Buying a small appliance—say, a blender or toaster—online is one thing, but what about big-ticket items, such as a refrigerator or washing machine? In a recent survey, in which Consumer Reports asked ...

Big-box retailers and online stores have their own set of benefits, but when it comes to problems and hassles down the road, one is clearly superior.

Maybe your old stove’s burners are getting finicky or your small refrigerator isn’t keeping up with the size of your family. Or maybe you’re just ready for an upgrade. When you shop for a new ...