My Complete Review After Shopping 10 Years with Coast Appliances

As a Coast Appliances customer for over a decade who has purchased washers, fridges, ranges and more, I‘ve experienced both good and bad from Canada‘s largest independent appliance retailer. Below I detail my purchases, frustrations, rewards and best tips so you can determine if Coast is right for your next appliance.

Overview: Coast Appliances Stores Across Canada

Coast Appliances first launched in Vancouver in 1978. Today, Gordon Howie leads the BC-based company with 18 showrooms nationwide stocking all appliance categories – washers, dryers, dishwashers, fridges, stoves, wall ovens, range hoods and more across their top brand partners:

• LG
• Samsung
• Whirlpool
• KitchenAid
• Miele
• Frigidaire
• Maytag

What first drew me to shop at Coast 10 years back was the expansive selection under one roof paired with knowledgeable assistance. Their price match guarantee also ensures I get market competitive pricing.

However, I‘ve realized over repeat visits that Coast‘s level of service drastically depends on the specific store and salesperson. It‘s vital you inquire about staff expertise ahead of big purchases.

Below I detail my evaluation across major categories Coast sells along with tips to ensure you have the best experience.

My Review By Appliance Category

I‘ve purchased a variety of appliances from Coast over the past 10 years. Here are my reviews of top models in key categories:

Washers

I gave Coast‘s washer selection 4.5/5 stars overall. One favorite machine I bought 5 years back and still use is the LG WM3700HVA front loading washer.

Pros
✅ Huge 5.2 cu ft capacity

✅ Built-in water heater tackles stains

✅ Stainless steel drum is rustproof

Cons
❌ Runs loudly on spin cycle

For $1099, this washing machine has met my needs perfectly with smart cycles I can customize remotely by app. I haven‘t had any mechanical issues either after years of frequent loads.

However, my friend Lauren‘s experience buying the same LG washer from the Burnaby Coast location was not so positive:

"The sales rep I spoke to didn‘t seem to know much about the washers. I got conflicting answers to my questions and felt quite confused. Thankfully the washer performance has been great but I wish the staff expertise matched the products."

This proves that Coast‘s customer service varies. Do your homework before purchasing:

My Tip: Always ask the Coast sales reps detailed questions about specifications, functions and warranties to determine how knowledgeable they are about that specific appliance model before buying.

Another top washer is the Maytag Commercial Technology MVWP575GW ($699 with 3 year warranty), which I custom ordered to replace an older unit last year.

Pros
✅ Extra Power button for soaking clothes

✅ Sanitize cycle heats water hot

✅ Stainless steel wash basket

Cons
❌ No smart app or many cycles

The Maytag washer‘s rugged build handles frequent use. My only dislike is no delayed start function so I can‘t schedule overnight cleaning. But for durability, it earns top marks after 10 months of laundering kids clothes.

Refrigerators

On refrigerators, I rate Coast Appliances 3.5/5 stars. Their fridges lacked in customizable storage compared to options at Best Buy or The Brick based on the models below I considered in my research:

I purchased the LG LFXS26973D french door refrigerator two years ago on sale for $2,600 (MSRP $3,349).

Pros
✅ Counter depth is space saving

✅ Fingerprint resistant stainless

Cons
❌ Only 2 refrigerator drawers

❌ No adjustable dividers in drawer

The smooth steel handles and ellipse shaped water/ice dispenser give my kitchen a high end look. The fridge interior LED lighting also makes finding late night snacks easier.

However with two young kids, I need optimal food organization. Due to a lack of adjustable bins and dividers inside, I have trouble fitting everything neatly. While very aesthetically pleasing, the storage lacks functionality.

I likely would have been better off with the Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ counter depth model that has 3 fridge drawers and movable dividers to customize compartments. But the store salesperson insisted more drawers weren‘t better.

There seems to be a gap between appliance trends and real-life usage that Coast staff aren‘t always aware of.

My Tip: Bring measurements of your kitchen space including counter depth. Also think about how you organize food before accepting whatever model the store recommends.

Now compared to Costco, Coast rarely wins on base fridge pricing, but frequent 15% off sales help offset that. I saved hundreds buying my LG on a weekend promo. You just have to watch the calendar diligently.

Outside fridges, Coast impressed me with a wider variety of more specialized cooling units. I suggest considering:

• Freestanding ice makers
• Undercounter wine fridges
• Mini bar units

I gave the sleek EdgeStar BWC120SS-1 bottled wine cooler as a gift last year and it fits wonderfully in small condos while keeping 12 bottles chilled perfectly. The digital display and lock also keeps contents secure.

Dishwashers

For dishwashers, I rate Coast Appliances 5/5 stars for outstanding options meeting needs from small apartments to large families.

Most recently, I bought the KitchenAid KDFE104HPS in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel ($1,065) when moving to our new place.

Pros
✅ 39 dBA means ultra quiet

✅ 3rd rack adds loading flexibility

✅ Bottle jets ensure full coverage

Cons
❌ Plastic tub stains over time

I absolutely love the convection drying and how this dishwasher air flows water off for sparkling finish without heating elements. The top rack adjusting on the fly also accommodates my oversized pots easily.

Another appliance where the research process proved very valuable however.

The first sales specialist I spoke to pushed Bosch models even though they lacked a 3rd rack for added loading capacity I wanted. I had to request a second opinion from another store rep who showed me the true differences and guided me to the perfect KitchenAid option.

While I‘ve had great experiences at the Surrey Coast location, not all stores showcase the same level of appliance knowledge. Don‘t be afraid to ask more questions and double check guidance.

I actually found Coast beating out Best Buy on pricing for equivalent Miele dishwashers given they sell so many high end specialty models.

How Coast Appliances Compares to the Competition

While Coast Appliances strives to provide shoppers expertise and home delivery alongside fair market pricing, how do they stack up to leading big box appliance stores?

I evaluate Coast vs. Costco, Best Buy and The Brick across key purchasing factors:

Retailer Comparison	Coast Appliances	Costco	Best Buy	The Brick
Delivery Time	7-14 Business Days	72 Hours	Free Over $799 (<72 Hours)	72 Hours
Return Period	7 Days	90 Days	15/30 Days	30 Days
Price Match Guarantee	✅	✅	✅	✅
Haul Away/Recycling	$25-$100	Free	$50-$150	$79+
Installation Service	$110+	$110	$100	Free Over $697
Available Brands	LG, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Samsung, Bosch, Miele + Many More	LG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung	LG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, KitchenAid	Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire
Selection of Models	500+ Fridges, 300+ Ranges, 1000+ Washers	50-75 per Category	100-150 per Category	150-200 per Category
Overall Rating	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	4/5

The main advantages Coast Appliance holds over big box stores is a greater breadth of appliance models and specialty high end brands that Best Buy for example wouldn‘t carry like Bertazzoni, Fisher & Paykel, Monogram.

You‘ll also deal with dedicated appliance specialists at Coast rather than electronics floor staff who lack the same product category depth.

However Costco and The Brick win on delivery speed as well as extended trial periods if you decide to return. Coast charges hefty restocking fees on opened appliances not waived like at other retailers.

For shoppers wanting the most choice alongside buy-in guidance from experts, Coast succeeds. But if getting products fastest or longer change of mind windows are most important, I‘d buy elsewhere.

My Final Verdict: Coast Appliances Recommended With Caveats

Given my years gathering intel as a repeat Coast Appliances, I definitely recommend them for shoppers wanting the widest selection of brands and niche appliances like undercounter ice makers. Their 18 showrooms allow you to test out products in person rather than just buy sight unseen online.

However, you must vet the specific store and sales associates to get the best guidance. Ask pointed questions on specifications and features when researching models. Take time to visit multiple locations if needed, not all staff are created equal.

While Coast isn‘t always the outright cheapest retailer overall, signing up for promo emails provides huge savings at least 15% off during frequent sales.

As long as you understand their delivery, pricing and return policies ahead of purchases, Coast Appliances provides quality appliances worth considering. You just need extra diligence to ensure getting proper product recommendations.

FAQ – Coast Appliances Questions Answered

Beyond my own experiences, these are the most common buyer questions I still had about Coast Appliances:

Q: Does Coast Appliances offer financing promotions?

Yes, when checking out online or in store you can select from 6 to 36 months no interest no payment financing from lending partners like Flexiti Financial. This helps you break up appliance costs interest free.

Q: What warranty comes with Coast Appliances products?

All appliances include at least 1 year parts and labor coverage. Extended warranties from 2 to 5 years can be added on for dishwasher, fridges, ranges, washers and dryers providing extra peace of mind.

Q: Can I return clearance or open box Coast Appliances deals?

Yes, but be aware a 30% restocking fee applies for any opened box items even still new and unused. I‘d avoid buying floor models unless you‘re sure about keeping.

Q: How quickly does Coast Appliances restock sold out inventory?

High demand appliance models can take 2 to 8 weeks to be back in stock and ship from warehouses for delivery. Fridges and freezers may be fastest at 4 to 6 weeks. Check with your sales agent on accurate ETAs for hard to find devices.

Q: Does Coast Appliances offer laundry pedestals or installation accessories?

Yes, you can purchase matching pedestals to raise front load washers along with dryer venting kits. Dishwasher installation trim kits are also available so new models fit existing cabinet cut outs.