Thanks to a rather high profile class action lawsuit, LG no longer uses linear compressors in their refrigerators. At least in the US.

That's the other factor with those older appliances that just keep on going forever. They usually serve one function and serve it well. My kitchenaid mixer is 20 years old. I'm the second owner and it's still going strong. But those things are also built like tanks. Simple parts. Dirt simple operation. There is no app to control the thing. There's a single control lever that controls power and speed, in the wonderfully precise measurements of "1 to 10."

My mixer has two and only two functions - to turn a mixing paddle and to power attachments via a power take-off. All the accessories? They're cheap and easily replaceable. I have some accessories like an ice cream maker and vegetable spiralizer. They can break without affecting the main unit. Your Grandma's 50 year old fridge? It has just two, or maybe even just one compartment. One or two doors to keep seals to a minimum. No in-door ice maker. No countless conveniences that make life easier but also produce failure points. Might not even have automatic defrost. It's just a box that keeps things cold. The most common reason for service calls on modern fridges are issues with the in-door ice makers.

If you wanted a bullet proof fridge setup, your best bet would be to find a single cabinet fridge without a freezer at all and then keep a chest freezer elsewhere as your only freezer. Yes, a bit more inconvenient. But if you want to max out your stats on durability rather than convenience, that's the way to go.

If you want a device that lasts, buy the version of that device that is as dirt-simple as possible.

I have a Liebherr fridge that's 20 years old, got it second hand and just works like expexted. The plastic elements start breaking piece by piece (a freezer drawer, a door shelf, the lamp cover), but i still consider it trustworthy and would buy again.

They are a bit pricey, but the 10 year warranty gives peace of mind. Quite efficient and silent too, but I think that's normal for any modern fridge.

What about heavy duty construction equipment?