Getting a new appliance is always quite exciting; it’s like a new toy, except you’re footing the bill. You spend a good amount of money on something you expect to serve your household for years (and hopefully improve the quality of life). When a brand name is recognizable, we often trust it will deliver quality and performance. Sometimes, however, a premium price tag doesn’t translate to a premium product.
It can be a real headache when a shiny new oven doesn’t cook evenly or a freezer gives up, taking all your frozen goods with it. Some brands promise top-tier performance but fall short in practice, according to customer feedback. No need to swear off these brands entirely, just approach your next purchase with a bit more caution.
Based on a deep dive into customer reviews from multiple sources, here are 10 brands that frequently leave buyers feeling they paid too much for too little. (Note: These do not reflect all experiences and are only based on customer reviews.)
1. KitchenAid (Not the Mixer)
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KitchenAid built its reputation on the back of its iconic stand mixer, a beloved fixture in many kitchens. The brand is a powerhouse in the small appliance world. When it expanded into larger appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, many assumed that same quality would carry over. Unfortunately, customer experiences suggest otherwise.
Many reviews express frustration over paying a high price for a large appliance that fails unexpectedly. Dishwashers and refrigerators, in particular, receive low marks. Beyond the initial malfunction, a common complaint is the difficulty in getting service, even for products still under warranty. This has led many to declare their loyalty to KitchenAid’s mixers while choosing to stick with KitchenAid’s small appliances and explore other options for larger ones.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: Strong reputation from stand mixers doesn’t extend to larger, more expensive appliances.
- Common Complaints: Refrigerators and dishwashers failing prematurely.
- Customer Service: Reports of poor support and difficulty with warranty claims.
2. Fisher & Paykel
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Fisher & Paykel is known for its sleek, modern designs that can elevate any kitchen’s aesthetic. The visual appeal is strong, but looks can be deceiving. Many customers have found that beneath the stylish exterior lies a product that doesn’t function as well as it looks.
Some reviews express intense disappointment, with harsh terms used to describe performance issues. Washers, dryers, and refrigerators are frequently mentioned sources of frustration. Even appliance technicians have weighed in on forums, noting that Fisher & Paykel products are notoriously difficult to repair. Leaking dishwashers have reportedly caused significant damage to hardwood floors, turning a simple appliance failure into a costly home repair project.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: Stylish designs do not match the functional performance of the appliances.
- Common Complaints: Dishwasher leaks, refrigerator failures, and general unreliability.
- Repairability: Technicians reportedly dislike working on them due to complexity and parts availability.
3. Bosch (Not the Dishwasher)
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Bosch is a household name, often associated with German engineering and reliability. While many of their products receive positive feedback, it’s not unusual to find a vocal group of dissatisfied customers for a brand of this size. Their dishwashers, in particular, are often praised.
However, issues with other appliances, like refrigerators and ovens, have surfaced. Some customers report that while their Bosch appliances work well initially, they can be expensive and difficult to fix when something goes wrong. This transforms a perceived high-value purchase into a costly long-term investment. While the brand enjoys a generally good reputation, the pockets of negative reviews are a reminder that sometimes, maybe the gadget isn’t worth it.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: High repair costs and parts availability can turn a minor issue into a major expense.
- Common Complaints: Issues primarily with refrigerators and ovens, contrasting with their well-regarded dishwashers.
- Customer Perception: Generally positive, but negative experiences are notable due to the high price point.
4. LG (Not Electronics)
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LG is a technology giant known for its cutting-edge electronics, from TVs to smartphones. This reputation for innovation creates high expectations for its home appliances. Yet, reliability concerns have surfaced across several product lines. A major recall of half a million oven ranges due to a fire hazard certainly didn’t help public perception.
The most frequent complaints target LG refrigerators, with many users pointing to faulty compressors as the root cause of breakdowns. Customers report long waits for repairs and a feeling that the company has been slow to address the known compressor problem. Even those who find LG’s fridges mechanically sound have complained about flimsy construction and cheap-feeling materials, which detracts from the premium price.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: A reputation for great electronics doesn’t translate to reliable home appliances.
- Common Complaints: Faulty refrigerator compressors, flimsy construction, and slow customer service.
- Red Flag: A major oven range recall in 2025 damaged consumer trust.
5. Viking
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Viking positions itself as a luxury brand, with slogans boasting of “professional performance” and “stunning design.” The appliances certainly look the part, projecting an image of commercial-grade quality for the home chef. The price tag matches this high-end positioning.
However, many customer reviews tell a different story. Some reviewers have advised caution when considering Viking appliances. Beyond complaints about the products themselves, frustrations with customer service are a recurring theme. Microwaves with failing digital screens and leaky dishwashers have also been reported.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: The brand’s luxury marketing and high prices don’t align with reported product quality and reliability.
- Common Complaints: Frequent malfunctions in ranges and microwaves, leaky dishwashers, and poor customer service.
- Customer Sentiment: Strong feelings of buyer’s remorse due to the very high cost.
6. Whirlpool
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Whirlpool is one of the most established names in the appliance industry, and many families have owned their products for generations. This long history can create a sense of trust. Lately, though, some longtime customers feel the brand’s quality has shifted in recent years.
Refrigerators are a consistent source of criticism, with a wide range of cited issues. One user reported that their washing machine failed within 8 months of purchase. Online discussions often explore how Whirlpool’s reputation has evolved.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: A perceived decline in the brand’s long-standing reputation for durability.
- Common Complaints: A variety of issues with refrigerators; multiple appliances failing in a short timeframe.
- Brand Perception: Growing skepticism among consumers about whether the quality justifies the price.
7. Samsung
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As a global leader in electronics, Samsung is a brand most people recognize and trust. Their TVs, phones, and computers are top-sellers. This makes the widespread issues with their home appliances particularly disappointing for consumers.
Durability is the main problem, with Samsung refrigerators being the most frequently criticized product. Stories of refrigerators failing and leading to lost food are common. These issues are made worse by what many describe as frustratingly poor customer support and a failure to honor warranties. It appears the company’s expertise in electronics has not fully translated to the demands of home appliances, leaving customers paying a premium for a famous name without the expected quality.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: The brand’s excellence in electronics does not carry over to its home appliance division.
- Common Complaints: Major durability problems, especially with refrigerators.
- Customer Service: Widespread dissatisfaction with support and warranty fulfillment.
8. Frigidaire
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Frigidaire is often seen as a more budget-friendly option, but an appliance still feels overpriced if it doesn’t work correctly. As a subsidiary of Electrolux, one might expect a certain level of quality, but customer reviews suggest it falls short of its parent company’s standards.
One of the most concerning signs is the breadth of complaints. Negative reviews are not limited to one type of appliance; they span ranges, humidifiers, freezers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Poor customer service and warranty disputes compounded this. Even at a lower price point, the headaches and replacement costs can quickly add up.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: Widespread quality control problems across the entire product line.
- Common Complaints: Ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances all receive criticism.
- Value Proposition: Even as a budget brand, the lack of reliability makes it feel overpriced to many.
9. Maytag
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Maytag built its brand on the image of the lonely repairman, a symbol of its products’ legendary durability. For decades, the name was synonymous with reliability, which makes your daily chores easy. Today, many customers feel that the brand is coasting on its past reputation.
Passionate reviews from long-time customers describe a steep decline in manufacturing quality. In one revealing case, a customer bought three identical stainless steel refrigerators, and all three malfunctioned in the same way, suggesting a systemic issue rather than a one-off defect.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: The brand’s current products do not live up to its historical reputation for durability.
- Common Complaints: Loud noises, compressor failures, and unresponsive customer service.
- Customer Loyalty: Eroding trust among even the most loyal, long-term customers.
10. JennAir
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JennAir is marketed as a luxury appliance brand, with pricing that reflects high expectations for performance and durability. However, concerns have been raised about the reliability of some of its products, particularly wall ovens and microwaves.
Industry commentary suggests that the brand’s reputation has shifted in recent years, with some professionals questioning whether the quality matches the premium cost. For many buyers, the experience has fallen short of what they anticipated from a high-end label.
Quick Summary:
- The Issue: The luxury price point does not deliver the expected durability or performance.
- Common Complaints: Early-life failures in ovens and microwaves; general feeling of being overpriced.
- Brand Perception: A luxury brand that disappoints customers who have high expectations.
Making a Smarter Purchase
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Navigating the appliance market can be tricky, but you can protect yourself from buyer’s remorse.
- First, read recent reviews for the specific model you are considering, not just the brand. Look for patterns in complaints on retailer sites and independent forums.
- Second, always ask about the warranty and consider an extended warranty, but read the fine print to understand what is covered.
- Finally, talk to local, independent appliance repair technicians. They have firsthand knowledge of which brands and models they see most often and can offer unbiased advice.
A little research up front can save you a lot of money and frustration down the road.