AmazonFresh grocery delivery service launches in Phoenix. Here's how it's different

When it's 110 degrees outside, lugging heavy bags of groceries to the car sounds like torture. Fans of getting their groceries delivered now have one more option to choose from. 

Amazon announced on Thursday that AmazonFresh is expanding service to Phoenix. 

As of Aug. 22, Phoenix-area Amazon Prime members can now order groceries with free two-hour delivery when they add an AmazonFresh membership to their account for $14.99 a month.

"Prime members tell us they want their stuff even faster," said Stephenie Landry, vice president of AmazonFresh and Prime Now, in a release. "We're happy to deliver on that ask and can't wait for customers in Houston, Minneapolis and Phoenix to take advantage of one and two-hour delivery from AmazonFresh."

AmazonFresh vs. Prime Now

Amazon Prime members in Phoenix are already able to take advantage of Amazon's other delivery service, Prime Now.

So what's the difference? The two services are very similar with a few slight differences to take note of when deciding whether or not to shell out the extra $14.99 a month.

Prime Now deliveries come in paper bags with insulation, while AmazonFresh deliveries keep your fruits and veggies cold in insulated tote bags. The green totes are reusable and can be picked up by Amazon at your next Fresh delivery. 

Prime Now offers groceries from Whole Foods and some other local retailers in certain markets. AmazonFresh delivers groceries from Amazon warehouses.

Prime Now offers same-day delivery and two-hour delivery in some markets, while Fresh allows customers to choose a two-hour delivery window or pay an additional fee for one-hour delivery on need-now items. 

AmazonFresh also works with Alexa devices. Those who use the smart home system can say, "Alexa, order milk from Fresh," and milk will be added to their cart.  

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Prime Now is free with an Amazon Prime membership. Amazon Fresh costs $14.99 a month in addition to a Prime membership after a 30-day free Fresh trial.

Orders made with AmazonFresh over $35 will include free shipping, with orders totaling less than that inuring a $9.99 shipping cost. 

Reach the reporter at tirion.morris@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @tirionmorris, on Facebook at Tirion Rose and on Instagram at tirionrose. 

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