Whirlpool's Budget Brand Faces Uncertainty in American Manufacturing

Whirlpool is one of the most recognizable appliance brands in the US, but few people know that it owns several other popular brands, including KitchenAid and JennAir. In 2006, Whirlpool acquired Maytag Corporation for $2.6 billion, which gave it control over Amana appliances.

Amana is a budget-friendly brand that offers affordable appliances at prices significantly lower than those of its corporate parent's namesake brand. In a comparison of value-tier appliances at The Home Depot in 2026, Amana products were found to be $60-$155 less expensive than comparable Whirlpool models.

Despite its affordability, Amana's American manufacturing and reliability are facing uncertainty. Whirlpool has laid off over half of the employees in its Amana factory to make room for new technology and more efficient assembly lines. However, the company has also increased production sourcing from Mexico and China, particularly increasing the infrastructure for refrigerator assembly in Mexico.