Why Choose Electrolux?
Electrolux has been in business for over 100 years. The company offers a diverse lineup of front-load washing machines and dryers. Also, the brand received high marks for energy efficiency and performance from Energy Star. In fact, it’s one of the reasons many five-star hotels and restaurants use the brand. The Electrolux product line includes refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers, to name a few. So, if you’re searching for a brand that combines sleek design with modern technology, Electrolux offers a suite of appliances to meet your daily needs.
History
AB Lux opened its doors in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1901. At the time, the company’s primary product was the kerosene lamp. Seven years later, AB Lux moved into Lilla Essingen, Stockholm. As competition heated up, the company sought ways to add new products to its line. During the same time, salesman Axel Wenner-Gren got an idea to make smaller, lighter vacuum cleaners. Wenner-Gren brought his idea to AB Lux. Later, the company produced the Lux I, a 30-pound vacuum cleaner. AB Lux hired Wenner-Gren as its agent. Sales agents pulled the heavy appliances from door to door. But would not show the woman of the house how to use the machine unless the man of the household (breadwinner) was present to authorize the sale.
World War II caused a production shift. Electrolux produced air filters for the Swedish Armed Forces. After the war, Electrolux expanded its operations and opened several plants around the globe. In 1968, Electrolux moved its headquarters to the Lilla Essingen facility.
Founding and Milestones
In 1913, the company manufactured the Lux II model, weighing less than 20 pounds. The Lux II was so popular that factory workers found it difficult to keep up with the demand. And in 1915, Wenner-Gren introduced a third model, which only weighed 7 pounds. However, it lacked suction, and AB Lux did not want its name on the product. So, Wenner-Gren bought Elektromekaniska, a company owned by Sven Carlstedt, the engineer who designed the three vacuum cleaners. Wenner-Gren named the model Elektron after his company, Svenska Elektron AB.
In 1919, Lux decided it was in their best interest to buy Svenska Elektron AB. They appointed Wenner-Gren and Carlstedt as board members. The agreement in part stated that Wenner-Gren would remain the majority stakeholder, and Elektron would sell Lux vacuum cleaners under the Elektron name. That same year, the company changed its name to Elektrolux, a hybrid of Elektron and Lux. In the years that followed, the company acquired several appliance manufacturers.
In 1925, Electrolux introduced the D-fridge, a cold storage box to keep foods fresh. Electrolux opened its first factory outside Sweden in 1926 in Templehof, Berlin. In 1927, the company opened additional factories in Europe. In 1931, Electrolux opened its first U.S. factory in Greenwich, Connecticut. It manufactured vacuum cleaners and refrigerators. Five years later, the company launched the first built-in refrigerator and listed Electrolux on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. The company was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1928. Afterward, the share capital increased from 6 million to 60 million Swedish krona.
The company stopped selling vacuums door-to-door and entered the retail space in 1934. In 1938, Electrolux offered the Z30, a modern vacuum cleaner with multiple attachments. It’s dubbed the ‘loaf’ because of its shape. By 1940, Electrolux launched the ‘Assistent,’ a food processor. It was a hit and became one of the brand’s most sought-after items.
In 1957, the Swedish company changed the spelling of the name to Electrolux. In its quest to ‘Shape Living for the Better,’ Electrolux merged with or purchased dozens of appliance companies. Currently, Electrolux owns Frigidaire, Gibson, Kelvinator, and Tappan.
Production and Manufacturing
In 1923, Electrolux expanded sales to other countries. It set up offices in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Romania, Spain, and Uruguay. The next year, Electrolux opened branches in Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States. Currently, it has a U.S. facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Products
Electrolux added industrial washing machines to its portfolio after purchasing Bohus Mekaniska Verkstads AB in 1944. And in 1951, it introduced a washing machine for the home. In 1975, Electrolux made multiple laundry service acquisitions, but consumers had to wait until 2006 to get their hands on an Electrolux dryer. Named the Iron Aid, the first Electrolux dryer produced steam as it tumbled clothes dry.
Electrolux introduced the Ultra Clean washer with an ultrasonic stain remover component in 2010. In 2013, the company launched the Mini Silent, a small wall-mounted machine for consumers lacking space. Electrolux also introduced its first washer-dryer combo with heat-pump technology.
Today, Electrolux continues to find ways to conserve water and energy. In fact, the company only manufactures washers and dryers using front-load technology. According to Electrolux, front-load machines save more water and energy. Plus, they run more quietly than their top-load counterparts. Electrolux has established itself as a trustworthy brand. It has over 60 million products sold in over 120 markets.
Manufacturing
Electrolux has 13 manufacturing facilities around the world. Its Kinston, North Carolina facility manufactures washers for the U.S. market.
Currently, Electrolux employs about 1,500 people at its three facilities in North Carolina. The Charlotte facility houses Electrolux headquarters, Research & Development, and Product Design for appliances built in the United States. It also has a distribution center in Asheville.
Key Facts
Sustainability is a major component of Electrolux’s daily operations. The company published its first environmental policy in 1992. Its goal: to become a sustainable leader in the appliance industry. As a result, Electrolux developed appliances that worked smarter and provided resource-efficient solutions.
The hard work paid off. The European Commission on Sustainable Energy recognized Electrolux for its efforts. By 2009, the company cut energy use by 15%. Electrolux renewed its commitment to reduce energy consumption by another 15% by 2012. This motivated the company to make the Calima, a washing machine with a built-in drying board. Electrolux front-load washers and dryers come equipped with modern care technology that helps clothes last longer, ultimately reducing the environmental impact.
The Dow Jones Sustainability Index identifies Electrolux as a leader in sustainable household appliances. In fact, the company has topped the sustainability index since 2014.
To date, Electrolux has reduced CO2 emissions by 70%. It has also improved energy efficiency by 11% and recycled 6,800 metric tons of plastic. Electrolux continues to take strides to reduce its environmental impact and promises to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Also, Electrolux partners with The Nature Conservancy to help it reach its goal of planting a billion trees. Currently, the company donates $1.50 to the Plant a Billion Trees campaign each time a customer registers an Electrolux appliance. Electrolux promises to donate up to $300,000 until June 30, 2022.
Warranty Information
Electrolux guarantees that its kitchen and laundry appliances are free of component malfunctions and material defects. Still, the company will repair merchandise free of charge if any problems occur within the first year of purchase. Front-load washers have a 10-year motor and lifetime tub warranty. However, the customer is responsible for labor costs. Electrolux also offers an extended service agreement for up to three years. If anything happens to a major appliance, Electrolux will repair it at no charge. If necessary, Electrolux will issue a replacement. In some cases, you may need to present your receipt to file a claim.
Customers who register appliances through the Product Registration portal get a chance to win a gift card worth $1,000, tips on how to get the best out of the Electrolux appliance, and access to the Electrolux Platinum Star limited warranty.
Electrolux Appliance Parts
To find Electrolux appliance parts, go to the website and enter your ZIP code. Use the drop-down menu to select the appliance category. Then press Submit for a list of authorized Electrolux parts dealers.
Check Out More Electrolux Appliance Content From WasherDryers360
Electrolux Appliance Product Reviews
Electrolux claims the technology in its washers and dryers cleans clothes better and helps fabrics last longer. We review these claims. Find out which washers are best for removing stains and which Electrolux dryers make suitable companions.
Electrolux Appliance Product Roundups
Take a look at Electrolux front-load dryers and washers and learn about features like LuxCare, Perfect Steam, Smart Boost, and Predictive Dry. We highlight the top models, most of which can be configured next to each other or stacked.
Electrolux Appliance Press Releases
View product announcements, financial reports, and sustainability information at the Electrolux Newsroom. Drop-down menus make it easy to find what you’re looking for by date or category.
Electrolux Appliance Press Releases Recalls
Electrolux does not make it easy to find recall information on its U.S. site. If you want to learn about recalls within the past year, you can type the word ‘recalls’ in the search bar on the Electrolux Group website.
Alternatively, you can search the Consumer Safety Product Commission’s website.
In 2009, Electrolux recalled 185,000 faulty washing machines. The company only recalled washers sold in Australia and New Zealand. After learning water was entering the lid-locking switch, Electrolux issued the recall. The company had concerns that the defect could cause shock. However, there were no incidents recorded.
That’s not to say that there haven’t been other issues. Complaints about Electrolux front-load washers made between 2004 and 2011 led to a class-action lawsuit. Owners claimed the machines collected mold, released foul odors, and ruined clothes. Electrolux denied that the washing machines were defective. Nevertheless, Electrolux stopped making the washers in question and settled the class-action suit.
Consumers filed another class-action lawsuit involving Electrolux front-load dryers. The suit alleged that dryers manufactured between 2002 and 2011 contained defects that caused them to catch on fire because of lint buildup. Electrolux settled the lawsuit by offering 10% off an appliance or a rebate of up to $350.
Where To Buy
You can purchase Electrolux appliances on the company’s website or at major appliance retailers. To find out where to buy, click the links below.
Deals
Similar Brands
We’ve provided you with a lot of information about Electrolux washers and dryers. From available colors to different technologies, there’s a lot to consider. Still, you may want to take a look at competing brands. If so, see the brands below.
Online Presence
Contact Information
If you need to contact Electrolux, they have agents available to help you Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The company prefers to communicate with its customers by phone. For more details, click here.
You may also use the Chat icon in the lower right-hand corner for assistance or enter a topic in the search bar on the FAQs page.