5 Appliance Brands That Are Still Made In The USA

Globalization has brought about a lot of advantages, such as technological advancements through specialization, skilled workers, product variation, and lower prices of goods. It can be a boon to people looking to enrich their lives with more options. However, globalization does come at a price, especially with its overall impact on the local economy.

Unfortunately, it's hard to know what brands are made in America. In the increasingly complex world of manufacturing, the average person may not have the time to check how many of their appliance's components were truly sourced, processed, or assembled in the U.S. Thankfully, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed guidelines for what products can be labeled "Made in the U.S.A." in 2020. To be considered M.U.S.A., the FTC shares three guidelines:

• Final assembly or processing of the product occurs in the United States;

• All significant processing that goes into the product occurs in the United States; and

• All or virtually all ingredients or components of the product are made and sourced in the United States.

Companies that don't follow these requirements cannot market products as "Made in the U.S.A." Additionally, the FTC can better manage the quality of products associated with American manufacturers with civil penalties for violations.

While it may be impossible to rule out foreign element use in your home completely, here are some American-made brands and products that should be on your list for your next appliance purchase.

Whirlpool got its start in Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 1911. it claims to be the world's leading kitchen and laundry appliance company with repair contractors. The Whirlpool offerings even include other appliance brands on this list, like KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana.

In 2015, Consumer Reports noted that several Whirlpool appliances, like the French-door bottom-freezer refrigerators, conventional bottom-freezer refrigerators, wall ovens, HE top-loader washing machines, and conventional top-loader washing machines, are all made in the United States. It has factories across the United States, however, the New York Times does note that some products are manufactured abroad.

In 2006, Whirlpool issued a supplier code of conduct, which helps safeguard against "abusive, exploitative or illegal conditions exist in their supply chains." Whirlpool has reportedly worked to avoid its reliance on conflict materials. Whirlpool's 2022 Conflict Minerals Report also outlines efforts it has been taking to do due diligence on its suppliers.

In 1908, a Hobart Corporation engineer named Herbert Johnston started the development of the stand mixer. Although it took a decade to file the U.S. patent, it didn't stop KitchenAid from becoming a household brand.

Referred to as Model H-5, KitchenAid launched a versatile kitchen solution that helped with slicing, straining, and other food preparation needs in 1919. However, it wasn't until 1937, that KitchenAid launched Model K, which had the iconic KitchenAid "shape" with a bowl secured to the base. Decades later, the classic KitchenAid stand mixer's design has stood the test of time for a reason. According to the Smithsonian, the design was even called an icon of American design by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1997.

According to Consumer Reports, KitchenAid products still made in the U.S.A. include dishwashers, ranges, stand mixers, and wall ovens. Although many of KitchenAid's signature products are still made in America, some lesser-known appliances are now produced in other countries. For example, the KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and the KitchenAid 2-Slice Toaster list China as their country of origin on Amazon.

Lastly, just because KitchenAid's key product lines are assembled in the United States, it doesn't mean all of its parts are, including attachments and replacements. In 2019, All American claimed that official KitchenAid replacement parts (via its parent company Whirlpool) were sourced from China.

For Americans, buying domestically-made products or appliances can help you contribute to the local economy's growth in several ways. Aside from helping generate jobs for other Americans, the increased tax revenue from the manufacturers can help fund local infrastructure and help fund the next generation of American-made appliances. You can also reduce your overall carbon footprint or environmental impact because the products are shipped locally.

From a practical standpoint, several American brands manufacture some of the most reliable appliances. Buying from a U.S. manufacturer can also lead to more convenient repair options, which adds to the overall longevity of your appliance. Many modern home appliances are designed to last at least 10 years and give additional peace of mind.

Compared to some international manufacturers, locally made appliances often mean easier access to spare or replacement parts. In addition, you're more likely to be able to send it back for professional repair, because they'll have authorized repair centers in the same country. Lastly, you can also buy an American-made product knowing that it has passed the necessary safety regulations, and laws protecting the rights of factory workers.

Aside from appliances, Americans can also support the economy by buying local products in other ways. Whether it's a luxury classic car or tools for your garage, you can use the dollars you were meant to spend anyway towards helping your fellow countrymen.