Most appliances are made to last under 10 years, regardless of brand name. Some of the most expensive, high-end brands have the worst reliability ratings. Also, most of them, even the most basic, are laden with features most of us do not need or use. After much researching brands and features, I found that dishwashers are the least problematic and refrigerators and ovens the most. Gas cooktops were in the middle. I can't comment on electric or induction since I was not interested in them.

I eventually went with a combination of a Subzero refrigerator, GE Monogram rangetop, hood and wall ovens, and a Bosch dishwasher. Reasons? After having a Subzero for 27 years with no major problems, I figured the cost was worth the peace of mind, and the true built-in look was preferred. The GE Monogram cooking appliances were recommended by 2 friends and I liked the look. Also they were cost-effective--I got the range hood almost free. The Bosch dishwasher had amazing ratings and it's very quiet. Also Bosch and Miele offer the only dishwasher truly flush with the surrounding cabinets. Other brands stand out about 1 1/2-2".

I agree with Beverly about matching the appliances to the value of your home. My home is in an upscale suburb of NYC so I felt that the higher-end brands were warranted.

I think the attitude about this is evolving for the very reasons you mentioned. To some extent, yes, it seems to matter, at least in so much as the appliances coordinate and are of high quality in a higher end home. We recently went with the Kitchen Aid commercial range in our remodel (of recently purchased home) and love it more than the higher priced Dacor in previous home.

A gas range will last virtually forever. You should buy appliance according to their usefulness for you I never put matching appliances in a clients house each person has what they consider important to them for each appliance. As for brands many are just overpriced. For instance I have a Bertazzoni 6 burner all gas range with wok burner, a Kitchenaid full size double electric wall oven a Bosch DW a fridgedaire all fridge/ all freezer with built in kit because that is what I need for how i cook. As for matching the value of the home I would not agree you need good appliances no matter the value of your home.

No matter the value of your house, reliability is the most important feature, followed by appearance/aesthetics. "Brand" names should mean next to nothing unless you are planning to sell soon.

One thing I've learned...comparing brands and can make your head spin. The negative reviews are there for almost everything. Also, many appliances today just aren't made the way they once were. It seems you're better off to shop for features rather than brand.

When I said "coordinate", I didn't mean all same brand. Just that they work together. I've mixed up brands as well.

From what I have read and heard from the experts, buying higher end appliances does not always mean they are better! For example: buying a mid-range priced dishwasher will do the same job for less money than the higher priced dishwashers. You are just paying a much higher price for the bells and whistles that you might not ever use or use very seldom.

Yes, and those bell and whistles can get costly when repairs are needed.