Whirlpool washers are made by Whirlpool, a global corporation famously known for its leading products in laundry and other home appliances such as refrigerators.
While Whirlpool is the flagship brand, others within the multinational corporation include KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana, and Maytag.
As The New York Times suggests, Many Americans want to buy homemade products, and washers are no exception. But when it comes to Whirlpool, it’s understandably challenging to know if their products are made in America. Why? Because you can find these washing machines worldwide.
So, does the Whirlpool company outsource materials (many companies do this, including Apple) from different countries and make all its products from one country? Or does it manufacture them in America before distributing them to the rest of the world? Or neither?
Let’s find out.
Where are Whirlpool Washing Machines Made?
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Most Whirlpool washing machines are made in the USA, under the flagship brand Whirlpool. The company has 9 manufacturing facilities in its domestic market. These facilities employ thousands of American employees, who account for at least 5% of the company’s workers.
USA-made Whirlpool machines are the most popular in the country, so if buying locally, chances are you’ll get a homemade product. However, if you want to ensure your washing machine comes from the USA, check or ask before buying – online stores indicate the country of origin.
That said, some Whirlpool washing machines are fully designed and manufactured in China under Whirlpool’s Emperor product line. To gain a significant share market, the corporation acquired Hefei Sanyo in a $552M deal in 2014, renaming the Chinese company Whirlpool China Co. Ltd.
Thanks to the country’s large population, China-made Whirlpool washers account for significant revenue, as, according to Bitzer, Whirlpool China made about 4% of the company’s global sales in 2018. To find Whirlpool washers made in China, click here.
Also, as per CanstarBlue, some whirlpool washing machines are Italy-made. Although CanstarBlue doesn’t provide enough information, you can find some secondhand Whirlpool washers made in Italy.
Are Whirlpool Washers Made in the USA?
With the company headquartered in Benton Town Charter, Michigan, Whirlpool washers come from the USA. However, as we’ve seen, not all their products are made in the USA. After the corporation acquired Hefei Sanyo in 2014, you can now find many Whirlpool machines manufactured in China, too.
But they’re all indicated if you want to know the country of origin.
Are Whirlpool Washers Good and Reliable?
Having been in the game for a century, you can trust Whirlpool for top-notch and reliable products. “An amazing washing machine in all ways,” says a proud buyer of Whirlpool washer via Best Buy.
There are a couple of reasons why customers are happy with Whirlpool washers, including;
Ease of use
Thanks to the digital settings of Whirlpool washers, the machines are easy to use. You can tell how long it will take to finish washing your clothes as the washer does a countdown. And once done, you will notice the word “END” on the screen, which stays until you open the lid to remove your clothes.
Excellent features for convenience
Whirlpool washers pack some features and options which make the machines excellent, according to many women who have purchased and used them.
Quick Wash: helps dry your clothes super fast.
Deep water option: allows you to sink your clothes in the washer, which is necessary for clean wear. “it’s effortless to use, and my clothes come out smelling amazing,” says a happy Whirlpool washer buyer.
Post wash tumbling: Post-wash tumbling is particularly helpful when you can’t attend to your laundry immediately after putting your clothes in the washer. The washer is designed in a way to prevent musty odors. The Whirlpool top load washer and the front load section do a remarkable job keeping your clothes mold-free.
Also, Whirlpool washers are up to the mark as they save time and space. The Loud and Go dispenser allows the machine to store bulk detergent for about 20 loads to save time. And to save space in your cleaning room, you can stack whirlpool front loaders.
That said, Whirlpool washing machines have a few cons – although they are not deal breakers.
First, the machines lack the flashy look their Korean competitors boast of.
Second, whirlpool washers have a lower spin speed in washers than their counterparts. That means you’ve to wait longer for your clothes to dry if you opt for Michigan-based products.
Are Whirlpool Washers Loud?
Whirlpool washers, just like other washing machines, make sounds while spinning. It’s normal, and even some people find this sound soothing for their tasks. But sometimes, your Whirlpool washer can get loud and become noisy. But don’t worry if it happens – it’s easy to rectify.
Here’s how to.
1. Check if the drive pulley is damaged
The Drive pulley is located at the back of the washer drum. If you find it defective (cracked, bent, or worn out), replace it with a new one.
2. Check for defective tub bearing
With time, the tub bearing of your washer can become defective. Also, when you use hard detergents or overload your washer, you contribute to its malfunctioning, and the washer will become noisy.
If you find the tub bearing is the culprit, it’s best to replace them. However, it may be tricky, so you are better off hiring an appliance expert to repair it.
3. Check for faulty clutch
A faulty clutch is another possible reason your Whirlpool is making a scraping noise. The clutch wears out with time while overloading your machine accelerates the process.
Like any other defective part of the machine, replace the clutch if it shows signs of wear and tear. You can find it on the washer’s transmission.
How Long Will a Whirlpool Washer Last?
On average, a Whirlpool washer can last about 12-14 years. That is if you do seven loads a week. But generally, the lifespan of a Whirlpool washer depends on usage.
Overloading the washer and stressing its parts, including the drive belts, coupling, and the motor, is a recipe for the machine breaking down.
Can You Stack the Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer and Dryer?
Yes, you can stack the whirlpool duet steam washer and dryer. It comes in handy, especially if you live in a limited place, like a small apartment or a condo, as it helps you save space. However, not all front-load washers and dryers are compatible – as they come in different styles.
So, it’s best to check your manual before embarking on the task or consult with the salesperson before making a purchase.
Before you start, you need to get your stacking kit from Whirlpool if the seller did not include it in the package.
Follow the steps below to learn how to stack your Whirlpool duet steam washer and dryer.
Step 1
Using an adjustable wrench, rotate the front washer feet clockwise and anticlockwise to raise or lower the feet according to your preferences.
Place a carpenter’s level on top of your washer and continue adjusting until it balances – when you see the air bubble floating between the vertical lines of the carpenter’s level, stop. Raise the rear legs to ensure they’re about 4 inches above the floor. Slowly lower your washing machine back to the floor before checking for level with the carpenter’s level.
At this point, you may want to clean the duet washer with an all-surface cleaner.
Step 2
Stick the form strips from your kit along the bottom edge of the washing machine. Ensure you cover all ribs along the underside edge of the cabinet.
Step 3
With the help of a friend, lift the dryer so it stays on top of the washer. Ensure the back of the dryer and the back of the washer are in line.
Step 4
Take the plastic clips and snap them into the horizontal slots in the back of the dryer cabinet. Ensure the shorter side of the clips enters inside the dryer cabinet. The longer side should rest against the back.
Step 5
Put the metal bracket into the slots at the back of the dryer. Finally, attach the stacking brackets to the back of the washer using screws.
It’s indeed a complex process. You may need to hire an expert or consult Whirlpool.
What Washers are Made in the USA?
If you want to buy “Made in the USA ” washers, probably because you want to help the economy or for other reasons, there are a couple of options you can try out.
And thanks to US world-class manufacturing and advanced technology, these washers are among the top in the home appliance market.
1. General Electric washers
Founded in 1892, General Electric (GE) is a US-based multinational corporation and a leader in quality washers, all made in the country.
Like Whirlpool corporation, GE offers washers with excellent features, including microbial gaskets and fans to remove front load washer odor to leave your clothes smelling incredible.
Although a Chinese corporation now owns the 128-year-old company, the products are still made in the USA at its Louisville headquarters in Kentucky.
Some GE washers are GE Profile and GE Energy Star.
2. SpeedQueen washers
Headquartered in Ripon, USA, SpeedQueen is another company that prides itself as the largest manufacturer of washing appliances globally.
Owned by Alliance Laundry System LCC, the company has been serving its customers for more than a century and was the first to make washing pieces of equipment with nickel-copper tubs.
SpeedQueen is synonymous with commercial-grade products which can last for about 25 years. Some of their washers are SpeedQueen DR7 Dryer and SpeedQueen FF7.
3. Hotpoint washers
After collaboration with Hughes, Richardson merged his Hotpoint company with General Electric Company to create the Hotpoint brand. Made in the USA, Hotpoint washers rank among the top ten in the country.
This blog post from RealHomes has a great collection of the best Hotpoint washers.
