Monday, July 8, 2024

Top ten appliance model list - updated for 2024

Last autumn (10-28-23 to be exact) I posted a list of the top selling model Skus, both overall and by category.  That post has proven to be one of the most frequently "hit" posts on my modest blog, so I thought that mid-year would be a good time to revisit and update the list.  

(In case you're interested, here's a link to that article: https://www.mannystv.com/Blog.html)

As I assembled the list below, I was frankly surprised by how much the list changed in a relatively short period of time.  I was also surprised that three of the models (the Speed Queen washer and the two Bosch dishwashers) are what we consider upper-end models and premium brands.  It does look like while our customers are demanding quality and performance for their hard-earned dollars, many are willing to pay a little more for this quality - more than I honestly expected!  

So without further ado, here's the list.  Note -These numbers are based on sales through our distributor (the New England Appliance Group) which services just about every independent retailer in the northeast.


1)  Maytag washer MV4505MW   No surprise here.  This mid-level top-load washer offers all the essential cycles, has a generous 4.5 cubic foot capacity tub, and uses a traditional auger type agitator to help move clothes around for more thorough cleaning.  A fine mid-level choice!





2) GE Over-range micro JVM3160RFSSS  Once again, the top selling over-the-range microwave oven, and this time even closer to the number one selling appliance overall!   A perfectly useful, albeit basic by today's expectations  (no convection oven, smart features, or moisture sensor for examples) micro-vent combo.




3)  Maytag electric dryer MED4500MW   The companion dryer to the #1 selling washer above.  four temperatures (by the way - in "dryer language, air fluff/no heat counts as a temperature), timed and auto dry, end of cycle signal... as with the "4505" washer, all the essential features.  No steam or smart features, but a perfectly dependable and useful machine.


4)  Speed Queen washer TC5003WN

Have you ever found something you buy didn't hold up as long as you expected?  It could be a lawn mower, a t-shirt, or even a clothes washer.  Have you ever exclaimed in frustration something along the lines of "I'd pay more money for a product that lasts longer!)?

Well, when it comes to laundry you have the opportunity to do just that: behold the Speed Queen washer!   

Five to seven year parts AND labor warranties.  Short cycle times.  In the case of the listed model, (cue the cornets!) no lid lock!   Oh yes, and made in the USA.  The only downside is the price, approximately double the average washer.  If the Speed Queen is within your budget however, I feel it's well worth the investment (my wife agrees; we've had this machine in our house for almost five years now.)

5)  GE electric range JB256DMWW  

I love it!! Again, this coil top electric range made the top ten last time, and has actually moved up to #5 on the overall list!  For rentals, starter homes, and other applications where price is important, this GE range (and its predecessors) has been our "go-to" coil range for over a decade,

(BTW if you're wondering what happened to coil top ranges in general, I talk about that in my 2-28-24 blog.)

6) Bosch dishwasher  SHP65CM5N   This dishwasher, and its next-step-up "sister model" at #10, are both newcomers to this list.




Back around 1997, when I was still pretty new to the major appliance industry. a sales rep visited our store in Wilbraham.  He was attempting to convince us that consumers would be willing to pay a premium price tag for a dishwasher that cleaned better, and was quieter than the relatively noisy models of that era.  This brand, Bosch was unknown to me and most Americans at the time.

Today, Bosch dishwashers are much more known, and have become our go-to upper end line.  Bosch has a loyal and satisfied following that is willing to spend $999 on a dishwasher that cleans well, holds up over time, and offers "brag to your friends" quiet.

7)  Maytag dishwasher MDB4949SKZ  

This not overly-fancy, reasonably quiet, energy-star qualified, USA assembled dishwasher offers performance and capacity at a reasonable price.  In addition to a full set of cycles, this Maytag model features a fingerprint-resistant finish on the door, and a ten year parts (not labor!) warranty on the motor and basket.  A very safe choice in the mid-range category.




8)  LG front load washer WM4000HWA
9)  L G front load washer WM3400HW



LG hits the top ten list for the first time with these two front load washers!

I'm going to talk about both the "4000"series and the "3400" series model together. Both machines give solid cleaning performance, a generous 4.5 cubic foot capacity, and a ten year part warranty on the motor and drum.  The 4000 washer adds a turbo wash option, and a steam option to assist with the cleaning of heavily soiled garments.  The 4000 also has "smart" capability, using an app that can be easily downloaded to your smartphone.

10) Bosch dishwasher SHP78CM5N.   The step-up, 800 series version of the dishwasher discussed at #7.  The biggest complaint I get about Bosch dishwashers: the lack of a heating element for quick drying.  Well, the 800 series dishwashers employs a CrystalDry feature to address this, transforming moisture into heat.   Also, at 42db, the machine is barely audible!

As I mentioned before, some of the models making the top ten list pleasantly surprised me.  

Now, in case you are trying to decide what to buy in a specific category, I'm including the best selling models for each popular segment below.

Top "top-loading" washer: Maytag MVW4505MW  see #1 above!

Top "front loading" washer:  LG WM4000HWA  see #8 above.  

Top electric range:  GE GRF600AVSS  The successor to the JB750 range that made the top ten list last time.  Except for some availability issues this past spring, I'm sure this popular stove would have made the list this time as well.

Top gas range GE JGB735SPSS  This model was on the top ten overall list last time, and most likely would be this time around as well except for some availability issues in the spring.

Top electric slide in GE Profile PGS930SYGS  A "fully-loaded" gas range, which is outselling lower priced alternatives.

For refrigeration I'm breaking this category down into styles:

Top "Topfreezer" fridge GE GTS17DTNRWW  (a basic but reliable small unit that is very popular in apartments.)
Top "Bottom freezer" fridge Whirlpool WRB322DMBM (out of stock for a long long time due to Covid-19, but finally available again!)
Top "French-door" fridge GE GNE27JYMFS (internal ice and water, energy star qualified, and now with a fingerprint resistant front.)
Top "counter depth" fridge  LG LRFLC2706S  (actually considered by LG to be "counter-depth max", giving more capacity than the typical counter depth model while still keeping the refrigerator case cabinet roughly flush with a typical kitchen cabinet.) 

Specs on all the above models can be found on the website (just copy and paste the model number into the search box on the front page.)

If you're looking for an appliance, but don't know where to begin your search process, these models above may be a great place to start!


No comments:

Post a Comment