Consumer Reports' reliability ratings list Whirlpool & Hotpoint as the most trouble-free refrigerators. I know that some on this forum don't like CR b/c they don't rate many of the higher end appliances very highly...probably b/c they rate based on features + cost for the average person; they also don't usually test very many of the high-end appliances. However, when considering a "low-end" to "mid-range" appliance I think CR is usually pretty good.

They list:

Hotpoint HTS22GBP[WW] (21.9 cu ft) Quick Pick & CR Best Buy ~$650
Whirlpool ET1FHTXM[Q] (20.9 cu ft) Quick Pick ~$750 (also has an Energy Star rating)

Over the last 30 years we've had 2 Whirlpool refrigerators. Both were trouble free, except the one we have now has an ice maker problem. It's about 15 to 16 years old.
If I remember rightly, the first one was still working when we bought the present one.
Also have had 2 Whirlpool dryers and 3 washers over the last 30 years.
The first washer was trouble free. The dryer had a tendency to burn out heating elements.
The present dryer has been trouble free for the last 15 years. I can't remember why the second washer was replaced. The last washer, which was new about 3 years, ago wouldn't fill up with water and had to have a switch replaced.
We're satisfied with Whirlpool products.

There are several Sears appliance outlets in my metro area (Chicago), and that is a good place to get a bargain. I also highly recommend Craiglist -- many people get these lower end appliances when re-doing their kitchens, for their 'temporary' kitchen, then sell them when their 'real' kitchens are done -- these and other circumstances can lead to some good bargains being had on Craiglist (or your local paper). Floor models also can be good buys. Good luck --

The reason the high end appliances do not rate any higher than they do, is they are not any better. They are more expensive with higher maintenance costs. Most higher end appliances use computer electronics which fail quicker.

A house with a lot of electronics should have whole house surge protection on the electricity. This would help protect you TV's, Phones, HVAC, Dish antenna, and the various appliances.

Clothes Washers
Consumer Reports' reliability ratings for top loaders list Roper as the most reliable, followed by GE, then Frigidaire, Kenmore, & Whirlpool as the most trouble-free top-loader washers. Fisher & Paykel, Amana were more repair prone; KitchenAid was considerably more repair prone.
For front loaders, Whirlpool then GE & Kenmore followed by Frigidaire. Maytag had considerably more repairs needed.
In general, top loaders are less repair prone

They also say:
"Lower prices have helped traditional top-loaders outsell better-performing front-loaders. But the differences in washing ability have become more dramatic this year because of stricter energy standards. Indeed, for the first time in years, we can't call any washer a Best Buy because models that did a very good job getting laundry clean cost $1,000 or more. If your budget is limited, consider waiting for prices to come down. But if you need a washer now and can live with mediocre washing results, consider the top-loading Whirlpool WTW5540S[W], $400, or the front-loading Frigidaire Gallery LTF2940E[S] (Lowe's) or GLTF2940E[ ], each $750, or LG WM1814C[W], $800."

Top-loading:
Whirlpool WTW5540S[W], $400

Highest Rated Top Loader:
Whirlpool Cabrio HE WTW6600S[W], $1,000

Front-loading:
Frigidaire Gallery LTF2940E[S] (Lowe's) $750
GLTF2940E[ ], $750
LG WM1814C[W], $800

Front Loader Quick Picks (For better performance and efficiency):
Whirlpool Duet HT GHW9400P[W], $1200
Bosch Nexxt 500 Series WFMC3301UC, $1100
LG WM0642H[W], $1000

Highest Rated Front Loader:
LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H[WM], $1,500

Stay away from:
GE WCVH6600H[WW]
GE WBVH5100H[WW]
From CR:
Both frequently trapped washcloths during the high-speed spin cycle. The seals were abraded and deposited ground-up rubber on the cloths. We tested one unit of each washer before they were sold at retail and one unit each bought at stores anonymously. Door seals in all four washers left the residue, and we couldn't completely remove the resulting stains with further washing.

Thanks so much for all the feedback! I'm forwarding these to my daughter :)
Monica

Clothes Dryers
Consumer Reports' reliability ratings for electric dryers list Roper as the most reliable, followed by Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, & Frigidaire, then Kenmore & Fisher & Paykel as the most trouble-free dryers. KitchenAid & Amana were more repair prone.
For gas dryers, Whirlpool, then Maytag, then GE, Frigidaire, & Kenmore were the most reliable. None stood out as particularly trouble prone.

They also say:
"Nearly all the dryers we tested scored at least very good for drying performance. Those that scored excellent were better at drying delicate clothes at low temperatures and leaving loads damp enough for ironing."
"...we've found that gas and electric dryers perform similarly"
"Two more tips: Manufacturer pairings of washers and dryers are more than hype. You might see slightly better dryer performance than in our Ratings if you also use its mate. Also, the performance of an older dryer might improve if a new washer extracts more water than its predecessor."

Best overall dryers at a reasonable price:
Kenmore (Sears) Elite 6697[2], CR Best Buy, $570

Nearly as good for less:
Kenmore (Sears) Elite 6692[2], CR Best Buy, $500
GE Profile DPSE810EG[WT], $550

Highest Rated:
GE Profile Harmony DPGT750EC[WW], $800
(Gas version: GE Profile Harmony DPGT750GC[ ], $850)