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.
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LG
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
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Lowes
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)
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Samsung
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.
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Bosch
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
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Kitchenaid
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
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Fisher & Paykel
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
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Wolf
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
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Miele
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.
Factors to Consider
Design
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.
Smart Features
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.
Energy Efficiency
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!
Our Expertise
- Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor with more than five years of experience writing for lifestyle brands, including home and design publications.
- For this piece, Lauren interviewed Christina Cooley, Senior Director, Home & Retail Intelligence, for J.D. Power as well as interior designers Ashley Macuga of The Collected Interiors and Laura Williams of ATX Design. She used their expert advice, along with market research and her own expertise to curate this list of best kitchen appliance brands.
