I have become very frustrated with major appliances these days. They last much less than in the past, are expensive to replace, yet not worth the cost to repair.

I've only been getting 5-7 years out of each washing machine (mostly Whirlpool Duets), and they cost over $1000 each. It used to be you could buy a Maytag and it would last for 15-20 years.

I've recently replaced a dishwasher, and washing machine. For the washing machine, I broke down and bought a Speed-Queen. I am hoping the speed queen will last a good 10 years or so.

Today, I had a service technician come to service my $2700 LG Bottom-drawer refrigerator freezer. The in-door ice maker is not making sufficient ice. He tells me that it will cost about $300 parts and labor to replace the ice maker. This does NOT bother me - $300 repair on a $2700 refrigerator is not that bad. But what he said next REALLY bothered me.

He said that these refrigerators typically only last about 7-8 years, and it may not be worth it to invest the $300 to fix the ice maker. REALLY? A $2700 refrigerator is on its last legs at only 7 years of age???!!!?

I then asked him what brands last longer - he said they're all this way now.

Appliance Brad - or anyone else with an opinion - what is a decent refrigerator-freezer, 25 Cubic feet or bigger, that will last longer than 7-8 years? Is there a "Speed-Queen" like brand of refrigerator freezers? Very frustrated...

I Bought a fridge last Nov. I told the appliance salesman my GE was 20 yrs old. He told me " don't expect the new one to last that long" Sad. Everything is disposable now.

I tend to believe that, to some extent, simpler appliances last longer and are less troublesome. This based on owning numerous rent houses that have smallish, top freezer fridges without ice makers and water dispensers.

Just repaired our freezer. Door that opens to drop the ice would not close. Went on line and found video showing how to repair. Ordered part for $30.00 and fixed it myself. Saved at least a $75.00 service call. You can probably repair yours for half that price. Check it out.