1. Howard’s
Multiple locations; howards.com
Last fall, Howard’s opened up its Experience Center in Tustin, its seventh tech-forward appliance shopping outpost in Southern California. Now, all four Howard’s locations in Orange County have leveled-up to what the 77-year-old, employee-owned company calls its Revolutionary Appliance Retail Experience (RARE).
For folks looking to equip their home in connected devices, these showrooms are the spot to try out the latest small and large appliances from brands ranging from KitchenAid to Monogram. You can tour the interactive installations on your own or with a salesperson. If you’re looking for guidance into the world of smart appliances, find your nearest location online and schedule a one-hour appointment with a product expert to either meet at the Experience Center or via video or phone call.
But, if Alexa-enabled ranges and fridges with hands-free water dispensers aren’t your thing, you can still find classic appliances at Howard’s, both in-store and online. If you have a good idea of what you need in your home, check online to see where it’s available and either check it out in person or place your order.
An advantage of Howard’s is that the store offers delivery, installation and haul-away/recycling services using its own, uniformed crews, in addition to in-store pickup. There’s also a parts department, should you need a replacement part for your previous purchases, as well as a 60-day price-match guarantee and lease-to-own options available.
2. Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home
Multiple locations; www.bestbuy.com/site/pacific-sales/pacific-sales-brands/pcmcat1565208745790.c?id=pcmcat1565208745790
For more than 50 years, Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home has been attracting shoppers with its wide range of large and small appliances. Its stock of premium appliances includes fashionable brands like Italian manufacturer Bertazzoni, French luxury oven and range maker La Cornue and California-based Dacor.
Pacific Sales specializes in the innovative and aesthetically pleasing higher tier of appliances, like JennAir’s wall ovens with cinematic lighting and access to the company’s Assisted Cooking app, and the GE Profile Opal portable nugget ice maker with a water tank, built-in Wi-Fi and voice control capabilities.
There are plenty of items that are only available inside Southern California showrooms, so make plans to visit a Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home location, like the recently remodeled San Juan Capistrano Outpost, but, check the store’s website first for information on current promotions. Factory-certified professionals are available to install your new appliances for an additional fee.
3. Renwes
25741 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest; 949-586-3669; renwessales.com
It’s been more than five years since Ferguson bought Renwes, but you’ll still recognize the Lake Forest bath, kitchen and lighting store from its signage. For decades, the business had been family-owned and, even now, it retains the specialized knowledge that is often associated with long-running, local businesses.
Showroom manager Eric Joachim notes that most of the staff members have at least 15 years of experience, which is a key when answering questions and offering information about the high-end appliances that make up much of Renwes’ business.
“It takes years and years to gather that knowledge,” he says. With a 14000 square foot showroom, Renwes is able to display more than many of its competitors, offering you the chance to get an up-close look at that refrigerator or range before you make the purchase. Appointments aren’t necessary, but are a good idea if you’re working on a full remodel so that the staff can prepare for your visit.
