Shoppers found Publix and Trader Joe’s supermarkets among the most satisfying chains to shop at according to Consumer Reports’ latest survey of the best national and regional grocery chains.

Consumer Reports asked 32,599 respondents about their experiences at supermarkets, supercenters or warehouse clubs in the past year. In total, Consumer Reports Ratings include information from 48,831 store visits.

Other top-rated chains shoppers found to be very satisfying included Costco and Whole Foods Market.

Overall, grocers earned higher marks than in CR’s last supermarket survey (2005) for service, checkout speed, quality of store brands, baked goods and produce. But finding the perfect store was difficult. The few chains that were spotless, offered standout meat and produce, and had helpful and friendly staff and quick checkout earned only average scores for price, at best.

Respondents found Trader Joe’s, Costco, Aldi and Sav-a-Lot to be better than others at offering low prices. Whole Foods offered praiseworthy meat and produce. Trader Joe’s earned high marks for service. On the other hand, the least expensive markets generally offered so-so perishables and service.

Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest grocer and the supermarket where the highest percentage of survey respondents shopped (14 percent), landed near the bottom of CR’s ratings, with low scores for service and perishables. Target proved better than many chains but has only 200 locations with a full grocery store.

Respondents also had plenty to complain about. The biggest gripe was mostly about not enough open checkout lanes. Other leading gripes: congested aisles and out-of-stock advertised specials.

— Consumer Reports