For consumers prioritizing American craftsmanship, the quest for a microwave oven manufactured domestically often proves challenging, as global supply chains dominate the home appliance market. Despite the overwhelming influx of imported units, a dedicated segment of manufacturers continues to uphold a commitment to USA manufacturing, ensuring that a choice for American-made kitchen appliances remains viable. This insightful guide reveals the top brands that are still building these essential kitchen staples right here in the United States, offering a compelling alternative to foreign-made products.
Pioneering the modern microwave oven, Amana first introduced the countertop model in 1967. Today, its commercial microwave ovens are produced in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, by ACP, Inc., a member of the Ali Group. While Amana is part of Whirlpool’s broader portfolio and does integrate some global components, its continued domestic production for specific lines underscores a foundational commitment to American-made kitchen appliances, highlighting how historical brands maintain a presence in the landscape of USA manufacturing.
GE Appliances stands as another long-standing name upholding significant domestic production. Many of their built-in and over-the-range microwave models are manufactured at their vast Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Remarkably, after its acquisition by Chinese company Haier in 2016, GE Appliances not only maintained but expanded its American operations, investing substantially to bolster microwave production and ensure a robust contribution to USA manufacturing. Consumers are still advised to verify the “Made in America” designation on individual products, as not all models meet the same criteria.
The market for domestic home appliance brands extends to those blending international design with local assembly, such as Bosch, which assembles select microwave models at its New Bern, North Carolina, factory. Similarly, Dacor, a luxury brand with roots in California, continues to produce high-end microwave drawers and built-in wall ovens in the City of Industry, California, even after its acquisition. Both exemplify a nuanced approach to domestic production, catering to discerning consumers seeking premium American-made kitchen appliances.
Whirlpool, a household name established in Michigan in 1911, boasts one of the largest manufacturing footprints among home appliance brands in the U.S., with facilities across several states. Over 80% of its appliances sold domestically, including many microwave ovens, are produced on American soil, particularly in Iowa. Maytag, a trusted brand under the Whirlpool umbrella, also benefits from this extensive network, with some of its microwaves produced in Iowa, meeting the stringent FTC standards for “Made in USA” designation, reinforcing the depth of USA manufacturing in the sector.
Viking Range, originating in Greenwood, Mississippi, has been instrumental in bringing professional-grade kitchen equipment to residential homes. The brand maintains its manufacturing roots in Mississippi, producing a substantial portion of its high-end microwave ovens, which embody the brand’s commitment to quality and robust design. Complementing this, Cafe, with its undeniable visual appeal, also assembles many of its microwave units at GE’s Appliance Park in Kentucky, emphasizing both sophisticated design and American assembly for these advanced home appliance brands.
Perhaps unexpectedly, Japanese-owned Sharp manufactures select microwave drawers, built-ins, and countertop units at its facility in Memphis, Tennessee, since 1979. This plant, Sharp Manufacturing Company of America (SMCA), also serves as a hub for North American-specific research and development, demonstrating a significant investment in domestic production. Furthermore, European brand Electrolux maintains a U.S. manufacturing presence through its subsidiary Frigidaire, producing higher-end models from the Frigidaire Gallery line in North America, often featuring advanced sensor and convection technologies, contributing to the diverse range of American-made kitchen appliances available.
Another luxury brand making a strong statement in domestic production is Thermador, which assembles a majority of its key appliances, including microwave ovens, at its BSH-owned site in LaFollette, Tennessee. With a history in America spanning over a century, Thermador’s speed ovens and microwave drawer ovens, frequently integrated into their upscale kitchen suites, are testament to enduring American craftsmanship. These brands collectively offer consumers premium microwave ovens that align with a preference for local production and support for USA manufacturing efforts.
While finding a microwave oven entirely sourced and manufactured in the United States can be challenging in a globalized market, consumers committed to supporting local industries still have robust options among these leading home appliance brands. By looking for the “Made in America” label, individuals can confidently invest in high-quality kitchen appliances that not only meet their needs but also contribute directly to domestic production and the American workforce. This guide serves as a vital resource for navigating the market and making informed purchasing decisions.