Consumer Reports Slams Menards as Worst Appliance Store

Menards, the third-largest home improvement chain in the US, has been ranked as the worst appliance store by Consumer Reports. According to CR's August 2026 rankings, Menards scored poorly in categories such as selection, customer service, and pricing.

The Wisconsin-based retailer has over 300 locations across 15 states, but its low scores have raised questions about the factors contributing to its poor reputation. While neither Home Depot nor Lowe's are ranked near the top of CR's appliance store roundup, both chains sit higher than Menards in every category, with comparable pricing.

One possible reason for Menards' low ranking is its rebate program, which has been criticized by customers and led to a $4.25 million multi-state settlement in December 2025. The program was accused of misleading consumers about the availability of discounts, and CR's data suggests that Menards may not be following through on product warranties.

Additionally, part of Menards' low score may be due to a lack of data in certain categories, such as website usability and home delivery. According to CR's rating methods, products or brands without sufficient data are assumed to have an average score.