J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Among Kitchen Appliance Brands, Bosch, Kenmore Elite, LG, Samsung and Whirlpool Gold Lead Customer Satisfaction Rankings in Their Respective Segments

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Bosch, Kenmore Elite, LG, Samsung and Whirlpool Gold rank highest in satisfying customers with major kitchen appliances in their respective segments, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Kitchen Appliances Study(SM) released today.

The study measures customer satisfaction in five segments of kitchen appliances: dishwashers; free-standing ranges; built-in cooktops and wall ovens; freezer-on-top style refrigerators; and side-by-side and French door style refrigerators. Customer satisfaction is measured based on performance in six factors: operational performance (including how well the appliance functions, noise level and energy efficiency); operational features (such as the number of settings available and appliance capacity); ease of use; styling and feel; price; and warranty.

Dishwashers

For a third consecutive year, Bosch ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dishwashers, performing particularly well in the areas of operational performance (which includes dishwasher noise level and energy efficiency); ease of use; and styling. Following Bosch in the rankings are Kenmore Elite and LG, respectively.

Side-By-Side and French Door Style Refrigerators

For a fourth consecutive year, Samsung ranks highest in satisfying