KitchenAid is Whirlpool. According to this article, they're rated about the same as GE. We have Whirlpool in our house and I've always been very happy with them - but they're Whirlpool label, not a subsidiary, so I don't know if it would hold up differently.

I would be more concerned with the specific features that the models you're looking at offer. Appliances are much like computers in that they improve at roughly the same rate across the industry. You're unlikely to find that similarly priced units perform much differently, unless you just get a lemon.

One additional thought: I would NOT pay extra for features I am pretty sure I wouldn't use. I don't pay for an in-door ice dispenser, for example, because I rarely use ice. If you have a faucet water filter, you don't need a water dispenser. Etc. If you move, the next owners will probably bring or buy their own appliances, so resale should almost never be a consideration.

I hope this helps!

Did you know you can get advice from the Houzz Appliance forum?

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/appl

Never buy a wall oven and microwave combo always 2 separate pieces. The microwave will die long before the wall oven.I have KA double wall ovens they are 10 yrs old get used everyday and i love them. I strongly urge you to think hard about what you want from each appliance , buy stainless so that color is not an issue . IMO there is no maker that makes everything well. For instance I have a Bertazzoni 36” all gas range, the ovens i mentioned , Fridgedaire all fridge/ all freezer with builtin kit and a Bosch DW because they all function for me and how I cook.