I think the main thing is that there will always be someone who hates a brand based on ONE experience with it that they don't like. I have several applicances of all kinds of brands I'm happy and unhappy with. I try not to let that sway me unless I've seen a bit of consistency (for example, I'm very unhappy with both my Sunbeam food processor, and Cafe series mixer. I am however happy with my Sunbeam blender and toaster. I'm also happy with my Breville microwave and sandwich press. I think, in general, appliances don't fail that often, so *most* people just recommend what they have unless they're piles of excrement. As a result of this, if people own ten appliances of one brand, and one of those is horrible, they'll tell everyone they know not to buy that brand for any appliance type. One of the downsides (for them) of those companies making a bit of everything.
