Slowly, people have started to realize the influence of branding, and that high price doesn’t always translate to better quality. Brand loyalty is especially noticed when consumers shop for electronic appliances. However, their satisfaction is higher when the brand successfully gives them long-term usability.
J.D. Powers conducted an Appliance Satisfaction Study in 2024 to identify the brands consumers are most satisfied with. They picked 12 appliance segments and asked the respondents to give satisfaction scores (out of 1000) to different appliance brands.
So here are the 12 segments and the best brands in each, based on overall customer satisfaction.
Cooktop: Samsung
- Score: 745
A cooktop is the heart of any kitchen, essential for culinary creations. The best brands prioritize efficiency, safety, and durability. They offer various burner sizes and types to cater to different cooking needs. Precise temperature control is crucial for cooking at the right temperature. Easy-to-clean surfaces and intuitive controls enhance the user experience. Energy efficiency helps the environment and lowers utility costs. In this segment, Whirlpool scored 740, LG scored 723, but Samsung, with a score of 745, is the top brand.
Freestanding Range: Samsung
- Score: 722
Successful brands emphasize versatility, performance, and aesthetic appeal. These appliances should seamlessly integrate into various kitchen styles while delivering top-notch functionality. Reliability and durability are paramount to ensure long-lasting satisfaction. Furthermore, user-friendly features and easy maintenance contribute significantly to a positive ownership experience. In this segment, the average satisfaction score was 698, but Samsung is the top brand with a score of 722.
Wall Oven: Samsung
- Score: 785
A wall oven adds valuable counter space and enhances a kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. The best brands excel in cooking performance, with precise temperature control and even heat distribution. They offer ample interior capacity for various dishes. Easy-to-clean features and durable materials maintain the oven’s appearance and functionality. User-friendly controls and clear display panels improve the overall cooking experience. In this segment, KitchenAid and Whirlpool tied for second with a score of 744, but Samsung led with a score of 785.
Over-the-Range Microwave: Samsung
- Score: 729
The competition was neck-to-neck in this segment as LG ranked second with 726 and KitchenAid ranked third with 724.
An over-the-range microwave combines convenience and space-saving functionality. A superior brand should focus on powerful ventilation to effectively eliminate cooking odors and grease. User-friendly controls and intuitive settings are essential for hassle-free operation. Additionally, a variety of cooking functions, such as reheating, defrosting, and cooking, enhance the microwave’s versatility. Safety features, including child locks and sensor technology, are crucial for peace of mind.
Dishwasher: KitchenAid
- Score: 738
A dishwasher should clean dishes well without leaving any food or spots. It needs to be quiet while it works and dry dishes completely. A good dishwasher will have different wash settings for various types of dishes, like glasses and pots. It should also be easy to load and unload and use little water and energy. KitchenAid was able to meet all these criteria, which got it the first rank in the survey. The second and third were Samsung (736) and Bosch (719), respectively.
French Door Refridgerator: Samsung
- Score: 753
A French-door fridge should look good and have lots of space inside. The doors should open wide to reach things at the back easily. It’s essential to keep food cold and fresh for a long time. Having separate controls for the fridge and freezer is helpful. Extra features like water and ice dispensers are a plus. With its design excellence, Samsung was able to satisfy customers in this segment the most, while Whirpool was the second best (720).
Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Samsung
- Score: 762
A side-by-side fridge should offer ample space in both the fridge and freezer sections. The doors should open smoothly and easily. Adjustable shelves are helpful for fitting tall items. The fridge should keep food cold, and the freezer should freeze items quickly. It should also run quietly. In this segment, LG scored 727 and GE scored 714, but Samsung, delivering on almost all these aspects, scored the highest with 762.
Top-Mount Freezer, Two-Door Refrigerator: Samsung
- Score: 762
Customers look for simplicity and usefulness in a top-mount freezer or two-door refrigerator. The top freezer should be easy to reach for frozen foods, and the fridge should offer ample space for fresh items. Adjustable shelves are a plus. It’s essential for the fridge to keep food cold and for the freezer to freeze items solid. Tight-sealing doors are crucial to maintain the temperature, and the unit should operate quietly. According to the JD Power survey, customers find Samsung to be the best brand in this segment, followed by LG in the second spot, with a satisfaction score of 703.
Front-load Clothes Washer: Samsung
- Score: 753
A front-load clothes washer is designed to clean garments while conserving water and energy efficiently. It typically offers a larger capacity compared to top-load models, allowing for the washing of larger loads. These machines are known for their gentle cleaning action, which helps to preserve the fabric of clothes. Additionally, they often feature advanced settings for fabric types and stain removal, providing tailored care for various garments. Following Samsung, Maytag (751) and Whirpool (735) got the second and third rank, respectively.
Top-Load Clothes Washer: Samsung
- Score: 723
A top-load clothes washer provides a classic and accessible method for laundry. It is generally easier to load and unload compared to front-load models. These machines are often equipped with agitators or pulsators to clean clothes effectively. While typically using more water and energy than front-load options, top-load washers can handle bulky items with ease. While Samsung again emerged as the best brand in this segment, LG closely followed suit with a score of 717.
Clothes Dryer: Samsung
- Score: 732
Customers expect a clothes dryer to efficiently remove moisture from wet laundry, providing convenience by reducing drying time. Effective dryers evenly distribute heat to prevent overdrying and fabric damage. Energy efficiency is crucial, as dryers consume significant power. Features like wrinkle prevention and timed drying cycles enhance the user experience. In this segment, Samsung and LG competed closely. According to the survey, Samsung ranks highest with a score of 732, while LG follows closely with 721.
Best Appliance Retailer: Costco
- Score: 718
- D. Power’s survey also ranked appliance retailers and found Costco to be the most popular one. The Home Depot (716) and P.C., Richard & Son (709) follow Costco. Costco is often perceived as a top appliance retailer due to several factors. Consumers frequently cite its competitive pricing and the retailer’s reputation for offering high-quality products as primary reasons for choosing Costco. The retailer’s extended warranty and hassle-free return policies further enhance customer confidence. Costco’s membership model also creates a sense of exclusivity, implying access to premium products and services.
