Getting the most bang for your buck
Home appliances are a huge investment, which is why you should do a lot of research before you make a purchase. “The stakes are high for major appliances,” Eric Hagerman, home editor at Consumer Reports, recently stated when the consumer-watchdog site released its list of the most reliable appliance brands in mid-2019. “These are really expensive products that you buy for your home. They’re things you have to have installed, and they basically become a part of your home.”
Not only do you want to buy a product that you like, but you also want to make sure that it is reliable and will stand the test of time. While you might assume that lots of money can buy you the best and longest-lasting appliances, this isn’t necessarily the case. According to Hagerman, the reliability rating doesn’t have anything to do with the price of an item—or a company’s fabulous marketing campaign. In other words, sometimes the cheapest appliances are the ones that will last you the longest.
It may be cheaper to replace your appliance instead of fixing it.
We sussed out the best of the best—from washers and dryers to slow cookers and blenders—to bring you this list of home appliances that will last you ten years or more.
Speed Queen Washer and Dryer
According to Consumer Reports, out of every single kitchen and laundry appliance brand, Speed Queen makes the most reliable appliances on the market. This company makes only washers and dryers, and their products look pretty bare-bones and stripped down compared to the competition. But Consumer Reports says this top-load washer and its accompanying dryer are built to last 25 years. That’s a lot of laundry loads! No matter what brand you have, here are the things that shouldn’t end up in your dryer.
LG Front-Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer with 6Motion Technology
Bare-bones appliances aren’t for everyone. Because laundry appliances are such a big investment and you’ll be using them all the time, you need to really hone in on exactly what you’re looking for before handing over your credit card. “The best appliances are the ones that match your home and the way you live—from style and finish, to features and function,” says Jon Fehlman, category manager for HVAC & Appliances at Build.com. First, you should set your budget. Then think about the size, look, and finish that works in your home. “Consider special features that make life easier and more enjoyable, like Wi-Fi connectivity, energy-saving designs, and quiet operation,” he advises.
For example, if you are looking for a tech-savvy washer and dryer with lots of bells and whistles that has a sleeker and more updated look, then that’s what you should buy. Check out this highly-rated set from LG. Consumer Reports has endorsed the brand’s front-load washers, HE top-load washers, and dryers, rating them high for reliability—making it a safe bet that you’ll be spending at least the next decade with them. (Psst! Don’t miss out on the best small appliances for small spaces.)
Vitamix Blender
The best way to ensure that your appliance will last for ten years is to buy it from a company that guarantees that it will, says Lisa McManus, executive editor of Tastings and Testings at America’s Test Kitchen. “Vitamix has a 10-year warranty on its blenders,” she points out. “That’s amazing. And very reassuring.” While you’re on a shopping kick, check out these kitchen gadgets our test kitchen cookes love the most.
KitchenAid Mixer
It should come as no surprise that KitchenAid stand mixers are built-to-last workhorses. Some people claim they can last anywhere from ten to 30 years, and some of them even get handed down over generations. This is probably why nearly every couple lists one of them on their wedding registry; this is one the kitchen appliance that will definitely move houses with you. But before you start using your new kitchen gadget, read about the 8 KitchenAid Mixer mistakes that everyone has made.
Maytag Electric Range with True Convection
Maytag ranges are tested tough for maximum dependability, so you can be sure that they’re built for the long haul. Plus, the brand offers a 10-year limited parts warranty on all double-oven, freestanding, and slide-in ranges. This electric range is full of powerful features like easy-to-clean, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and a Precision Cooking system that helps to ensure even cooking. Need to clean your electric range? Here’s how.
Crock-Pot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
A great way to tell if an appliance has sustainability over time is to take a peek in your grandmother’s kitchen. Chances are, you will find a Crock-Pot from the 1950s somewhere in there. That’s because the brand is famous for making long-lasting, high-quality slow cookers. At under $30, they’re a steal, especially considering they can be used to concoct anything from a tuna casserole to a hot-fudge chocolate cake. Here’s the sneakiest way you’re not using your slow cooker…yet.
Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator
Wirecutter chose this “simple, solid, and big” refrigerator, which features French doors and a bottom freezer compartment, as their overall top pick out of every fridge on the market. While they point out that it does lack a few of the bells and whistles found in similar models—such as an ice dispenser in the door—it also has fewer parts that can break. So how often should you clean out your fridge?
Samsung Single Oven Slide-In Gas Range
According to a customer-satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power, which took into consideration aesthetics as well as performance and reliability, Samsung is the reigning champion of the freestyle-range category. The new earthy-toned Tuscan Stainless Steel collection combines a variety of natural hues for a warm bronze finish, elevated by a textile-like appearance to bring something completely new to the market and accent virtually any decor in your kitchen. This model is also self-cleaning and features a fan convection oven. Not sure when to make your major purchase? These are the best times to buy household appliances.
LG 24″ Front Control Built-In Dishwasher with QuadWash and Stainless Steel Tub
The survey conducted by J.D. Power also crowned LG dishwashers best in show. This incredibly popular model features five wash cycles, so you can choose whether you want to clean tough pots and pans or delicate crystal. It also offers a delayed-start option of up to 19 hours, so you can set it to run while you’re out. Here’s how you may be shortening the lifespan of your dishwasher.
Hotpoint Over-the-Range Microwave
You may have never heard of Hotpoint, a no-frills appliance company that has been around for more than 100 years, but according to Consumer Reports, they are excellent for predicted reliability. While they might not look luxurious and aren’t full of features like some of the competition, they are built to last—and are also incredibly affordable. To get an idea of how long Hotpoint has been around, check out these vintage appliance ads that will take you back.
Farberware 1000-Watt Stainless Steel Microwave
Consumer Reports also endorsed Farberware as the most reliable stand-alone microwave purveyor on the market. This 1000-watt model has also achieved Amazon Choice status. Features include 10 power levels, six preset menus, express cooking, defrosting by weight or time, multi-stage cooking, and a kitchen timer. It’s also small enough to fit on your kitchen counter! These microwave products are absolute must-haves.
GE Top Freezer Refrigerator
This white GE refrigerator is about as basic as you can get, but Wirecutter claims it is the best “reliable, no frills” model on the market. It’s also one of the most affordable, at just $639. Reviewers agree, giving it high scores everywhere it is sold. You need to know these freezer organizing tricks.
Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven with Element IQ
When it comes to toaster ovens, Breville is often named as the best brand around. This luxe model doesn’t just toast—it also works as a mini oven and a convection oven. Plus, it has tons of features like nine preset cooking temperatures: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat, and Warm. If you still aren’t a believer, just ask the nearly 5,000 Amazon reviewers who have given it a near-perfect rating. By the way, you can make all of these awesome recipes in your toaster oven.
The post 13 Appliances That Will Last 10 Years or More appeared first on Taste of Home.
Leah Groth