J.D. Power and Associates wanted to know, so they recently conducted the 2011 Laundry and Kitchen Appliance Satisfaction Studies, measuring customer satisfaction in five categories:  washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges.

Samsung was the clear winner in the washer/dryer categories based on six factors: ease of use, features, performance and reliability, styling and appearance, warranty, and price.  All scores are based on a 1,000 point scale and we’ve listed the leaders below. Find all the results at J.D. Power’s website: http://www.jdpower.com/news/pressRelease.aspx?ID=2011068

Clothes Washers:

1. Samsung: 834 points
2. LG: 827 points
3. Kenmore Elite: 825 points

 -Industry average was 783 points

Clothes Dryers:

1. Samsung: 830 points
2. Whirlpool Duet: 829 points
3. LG: 823 points

 -Industry average was 783 points

The kitchen appliance results were based on these six factors: performance and reliability, features, ease of use, styling and appearance, price, and warranty.  All scores based on a 1,000 point scale.

Refrigerators:

1. Sub-Zero: 834 points
2. Samsung: 820 points
3. LG: 790 points 

 -Industry average was 759 points

Dishwashers:

1. Miele: 814 points
2. Fisher & Paykel: 805 points
3. Kenmore Elite: 802 points   

  -Industry average was 760 points

Ranges:

1. LG & Wolf: Tied at 804 points
2. GE Monogram: 801 points

   -Industry average was 774 points

The new 48 inch Thermador Pro Grand Steam is the world’s first appliance to offer seven distinct cooking options.  Those cooking options, including: steaming, convection baking, burner cooking, simmering, grilling, griddle cooking and warming.  The only thing it doesn’t do is prepare the food for you! The range sells for $13,995.

Cooking Innovation & Performance:

• The Thermador Pro Grand Steam Range, a large-capacity oven, a six-burner gas cooktop and electric grill/griddle option with pro coattitanium surface, plus a warming drawer.
• The fully integrated 1.4-cubic-foot steam & convection oven cavity is large enough for a 14-pound turkey, serving 15 people. (A 14-pound turkey takes only 90 minutes to cook in combination mode.) The steam oven offers 30 easy cook food programs, and its simple water tank design allows for convenient, spill-proof refilling, and eliminates the need for plumbing modifications during installation.
• The steam & convection oven enables cooking without using butter or fat, improves overall food quality and appearance, and preserves healthy vitamins and nutrients typically lost during traditional cooking methods.

Design:

• Highest-grade stainless steel construction and handcrafted in the United States with signature bull-nose design.
• Professionalseries handles and trim kits offer design consistency with any Thermador kitchen.
• New hydraulic soft closehinges prevent the slamming of oven doors and warming drawer.

For more information on the Pro Grand Steam Range visit www.thermador.com.

Bertazzoni brings the design and innovation of the Italian auto industry to your kitchen.  Using imaginative details and Milanese style, Bertazzoni gives every kitchen appliance a sleek, modern look.

These fast induction type appliances allow no waste of stored or residual heat.  This means all the energy is used to heat the pan, saving you time and money.  The cooktop pictured, the P30-4xx model, comes with touch controls and four heating zones.  Made of black glass ceramic this contemporary cooktop is easy to clean and use.  Bertazzoni freestanding and built-in models allow you to pick the oven that fits your lifestyle!

For more information check out their website:   http://us.bertazzoni.com/