Big box stores bet on different appliance brands

This week, Home Depot and Lowe's both announced new additions to to their major appliance lineups. Home Depot, the nation's largest home improvement chain, will begin selling appliances from Samsung on Sunday. Number two Lowe's will start carrying LG appliances in the first quarter of next year. Sears leads both in major appliance sales.

In Consumer Reports' latest Ratings of appliance retailers, Lowe's held a slight edge over Home Depot, largely because of the latter's subpar selection. Home Depot's efforts to change that started this summer when it added Whirlpool, Electrolux and Frigidaire to its lineup. With the addition of Samsung, it brings a brand with numerous recommendations in Consumer Reports' refrigerator, washer, and dryer Ratings.

Lowe's partnership with LG looks equally prudent, based on LG's recent performance in our tests. The brand keeps pace with Samsung in our Ratings of refrigerators, washers, and dryers, and it also has several recommendations among cooktops, ranges, and microwave ovens.

Time will tell which home center made the better bet with these latest brand acquisitions. But the move should be good for consumers, who will have access to greater variety with their next appliance purchase. That said, it's worth reviewing our Ratings of appliance retailers, since in addition to wide selection, you also want to find the store that offers the best price, quality, and service.

—Daniel DiClerico