November 8th, 2024 | 10 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect kitchen products with our Appliance Buying Guide
You’re about to read the most debated appliance article on the internet.
Seriously.
In this post, you’ll learn about the most reliable appliances you can buy.
I stand by that statement because we service more appliances under warranty than anyone else in New England—by a wide margin.
Last year alone, we handled over 33,000 service calls.
While these statistics can’t guarantee that your new refrigerator will work perfectly, they certainly improve your chances.
It’s important to read the entire article before purchasing your appliances.
In some areas, factoring in service availability is more important than simply choosing based on reliability.
Why You Should Read This Article
I stopped watching appliance videos on YouTube for my sanity.
You should, too.
There are influencers with hundreds of thousands of followers telling you what doesn’t work.
One channel claims Speed Queen is the best and far better than LG because their used appliance shop reconditions more LGs than Speed Queen.
Since millions more LG appliances are sold nationwide compared to Speed Queen, it's only natural that there are more reported issues.
These influencers then direct you to appliance websites (often terrible places to buy appliances—just check the reviews) to earn affiliate commissions.
There’s a better way.
Let’s look at the percentage of repairs to keep things fair.
This blog exists to help our clients make the best decisions for their homes.
I don’t use affiliate links to earn commissions based on clicks or recommendations.
How We Calculate Appliance Reliability
We calculate appliance reliability by dividing the number of products we serviced by the number of products we sold over a 12-month period.
Each time a service technician visits your home, it is recorded as a service call.
One advantage of having a large service department with 40 technicians is our ability to gather extensive data.
Today alone, we’ll visit 130 to 150 homes to repair appliances that are less than a year old and still under warranty.
Now, let’s take a look at the most reliable appliance brands for 2025.
The Most Reliable Appliance Brands for 2025
Gaggenau: 3.7% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 4.9%
Gaggenau’s service rate has improved, dropping from 4.9% to 3.7%
Gaggenau is the exclusive cooking line from Bosch, designed in Germany and manufactured in France.
With a Gaggenau appliance, you can accomplish just about anything.
Their coffee system features 34 automatic programs for a variety of coffee drinks.
Gaggenau’s ovens offer more cooking modes and options than any other brand.
You can even control the steam percentage in their steam ovens and adjust the temperature in precise 1-degree increments.
If you love to cook and have a basic understanding of how ovens and steam ovens work, Gaggenau is the best brand for you.
Or maybe you’re drawn to their distinctive postmodern design.
Gaggenau is one of the most expensive brands, but for a true cook, it can provide the best experience.
Samsung: 4.4% Service Rate (Laundry Only)
Samsung appliances are known for their design and advanced features for the price.
However, concerns about reliability are often raised by both customers and dealers.
At Yale, we only sell Samsung laundry products, which tend to be their most reliable category.
Samsung performs well enough, even in categories like refrigerators, which typically require more repairs.
That said, their refrigerator repair rate is higher than LG’s overall.
The key issue with Samsung isn’t product quality—it’s service.
Like LG, Samsung’s rapid growth has led to a shortage of service technicians, making it difficult to find someone to handle repairs when needed.
Samsung has faced class-action lawsuits, though these are common among large companies. These lawsuits are usually related to customer dissatisfaction with service rather than product defects.
Statistically, you’re less likely to experience issues with Samsung washers and dryers, with the exception of their top-load washers.
However, if repairs are needed, service availability can be a challenge, so it’s something to keep in mind when making your purchase.
LG: 5.5% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 5.1%
It’s surprising to see LG as the third most reliable appliance brand, especially considering that French door refrigerators are their second most popular product.
Refrigerators, particularly French door models, have been problematic for every brand in the past.
LG settled a class-action lawsuit in 2019 over their inverter compressors.
However, in recent years, LG refrigerators have proven to be more reliable than any other brand.
Yes, their linear compressors are now working as expected.
In 2024, we had only seven fixable compressor issues out of thousands of units sold.
LG also offers a wide range of appliances, including ranges, washers, dishwashers, and dryers, all featuring advanced technology.
LG washers and dishwashers consistently have good reliability ratings.
Like Miele, LG manufactures its core components, such as motors and compressors, in-house rather than outsourcing them like many other companies.
Speed Queen: 6.9% Service Rate (Laundry Only)
“They don’t make them like they used to”—except at Speed Queen, where they say they “make ’em exactly like they used to.”
I wrote that years ago, and it still holds true.
Speed Queen is all about durability and being American-made.
They manufacture their top-load washers in the same factory in Wisconsin that produces machines for laundromats.
While other brands focus on adding new features and increasing capacity, Speed Queen sticks to what works: reliability and simplicity.
However, you’ll pay more for less capacity and fewer features.
If you need a washer for your home or a commercial setting, Speed Queen delivers reliable performance.
Their top-load washers are more popular than their front loaders.
It may not have the latest features, but if durability is your priority, Speed Queen is a solid choice.
LG Studio: 8.4% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 6.1%
LG Studio is a higher-end sub-brand of LG.
LG Studio appliances offer more advanced features across all categories, including washers, dryers, ranges, wall ovens, and refrigerators.
They also offer appliances in white.
Their Speed Oven and Steam Double Wall Oven combination likely offers the best value.
LG Studio focuses more on cooking appliances than on laundry products; however, they do offer a well-designed WashTower—a one-piece washer and dryer.
Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS): 8.5% Service Rate
SKS, the premium brand of LG, is known for its high-end, reliable appliances, with an overall service rate of 8.5%, just below the industry average of 9%.
SKS offers luxury appliances like professional ranges, integrated refrigerators, and panel-ready dishwashers.
SKS appliances have a more professional look than the Studio or LG brands but still offer a wide variety of modern features, such as menu-driven controls and Wi-Fi.
Their 48-inch pro range is one of the most flexible ranges made today.
It includes a built-in sous vide option, an induction burner, and a convection steam oven, making it a standout choice for serious home cooks.
If you’re looking for reliable, well-built appliances with advanced features, SKS is a solid option for your kitchen.
GE Profile: 9.1% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 7%
GE Profile is GE’s upscale line for refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry, and cooking appliances.
We’ve separated GE Profile from Café Appliances, GE’s most feature-packed line, which ranked just outside the top 10 for reliability.
I expected the less-featured GE line to be the most reliable, but this number also includes their laundry units.
Profile has one of the best all-in-one combo washer and heat pump dryers. You can do a full load of mixed clothes in about 2 hours.
Their Advantium speed microwave convection oven is also one of the best in its class.
Profile products all have Wi-Fi capabilities available through the SmartHQ app.
Bosch Benchmark: 9.4% Service Rate
Bosch Benchmark, part of the BSH Corporation, produces some of the best dishwashers, induction ranges, and refrigerators.
This year, Bosch dishwashers had a 9.5% service rate, while their induction ranges were at 12.2%.
Bosch Benchmark dishwashers stand out with the PowerControl Wash Arm, which adds extra water pressure to tackle tough stains.
Their precision washing system allows you to adjust the pressure in four different zones on the bottom rack, providing excellent washing flexibility.
Their slide-in induction ranges are also known for their precision and efficiency.
The oven features True Convection for consistent temperatures, while the cooktop allows you to bridge two burners together to create a larger burner.
The storage drawer can also double as a warming drawer.
If you're looking for reliable appliances with smart features, Bosch Benchmark is an excellent choice.
GE Appliances: 9.5% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 7.3%
GE’s service rate primarily reflects their laundry appliances, which ranked number one this year, though their refrigerators did not perform as well.
GE washers feature a Smart Dispenser that can automatically dispense detergent for up to 32 loads.
Built-in components like the gasket, soap dispenser, and drain system are coated with Microban for added mold and mildew protection.
Their ranges, refrigerators, and dishwashers are more basic and less feature-packed compared to the Profile and Café series.
Bosch: 9.8% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 8.8%
While Bosch dishwashers are the second most reliable after LG, their refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, and stovetops are also popular.
Their induction cooktops—whether branded as Bosch, Benchmark, or Thermador—are among the most reliable and are manufactured in Spain.
The 800 Series dishwasher features the PowerControl Precision Wash system like the Benchmark, but with fewer features.
The slide-in ranges are similar to the Benchmark line, except they lack the bridging capability and a few other features.
Bosch refrigerators are equipped with two compressors, which provide better food preservation.
Most refrigerators, by comparison, use two evaporators to prevent air transfer between the freezer and fridge.
Comparing Service Rates from 2023 and 2024
I expected more issues as manufacturers had to use different suppliers to fix their broken supply chains.”
I wrote that two years ago.
Since then, the direction of our company has changed.
We’ve started selling more GE Appliances, LG, LG Studio, and SKS (Signature Kitchen Suite).
We’ve also stopped selling Whirlpool and Maytag and Beko. Samsung wasn’t part of our portfolio during the pandemic.
Our goal is to carry fewer brands to optimize our service and improve our ability to stock parts and complete repairs quickly.
Why Are Products Less Reliable Now
A few years ago, when asked about this, I would often say that energy standards played a role in the changes.
I’d also say, “They don’t make them like they used to.”
Then I’d add a positive spin, noting that newer refrigerators save a lot of energy.
Older models could cost up to $500 a year in energy, while a new refrigerator might only cost around $50 annually.
In recent years, though, manufacturers have had to find new suppliers, which may have caused some issues.
All manufacturers struggled with overwhelming demand from 2020 to 2023 and did their best to adapt.
In 2024, the situation has somewhat stabilized.
The Most Reliable Appliances for 2025
Certain categories, like washers, are generally more reliable than French door counter-depth refrigerators.
The most reliable brands tend to sell more dependable categories and basic, builder-grade appliances, but there are exceptions.
Some of the best brands on this list lack adequate support when issues arise. I mention this throughout the article, but it’s worth repeating:
Buy a reliable brand, but also make sure you have the best support.
I recommend researching service providers online as part of your appliance decision-making process.
Lastly, I’ve read countless comments on our Home Appliance Blog and YouTube channel.
No brand is immune to issues—not even the most reliable.
Handling, especially warehousing and delivery, also plays a role in many of these problems.
The Least Reliable Appliances for 2025
Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerators
The ice maker in French door refrigerators is still a common issue.
Ice cubes traveling through a warmer refrigerator remains a challenge.
Refrigerator reliability had improved over the past few years—until this year. French door counter-depth refrigerators now have a higher service rate.
While compressor issues are less common (only seven LG units required compressor repairs), there are still annoying problems, like doors not closing properly.
Professional Ranges
Professional ranges with high-output burners often experience problems with gas igniters.
This isn’t usually a major issue since pro ranges have four to seven burners.
However, pro ranges are larger units with more features, like grills, griddles, steam ovens, and multiple burners, which increase the likelihood of issues compared to a standard four-burner range.
A 60-inch range has twice the size and complexity of a regular range, with much more that could potentially go wrong.
The most reliable brands tend to sell fewer refrigerators and pro ranges. Instead, they focus on more reliable appliances like dishwashers, microwaves, and compact washers and dryers.
Brands like BlueStar and Thermador will never be the most reliable because they primarily sell professional ranges and built-in refrigerators.
Reliability is all about the numbers when comparing similar companies.
Why Reliability Matters More Now Than Ever: The Problems with Appliance Service
Let’s say you buy or lease a car.
At some point, you’re probably taken through a spotless service department. It’s expected when buying a car.
Want to terrify your car dealer? Give them a score of eight or less on your survey.
That impacts their NPS (Net Promoter Score), and corporate will act swiftly.
But buying appliances is different.
Around 98% of appliance retailers don’t have a service department.
Most manufacturers don’t either.
NPS for appliances? You’ll never get a call or survey—except from us.
When you buy from a retailer or brand without service, you’re almost guaranteed to face problems with no way to get them fixed.
We started our service department in the early 1990s after a local service agent nearly set a customer’s new kitchen on fire while trying to repair their range.
Buying reliable appliances is the best way to avoid service headaches.
The average turnaround time for appliance repair nationwide is about 90 days.
That’s three months from scheduling the repair to the technician’s visit to actually getting the appliance fixed.
Buying from a brand or store with a reliable service department is a smarter long-term strategy.
Every appliance will have issues eventually.
In Massachusetts, there are several reliable service options, including Hunter Appliance, Poirier Sales and Service, George Washington Toma, Doyon’s Appliance, Barron’s Major Brands, and others.
Nationally, GE and Whirlpool have the largest service networks. LG just started theirs.
If other stores tell you not to worry about service (and they will), take a look at a typical day at Yale in the graph below:
Service is by far our largest department. We have 40 service technicians and are actively looking for 30 more.
Last year, our service team logged over 37,000 service calls.
To put that in perspective, we serviced nearly every house in Braintree, Massachusetts—that’s a lot of people.
One Last Issue to Consider: Appliance Delivery
Our service rates are likely much lower than the national average.
Many so-called 'service' problems are actually delivery and installation issues.
For example, if you're in California and buying from a retailer in New York online, that appliance will travel a long distance through multiple hands and warehouses.
The chances of damage or service-related issues increase significantly.
Additionally, the shortage of skilled labor has impacted delivery—especially skilled installers.
Water leaks and other issues often attributed to appliances are frequently caused by inexperience during installation.
Once again, and I know I say this often: check store reviews before buying any appliance.
Better yet, download our free Appliance Delivery Checklist to help you.
Key Takeaways
If you buy a whole kitchen, there's a good chance you'll need service at some point.
Bosch, Thermador, and GE offer the best technician support and parts availability—at least in Boston.
Your area might be different, though. Most appliance brands, unlike car manufacturers, provide minimal service.
To give yourself the best chance of satisfaction, find the top service providers for the brands on this list.
Checking reviews can save you from a future headache.
Finding competent service should be part of your buying decision, right along with price, installation, and delivery.
Additional Resources
Have questions on appliances? Read the Yale Appliance Buying Guide with the 10 most frequently asked questions, the best time to buy appliances as well as detailed profiles of all the brands. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles:
- Most Reliable Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerators
- Most Reliable Dishwashers
- Most Reliable Top Load Washers
- Most Reliable Front Load Washers
- Most Reliable Compact Washers
- Most Reliable Gas Cooktops
- Most Reliable Induction Cooktops
- Most Reliable Electric Ranges
- Most Reliable Induction Ranges
- Most Reliable Gas Ranges
- Most Reliable Professional Ranges
- Most Reliable Wall Ovens
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
