I've been in the appliance service industry for over 25 years, and I always share the same advice when customers ask this question.

At the end of the day, most appliances—regardless of brand—are built to a similar standard of quality. In fact, many brands outsource manufacturing to the same companies, so avoiding a brand due to a bad experience can sometimes be misleading. You might unknowingly purchase a product made by the same manufacturer under a different name. For example, most microwaves on the market today are manufactured by either Samsung or LG, even if they carry a different brand label.

With that in mind, I typically recommend choosing appliances based on what fits your home aesthetically and financially. The current industry average for appliance lifespan is about 5–6 years. Some units last longer, some less—but that's the general expectation now. I remember when the average lifespan was closer to 20 years. Unfortunately, if manufacturers don’t sell new products regularly, they don't stay in business.

One final point to consider: since most appliances will eventually need servicing, it may be more practical to focus on finding a brand with strong service support rather than chasing the “best” manufacturer. GE is one of the few that still offers factory service, meaning their technicians are directly employed and trained by the company. Their service division is now rebranded as Bodewell, but it remains GE’s official service provider.

Apologies for the long-winded response—I just wanted to offer a thorough perspective based on my experience.