Best Appliance Store

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Howard’s Appliance, TV & Mattress Storewas was chosen the top appliance store by Register readers.

1. Howard’s

Multiple locations; Howards.com

In its 75 years of existence, Southern California-based and employee-owned Howard’s has served more than three-quarters of a million homes in the region. With stores in Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra and Laguna Hills, this local institution is also Orange County’s top pick for appliances.

Over the course of the past year, shoppers have turned to Howard’s for major appliance upgrades. “A lot of people were focused on how they could improve their living conditions at home,” says president, CEO and Chairman of the Board, John Riddle, by phone.

He notes that time spent at home over the course of the pandemic may have led to the overuse of appliances, shortening their lifespans. Plus, with people spending less on travel and entertainment, they may have had more of a budget for home necessities. That’s where Howard’s was able to help. The chain had already begun implementing connected capabilities at their stores to demonstrate the types of appliances that are gaining interest with consumers.

“What we saw was consumers looking for new, innovative major appliances, particularly those that were smart and connected,” says Riddle. This includes appliances that connect to mobile or tablet devices, allowing people to conveniently plan meals or even check the fridge while on grocery store runs.

In the midst of last year’s wildfires, customers also turned to Howard’s for air purifiers, but the demand didn’t stop once the skies cleared, and that’s something Riddle suspects will continue as people become more conscious of air quality.

2. Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home

Multiple locations; bestbuy.com

Although Best Buy has owned Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home for well over a decade, the luxury appliance retailer has strong roots in Southern California. It was founded in 1960 and boasted 14 showrooms in Los Angeles and Orange County before its 2006 sale.

Pacific Sales remains a popular spot for Orange County residents in the market for appliances from family-owned Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove, techsavvy brands like Monogram or Dacor or customizable pieces from JennAir. The retailer offers a wide variety of high-tech home options, from app-controlled washers to refrigerators that help preserve produce by absorbing ethylene gas.

In addition to locations inside Best Buy, there are Pacific Sales standalone shops in Brea, Huntington Beach, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano. The Southern California standalone shops also carry kitchen and bathroom fixtures, which includes brands like Kohler and TOTO. Shoppers can connect with sales consultants in-store, online or by video.

3. The Home Depot

Multiple locations; homedepot.com

One-stop shop The Home Depot keeps Orange County residents up-to-date for their appliance needs.

“In the kitchen, we see customers interested in refrigerators that bring design and innovation together with features like more food storage, fingerprint resistant surfaces and dual ice makers,” says Jabarr Bean, regional vice president, Pacific South for The Home Depot, by email.

In Bean’s region, which includes Orange County, customers are also looking for washing machines with WiFi and antimicrobial technology and oven ranges with air-fryers.

“Customers are also enjoying more flexibility in their appliances, like larger capacity ovens to prepare multiple meals or dishwashers that feature a third rack to fit more,” says Bean.

Before heading to The Home Depot, check out the DIY Projects & Ideas section of the store’s website, which includes articles that might help you assess your appliance needs. The Home Depot also offers a variety of appliance installation and repair services.