What’s the best brand of kitchen appliance?

The kitchen is the heart of most homes, which is why so many homeowners invest so much money into kitchen remodeling. But while new cabinetry and quartz countertops are lovely, a kitchen is only as good as its tools. And in that sense, we mean appliances.

Your kitchen appliances, from range oven to dishwasher, are an important part of your everyday life, but they’re also significant assets. So, it’s in your best interest to get the best brands, don’t you think?

How do kitchen appliances impact home value?

According to Consumer Reports, adding new appliances, flooring, or countertops to your kitchen can increase your home’s value by as much as 7 percent. On a $400,000 house, that’s as much as $28,000!

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you should invest in kitchen appliances that are energy efficient and feature smart technology. Of course, that can get expensive, so you can also increase value by going for updated styles and colors or higher-capacity appliances.

When should I replace my kitchen appliances?

If you plan on selling your home, you can always replace your appliances shortly before listing to maximize their return on investment. Otherwise, different appliances have different lifespans and should aim to be replaced at different periods of your homeownership.

Refrigerator: 10-12 years

The refrigerator is the beating heart of any kitchen. They’re such workhorses, they’re easy to take for granted. But they will show you when they’re starting to lose their luster.

Of course, if it feels warm inside, there’s something wrong. If there is excessive condensation in the fridge, it may not be cooling properly. Likewise, if you’re finding water droplets around the rubber sealing or mildew, it’s probably time to replace the fridge.

Stove and oven: 10-15 years

While an old fridge can lead to spoiled food, an old range can lead to a fire. As such, you shouldn’t take chances. Gas ranges can last a little longer than 15 years, but it’s best not to let it get that old.

A working stove shouldn’t take too long to heat up. If a gas stove has a flame that flickers from red to yellow, you may need to clean the grates and burner caps. If that doesn’t work, it’s probably time to replace it.

Likewise, if buttons are malfunctioning or there are cracks in the tempered glass of an electric stove, it’s time to replace it.

Dishwasher: 10-13 years

Dishwashers can save you a lot of time and hassle, but malfunctioning ones only cause headaches. If you need to run a cycle multiple times to get clean dishes, it’s at least time to get a mechanic in to look at it. 

Other signs that a dishwasher is failing are loud noises, overheating, overcooling, leaking, or giving off a funny smell.

Microwave: 10-12 years

A microwave is nonessential for a kitchen, but it is a nice thing to have. And if you’ve had yours for more than a decade, it might be time to think about a new one — especially if you use it regularly. 

Signs that a microwave is on its last legs are poor cooking, smoke, sparks, or burning smells. If the keypad doesn’t work, it’s basically non-functioning, as well.

What are the best brands of kitchen appliances and why?

As we mentioned earlier, appliances can have a big impact on home value. Naturally, the brand of kitchen appliance factors into that equation. That’s why it’s important to consider the best brands.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid may be most well-known for its classic stand mixer, but it’s also a leading appliance brand, too. Just like the mixer, KitchenAid’s appliances are top-quality and durable. They offer refrigerators, dishwashers, food processors, toasters, coffee makers, and more.

KitchenAid routinely uses innovative smart technologies in its appliances, which is why it’s a go-to brand for professional chefs and bakers. That, and they’re truly built to last.

Bosch

The German appliance maker has been around since 1886 for good reason. Bosch makes high-quality ovens, refrigerators, cooktops, and dishwashers that are available at a number of price points. Bosch’s Benchmark Series utilizes cutting-edge cooking technologies while its dishwashers are well-known for outstanding drying capabilities.

All Bosch products are eco-friendly and Energy Star certified, made with advanced engineering and high-quality materials that are made to last.

Samsung

One of the world’s most recognizable consumer electronics brands, Samsung is a great choice when it comes to kitchen appliances, too. As you might expect, Samsung appliances excel on the technology front, offering smart tech that helps you get the most out of your kitchen.

SmartThings is Samsung’s innovative solution to allow homeowners to control refrigerators, dishwashers, and gas ranges through a mobile app.

JennAir

A higher-end brand, JennAir mainly produces appliances for professional kitchens, but they’re also luxury additions to consumer kitchens as well. JennAir appliances feature True Control and Smart Integration which allow you to actively monitor appliance health and use voice commands to control them. Plus, the app offers digital timers and recipes to get the most out of each appliance.

Blomberg

Another German brand, Blomberg is committed to producing the most energy-efficient and eco-friendly appliances on the market. The brand offers self-cleaning ovens, efficient gas burners, and more eco-friendly dishwashers. The refrigerators even feature blue light technology that continues photosynthesis in fresh produce to increase its longevity.

SMEG

If you’re a Queer Eye fan, you’ve no doubt seen SMEG, the Italian brand that’s Bobby Berk’s go-to in his home makeovers. Known for its unique, retro designs, SMEG refrigerators, ovens, and more are true design statements.

Frigidaire

One of the most popular refrigerator designers in the US, Frigidaire offers two lines: Frigidaire Gallery and Frigidaire Professional. Both have a reputation for being easy to maintain and operate, reducing long-term costs.

LG

Like Samsung, LG is a major consumer electronics brand trusted for high-quality tech. LG prioritizes reliability and durability in its advanced manufacturing processes. Plus, 80% of LG’s kitchen appliances have Energy Star certification. 

Like Samsung, LG’s ThinQ® app lets you control smart refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, hoods, and more.

How to save money on kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances are expensive, especially if you’re springing for the highest-end brands. So here are some ways you could save some money.

Purchase a kitchen appliance package

A kitchen appliance package is a bundle of essential appliances typically used in a kitchen, such as a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave. Purchasing these appliances as a package from a retailer or manufacturer offers several benefits, and potential cost savings for your kitchen remodel:

• Cost efficiency: Buying appliances as a package often results in a discounted price compared to purchasing each item individually. Retailers and manufacturers often offer package deals with attractive discounts to encourage customers to buy multiple appliances at once.
• Matching design: Appliance packages ensure that all the appliances in your kitchen have a consistent design and finish. This creates a cohesive look, enhancing the aesthetics of your kitchen and potentially increasing its value.
• Warranty and service: Appliance packages usually have warranties covering all the included appliances. This simplifies the warranty process and makes it easier to manage repairs or replacements if any issues arise.
• Streamlined installation: When you purchase an appliance package, installation can be more efficient as the retailer or manufacturer often coordinates the delivery and installation of all the appliances together. This saves you time and effort compared to coordinating individual installations.
• Increased energy efficiency: Many appliance packages feature energy-efficient models, which can lead to long-term savings on utility bills. Energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity or water, helping you save money over time.

Buy last year’s appliance models

If you just need one or two appliances, one of the best ways to save on large appliances is by simply shopping at the right time. Most brands release new lines in late spring or early summer, leaving retailers with old products. This is your chance to snag a good deal on last season's appliances.

Plan your purchase around President’s Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day

Speaking of timing, annual sales are a great opportunity to save on kitchen appliances. The biggest sales holidays for kitchen appliances are President’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Check out sales at retailers like Lowe’s and The Home Depot to save. You may even be able to get a deal on kitchen appliance packages.

Buy “Open-Box” or dented appliances

Best Buy’s “Open-Box” program allows you to find kitchen and other large appliances for up to 40% off. They’re all covered under warranty and can be returned or exchanged — they’ve just been lightly used before. You can shop at Best Buy Outlet stores or online.

Similarly, Lowe’s sells Scratch and Dent appliances in-store that, as the name implies, have a little bit of visible wear and tear. The prices are reflective of just how much wear and tear there is. All of these items are returned, but sometimes they’re returned just because the item didn’t fit in a buyer’s home. So, you can save up to 30% for a quality, working-like-new appliance.

Trade in old appliances for an Energy Star Rebate.

Many appliance retailers, from the big box stores to mom-and-pop shops, offer instant rebates if you buy an Energy Star appliance. You’ll get that discount right at the register.

However, you can get additional savings if you trade in your old appliance at an Energy Star partner. Check out Energy Star’s Rebate Finder to see what you might qualify for in your state.

Price match at big-box retailers

Major retailers like Best Buy, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot offer price match programs that guarantee to match a competitor’s lower price on an identical appliance. If you’re shopping around one of the sales times, this is a great way to get the best price possible. Just find the retailer that has the lowest price, and bring it to another to beat that price. Typically, all you have to do is show an employee the competitor price on your phone.

If you're looking to make value-boosting improvements to your home before selling,  Orchard’s Concierge service makes it easy. We'll complete repairs and updates to your home (like installing new kitchen appliances) before you list on the market to help you sell for top dollar. The best part? We'll do it at no up front cost to you.