How long should appliances last?

Though the exact lifespan of an appliance depends on the type of appliance, you can generally expect major household appliances to last at least eight years, but maybe up to about 15 years. In general, appliances like garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, and washing machines have shorter life expectancies, while items like refrigerators and ranges tend to last a bit longer.

Should all your appliances be from one brand?

Many people prefer to get all of their appliances from the same brand for two reasons: aesthetic consistency and bundling options. If you’re purchasing a full suite of appliances for a kitchen, for example, getting all of your appliances from one brand keeps the look cohesive. What’s more, at the time of purchase, you may be able to score even deeper discounts by “bundling," or purchasing more than one appliance in a suite.

What is the best time of the year to buy appliances?

According to Carl Prouty, retail and tech expert at Abt Electronics , while you can find a great deal on appliances any time of the year, holidays like the Fourth of July, President’s Day, and Memorial Day tend to be the best times to score big on appliances, since many retailers offer big sales. It’s worth noting that you can also get deep discounts on older appliances when the new product line comes out, but the exact timing depends on the type of appliance you’re purchasing. For example, new refrigerator models come out during the summer months, so retailers slash prices on existing models to make room for new ones.

The 10 Best Appliance Brands of 2023

Before selecting the right appliance—whether you're choosing a refrigerator, oven, washer, or dryer—having background knowledge of the top-rated brands can help you be better informed.

Many leading companies offer signature features or design touches that you may want to incorporate throughout your home with multiple machines from the same manufacturer. Taking this approach can create cohesion with your design scheme. "There are benefits like matching handles and logos," says Carl Prouty, retail and tech expert at Abt Electronics. "Even the colors and stainless steel brush patterns can vary slightly from brand to brand."

To help get you started, we researched all of the top appliance brands, evaluating quality, inventory, customization options, warranty details, and overall value. Our favorite brands include manufacturer giants like GE and LG, which offer a broad selection of appliances across categories and price points, plus high-end brands like Bosch and Café, known for providing extensive customization for the investment.

Here are the best appliance brands to suit all of your household needs.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

View On Lg.com

What We Like

Wide selection from basic to premium models
Available in stores and online
Well-designed products

What We Don't Like

Customer service could be better
Price rises steeply on smart models

No matter what home appliance you're shopping for, chances are you'll come across the LG brand. Over the last decade or so, the manufacturer has quickly risen as one of the biggest names across major appliances of all kinds, particularly washers and dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

Though the brand has options at virtually all price points, it's best known for its innovative smart features. These innovations cost more, but they can simplify everyday routines. Take their laundry machines, for example, which include the innovative TWINWash-compatible LG SideKick Pedestal Washer, which allows busy households to complete two loads of laundry at once. There are plenty of innovative kitchen options, too—like the InstaView Refrigerator, which allows you to see the contents of your fridge without opening the door.

You won't have any trouble finding these exciting appliances, either. LG is a household brand that's available at any major retailer. Even small showrooms will likely stock a few choices from the manufacturer.

View On Geappliances.com

What We Like

Innovative designs
Reliable products
One or five-year warranty on most appliances

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Repair fleet not available in all states

GE has been manufacturing appliances for more than 100 years. This history makes it one of the most reliable options on the market, and it's easy to see why the brand is still thriving today. The company makes appliances across all categories, from refrigerators and dishwashers to laundry machines. Like the company itself, all of GE's appliances are long-lasting, whether you're shopping for a standard energy-saving, top-load washer or the GE Profile Refrigerator that comes complete with hands-free settings and more than ample storage space for a large family.

And despite its storied past, GE continues to innovate, so you know you're always getting one of the latest and greatest products out there. Take, for example, the GE Profile UltraFresh System Dishwasher with Microban Antimicrobial Technology. It's the first and only dishwasher engineered to stay fresher and cleaner during use.

While some of the more feature-rich appliances come with a higher price tag, even the busiest households can feel secure in their purchase. GE has great customer service, including one-year or five-year warranty coverage on most appliances and a wide range of parts should you need to make any repairs to your appliance throughout its lifetime. However, if you do need service on your machine, note that the company's repair fleet may not be available in your state.

Café

View On Home Depot View On Best Buy View On Cafeappliances.com

What We Like

Many customization options available
Wi-Fi capabilities
Feature-rich appliances

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Can be difficult to service

Though a newcomer to the market (it was born out of GE in 2018), Café is catapulting to the top of many consumers' minds thanks to its array of customization options. Though you'll certainly get style, you'll pay the price. The appliances fall in the luxury price range with sought-after accents, including brass handles and knobs. However, as a whole, the lineup isn't quite as expensive as most high-end brands like Bosch. It's also worth noting that you can't always see your final choice in person. If you're creating a customized model, you will have to shop online.

When you shop Café, you can fully customize the exterior of your unit—whether a refrigerator or a range—so it matches the aesthetic of the rest of your space. There's also plenty of functionality to seal the deal, including smart features like the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and control the unit from your phone. The brand has also integrated many cooking functions (such as baking, broiling, and air frying) into products like the Couture Oven with Air Fry to streamline your appliance package.

For a custom, built-in look, consider the Café CYE22TP4MW2 22.2-cubic-foot Smart Counter-Depth Refrigerator. This counter-depth refrigerator has a hot water dispenser and separate evaporators to keep food fresh for longer. Café also has a tall tub dishwasher you can get to match. At just 39 decibels, it's extremely quiet—a must-have feature if you're going high-end.

Lowes

View On Home Depot View On Lowe's View On Best Buy

What We Like

Durable products
Energy-efficient designs
Value-rich options

What We Don't Like

No major premium features
Maximum one-year warranty on most appliances

If you're looking for a great value, Whirlpool is a good place to start. It's widely known as an accessible yet quality manufacturer across nearly all categories of home appliances, from washers and dryers to dishwashers and refrigerators. While you won't find the same premium features that competitors offer, the brand's products are by no means basic. Whirlpool manufactures plenty of appliances with smart functionalities and innovations that can make your household tasks just a little bit easier and more streamlined.

Take the brand's energy-efficient refrigerators, for example, which include French door designs complete with tiered freezer storage, infinity slide shelves, and panoramic LED lighting. Whirlpool dishwashers are just as hardworking. Some models offer super-sized tubs that give consumers a coveted 3 inches of extra storage space yet still fit in the standard 24-inch cabinet opening. And when it comes to laundry, the brand recently launched the 4.7–4.8-cubic-foot Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator, an appliance that allows you to remove the agitator to fit bulky items.

There's no struggle to find these great products, either. You can find Whirlpool appliances at any major retailer or online.

The 7 Best Top Load Washers of 2023

View On Maytag.com

What We Like

Fair pricing
Durable designs
Excellent value

What We Don't Like

Lacks premium features
Limited customization options

Maytag is one of the oldest appliance brands in the United States. Though it initially made its way into American homes with electric washing machines, the brand now offers a full suite of reliable appliances, including washers and dryers, refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, and dishwashers.

You can expect good functionality but shouldn’t expect many customization options or bells and whistles. That doesn’t mean the brand isn’t continually innovating, though. One of its latest washing machine models, the Maytag Pet Pro Washer is a sleek machine complete with the industry’s first built-in pet hair filter to remove five times more pet hair from clothes.

Above all, this brand specializes in overall value, providing reliable and long-lasting appliances at solid prices that are accessible to the average consumer. You’ll have no trouble finding Maytag products in stores and online, since the brand is available at just about every major retailer.

View On Bosch-home.com

What We Like

Innovative appliances
Many customizable and panel-ready options
Widely available at retailers

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Limited smart features

Bosch is a high-end manufacturer of home appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and washers and dryers. When you shop from the manufacturer, one of the most important things to know is that you’ll be paying up. But the premium price tag isn’t for nothing—the brand’s appliances are sleek and sophisticated, function extremely well, and last for years and years.

No matter what appliance you choose, when you shop Bosch, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting a machine with all the latest innovations, including features like automatic air-dry functions, climate-controlled refrigerator drawers, and Wi-Fi-enabled appliances. For example, the Bosch 500 Series Dishwasher has special technology that automatically releases the door after a wash cycle to let moisture escape, so your dishware comes out dry and spot-free. Another winner: the Bosch Benchmark Series French Door Refrigerator, a smart model that allows you to control the lighting, temperature, and more from the Home Connect app.

Many of the brand’s appliances are customizable and panel-ready, too, so you can always nail the aesthetic you’re after. What’s more, you can shop for Bosch appliances at many major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy.

The 6 Best French Door Refrigerators of 2023

View On Kitchenaid.com

What We Like

Wide range of products
Based in the United States
Reasonably priced

What We Don't Like

Higher price points
Lacks high-tech options

Whirlpool may own it, but KitchenAid has plenty of brand recognition all its own, thanks to an extensive line of kitchen appliances, including stovetops, ovens, ranges, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and small countertop appliances like toasters and food processors. Because of the comprehensive suite, many people turn to KitchenAid for bundling when completing renovations or replacing a full line of appliances in their space. Though the brand isn’t exactly known for its tech features, all of the options it offers are modern and reliable.

When it comes to price, some of the more expensive models can get pricey—especially for their lack of true bells and whistles and customization options—but the manufacturer also offers plenty of mid-range options that will suit many consumers. These appliances feel special enough for modern kitchen layouts but won’t break the bank.

You can find KitchenAid appliances nearly anywhere, but one of the brand's most noteworthy appliances is the KitchenAid KRMF706ESS 25.8-cubic-foot 5-Door French Door Refrigerator, which uses two cooling systems for cooling and freezing items to increase food freshness. Another standout is the KitchenAid PrintShield Built-In Dishwasher, which allows you to customize the layout to accommodate all dishes, from small cups to large pots and pans.

Fridgidaire

View On Home Depot View On Lowe's View On Best Buy

What We Like

Good prices
Energy-efficient designs
Long-lasting products

What We Don't Like

Basic products
Technology is lacking in some areas

When you hear the name Frigidaire, you likely think about refrigerators, since that appliance is really the brand’s bread and butter. But the manufacturer produces a full suite of major home appliances for the kitchen—gas ranges, stoves, dishwashers, and even microwaves—as well as washers and dryers.

The brand, which is available online at Wayfair and in stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy, has a great reputation among consumers. Sure, its appliances are relatively run-of-the-mill (read: no major smart functionality), but the brand is extremely dependable and relatively affordable. The brand’s appliances aren’t exactly lacking—they thrive at the basics. The Frigidaire Gallery French Door Refrigerator is a prime example. This model lacks some of the most cutting-edge flourishes but offers ample storage with multiple and multipurpose compartments, such as a drawer that can cool or freeze food items.

Another big draw to the brand is that its appliances are known to last for years. Frigidaire also offers plenty of replacement parts, so you can more easily (and affordably) repair your appliance if need be.

View On Mieleusa.com

What We Like

Sophisticated designs
Easily serviced
Cutting-edge features

What We Don’t Like

Premium prices
Not as widely available

Like Bosch, Miele is one of the most high-end appliance manufacturers on the market. Its reputation hinges on sophisticated design and premium functionality. Though the brand makes everything from refrigerators to ranges to vacuums, it’s perhaps best known for its ultra-reliable dishwashers.

Even the most basic models will cost you, but the quality matches the investment. What’s more, Miele has found a way to manufacture whisper-quiet refrigerators and dishwashers—notoriously loud appliances. The brand is also constantly innovating for efficiency and ease of use. In fact, Miele recently partnered with Loxone to use solar power to start washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers automatically.

Despite the high price tag, you can feel good about your purchase, knowing that the brand stands behind its products. The appliances are known to be easily serviceable to help extend their usable lifetime.

View On Samsung

What We Like

Tons of smart features
Wide range of products
Bespoke options available

What We Don’t Like

Some basic functionality issues
Can be expensive

Another relative newcomer (it has its roots in the 1960s) to the appliance market, Samsung is known for its technological prowess in electronics and extends that into its lineup of appliances such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers. The company—a big rival of similarly tech-focused LG—manufactures thoughtfully designed appliances with smart features, including touchscreens, mobile control, and smart home integration.

It also offers a Bespoke Design Studio for customizing the color, finish, and layout of items like dishwashers, vacuums, and more. But the appliances aren't just flashy—they're very functional in just about every way, too. Samsung's Smart Linear Wash 39dBA Dishwasher features AquaBlast jets and an automatic door that opens after washing to aid in drying. And the Family Hub refrigerator comes with built-in Alexa, so you can control compatible smart devices and even stream music from your fridge.

Just note that some of these bells and whistles can be finicky. Several of the brand's refrigerators have proven unreliable. Specifically, some users have reported defective ice makers and compressor failures.

Locations

Not all retailers have brick-and-mortar locations (Wayfair, for example); others do but don't carry their full selection of offerings on showroom floors (Walmart, for example). Though online shopping brings convenience, it limits your ability to see any appliances you're considering in person—something many people value, especially when making such an investment.

A nice approach: use online retailers like Wayfair or even Amazon to narrow down your choices, and then call around to see where you can go to check out any appliances you're interested in—think, places like Lowe's or PC Richard & Son. Conversely, you can always start by visiting a showroom. Once you've made your selection, purchase from one of the more budget-friendly online retailers.

Cost

Some brands, like KitchenAid and Maytag, cater to those with more modest budgets but don’t have as many bells and whistles or the stamina to last through years and years of heavy use. Other brands like Miele and Bosch are more expensive up front, but offer opportunities for high-end features and customizations—even smart integrations you can control with your phone. If the upfront cost of the latter is in your budget (or if there are financing options available), these more expensive appliances can be worth it in the long, run since you may not have to service or replace them as frequently.

Design Options

More budget-friendly brands, like Maytag, tend to have limited options for customization—they come in one, two, or maybe three finishes. And they certainly don’t have options like choosing different finishes for the handles. Some may not even offer the option to panel the appliance. More sophisticated, high-end brands like Miele tend to provide more customized options—like brass knobs or the option to add custom panels that suit your interior style.

FAQ

How long should appliances last?

Though the exact lifespan of an appliance depends on the type of appliance, you can generally expect major household appliances to last at least eight years, but maybe up to about 15 years. In general, appliances like garbage disposals, dishwashers, microwaves, and washing machines have shorter life expectancies, while items like refrigerators and ranges tend to last a bit longer.
Should all your appliances be from one brand?

Many people prefer to get all of their appliances from the same brand for two reasons: aesthetic consistency and bundling options. If you’re purchasing a full suite of appliances for a kitchen, for example, getting all of your appliances from one brand keeps the look cohesive. What’s more, at the time of purchase, you may be able to score even deeper discounts by “bundling," or purchasing more than one appliance in a suite.
What is the best time of the year to buy appliances?

According to Carl Prouty, retail and tech expert at Abt Electronics, while you can find a great deal on appliances any time of the year, holidays like the Fourth of July, President’s Day, and Memorial Day tend to be the best times to score big on appliances, since many retailers offer big sales. It’s worth noting that you can also get deep discounts on older appliances when the new product line comes out, but the exact timing depends on the type of appliance you’re purchasing. For example, new refrigerator models come out during the summer months, so retailers slash prices on existing models to make room for new ones.

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent nearly 15 years writing about consumer products like home appliances, both large and small. Brigitt recently renovated her nearly 100-year-old home, and a full suite of modern appliances was a big part of that. After extensive research and browsing a whole host of retailers, including Home Depot, AJ Madison, and Best Buy, she ultimately financed a washer and dryer set and a full line of kitchen appliances—a refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave combo, hood, and dishwasher—from P.C. Richard & Son. To curate this list, Brigitt leaned on her own personal experience, consulted bestseller lists, read hundreds of reviews, and spoke to Carl Prouty, a retail and tech expert at Abt Electronics.

The Best Places to Buy a Refrigerator for Your Kitchen