Wherever you buy it...have THEM install it. No one is going to want to touch a $2000 refrigerator if they didn't sell it to you. One scratch and they're in the hole. Another reason is no finger pointing. Having a one stop shop install your appliances is the way to go. If any gets damaged you don't have delivery guys, installers all saying "I didn't do it"...then you're stuck with a scratched refrigerator. Find a large appliance dealer that offers white glove delivery and installation. If you're in the Midwest there's Custom Distributors, John Tisdel Dist. and Big Sandys. Avoid the box stores like the plague!

If you're in the Chicago area, ABT Electronics in Glenview has an excellent reputation and does their own delivery, installation and repair (if needed).

thank you. kitchen place, great point! I'm in the SF bay area. Have heard about ABT— too bad they do not have service providers in other areas.

What about if the installs are part of a kitchen remodel? I'm assuming that I can let the contractor(s) do the install or better to have them just do the prep, then have the shop do the install? probably more cost effective too.

My cabinet installers prep the area ready for install for ranges and refrrigerators. They will install built in microwaves, range hoods and smaller built ins. But they won't install ranges and refrigerators. My plumber will install the dishwasher. Have the appliance store handle the delivery and install of the range and refrigerator.

I often have my clients arrange two deliveries. The first is for the items we WILL install, like the microwave, hood and dishwasher. Then after the flooring is all done, a second delivery for the range and refrigerator.