Whirlpool appliances is one of the leading producers of washers and dryers in the United States. They’re mostly known for their affordability and broad range of options. If you’re considering a Whirlpool brand appliance, check out our helpful article. We’ll help you learn a little about the company’s products and see how they compare to other brands.
Why Choose Whirlpool Appliances?
If you’re in the market for a washer or dryer, there are plenty of brands to pick from. Is Whirlpool actually better than other companies? This will mostly depend on your washer and dryer needs. Our guide will go over Whirlpool’s history, manufacturing process, and product lineup, so you can see if they’re right for you.
History
Whirlpool has an interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. In 1911, Louis Upton got a patent for a manual clothing washer. He then partnered with his uncle, Emory Upton, who ran a machine shop. Emory helped add a motor to Louis’ washing machine, and they created one of the first electric washing machines.
During the company’s early years, they faced some major challenges. One of their first customers wanted to return an order of 100 machines after the gear transmission failed. However, the Uptons were determined to succeed. They put a lot of effort into redesigning their equipment and were able to retain the client. Since this early mistake, the company has been devoted to catching and fixing any design errors as soon as possible. The Uptons’ washing machines quickly distinguished themselves. Customers found that their washers were particularly easy to use and reliable. Their machines proved to be so popular that the Upton Machine Company became Sears’ sole washer supplier.
In the 1930s and ’40s, the company encountered some new issues. They had a small decline in purchases due to the Great Depression. Then, during World War II, the company faced metal shortages. The military also took over many of their factories to produce armaments. However, these challenges allowed the company to diversify and become more creative.
In the era after World War II, the Upton Machine Company was able to invent many new products. In 1947, they produced a spinning washing machine. This design helped to inspire the company’s new name, the Whirlpool Corporation. Starting in the ’50s, Whirlpool underwent massive growth. They began producing a full range of home laundry products including dryers and wringers.
Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, Whirlpool continued to expand. During this period, Whirlpool started to branch out into other home appliances. They began producing air conditioners, cooking ranges, and irons under the Whirlpool name. The company also merged with a few other companies like RCA and Seeger. These mergers gave them access to new technology to incorporate in their washers and dryers. Whirlpool became a household name and produced all sorts of items. By the ’90s, Whirlpool was an internationally recognized brand. The company became popular in Canada, India, and Germany.
Over the years, Whirlpool has acquired a variety of other washer and dryer companies. They also produce washers and dryers under the Maytag, Admiral, Crosley, and Amana brand names. These days, the Whirlpool corporation uses the Amana name for their entry-level machines. Whirlpool remains the flagship brand, offering great variety. They produce multiple styles, colors, and sizes of washing machines and dryers.
Founding and Milestones
Whirlpool has gone through a lot of changes since the company started. Here are some notable events in the company’s history.
- 1911: Louis Upton patents an electric washing machine and founds the Upton Machine Company in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
- 1921: The company becomes Sears’ official washing machine supplier.
- 1929: To meet growing demand, Upton merges with the Nineteen Hundred Washer Company of New York to form the Nineteen Hundred Corporation.
- 1947: The company creates a spinner washer called the Whirlpool and starts developing dryers.
- 1949: The Nineteen Hundred Corporation is officially renamed The Whirlpool Corporation.
- 1955: Whirlpool merges with the Seeger Refrigerator Company and RCA’s estate range and air conditioning divisions. It becomes the Whirlpool–Seeger Corporation, adds a line of refrigerators, and acquires a plant in Evansville, Indiana with more than 2 million square feet of factory floor.
- 1957: The company name reverts to The Whirlpool Corporation.
- 1966: The corporation opens a plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas that would grow to employ about 4,500 by 2005.
- 1967: Whirlpool opens a 24/7 helpline.
- 1986: The company merges with KitchenAid and produces more appliances.
- 1987: Whirlpool washing machines start being exported to India and other international markets.
- 2005: Maytag and Whirlpool merge.
- 2011: Whirlpool closes its Evansville and Fort Smith plants and opens a new one in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Production and Manufacturing
Whirlpool’s managed to stay in the market for so long due to its unique ethos. Unlike many other brands, Whirlpool products are designed for average consumers and produced in the USA. There are a few things that stand out when you look at the company’s production process.
Products
In addition to being made in the USA, Whirlpool products stand out due to their wide range of options. Whirlpool produces simple, basic designs like top-loading washers and electric dryers. They also offer more modern styles like front-loading Whirlpool washer and dryer combos. You can get side-by-side Whirlpool washer & dryer sets and stacked Whirlpool washer and dryer models. They even make all-in-one models that let you wash and dry your clothes in the same appliance. Whirlpool also produces washer and dryer pedestals. These raise the height of your appliance, making it easier to load and unload clothes.
Once you settle on a washer or dryer type from Whirlpool, there are a lot of features to choose from. You can find petite appliances that fit in a closet or large machines that hold up to 8 cu. ft. of clothes. The company produces multiple finishes, including white, black, and stainless steel. Dryers come with options like gas power or ventless drying. Depending on your needs, you can also pick helpful add-ons like Wrinkle Shield, smart connectivity, and automatic detergent dispensers.
Manufacturing
Since 1911, Whirlpool’s corporate headquarters have been in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Over the years, the location of their plants has changed quite a few times. Since the company is constantly innovating, they’ve spent a lot of time refining their manufacturing process and adding new equipment. Whirlpool currently has multiple plants throughout Tennessee, Ohio, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma.
One notable location is the Whirlpool plant in Cleveland, Tennessee. This state-of-the-art plant is Whirlpool’s newest facility. It’s a $200 million plant that includes 1 million square feet of manufacturing space. This plant does produce some Whirlpool washer dryer stacks, but the majority of their laundry appliances are made in Fall River, Massachusetts. This facility has an incredibly high-tech engineering and design center. It’s so effective that it can produce a multi-load washing machine in 10 minutes or less.
Key Facts
Whirlpool is currently increasing its sustainability efforts. They plan to have net zero emissions by 2030. This means the company will work on improving energy efficiency in plants and increasing renewable energy. Since the plan was enacted, Whirlpool has achieved record low levels of energy usage.
When discussing Whirlpool, it’s important to consider the recent dryer controversy. Starting in 2014, there were reports that certain models of Whirlpool tumble dryers could overheat and cause fires. This led to a huge downturn in consumer trust in the brand. However, Whirlpool has taken steps to fix the problem. They’ve quit manufacturing the faulty products and issued a recall for all problematic Whirlpool dryers.
Warranty Information
The typical Whirlpool washer and dryer combo comes with a standard warranty. The appliance limited warranty lasts one year from the date you purchased your new equipment. It covers any defects in either materials or workmanship. The warranty covers repairs and replacements, and it covers the cost of parts and labor. Whirlpool washer and dryer sets won’t be covered if they’re used commercially, not installed by a professional, or used incorrectly. Keep in mind that, unlike some other manufacturers, Whirlpool doesn’t offer an extended warranty on the drum.
Whirlpool Appliances Parts
If you want to fix up your machine, Whirlpool offers a lot of official parts. You can get original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to repair things like your water pump or heating element. Whirlpool also offers some parts to upgrade your current washer and dryer. For example, their stacking kit lets you mount your appliances as a Whirlpool washer and dryer stacked set. You can also get official parts for dryer vents, propane gas conversions, and other alterations.
In addition to these OEM parts, you also have the option of ordering parts from other manufacturers. Since Whirlpool is such a popular brand, many other companies create compatible parts. There can be a risk that these parts don’t work as well as official Whirlpool parts. However, they can be quite affordable, and you can find older parts that Whirlpool no longer carries.
Check Out More Whirlpool Content From Washers & Dryers 360
We’re your go-to source for learning about Whirlpool appliances. Our team of experts has written a variety of great content, so you can learn all about specific models.
Whirlpool Product Reviews
Interested in a specific Whirlpool model? Read reviews to discover how well the washer or dryer really works.
Product Roundups
Explore Whirlpool washer and dryer stackable and single models by checking out our product roundups.
Whirlpool Press Releases
Want the latest Whirlpool news? Stay up-to-date with the company by looking at its recent press releases.
Whirlpool Brand Expands Consumer Availability
Whirlpool Recalls
To make sure a Whirlpool washer or dryer is safe, check to see if it’s on the list of Whirlpool recalls.
Where To Buy
You have a lot of great options when you’re ready to buy a Whirlpool. The company does sell its products directly, so you can purchase one through the Whirlpool laundry appliance store page. They also sell their products through a variety of other national retailers. You can find Whirlpool laundry products at Best Buy or shop for Whirlpool items at Home Depot. It can be worthwhile to look up the same product at different retailers. It’s quite common for certain stores to carry Whirlpool items at slightly different prices. Some stores may also offer other perks like free installation.
Deals
- The Home Depot Whirlpool Washer and Dryer Deals
- Best Buy Whirlpool Washing Machine Deals
- Best Buy Whirlpool Dryer Deals
Similar Brands
It’s hard to find brands exactly like Whirlpool. Many other big manufacturers produce more expensive items or cheaper items made outside the USA. Whirlpool tends to distinguish itself by producing solid products at a mid-range cost. They don’t include a lot of elaborate features, but their products are modern, convenient, and durable. Though there’s no company identical to Whirlpool, there are a few others with somewhat similar products. Here are a few brands to check out if you want something similar to Whirlpool.
Online Presence
Whirlpool has a well-established online presence that makes it easy to keep up with the company’s new products and plans. You can get all sorts of exciting information about Whirlpool washer and dryer sets by browsing their website. Whirlpool also regularly posts announcements on Facebook and Twitter. The company is very active on social media, so you can also find them on Instagram and YouTube.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, Whirlpool runs a helpline that you can reach between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. You can call them at 1-866-698-2538. For the best service, make sure you have your appliance’s model and serial number. If you prefer to communicate via email, fill out the Whirlpool contact form. The company will get in touch to answer your questions and respond to feedback.
Customer support has always been a top priority for Whirlpool, so they have an extensive Customer Care center. This support center provides guides to using products, helps you schedule service for an appliance, and gives troubleshooting advice.
- Customer Service Number: (866) 698-2538
- Contact form: https://www.whirlpool.com/services/contact-us.html
- Support center: https://www.whirlpool.com/owners.html