The Most Reliable Appliance Brands for 2025
June 23rd, 2025 | 15 min. read

You’re about to read the most debated appliance article on the internet.
Seriously.
This isn’t a roundup based on Amazon reviews or Day 1 unboxings. It’s based on real-world problems, and the data we collect when appliances break.
Last year, our service team completed over 33,000 repair calls across Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and Southern New Hampshire.
That makes us the largest independent servicer in New England, and probably the only retailer in the U.S. that tracks failure rates this closely.
So when we say these are the most reliable brands, we mean: they break the least.
And when they do? You can actually get them fixed. Well, hopefully—depending on where you live.
Why It Matters in 2025:
Thanks to new tariffs, parts shortages, and shrinking service networks, some appliances may take months to repair.
That’s why this article exists: to help you avoid that mess.
Why You Should Read This Article
I had to stop watching appliance videos on YouTube—for my own sanity.
You should consider it too.
A lot of influencers with hundreds of thousands of followers are busy telling you what doesn’t work, based on what they see in their repair shops, not what’s actually sold nationwide.
One popular channel says Speed Queen is far more reliable than LG because they refurbish more used LGs than Speed Queens.
But here’s the thing: LG sells millions more appliances than Speed Queen.
Of course there will be more issues. It’s basic math.
Then those same influencers send you off to questionable appliance websites (check the reviews, seriously) so they can earn affiliate commissions.
There’s a better way to measure reliability: actual service data.
That’s why this blog exists.
We track every repair we make, and we share what we learn—no affiliate links, no paid endorsements, just real numbers from real service calls.
How We Calculate Appliance Reliability
Use this article as a tool, not gospel.
1. Compare like for like
Focus on the products you actually need: dishwashers, laundry sets, ranges, and refrigerators. If you’re stuck between LG and GE for a washer, start here.
2. Why our brand list is short
We stock fewer lines than most stores because we drop any brand that needs too much service.
Some retailers brag about 150 brands but service none. We service what we sell.
3. Where the numbers come from
Every repair ticket feeds our database. A brand that racks up calls disappears from our floor. Detailed breakdowns for each category are linked at the end of this post.
4. Verify the after-sale experience
Read reviews for the product, the repair service, and the store itself. How problems get handled tells you how you’ll be treated.
Bottom line: These rankings cover only the brands we sell, service, and track every day—real data you can trust.
The 10 Most Reliable Appliance Brands for 2025
1. Gaggenau: 3.7% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 4.9%
Category Strength: High-End Built-In Cooking Appliances
Gaggenau, Bosch’s elite cooking line, improved its reliability this year by over a full point. No small feat for a luxury brand with advanced features.
Gaggenau appliances are engineered in Germany, assembled in France, and designed for serious cooks.
Their ovens let you adjust temperature in 1-degree increments and control steam output with precision by percentages.
Their 400 series steam oven, for example, is the most customizable on the market.
They even make a coffee system with 34 programmable drinks, just in case your cappuccino needs a side of engineering.
Why Gaggenau’s Reliability Is Impressive:
Luxury appliances usually come packed with features and tech, and more tech means more things that can go wrong.
That Gaggenau ranks first tells you they got the engineering and service planning right.
Best For:
Designers, chefs, and anyone who wants a minimalist, high-performance kitchen built to work (and last) like a commercial setup, just quieter.
2. Samsung (Laundry Only): 4.4% Service Rate
Category Strength: Laundry
Note: We no longer carry Samsung as of January 1, 2025.
Samsung makes headlines for cutting-edge design and class-action lawsuits.
But here’s the nuance: their front-load laundry (not top-load) has been among the most reliable we’ve sold.
Their machines offer auto dispensers, steam cycles, larger capacities, and smart features, all at prices well below European competitors.
The Problem Isn’t the Product – It’s the Service
Samsung hasn’t built a dependable service network. If something breaks, you’re often on your own.
We’ve seen it too many times. That’s why we stopped selling Samsung laundry earlier this year.
The products are decent, but the after-sale experience isn’t worth the headache for you or for us.
Best For:
Shoppers who want smart, affordable laundry machines and are willing to roll the dice on service.
3. LG: 5.5% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 5.1%
Category Strengths: Laundry, Dishwashers, French Door Refrigerators
Yes, LG, the same company once buried under compressor lawsuits, is now one of the most reliable appliance brands you can buy.
Their front-load washers and dishwashers are consistently among our lowest-serviced products.
In fact, LG’s linear compressors fail just 1.1% of the time based on 160,000 service calls.
That’s hardly an endorsement, by the way, but it is average for refrigeration. LG gets more notoriety because they sell more refrigerators.
What’s Changed
LG makes most of their core components in-house, including motors, compressors, and control boards.
That level of vertical integration means better quality control and fewer surprises later.
Their tech is also top-tier: ThinQ app connectivity, auto-dispensing detergent, AI cycles, and ventless heat pump dryers are now standard across many models.
Drawbacks
Service is still a challenge in some areas.
Although LG launched their own national service network in 2023 and it’s improving, parts can be tricky if you’re outside a major market.
Also worth noting: LG Studio and SKS (Signature Kitchen Suite), LG’s higher-end sub-brands, come with more features but also slightly higher service rates.
Best For
Buyers looking for high-tech, high-value appliances with a strong track record and improving support. Just be sure you’re covered on the service side.
4. Speed Queen (Laundry Only): 6.9% Service Rate
Category Strength: Top-Load Laundry
Fun Fact: Built in the same Wisconsin factory that supplies laundromats across the country.
“They don’t make them like they used to.”
Except Speed Queen does. I wrote that years ago.
Speed Queen is unapologetically old school. No touchscreens. No Wi-Fi.
Just heavy-duty construction, mechanical controls, and a focus on durability.
Editor’s Note: Ever move one of these? They are the heaviest appliance for the size.
Their top-load washers use a tried-and-true agitator system with a solid steel transmission.
The cycles are fast, water and electricity usage is generous (sorry, my fellow Bostonians), and repair rates are incredibly low.
Trade-Offs
You’re paying a premium for simplicity.
Speed Queen has fewer features, smaller capacities, and lower energy efficiency compared to mainstream brands like LG or GE.
Their front-loaders aren’t as reliable as the top-load models.
It’s a brand that sells on durability, not innovation.
Best For
Buyers who value durability over features, especially if you want a washer that outlives your next car lease.
Perfect for multi-generational households, rural homes, and anyone who prefers knobs over touchscreens.
5. LG Studio: 8.4% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 6.1%
Category Strength: Cooking & Laundry
LG Studio is the elevated sibling of standard LG, with upgraded aesthetics, more features, and broader category coverage.
You’ll see LG Studio in high-end kitchens with sleeker finishes, touch-screen interfaces, and surprisingly advanced technology at mid-luxury price points.
Their speed over steam double wall oven set is one of the most versatile cooking appliances for the money.
Think: convection, speed cooking, and steam all in one unit.
What’s Different from Standard LG
- More premium finishes (matte white, stainless, and black)
- Enhanced user interfaces and cycle options
- Better features
But here’s the rub: you’re still dealing with LG’s service network, which varies dramatically by region. In Boston, we can support it. In Boise… maybe not so much.
Best For
Homeowners who want a high-style kitchen with cutting-edge features at a more accessible price.
6. Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS): 8.5% Service Rate
Category Strength: Cooking, Refrigeration
SKS is LG’s premium brand and one of the most interesting appliance lines to emerge in the last decade.
While it shares some DNA with LG and LG Studio, it’s designed for the serious home cook who wants performance, precision, and polish.
Why SKS Made the List
SKS offers some of the most innovative cooking appliances available, like their 48-inch pro range with sous vide, induction, and a convection steam oven all in one.
Their column refrigeration is equally impressive, with dual compressors, precise climate zones, and the largest overall capacity.
Service-wise, SKS falls slightly below the industry average, a strong showing considering the complexity of their product line.
And unlike many premium brands, SKS will benefit in the future from LG’s supply chain, tech, and increasingly, a growing service infrastructure.
But a Word of Caution
Like all high-end brands, repair complexity and part availability can still be an issue, especially outside of metro areas.
And while SKS is more reliable than many legacy luxury brands, it’s not immune to the service challenges that come with cutting-edge features.
Best For
Cooks who want the latest culinary tech (and aren’t afraid to use it), and homeowners looking for a pro-style kitchen with more versatility than the traditional names.
SKS is ideal if you want Sub-Zero and Wolf-level performance with smarter controls and better value.
7. GE Profile: 9.1% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 7%
Category Strength: Laundry, Cooking, Refrigeration
GE Profile is the feature-forward sibling of the GE family, not quite as style-driven as Café but packed with performance and smart technology.
Despite the extra features, it remains surprisingly reliable across most categories.
Why It’s on the List
GE Profile appliances are especially strong in laundry and cooking.
Their All-in-One Washer/Dryer with Heat Pump is arguably the most innovative laundry product on the market.
You can wash and dry a full mixed load in about two hours with no venting required.
In the kitchen, you have a mix of their refrigerators with climate control drawers. Their induction ranges are also popular. My neighbor had one when I lived in Jamaica Plain.
What’s Changed
Profile’s service rate climbed slightly from last year (7% to 9.1%), likely due to more units in the field and a broader product mix.
But it still performs better than the national average, and GE’s service network remains one of the strongest in the country, which isn’t saying much.
Best For
Tech-forward homeowners who want reliability without sacrificing features. Profile offers strong value, especially for families who want convenience and performance without jumping to luxury pricing.
8. Bosch Benchmark: 9.4% Service Rate
Category Strength: Dishwashers, Induction Ranges, Built-In Refrigeration
Bosch Benchmark is the premium line from Bosch, think of it as the bridge between mainstream and luxury.
It’s where Bosch stacks its best features: CrystalDry with Zeolite, PowerControl wash arms, and sleek designs that can rival Miele and Thermador at a more approachable price.
Why It Made the List
Bosch Benchmark dishwashers remain some of the most reliable in our portfolio.
They clean incredibly well and, thanks to Zeolite minerals, dry even the most stubborn plastics.
Their slide-in induction ranges are also standouts.
You get true convection, powerful bridge burners, and a warming drawer instead of a standard storage bin.
Editor’s Note: Their freestanding units are made by SMEG.
They’re efficient, smart, and work well in tight kitchen layouts.
The refrigerators? Mixed bag.
Bosch built-ins are stylish but not as reliable as their cooking or dish products. That’s what pulls their average service rate closer to 9.4%.
What’s Changed
Not much, and that’s a good thing. The core lineup remains consistent, with small upgrades to tech and user experience.
Bosch’s reliability continues to be a strength, especially with cooking and dishwashers.
Best For
Homeowners who want high performance without jumping to Gaggenau or Miele prices.
Especially strong if you're planning a modern kitchen and want matching, built-in cooking and dish.
9. GE Appliances: 9.5% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 7.3%
Category Strength: Laundry
Note: Includes GE’s core appliance line, separate from Profile and Café.
GE is the classic American appliance brand — broad, dependable, and everywhere.
While their core products aren’t flashy, they’ve quietly improved in reliability, especially in laundry.
Their washers and matching dryers have performed well and include helpful features like SmartDispense and Microban antimicrobial protection in key components.
Why It Made the List
GE washers and dryers are some of the most consistent performers we sell. They're simple, intuitive, and easy to repair.
But the score also reflects GE’s basic refrigerators and ranges, which are more prone to issues than their laundry lineup.
Then again, refrigerators need more repair than other appliances.
GE’s dishwashers and slide-in ranges are just okay, not as innovative or refined as Bosch or LG, but generally solid for the price.
What’s Changed
Not much, and again, that’s not a bad thing.
GE has focused on refining their lineup, improving manufacturing quality, and expanding smart capabilities across more products.
Their SmartHQ app is one of the better ones in the industry.
Best For
Homeowners who want reliable, straightforward appliances without the luxury price tag.
Ideal for families, rental properties, and anyone who values simplicity, easy repairs, and broad availability.
10. Bosch: 9.8% Service Rate
Previous Service Rate in 2023: 8.8%
Category Strength: Dishwashers, Induction Cooktops
Note: This includes the Bosch core line (not Benchmark or Thermador).
Bosch is practically synonymous with quiet dishwashers, and for good reason.
Their 800 Series is our most popular dishwasher by a mile, with top-notch plastic drying (thanks to CrystalDry), flexible racking, and whisper-quiet operation.
Their induction cooktops, made in Spain, are also some of the most reliable on the market.
What’s Great
Bosch’s lineup is compact but consistent. Their dishwashers are among the most reliable and best performing, especially under $1,500.
The slide-in electric and gas ranges are dependable too, though they don’t have the advanced features of Benchmark or SKS.
Their refrigerators? Mixed bag. Dual compressors help with preservation, but their reliability hasn’t been as strong in recent years.
What’s Missing
Unlike SKS or Miele, Bosch doesn’t offer ultra-premium features in their base line.
No steam ovens, no advanced convection options in wall ovens.
Their ranges don’t include bridging elements or sous vide capabilities. It’s a solid lineup, just not flashy.
Best For
Shoppers who want top-tier dishwashing, efficient induction cooking, and minimalist European styling without breaking into luxury-tier pricing.
Bosch is especially strong for smaller kitchens and open floor plans where quiet operation matters.
Why Are We Comparing 2023 and 2024 Appliance Service Rates?
Because service issues have only gotten worse, and you deserve to know which brands hold up.
Two years ago, we predicted more problems as manufacturers scrambled to patch their broken supply chains. That prediction held up, just not the way we expected.
At Yale, we adapted. We focused on fewer brands with stronger support, like GE, LG, LG Studio, and Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS).
We stopped selling Whirlpool, Maytag, Beko, and as of January 2025, Samsung.
What Changed in Our Service Strategy?
Fewer brands, faster service, and more parts in stock.
You shouldn’t have to wait three months for a technician. That’s why we trimmed our lineup and invested in our own service infrastructure.
Now tariffs are back. And just like during COVID, manufacturers are prioritizing high-margin appliances instead of fixing what’s already in your home.
Fixing broken units is still the black hole of this industry.
That makes choosing a reliable brand your smartest move in 2025.
Why Are Appliances Less Reliable Today?
Manufacturers have been forced to improvise, and that leads to inconsistent quality.
A few years ago, energy standards were an easy explanation for declining reliability.
Refrigerators now use $50 of electricity per year instead of $500, but that’s not the whole story.
Since the pandemic, manufacturers have had to:
- Find new suppliers
- Redesign components
- Rush products back into production
That scramble created inconsistencies, especially in refrigeration and cooking, where complex systems are harder to stabilize.
From 2020 to 2023, appliance demand exploded, supply chains broke, and factories had to adapt overnight. The result? A reliability gap that’s still being felt.
What Are the Most Reliable Appliances to Buy in 2025?
Quick Takeaway: Washers and dishwashers tend to be the most reliable. Larger, feature-heavy appliances like French door refrigerators and pro ranges have more components that fail. And while some brands appear reliable on paper, service and support matter just as much.
Not all appliances are created equal, and reliability often depends on the category.
Appliance Categories: Most to Least Reliable
This chart ranks major appliance categories by average service rate. Lower service rates indicate higher reliability.
- Most reliable: Washers, slide-in ranges, wall ovens, and dishwashers
- Less reliable: Counter-depth French door refrigerators and pro ranges
- These products have more components that can break
- The most common repair issues involve ignitors, ice makers, and water dispensers
Some brands appear more reliable simply because they sell simpler, builder-grade models. Fewer features often means fewer things can go wrong.
Why Reliability on Paper Isn’t the Whole Story
Even the most reliable brands can fall short if service isn’t available.
Many top-performing brands still struggle with post-sale support. That’s why reliability matters, but support matters more.
Before buying, it’s smart to review:
- The product itself
- The dealer and delivery team
- The local repair network
No brand is completely issue free. Even the best appliances can fail due to delivery damage, poor installation, or lack of access to qualified service.
What Are the Least Reliable Appliances to Buy in 2025?
Quick Takeaway: Counter-depth French door refrigerators and large professional ranges break more often than other categories. These appliances are complex, hard to service, and include features that frequently fail, especially ice makers and gas igniters.
Some appliance categories are harder to build well and even harder to fix when they fail.
Why Are Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerators Less Reliable?
Because the ice and water systems are complicated and prone to failure.
- Ice must travel through the warmer refrigerator section
- This often causes leaks, clogs, or frozen dispensers
- Door seal issues are also common
- Even with compressor improvements from brands like LG, this category still sees the highest service rates
These models look great in showrooms but tend to create more service calls than any other refrigerator style.
Why Do Professional Ranges Have More Problems?
Because they pack too much power and too many features into one appliance.
- Gas igniters frequently wear out
- Steam ovens and griddles are common failure points
- More burners and ovens mean more components that can fail
- Larger units like 48- and 60-inch ranges are more complex and harder to repair
Brands like BlueStar and Thermador tend to show lower reliability scores, not because of poor design, but because they sell more of these high-maintenance products.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Smaller appliances like dishwashers, washers, and microwaves tend to be more reliable. That doesn’t mean you should avoid complex appliances entirely.
Just go in with a plan for service and a clear understanding of what could go wrong.
Choose a dealer who can support you after the sale. That makes all the difference.
Why Is Appliance Reliability More Important Than Ever in 2025?
Most appliance retailers and brands don’t offer service. If something breaks, you’re often stuck waiting 90 days or more for a repair. That’s why reliability—and choosing the right dealer—matters more than ever.
What Happens When Your Appliance Breaks?
Imagine this. You spend $15,000 on a professional range. Something goes wrong. Instead of a solution, you're handed a generic 1-800 number.
No local support. No technician. No one who knows your product.
That’s the reality for most appliance buyers today.
- Over 98 percent of appliance retailers do not offer service
- Most manufacturers outsource repairs to the lowest bidder
- There’s no follow-up, no accountability, and no urgency
It’s a far cry from the car-buying experience, where service is built in and dealers follow up if anything goes wrong.
Why Did We Build Our Own Service Department?
We experienced what happens when support fails.
In the 1990s, a third-party tech nearly set fire to a customer’s brand-new kitchen trying to repair a range. That incident changed everything.
Since then, we’ve built one of the largest in-house appliance service teams in New England:
- Over 40 trained technicians
- Over 33,000 service calls completed last year
- Fast access to parts, local accountability, and in-house expertise
Appliance service should work as well as the appliance itself. That’s the standard we set.
How Long Does the Average Appliance Repair Take?
Nationally, appliance repairs can take up to 90 days to complete.
That includes:
- Waiting for an appointment
- Diagnosing the issue
- Ordering the part
- Returning to complete the fix
That’s three months without a fridge, a washer, or a functioning oven.
At Yale, it's different.
Our in-house team of over 40 trained technicians completes more than 100 service calls a day.
This allows us to schedule repairs faster, get parts sooner, and complete fixes more efficiently than most third-party networks.
Who Can You Actually Call for Service in Massachusetts?
If you’re in Massachusetts, you have better support than most.
In addition to Yale, these local companies also provide trusted service:
- Hunter Appliance
- Poirier Sales and Service
- George Washington Toma
- Doyon’s Appliance
- Barron’s Major Brands
GE and Whirlpool still lead the way nationally. LG is closing the gap. Most other brands still lag behind.
What Should You Do Before Buying?
Always ask about service before you commit.
When a store or brand says, “Don’t worry about service,” that’s usually a sign you should.
If something breaks and no one picks up the phone, you’re the one left waiting.
What Should You Know About Appliance Delivery Before You Buy?
Quick Takeaway: Many appliance issues are caused by poor delivery or installation, not the product itself. Long-distance shipping and a lack of skilled installers can lead to leaks, damage, or breakdowns before your appliance ever runs a full cycle.
Are Most Appliance Issues Really Service Problems?
Not always. Our service rates are likely much lower than the national average, and one big reason is what happens before service is ever needed.
Many so-called service problems begin with delivery or installation.
Misaligned doors, faulty water connections, broken handles, and startup errors often come down to improper handling or setup - not manufacturer defects.
What Happens When You Order from Out of State?
When you live in California and order from a New York-based retailer, that appliance travels through multiple warehouses, trucks, and shipping teams.
Each handoff adds risk. Common issues include:
- Physical damage
- Missing parts
- Incorrect setup
- Delayed arrival or incomplete installation
If something goes wrong along the way, there’s often no clear accountability.
How Has the Labor Shortage Affected Delivery?
The shortage of skilled workers has affected more than repairs. It’s changed how appliances are delivered and installed.
Inexperienced delivery crews may connect appliances incorrectly or damage them during installation. This leads to:
- Water leaks
- Electrical problems
- Cosmetic flaws
- Units that don’t function out of the box
These are often blamed on the product but start with human error.
How Can You Protect Your Purchase?
Start by checking store reviews. Look for:
- Delivery quality
- Installation satisfaction
- Responsiveness when something goes wrong
Before you schedule anything, make sure the company stands behind the full experience, and not just the sale.
Need help? Download our free Appliance Delivery Checklist to avoid common pitfalls and prepare for a smooth installation.
Final Takeaways: What to Know Before You Buy Appliances in 2025
Even the best appliances may need service. Brands like Bosch, Thermador, and GE offer strong support, but your experience depends on where you live. Service should always factor into your buying decision, just like price, delivery, and installation.
Key Points to Remember
- Buying a full kitchen increases the likelihood you’ll need service at some point
- Bosch, Thermador, and GE have some of the best parts availability and technician networks
- Local support varies, so always research service options in your area
- Most appliance brands offer minimal post-sale service compared to car manufacturers
- Customer reviews can reveal service headaches before you experience them
- Service availability should weigh just as heavily as price, delivery, and installation
Bottom line: Buying the right appliance isn’t just about specs or finish. It’s about knowing someone will actually pick up the phone if something goes wrong.
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
Why Should You Trust Us?
It seems that every appliance review has nothing but glowing comments about almost every product, yet you read customer reviews and they are almost universally bad.
We are here to fill in the disconnect. We'll give you the best features, and the drawbacks as well, including reliability based on over 37,000 calls performed by our service team just last year. Our goal is to give you ALL the information so you know what's right for you.
Please consider subscribing or adding to the conversation in the comments below. We appreciate you stopping by.
Steve Sheinkopf is the third-generation CEO of Yale Appliance and a lifelong Bostonian. He has over 38 years of experience in the appliance industry, and he is a trusted source of information for consumers on how to buy and repair appliances.
Steve has also been featured in numerous publications, including the
New York Times,
Consumer Reports,
The Boston Globe,
Bloomberg Radio, the
New York Post,
The Wall Street Journal, and
Entrepreneur, for his knowledge of how to buy appliances and appliance repair.
Steve is passionate about helping consumers find the best appliances for their needs, and he is always happy to answer questions and provide advice. He is a valuable resource for consumers who are looking for information on appliance buying, repair, and maintenance.
Despite being the worst goalie in history, Steve is a fan of the Bruins and college hockey, loves to read, and is a Peloton biker. The love of his life is his daughter, Sophie.
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.