The main places to buy an air fryer
Air fryers are sold at big-box retailers, kitchen specialty stores, online marketplaces, and secondhand platforms. The choice depends on whether you want to see the unit in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a discount. Each route has different return policies, warranty coverage, and price ranges.
Most people find what they need at one of five types of sellers: national chains like Walmart and Target, appliance stores, online retailers like Amazon, warehouse clubs, and secondhand marketplaces. Knowing what each offers helps you decide where your money goes furthest and where you can actually inspect or return the unit if something is wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy stock air fryers in-store and online, with return windows of 14 to 90 days depending on the store.
- Appliance specialty stores often have the widest selection and staff who can explain the differences between models, though prices are usually higher than big-box stores.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon, Wayfair, and Bed Bath & Beyond offer fast shipping and straightforward returns, but you cannot inspect the unit before purchase.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club sell fewer models but often at lower prices, and membership is required.
- Secondhand platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay have lower prices but no warranty, and you should test the unit before handing over money.
National big-box retailers: Walmart, Target, and Best Buy
Walmart and Target stock air fryers both in-store and online, with prices typically in the mid-range. Walmart's return window is 90 days for most items, and Target allows 30 days for most appliances (longer if you have a Target Circle membership). Both stores offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount, and you can pick up online orders in-store the same day at many locations.
Best Buy carries air fryers and offers a 15-day return window, which is shorter than Walmart or Target. Best Buy's advantage is that staff can often explain the features of different models, and the store sometimes runs sales on kitchen appliances. If you have a Best Buy credit card, you may may have access to for extended return periods on certain items.
The downside of big-box stores is that selection is smaller than specialty retailers, and prices are not always the lowest. However, the return policies are straightforward, and you can see the unit in person before buying.
Appliance specialty stores and kitchen retailers
Stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Williams Sonoma, and local appliance shops carry a wider range of air fryer models and brands than big-box retailers. Staff at these stores are usually trained to explain the differences between basket-style, oven-style, and dual-basket units, and can help you match a model to your cooking needs.
Return policies at specialty stores vary widely. Bed Bath & Beyond allows 60 days for most items, while Williams Sonoma offers 30 days. Local appliance shops may have different policies, so ask before you buy. Prices at specialty retailers are often higher than big-box stores, but you get more selection and informed guidance.
Many specialty stores also offer delivery and setup services for an additional fee, which can be useful if you want the unit installed and tested before the delivery crew leaves.
Online marketplaces: Amazon, Wayfair, and others
Amazon stocks hundreds of air fryer models and typically ships within one to two days if you have Prime membership. The return window is 30 days for most items, and returns are free if you use Amazon's return label. Wayfair also carries a large selection and offers free shipping on orders above a certain amount, with a 30-day return window.
The advantage of online shopping is speed and selection. The disadvantage is that you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives, and if it is damaged in shipping, you will need to file a return claim. Read the product reviews and photos carefully, and check the seller's rating before buying from a third-party seller on Amazon.
Some online retailers like Overstock and Walmart.com offer similar selection and return policies. Compare shipping times and return windows across sites before you decide, because they vary by retailer and by product.
Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco and Sam's Club sell a limited number of air fryer models, usually at prices lower than big-box retailers. Both clubs offer generous return policies—Costco allows returns for up to two years on most items, and Sam's Club allows 90 days. However, you must have a membership to shop at either club, and membership fees range from $45 to $120 per year depending on the membership tier.
The trade-off is that warehouse clubs stock fewer models than other retailers, so your choices are limited. However, if you are already a member or plan to buy other items, the lower prices and long return window make warehouse clubs worth checking first.
Both clubs also offer online shopping with free shipping on many items if you meet a minimum purchase amount. Check their websites to see which air fryer models are currently in stock, because inventory changes frequently.
Secondhand options: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay have used air fryers at lower prices than new units. Prices depend on the model's age, condition, and brand, but you can often find units at 30 to 50 percent below retail. The advantage is cost; the disadvantage is that there is no warranty, no return window, and no recourse if the unit breaks after you buy it.
Before you hand over money, ask the seller to plug in the unit and run it for a few minutes so you can see that it heats up and the timer works. Check the heating element for damage, and look inside the basket for rust or buildup. If you are buying on eBay, use the platform's buyer protection, which covers you if the item does not match the description.
Secondhand air fryers are a reasonable choice if you want to try one before investing in a new model, or if you are on a tight budget. Just be aware that you are taking on the risk of repair or replacement if something goes wrong.
Comparing price, selection, and return policies
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Selection | Return Window | In-Person Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big-box (Walmart, Target) | Mid-range | Moderate | 30–90 days | Yes |
| Best Buy | Mid-range | Moderate | 15 days | Yes |
| Specialty stores | Higher | Wide | 30–60 days | Yes |
| Online (Amazon, Wayfair) | Mid-range to high | Very wide | 30 days | No |
| Warehouse clubs | Lower | Limited | 90 days–2 years | Yes |
| Secondhand | Lowest | Varies | None | Yes |
What to check before you buy
Regardless of where you shop, look at the warranty coverage. Most new air fryers come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, but not damage from misuse or accidents. Some retailers offer extended warranty plans for an additional cost, which may be worth it if you plan to use the unit heavily.
Check the return policy carefully, especially the time window and whether returns are free or charged. Some retailers charge a restocking fee if you return an opened appliance, so ask before you buy. If you are ordering online, confirm the shipping cost and delivery time, because some sellers charge high shipping fees that offset a lower purchase price.
Read customer reviews on the retailer's website and on independent review sites. Look for comments about durability, ease of cleaning, and whether the unit heats evenly. Pay attention to reviews from people who have owned the unit for at least six months, because early reviews may not reflect long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return an air fryer if I have already used it?
Most retailers allow returns of used items within their return window, as long as the unit is in resalable condition and you have the original packaging and receipt. Walmart, Target, and Costco all accept returns of used appliances. However, some retailers charge a restocking fee or require the item to be in original packaging, so check the specific policy before you buy.
Is it cheaper to buy an air fryer online or in a store?
Prices are usually similar across retailers, but warehouse clubs like Costco often have lower prices than big-box stores or online retailers. Online retailers sometimes run sales or offer discounts for first-time buyers, so compare prices across multiple sites before you decide. Factor in shipping costs and return policies, because a slightly higher purchase price may be worth it if the return window is longer.
What should I look for in a secondhand air fryer?
Test the unit before you buy by plugging it in and running it for a few minutes. Check that the heating element glows, the timer works, and the basket moves freely. Look inside for rust, discoloration, or buildup, which can indicate heavy use or poor maintenance. Ask the seller how long they owned it and why they are selling it.
Do I need to buy an extended warranty?
Extended warranties are optional and depend on your comfort with risk. If you plan to use the air fryer daily and want protection beyond the manufacturer's one-year warranty, an extended plan may be worth the cost. If you are buying a secondhand unit or a budget model, an extended warranty is not available and may not be necessary.
Can I buy an air fryer directly from the manufacturer?
Some manufacturers like Ninja and when ready Pot sell directly through their websites, often at prices similar to retailers. Buying directly from the manufacturer can be useful if you want a specific model that is out of stock elsewhere, or if the manufacturer is running a sale. Check the manufacturer's website for the model you want and compare the price and shipping cost to other retailers.