For a previous project, the designers at Hendricks Churchill decided against a built-in paneled unit and instead positioned the piece freestanding in the client’s kitchen. “Even with all its stainless steel, it somehow sits there much like an old-fashioned ice chest,” says Rafe Churchill, cofounder of Hendricks Churchill. “Of course, the glass door hasn’t helped with [the client’s] obsessive-compulsive issues, but they’re well aware when the kids have raided the refrigerator.”Sub-Zero PRO4850G Side by Side Smart RefrigeratorSub-Zero Designer Series DEC1850WL Dual Zone Smart Wine CoolerCaféWhen it comes to design-friendly collections, Café’s appliances are the cream of the crop. This high-end brand is a subsidiary of GE that gets its claim to fame for merging modern design with high-quality performance. Think: custom hardware and sleek matte finishes across its entire collection, including its best-selling ranges and wall ovens. A favorite among designers, this is the best kitchen appliance brand for contemporary design in our book.AD100 designer Leyden Lewis’s preferred pick in an appliance is one like the brand’s French-door refrigerator that you don’t even know is there. “Panel-ready refrigerators offer seamless integration, promoting a modern look by allowing the kitchen to feel part of the architecture,” says the Leyden Lewis Design Studio founder and creative director.Café Smart Counter-Depth French-Door RefrigeratorCafé Smart Radiant and Convection RangeHow We Chose the Best Appliance BrandsFrom the best vacuums for hardwood floors to air purifiers, this list features our editors’ favorite tried-and-tested gadgets. When it comes to the major appliances, we tapped experts from the AD PRO Directory to get their thoughts on what they use in project after project.Like all of the categories across AD Shopping, we continually test appliance brands all year long to get a sense of what is built to last. Plus, we stay on the pulse of what’s current by scouring brands’ sites and reviewing the latest versions of appliances to see how companies continue to innovate their offerings for customers.What to Look for in the Best Appliance BrandsSize offerings: Is there anything worse than buying a major appliance just to find out it doesn’t fit in your space? To avoid, make sure to measure your space accordingly to ensure it’s just right. From there, look for appliance brands that make sense for your lifestyle, like an all-in-one washer/dryer if you’re tight on space or a refrigerator with plenty of shelving to hold enough food if you shop in bulk.Energy efficiency: Keep an eye out for appliance brands that have Energy Star certifications to help ensure they won’t run up your electric bill every month, as well as contribute to an Earth-friendly home setup.Price: It likely comes at no surprise, but major appliances can range anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Even if you’re just on the hunt for a small appliance, it’s best to look at the features that come with the appliance—like smart technology that allows you to control appliances from anywhere if you're constantly on the go—to assess if it’s worth it for you.Warranty: Most industry-leading brands give at least a 365-day warranty across most if not all of their home appliance categories. If you want added security to make sure your appliances last for the long haul, check the fine print across brand sites, as some, like Frigidaire, offer 10-year warranties on specific appliances like HVAC systems.