every year, so deals may start appearing in early November.

Some retailers like Amazon and Walmart roll out online Black Friday deals weeks ahead of time. So it may be worth checking for markdowns in early November. But the very best doorbuster in-store deals on microwaves will still happen the day after Thanksgiving.

One advantage of buying earlier in November is avoiding the frenzied crowds on Black Friday itself. With many retailers offering online deals, you can score a discounted microwave from the comfort of home without facing hectic stores.

What microwave wattages are best for Black Friday deals?

For the lowest prices, shoppers should look for microwave wattages between 900-1200W rather than focus on maxing out wattage:

  • 900-1000W: Budget-friendly workhorse microwaves that cook food reasonably fast. Usually best Black Friday values.
  • 1100-1200W: The sweet spot for most home microwaves. Quick cooking times without getting too expensive.
  • Above 1200W: May cook slightly faster but not enough to warrant paying more. Lower wattages go on deeper Black Friday sales.

900W or 1000W microwaves are often the doorbuster models seeing the very best Black Friday discounts. Still powerful enough for most households without the premium price tag of ultra high wattages.

What are the best microwave features to look for on Black Friday?

When picking out a microwave on Black Friday, prioritize these convenient features:

  • Timer presets for one-touch cooking of common items
  • Turntable for even heating
  • Interior light to view contents
  • LED display with clock for easy use
  • At least 10 power settings

Bonus features like humidity sensors, mutli-stage cooking, or smart connectivity also add functionality. But the features above deliver the most day-to-day use for the money. Focus on microwaves that offer those rather than paying extra for elite extras you may rarely use.

Should you buy a microwave/oven combo or convection microwave on Black Friday?

Here are the pros and cons of microwave combo units on Black Friday:

Microwave/Oven Combos

  • PRO: Two appliances in one saves space
  • PRO: Doorbuster combo deals can offer big value
  • CON: Often have slower, smaller microwaves than countertops
  • CON: Pricier – may sacrifice microwave power for combo functionality

Convection Microwaves

  • PRO: Can brown and crisp food like a traditional oven
  • PRO: Faster preheating than a standard microwave
  • CON: Convection feature requires special cookware
  • CON: More expensive than standard microwaves, even when discounted

If you see a combo or convection model that fits your budget, they can be great. But the best value deals for straightforward microwaving will usually be countertop models.

Are extended warranties worth it for microwaves purchased on Black Friday?

Retailers frequently push extended warranties on Black Friday, but they are rarely worth purchasing for microwaves:

  • Most microwaves come with 1-year manufacturer warranties already
  • Few microwave repairs are needed within the first couple years of ownership anyway
  • Repairs like replacing a magnatron may cost $100-200 – less than the warranty upcharge
  • Credit cards often extend warranties when purchases are made with them

The extra 1-3 years of coverage usually costs $20-50. While peace of mind has some value for major appliances, microwaves are relatively low-cost items that may not break down during the extended warranty period. Pass on this added cost.

Are Black Friday deals on microwaves worth braving crowds for?

The deep discounts available on popular microwaves make them one of the better Black Friday deals if you need a new one:

  • Black Friday prices beat other seasonal sales by $20+, making it the best time to buy
  • Discounts of 25-50% or more off original prices are common
  • Top-selling microwaves often dip to their lowest prices of the year
  • Stores have plenty of inventory, so popular models rarely sell out

However, many retailers now offer the same online deals. So braving crowds may not be necessary if you want to avoid frenzied stores. Overall, the markdowns on microwaves make them a smart Black Friday purchase for the kitchen.

How can you find the best microwave Black Friday deals?

Here are 5 tips for finding the top microwave deals on Black Friday:

  1. Make a list of desired features – size, power, settings, smart options
  2. Browse retailer Black Friday ads in advance to compare prices and models
  3. Set a budget and stick to lower wattage microwaves for best value
  4. Check for additional discounts like coupons or store loyalty program savings
  5. Be flexible – consider alternate brands or slight variations in size or power if the deal is good enough

Having some flexibility and doing prep work goes a long way toward saving big. Being open to lesser-known brands or specs that still meet your needs allows you to take advantage of the deepest microwave price cuts retailers offer.

What is the average price range for microwaves on Black Friday?

While deals vary, expect to see microwaves at these typical price ranges on Black Friday:

Microwave Type Average Black Friday Price Range
Small countertop 0.5-0.8 cubic ft 700-900W $40 – $70
Medium countertop 0.9-1.2 cubic ft 900-1000W $50 – $100
Large countertop 1.5-2.0 cubic ft 1000-1200W $70 – $150
Microwave/oven and convection microwaves $150 – $300+

Budget around $50-100 for a standard microwave and watch for extra discounts. Higher wattages, larger sizes, and combo units may cost more but also see bigger dollar-off discounts. Set price alerts to snagdoorbuster deals on popular models within your target range.

Should you buy other appliances or kitchen deals on Black Friday instead of a microwave?

Stick to buying a microwave on Black Friday unless you see an exceptionally good deal on another needed appliance:

  • Refrigerators may get 10-20% off but no doorbusters since inventory is limited
  • Dishwashers see about 15% off – less than microwaves
  • Stoves may get up to 30% off but microwaves will be cheaper overall
  • Small appliances like Instant Pots and air fryers are priced competitively with microwaves

So unless there is a smoking hot deal on another major kitchen appliance you need, put your budget toward a microwave. The plentiful inventory and likelihood of deep discounts make it one of the very best buys.

That said, keeping an eye out for deals on small countertop appliances that complement a microwave can be smart if the values are there. Blenders, toaster ovens, electric kettles, coffee makers, and more tend to be heavily discounted – sometimes even more than microwaves.

Should you buy from brick-and-mortar stores or online retailers on Black Friday?

Online Black Friday deals have made microwave shopping easy:

  • Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy run online sales with the same discounts.
  • Fast, often free, shipping is available even around Black Friday.
  • No fighting crowds or standing in long lines.
  • Can easily compare different retailers and deals from your home.

The trade-off is you often have to wait 1-5 days for delivery rather than taking it home right away from a store. But for such a convenient and low-cost appliance like a microwave, waiting a bit for shipping is a small price to pay for the ease of online ordering. And many retailers allow in-store pickup of online orders.

Should you shop on Thanksgiving Day or wait until Black Friday?

More retailers have started opening on Thanksgiving Day for early access to Black Friday deals. For microwaves, it is often not worth rushing out on the holiday:

  • Most Black Friday microwave deals are available online on Thanksgiving without leaving home.
  • In-store only doorbusters often don’t apply to microwaves since inventory is ample.
  • The very best discounts typically start Friday morning both online and in stores.
  • You can make a game plan from the comfort of home by looking at ads online.

Thanksgiving openings tend to focus on limited stock electronics and TVs rather than plentiful items like microwaves. You will maximize choice and likely get the same deals by waiting until Friday. The exception would be if a retailer releases an exceptionally good microwave deal for an in-store-only Thanksgiving opening.

Are there any drawbacks to purchasing a microwave on Black Friday?

There are not many downsides, but a few things to keep in mind:

  • Selection is more limited to doorbuster models, making it hard to find niche features
  • Stores may push lower-quality budget models rather than premium ones
  • You may get older models that are being phased out and discounted
  • Sales volume means potential for more returns and exchanges

The key is focusing on well-reviewed models from reputable brands. Even entry-level microwaves from leading manufacturers will serve most users well, especially at Black Friday pricing. Avoid unknown brands promising features that seem too good to be true. As long as you stick with a known, trusted label, even their budget models make for smart buys.

Conclusion

Black Friday brings impressive discounts on top-selling microwaves that can save shoppers $20, $50 or even $100 or more. While online shopping convenience has diminished the need to battle crowds, the unbeatable prices are still worth pouncing on. With some prep and flexibility, buyers willing to scoop up doorbuster deals can get a microwave at the lowest price of the year during Black Friday sales. Just focus on trusted brands and core features rather than elite extras. And concentrate on the optimal 700-1200W models offering the perfect balance of power and value. Follow these tips and you will find the ideal microwave at the ideal price to make your Thanksgiving leftovers even more satisfying.