[quote=ltsdd]When it comes home appliances, I stick with the traditional “American” brands – Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Fridgidaire, etc…My purchase decision is pretty simple, buy the least expensive model with the style that I want and so far I have pretty good luck with them.
Maytag refrigerator: Still going after 12+ years
Kenmore Dryer: 17+ years (replaced the belt once)
GE Washing Machine: 12+ years (getting noisy during the spin cycle)
All those were bought for around $550-$600.
The Whirlpool dishwasher and stove/micrwave that came with the house are still going strong after almost 20 years.
Would like hear from others about the brands of your appliances and their lifespan.[/quote]
Whirpool/Maytag is the only low/mid-tier company that is still Made in the USA.
Amana is owned by Whirpool, but they are heavily foreign sourced with cheaper parts.
KitchenAid is also owned by Whirpool, but I haven’t heard many good or bad things about them, and they aren’t cheap and aren’t cheap to repair.
GE technically still makes appliances in the US, but they are now owned by Haier and more of their products have the cheaper parts.
Frigidaire is now owned by the same European company that owns Electrolux. Not that great anymore too.
Dacor is now owned by Samsung. I have ovens made by them in the current house, and I dread the repair costs when it breaks.
For garbage disposals, stick with ISE and get one with a larger motor, like a 3/4 hp. It costs a lot more, but they do last a lot longer, especially in a rental.. I had one replaced by by a home warranty, I forget what brand, and it was completely junk and broke after 1 year of use.
