If I plug an appliance into the top part of the outlet it does not work. However, the bottom one does. All of the other outlets work correctly in our kitchen. I've read through some of the posting but most specify the entire outlet not working. Could it be a loose wire? Could you make a recommendation. Thank you!

Most duplex receptacles have a small brass connecting tie that can be broken off to create two separate outlets. Sometimes one of the outlets will be controlled by a wall switch or it could be a completely separate circuit. Look for a switch that may control the top outlet and check your circuit breakers. If that does't work you probably have a bad receptacle.

Shut the breaker off and pull the outlet out. If it only has one black and no red wires, the outlet itself is bad. Otherwise look for a break in the brass thing that runs from top to bottom. If it is broken, both top and bottom must have a black or red wire. If the wires are pushed into the back, that could be the problem, they may not be making contact.