Best Appliance Store

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Howard’s Appliance, TV & Mattress Store was voted the top appliance store by Register readers as part of the Best of Orange County. 1. Howard’s

Multiple locations; howards.com

There’s good news for those who named Howard’s Orange County’s best appliance store. The Southern California chain is what CEO and Chairman of the Board John Riddle calls “expansion mode.”

Back in 2019, Howard’s launched its Experience Center, where customers play with interactive displays as they try out the latest in luxury and tech-savvy appliances. Recently, the company converted its longtime locations in Huntington Beach, La Habra and Laguna Hills into Experience Centers, while a new location is set to open in Tustin soon.

Founded in 1946, Howard’s is an appliance institution and part of its appeal is that the store caters to customers shopping at a wide variety of price points. If you’re in the market for a Thermador built-in wine cooler or a Jennair Noir dual fuel professional-style range, you might find yours at Howard’s. Yet the store also stocks loads of midrange and budget-friendly brands and models for both small and large appliances.

Beyond the stock, though, Howard’s stands out for its service. The store offers free next-day delivery for qualifying purchases, as well as haul away services for a nominal fee, a major selling point for anyone who has had to make an immediate refrigerator purchase. Speaking of refrigerators, Howard’s has actually loaned out some of its units to customers so that they could have something in the home until their purchase arrived.

“I think that’s part of that sort of personalized kind of service that you can get from a local company that takes an interest in how to build customer following,” Riddle says. “And that’s really been, I think, a big part of our success.”

— Liz Ohanesian

2. Daniel’s Home Center

255 S. Euclid St., Anaheim; 714-999-1285 danielshomecenter.com

From a smart gas range with an air fryer to Wi-Fi enabled washers and refrigerators, Daniel’s Home Center has what you need to upgrade your domestic technology game.

The family-owned chain of stores with an outpost in Anaheim takes some of the stress out of appliance shopping with its financing options and a new online bill pay portal. Express Delivery is available for a fee in Anaheim, Fullerton, Santa Ana and several other Orange County cities. Regular delivery, also available for a fee, includes assembly and placement of your purchase. You can also schedule same-day warehouse pickup for no extra charge.

Family-owned since 1955, Saddleback Appliances is situated inside an 8,000-square foot showroom that stocks goods from over 30 brands.

Saddleblack Appliances is the authorized dealer for American Range’s professional chef caliber products, Capital’s innovative appliances and Speed Queen’s washer and dryers. Free delivery and haul away services are available for qualifying purchases.

In addition to selling you stoves, refrigerators and laundry machines, Saddleback Appliances does repairs for items from most major brands and offers installation services. If you’re the sort of handy person who likes to fix your own appliances, head here to seek out the pieces you need in the parts department. If you’re going for a full kitchen facelift, Saddleback Appliances also carries sinks, faucets and cabinet hardware.

3. Saddleback Appliances

23201 Del Lago Drive, Laguna Hills; 949-830-6910 saddlebackappliances.com