Do my kitchen appliances need to match brands?

[djc315]

I melted an acrylic water bottle top onto the heat thing of our dishwasher, so instead of seeing if it's fixable, I want to replace it.

We just replaced the fridge with a Samsung, how weird is it to get a different brand for the dishwasher?  It will be stainless like the fridge, but the reviews on the Whirlpool blow the Samsung reviews away.

Also, top control over front controls for the dishwasher, right?

This is the one I'm looking at: www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpool-Gold-Series-Top-Control-Dishwasher-in-Monochromatic-Stainless-Steel-WDT720PADM/205506919

[pinkdutchtulips]

No

My dream kitchen has a Viking range and a subzero fridge

[niq]

not weird at all.

Top controls? Like, inside the door? I hate those. I also hate that on lots of modern models it's hard to see if the dishwasher is actually on and they don't have a manual lock.

[laurenh]

I'm biased but ours don't match for the same reason - reliability variances based on appliance type. They still seem to match just fine

[linz]

I don't know if any of our appliances are the same brand. They're just all white.

I've only used front controls.

[Ashley&Scott]

I think as long as the finish matches you're fine.

Yes, definitely get top controls. I love our hidden panel.

[djc315]

Aug 6, 2015 11:18:53 GMT -5 niq said:

not weird at all.

Top controls? Like, inside the door? I hate those. I also hate that on lots of modern models it's hard to see if the dishwasher is actually on and they don't have a manual lock.

Yes, they can't be pressed when the door is closed.  I was thinking it would be smart since N likes to press all the buttons.  I'll have to see if it has a lock.

[pooh8402]

Nope. I do like when they match in look (all black or all SS).

Ditto top controls. We may replace our dishwasher soonish, and will get top controls for the specific reason of having a toddler.

[justjen]

mine don't

[momin2013]

Nope, all four of our kitchen appliances are stainless, but are different brands. I would never notice if the brands are the same.

We have buttons on the front of our dishwasher, but you can lock the controls if you need to. I think it's fine that way.

[meij]

Do not get a Samsung dishwasher. We made that terrible mistake once. It was awful and didn't even work. We were able to return it after some hassle thank goodness because it was just a piece of stinky junk sitting in the kitchen while I had to hand wash everything. It's been like four years and the thought of that dishwasher still pisses me off.

Our microwave and stove match brands but that's it.

[meij]

Aug 6, 2015 12:00:08 GMT -5 @vicmo said:

Don't get a Samsung dishwasher. We have one and it's the bane of my existence.

Jinx. I'm very, very sorry you are stuck with yours.

[Deleted]

Matching finish is MUCH more important than matching brand. If they are all a similar finish I doubt anyone would look closely enough to know or care about the brands.

Eta: Yes, on top controls. We have them now but our past dishwashers have been front control and I like the top better.

[cjeanette]

I couldn't tell you if ours matched...

[halfpint]

Nope - we have at least three different brands.

I just got a KitchenAid, and if you can be in love with an appliance, I'm in love with this dishwasher.

[namasteak]

None of our appliances are the same brand but they are all stainless. It doesn't bother me at all.

[momin2013]

Aug 6, 2015 12:36:07 GMT -5 halfpint said:

Nope - we have at least three different brands.

I just got a KitchenAid, and if you can be in love with an appliance, I'm in love with this dishwasher.

Ours is KitchenAid too, and yep, I love it.

[Marmee]

That's interesting because I was advised heavily not to get the KA dishwasher by the salespeople because it gets returned so frequently.

I have a Bosch DW & Samsung fridge.

[Velar Fricative]

Nah. They're all stainless steel though. Although our microwave, range and dishwasher are all Frigidaires and our fridge is a GE. And the main reason our dishwasher is a Frigidaire is because we got it for free (barely used) from family.

[pippa]

Not weird. The finish is important but not the brand.

I like top controls. Especially with a toddler in the house.

Echoing everyone about Samsung dishwasher. They're the worst. Ours wasn't even old but when we redid the kitchen we got rid of it because it was so terrible.

[winecheery]

I agree finish is the important thing. I think getting the best brand you can afford is more important then brand matching. Like, some companies make really awesome stoves, but their dishwashers are lacking. So why would you want to get a lesser dishwasher just so it's the same brand. Just keep the look cohesive.

I love top controls on our dishwasher. And if you can get/afford a dishwasher with s/s interior, not plastic, I'd recommend it.

[halfpint]

Aug 6, 2015 12:53:38 GMT -5 Marmee said:

That's interesting because I was advised heavily not to get the KA dishwasher by the salespeople because it gets returned so frequently.

I have a Bosch DW & Samsung fridge.

Our model (KDTM354DSS) is the top rated dishwasher by Consumer Reports. They list highs and lows, and under lows they say "This model had no discernible flaws". 

Bosch is probably the only other brand I'd consider, but Kenmore actually scored higher them with their most recent tests. 

[snshne322]

I agree that they don't need to match in brand, but they should preferably should match in style. I have a BOSCH dishwasher and I have no complaints. Though this is my first dishwasher in my adult life so I have no comparison!