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A large appliance is no small purchase. Here's how to find one that's reliable, energy efficient, and more. infrared induction cooker
Whether you’re building your dream home and need a suite of new kitchen appliances or are simply looking to replace a clunky, old dishwasher, shopping for appliances can be both stressful and time-consuming. Your appliances need to meet your household’s daily needs — and with all of the bells and whistles offered today, shopping in person can help you find your best fit, according to Christina Cooley, the Senior Director of Home and Retail Intelligence for J.D. Power.
Before you browse, however, it’s important to research your options and know which are the most energy-efficient, according to Cooley, who says J.D. Power’s findings from the 2023 Appliance Satisfaction Survey show that the right appliance can cut your water and/or electric bill by about one-third. From savvy refrigerators with features you never knew you needed to range hoods that keep your air flowing, these are the very best kitchen appliance brands to suit your culinary needs, whether you’re looking to splurge or save.
The brand offers a wide variety of smart kitchen appliances at different price points and is considered the most reliable on the market.
Popular models will be often out of stock for unknown amounts of time.
LG is an industry leader in home electronics and appliances, boasting a portfolio that ranges from top-notch home theater products to full-size smart ovens with air-frying capabilities. LG’s side-by-side refrigerators led the category in terms of customer satisfaction in this year’s J.D. Power Appliance Satisfaction Study, according to Cooley, and it shared the top spot for over-the-range microwaves. Plus, it made some of the most energy-efficient fridges and freezers on the market in 2023, per EnergyStar, and is rated the most reliable, according to Yale Appliance.
LG is an excellent option for culinary enthusiasts and tech fanatics alike, as it offers a suite of innovative kitchen appliances that allow you to cook like a professional chef at home with all the conveniences one needs to streamline life. And if you’re seeking some serious luxury, LG’s Signature Kitchen Suite line is hard to beat, as it features the industry’s largest capacity refrigerators as well as the only built-in sous vide range.
Recommended for: Busy households looking for a balance of convenience and design | Warranty: 1 year for both labor and parts
The models are easy to service and the brand is known for its reliability.
The brand doesn’t offer as many unique or smart features as the others on this list.
Maytag may be one of the most iconic brands on this list, thanks to the classic Maytag Man commercial that has been popular since the 1970s. Its appliances are known for being some of the most reliable and easiest to fix, and it boasts the best warranty in the industry. While it doesn’t offer ultra-smart features and trendy designs, it’s a tried-and-true brand that will do the job for one of the lowest prices of any on this list. Maytag is also a top pick for those seeking to upgrade their laundry room appliances, with some of the best values on the market.
Recommended for: Anyone looking for simplicity and consistent performance at a great price | Warranty: 10 years (for limited parts)
The brand has the highest number of customer satisfaction rates, according to research from J.D. Power.
Some models are pretty pricey.
Samsung scored the most spots in J.D. Power’s 2023 Appliance Satisfaction Study, ranking the best in cooktops, freestanding ranges, French door refrigerators, and top-mount freezers with two-door refrigerators, in addition to sharing the top spot for over-the-range microwaves with LG, according to Cooley. Not only does the brand rank high in customer satisfaction, but it also offers excellent prices for its quality products. We recommend it to those looking to get the most bang for their buck while still scoring a luxurious piece. For a customized kitchen, check out Samsung Bespoke, which will help you create the appliances of your aesthetic and functional dreams.
Recommended for: Tech-savvy cooks and those seeking a range of customizable options | Warranty: Depends on product and model purchased.
The brand is easy to shop for in person and is considered an industry leader in dishwashers.
It’s one of the most expensive options at big-box retailers.
Bosch is a staff favorite, and you’ll find it at the top of some of our best appliance roundups, from dishwashers to electric ranges. It’s no wonder, considering the company has been around since 1886 and leading the industry ever since. We also love that the brand is easy to find, whether you’re shopping at a national chain or a local retailer, and easy to service. Bonus: Bosch was named EnergyStar’s 2023 Partner of the Year, meaning it’s worth the initial investment to ease the burden on your wallet (and the planet) over the years.
Recommended for: Those looking for a harmony of reliability, luxury, and energy efficiency at a mid-to-higher price range | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty, entire appliance, parts, and labor
The brand has a large selection at a range of price points.
The technological features are a bit basic in comparison to the other brands on this list.
While KitchenAid is most often associated with its iconic stand mixers, the brand makes a wide range of quality appliances that are popular for kitchen renovations and new builds alike. KitchenAid ranked highest in customer satisfaction for wall ovens and dishwashers in 2023’s Appliance Satisfaction Study, according to Cooley. Shoppers across budgets will likely be able to find an appliance that suits their needs, though it’s worth noting that KitchenAid products have fewer smart features and focus more on energy efficiency.
Recommended for: Those seeking easy-to-use, reliable kitchen appliances from a legacy brand | Warranty: Depends on product type and model
Offers top marks in luxury and energy-efficiency.
The products may be out of reach for the average consumer.
If it's energy efficiency you’re looking for, Fisher & Paykel is best in class. EnergyStar deemed the brand the “Most Efficient” in dishwashers in 2023, and it ranks among the top 10 in standard refrigerators and freezers. It’s also a top pick for design enthusiasts thanks to the brand’s gorgeous silhouettes and colorways, which make seamless additions to modern spaces. And while it's one of the most expensive brands on this list, Fisher & Paykel is worth the splurge for culinary enthusiasts seeking a professional experience with plenty of smart features. You won’t be able to shop these at your local big-box retailer, however, so check out the brand’s Where to Buy page to learn where you can find the products in person.
Recommended For: Those seeking both a showpiece and a seriously energy-efficient appliance | Warranty: 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty for all appliances
The family of brands offers professional-grade appliances that top chefs around the world love.
Products are expensive, and you may not be able to find a retailer nearby to experience the products in person before purchasing.
Interior designer Laura Williams of ATX Design often gravitates towards the Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Cove family of appliances for the aesthetic appeal and reliable quality for her clients. She says the Sub-Zero refrigerator is a go-to for projects and it looks stunning when paneled if you’re looking for a seamless kitchen design.
“Wolf ranges will always be my favorite,” says Williams. “I will always be drawn to the red knobs — they add a certain elevation as they command the space without taking away from the other surrounding design elements.” Yet these products offer more than pretty faces. Gourmands will love all the incredible features offered in a Wolf range (think: Wi-Fi-enabled cooking and chef-created cooking modes) to sleek wine fridges even the most meticulous oenophile will adore.
Recommended for: Home cooks looking for the ultimate gourmet kitchen experience with design in mind | Warranty: Depends on brand purchased from
The brand boasts beautifully designed and reliable products with energy efficiency in mind.
Products aren’t as accessible as some of the other brands on this list and are on the higher end price-wise.
German appliance brand Miele is one of the industry’s most upscale brands, boasting high design and quality at high prices. You’ll find unique features that are worth paying for, from shockingly quiet refrigerators to solar-powered dishwashers. It’s also a top pick for coffee fanatics, as we rated Miele the best splurge for coffee makers with grinders. The good thing is, your splurge can come with peace of mind, as Yale Appliance ranks Miele among the top most reliable kitchen appliance brands on the market. Plus, those in the middle of a kitchen renovation or building their home will find an entire suite of products at their fingertips, from ventilation hoods to wine units and gourmet griddle plates for cooktops.
Recommended for: Aesthetes who are willing to splurge for quality and reliability | Warranty: Extended five-year warranties are available for purchase across the brand’s portfolio.
While likely not your tip-top priority when shopping for appliances, considering the design, both in terms of functionality and aesthetic, is still an important component of your decision. You’ll want to think through all the design elements your household will need from a given appliance, such as an over-sized refrigerator for a large family or a small but efficient dishwasher to fit a cozy apartment kitchen, in order to ensure the piece’s longevity in your home.
You’ll also need to think about how the appliance will look in your space. Do you want to have a sleek, stainless steel look or options for custom cabinet fronts in the kitchen? Do you want to splurge on a luxurious gourmet range or are you okay with purchasing a secondhand piece that fits better with the design of your kitchen? It may be worth chatting with a design expert or shopping for an appliance in-person to make sure you find just the piece to fit your needs.
Appliances have seen some major technological advances in the last few years, so if you haven’t shopped for a dishwasher or oven in a while, you may want to do some research first to see all of the smart features available these days. It’s worth connecting with your local appliance dealer to learn what different brands offer and which features will make your life easier and more luxurious, based on your needs. A particular appliance could be worth the splurge if it has just the right convenience factors that will streamline everyday chores.
Another major advancement in the appliance world as of late is the number of energy-efficient kitchen appliances, available at all price points. Beyond being a smart choice for reducing your household’s carbon footprint, opting for an energy-efficient appliance can save you money on your electric bill each month. Over one-third of new dishwasher buyers reported their water and/or electric bills decreasing thanks to new energy-efficient appliances, according to research from J.D. Power. Don’t forget to donate or sell your old appliances to keep up the good earth-friendly work!
While the longevity of your kitchen appliances will vary based on the type of appliance, brand, how it's used, and how well it’s maintained, you should expect them to last five to 10 years, on average, according to Cooley.
While there’s never a bad time of year to buy a new kitchen appliance, especially if your oven range stops working in the middle of winter or your freezer conks out in the dog days of summer, there are a few key times when you’re more likely to save big, according to Cooley. She says the company’s latest annual Power Appliance Satisfaction Study found that those who weren’t in dire need of an appliance purchased a new one based on major promotions, particularly Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, holiday deals, and appliance sales events at specific retailers.
An appliance’s quality and how it will work with the room’s layout should matter more than the finish or if it’s the same brand as another item, according to Austin-based interior designer Laura Williams. She says that functionality is always her top priority when it comes to kitchen design.
commercial combination oven Unless it helps you make the most of your budget, there’s no need to prioritize having matching appliances, according to Ashley Macuga, an interior designer based in the Bay Area. “The priority absolutely should be finding appliances that meet your family’s cooking needs and also fit within the space,” she says. “But, often brands have promotions that make it financially more attractive to bundle their full suite of appliances together. And with the cost of kitchen remodels these days, I don’t blame any client for choosing that route.”