Let’s tackle the big question of which appliance brand has the highest brand reputation and why? Which are top-rated for their quality, their performance, and their overall user reviews?
We took a look at some information from Gadget Review and Consumer Reports and also surveyed our Appliance Specialists. Here’s what we found.
According to Gadget Review, when it comes to reliability, fewer service calls, and customer opinion, Whirlpool appliances tend to score the highest out of available brands. It’s important to note, however, that reliability is highly subjective and can vary widely depending on the type of appliance you are buying.
We asked our Lead Appliance Merchandiser what appliance brand hits a homerun when up at the plate, and Christopher Hunt replied, “Probably Subzero or WOLF, and it is most assuredly due to the reputation of being a dependable and reliable long-lasting brand. In the non-high end arena, I would say GE is the most reliable brand due to their responsiveness to us, here at Sherman’s.”
Our appliance repair team adds, “There honestly isn’t a terrible amount of difference these days. All the brands we carry follow industry best practices and make a solid product. Some are better at working with us and our customers when things go wrong, and those are the brands we recommend because we know even if something fails, we can resolve it quickly.”
Interested in learning more about some of the top brands? Read on.
GE
Likewise, GE is best known for making great cooking appliances but has a very diverse line across all appliance types including washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. There are multiple styles and quality lines throughout GE. GE Profile is its feature-rich line, while GE Café brings a stylish, professional look at a lower price than traditional professional appliance brands.
“One product that customers prefer the most is GE,” Appliance Specialist Lee Lollar says. “GE Appliances are sold the most from my appliance sales experience.”
According to Consumer Reports, GE makes some of the most reliable ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool is a world-wide reputable company designed to fit any family and any price point. They’ve been around for a long time and have just about any product to suit your needs. They are also one of the largest manufacturers of appliances and very strong in laundry and refrigeration.
According to an August 9, 2018 post from Consumer Reports’ Survey, Whirlpool was a top brand in front-loader washing machines with attributes including reliability and high customer satisfaction.
Appliance reliability is incredibly important. You do not want to buy a $1,500 refrigerator or $5,000 professional range and then have problems right away. Initial quality is especially important when buying an appliance. It’s important to us here at Sherman’s, too, because we service what we sell. At a glance, reliability for major brands, Whirlpool continues to have low service rates.
Bosch
For a number of years, Bosch has been very reputable – all in the name. You never associate a bad product with Bosch, and the engineering is great and the product well thought out. Their products do as they’re designed to do – no hidden issues. With German engineering, they are mostly known for dishwashers, but also offer products in cooking, cooktops, and wall ovens. Their products are solid and quiet. The company is also easy to deal with under warranty, has great reliability, and excellent customer service.
Additionally, the J. D. Power 2015 Kitchen Appliance Study ranked Bosch “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Dishwashers” with the following features:
The industry leader in producing the quietest dishwasher brand in the United States
Offers a diverse selection of counter depth and panel ready designs for a flush integrated kitchen
Has an increased load capacity of dishwashers with innovative new rack features
There’s no reason not to have a spacious, outstandingly quiet dishwasher with design flexibility for under $900.
Bosch offers a diverse selection of high-performance home dishwashers that lead the way in European innovation.
Maytag
Maytag models have performed very well, with most rated very good or excellent. Consumers deem it very reliable when they have bought a Maytag refrigerator and/or washing machine. Maytag’s top loader washing machines also get better scores from Consumer Reports. Also, when you look at brand reliability, Maytag is in the top four for the most reliable high efficiency (HE) washing machine brands.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid appliances are more at the forefront in technology and also the future of appliances through technology and energy savings. KitchenAid is probably one of the most recognizable appliance brand names in the industry today. KitchenAid is owned by the Whirlpool Corporation, along with brands Jenn-Air, Maytag, Whirlpool, and Amana.
A few years ago, KitchenAid underwent major aesthetic improvements and today has an industrial look. Although KitchenAid is best known for their dishwashers and refrigeration, their front control range deserves special consideration for design and performance. KitchenAid also makes ranges with a full-size top oven and baking/warming drawer underneath.
Thermador
Thermador is another respected name in high-end dishwashers, along with other kitchen appliances. At the forefront of technology, you will know you are getting a quality product that delivers outstanding washing performance, while also offering great ease and energy savings.
Thermador is a proven innovator in the cooking appliance category, as well, as Consumer Reports found when it tested its 36-inch induction cooktop, the Thermador CIT36XKB. While other induction cooktops have set elements, this model features an end-to-end electromagnetic surface, so you can put your pot or pan anywhere. If you need to move the cookware to another spot, the cooktop will transfer the programmed setting originally selected. High and low cooking were both exceptional in the tests – and the cooktop comes with the industry’s first full-color touch screen induction panel.
Subzero/Wolf
Again, quality is in the name. Reputable company – been around for a long time, for a reason, and that’s the quality. They’re behind their service – will help customers after 10 years – and back their well-built product. Their product is worth every penny, “built like a tank,” and typically last three times the guaranteed warranty.
Additionally, according to a June 25, 2018 article in Forbes, the demand for luxury kitchen appliances is growing. Nearly 80% of wealthy consumers agree with the statement: “I enjoy presenting my home to others.” There is a lot of brand recognition in kitchen appliances, and people know what brands mean.
If a kitchen sells the home, then Sub-Zero sells the kitchen.
In the same Forbes article, Brian Jones, senior director of marketing at Sub-Zero Group, reflected, “We have tremendous brand strength when it comes to brand awareness and consideration in the luxury space. We also have a very strong market share. Overall, we are seen as the brand leader when it comes to innovation, design options, and style.”
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