According to J.D. Power and Associates, more people were not only aware of Energy Star products in 2010, but purchased more of the money-saving appliances as well. Not only that, but according to the research company’s 2010 Laundry Appliances Study and 2010 Kitchen Appliances Study, Samsung is tops when it comes to washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators.

The most significant jump came in the form of dishwasher purchases, where 86 percent of consumers reported buying an Energy Star appliance in 2010. That’s up five percent from 2009, and nine percent from 2008. Christina Cooley, senior manager of the real estate and construction industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates, said the timing of the federal rebate program for appliances was good for consumers, as some may have been delaying the purchase of a new appliance during the recession. “The combined benefits of receiving the rebate and purchasing an appliance that is energy efficient definitely helps to add value to the appliance and positively impacts the customer experience,” said Cooley.

The study also finds satisfaction with appliance performance is influenced with an owners perception of the appliance’s water and energy efficiency, meaning customers who say they have an Energy Star appliance will likely be more satisfied with it compared to customers who do not indicate that their appliance is certified.

The two studies measured satisfaction based on six performance factors. Ease of use, features, performance and reliability, styling and feel, warranty, and price. For the second year in a row, Samsung was ranked highest among owners of clothes washers, as they scored an 832 on a 1,000 point scale. L.G. and Kenmore Elite rounded out the top three, while Samsung was also ranked first in clothes dryers with an 833.

For the sixth year in a row, Samsung was also the highest ranked when it comes to refrigerators, scoring an 803 out of 1,000, again with L.G. and Kenmore Elite finishing off the top three.

For dishwashers, Miele ranked first with an 803, with Bosch and Kenmore Elite coming in second and third respectively. Finally, for cooking appliances such as ranges, cooktops and ovens, Wolf ranked the highest with an 812, while Samsung ranked second with an 809 and Kenmore Elite took third with an 793.

J.D. Power and Associates is the world’s foremost marketing information services firm and was founded in 1968. Since then they have conducted annual surveys in everything from the automotive and electronics industry to the home and travel industry, resulting in one of the most coveted awards a company can receive.