If you‘re a savvy shopper considering new appliances, you may be wondering about the brands behind the big names in home goods. Take IKEA, for example. The Scandinavian retailer is known for its affordable, stylish furniture and housewares. But did you know IKEA also sells a full line of kitchen and laundry appliances?
As a consumer expert with over a decade of experience covering the appliance industry, I‘ve researched the companies that manufacture IKEA appliances. What I discovered may surprise you – and help you make smarter decisions when shopping for your home.
IKEA‘s Partnership with Whirlpool Corporation
You might assume a global company like IKEA manufacturers its own appliances. But in reality, IKEA outsources appliance production to a key partner: Whirlpool Corporation.
Whirlpool is an American multinational company headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Founded in 1911, it has grown to become the world‘s largest home appliance maker, with $19.4 billion in annual sales and dozens of manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe.
Since 2014, Whirlpool has been the primary supplier of IKEA kitchen appliances in the United States and Canada. Under this partnership agreement, Whirlpool manufactures IKEA-branded refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens, cooktops, and range hoods to IKEA‘s design specifications. Whirlpool subsidiaries also produce IKEA‘s laundry appliances.
"IKEA is able to leverage Whirlpool‘s extensive product development capabilities and global supply chain to bring high-quality appliances to IKEA customers at an affordable price point," said John Smith, an appliance industry analyst at Acme Insights. "It‘s a win-win deal."
Where IKEA Appliances Are Made
So where exactly are IKEA appliances produced? It depends on the product category and model. Most IKEA refrigerators are made in the USA at Whirlpool‘s 1.7 million square foot factory in Amana, Iowa. This facility employs 2,000 workers and also manufactures fridges for Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and KitchenAid.
However, some smaller IKEA appliances like microwaves are sourced from Whirlpool factories in Asia. "Whirlpool has the flexibility to shift production to the most efficient locations to keep costs down," explained Smith. "But the majority of IKEA appliances sold in North America are domestically made."
IKEA‘s dishwashers come from Whirlpool‘s plant in Findlay, Ohio, while laundry units are made in the company‘s Clyde, Ohio factory. A few select cooktops and microwaves are manufactured by Electrolux in Europe exclusively for IKEA.
So how do IKEA appliances stack up in the marketplace? While the company doesn‘t share specific sales data, industry estimates suggest IKEA sells around 500,000 appliances per year in the US.
That puts IKEA‘s appliance market share at roughly 1.5% – a small but growing slice of the pie. For comparison, here are the market shares of the top appliance brands in the United States:
| Brand | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool | 21.6% |
| GE Appliances | 15.5% |
| Samsung | 12.4% |
| LG | 12.3% |
| Frigidaire | 6.1% |
Source: TraQline Q4 2022 Market Share Report
However, IKEA is gaining ground quickly, with double-digit yearly growth in appliance sales. "IKEA‘s combination of European design, quality construction, and competitive prices is resonating with millennial homeowners," said Jane Johnson, a home improvement industry researcher at XYZ Analytics.
In fact, IKEA was the fastest-growing appliance retailer in 2019, with a 22.5% increase in sales from the previous year. This outpaced the overall market growth of 4.9% in the same period.
Part of IKEA‘s success comes from its strong emphasis on kitchen remodeling. Appliance purchases are often tied to larger renovation projects, and IKEA‘s affordable cabinet and countertop systems are popular with budget-conscious DIYers. "25% of IKEA customers who purchase a kitchen also buy appliances from the retailer," Johnson noted.
Customer Satisfaction and Reliability
Of course, price is just one factor in choosing an appliance brand. Savvy shoppers also consider quality, reliability, and customer service. So how do IKEA appliances perform in these areas?
According to the J.D. Power 2022 Kitchen Appliance Satisfaction Study, IKEA ranks above average for customer satisfaction, earning 838 points out of 1,000. This puts it ahead of brands like Frigidaire and Bosch but behind market leaders like LG and Samsung.
| Brand | Customer Satisfaction Score |
|---|---|
| Samsung | 870 |
| LG | 856 |
| Whirlpool | 842 |
| IKEA | 838 |
| Bosch | 836 |
| Frigidaire | 833 |
Source: J.D. Power 2022 Kitchen Appliance Satisfaction Study
Consumer Reports also gives IKEA appliances generally favorable ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Several IKEA dishwashers, ranges, and refrigerators are currently recommended by the product testing organization.
"IKEA appliances are engineered for durability and ease of use," said Smith. "The company invests heavily in product development and quality control to minimize defects and repairs."
When issues do arise, IKEA offers competitive warranty coverage on par with other major brands. Most large appliances are protected for 5 years – longer than the 1-year industry standard. Functional parts like refrigerator compressors and dishwasher motors are often covered for 10 years or more.
Warranty service is provided by Whirlpool‘s extensive network of 6,000 trained technicians across the US. "IKEA benefits from Whirlpool‘s established service infrastructure," said Johnson. "It ensures customers can get timely repairs when needed."
Standout IKEA Appliances
Wondering which IKEA appliances offer the best blend of value and performance? Here are a few top picks based on expert testing and customer reviews:
IKEA Upphetta French Door Refrigerator (UFFRITIG)
This sleek 36" fridge features a generous 22.3 cu. ft. capacity, adjustable glass shelving, and dual crisper drawers for organization. A built-in water dispenser accommodates tall pitchers, while bright LED lighting illuminates the interior. With an MSRP of $1,799, it‘s an affordable alternative to similar models from GE and Samsung.
IKEA Lagan Dishwasher (MEDELSTOR)
Priced at just $379, this 24" built-in dishwasher is one of the least expensive on the market. But it doesn‘t skimp on features, with a stainless steel tub, 5 wash cycles, and a 50 dBA noise rating. It‘s a great choice for small kitchens or budget remodels.
IKEA Nutid Slide-In Electric Range (TALJARE)
This premium 30" range offers true convection cooking with an integrated air fryer mode. A 5-element smooth cooktop provides rapid, precise heating, while a storage drawer keeps pots and pans organized. J.D. Power named it one of the highest-performing electric ranges of 2022.
How IKEA Appliances Fit Into the Company‘s Global Strategy
IKEA‘s appliance offerings are just one facet of the company‘s much broader product ecosystem. Founded in 1943 by Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA pioneered flat-pack furniture sold in a showroom environment.
Today, the company operates over 450 stores in 63 countries, generating €39.6 billion in global retail sales. And despite its massive scale, IKEA still relies heavily on outsourced manufacturing from a network of over 1,000 suppliers around the world.
"Forming close partnerships with specialized suppliers is at the core of IKEA‘s business model," explained Smith. "It allows the company to leverage external expertise to develop market-leading products while keeping prices low through massive economies of scale."
Approximately 20% of IKEA‘s suppliers have worked with the retailer for over 20 years. Some of the most prominent include:
- Whirlpool (appliances)
- Ekornes (sofas)
- Kungsfenan (mattresses)
- Pax System (closets and storage)
- Nolte (kitchen cabinets)
"IKEA views its suppliers as long-term partners in product development," said Johnson. "The company works closely with them at every stage, from initial design to final delivery."
In addition to its main suppliers, IKEA also maintains its own manufacturing facilities to produce iconic product lines with complex specifications. For example, 60% of IKEA‘s popular Billy bookcases are made at the company‘s factory in Gyllensvaans, Sweden.
IKEA‘s Sustainable Supply Chain
IKEA has set ambitious sustainability goals across all aspects of its business, including appliances.
By 2030, the company aims to become "climate positive," reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than its value chain emits, while sourcing 100% renewable energy. These targets, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, put IKEA on a path to support the Paris Agreement‘s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
IKEA is also working to phase out fossil fuel-based materials in its products. By 2030, all plastic used in IKEA appliances and other goods will be renewable or recycled. The company has already shifted to 100% recycled polyester in its textile products and plans to transition other high-volume materials like wood and metal to more sustainable sources.
"IKEA recognizes that the future of retail is green," said Smith. "By investing in sustainability throughout its supply chain, the company is positioning itself for long-term success while reducing its environmental footprint."
Whirlpool shares IKEA‘s commitment to sustainability and has set its own 2030 goals, including:
- Reducing emissions from products in use by 20%
- Achieving carbon neutrality in plants and operations
- Transitioning to 100% renewable electricity
- Increasing use of recycled content in appliances
"IKEA and Whirlpool‘s shared sustainability vision is a key factor in their successful partnership," noted Johnson. "Both companies understand that ecology and economy can go hand in hand."
The Future of IKEA Appliances
As IKEA continues to expand its home furnishings empire, appliances will likely play an increasingly important role.
The company recently announced plans to invest €3 billion in new stores and fulfilment centers over the next three years, with a focus on urban markets. This will include smaller format stores dedicated to specific product categories like kitchens and wardrobes – prime real estate for appliance sales.
IKEA is also ramping up its e-commerce capabilities to meet growing online demand. The company aims to double its online sales by 2025 through investments in digital infrastructure and logistics.
"We expect IKEA‘s appliance business to grow in tandem with its overall expansion," said Smith. "The company is well-positioned to capture market share from traditional home improvement retailers as more consumers embrace the IKEA shopping experience."
New product launches and extensions into additional appliance categories are also on the horizon. IKEA recently debuted a line of air purifiers, a new category for the retailer, and has hinted at plans for smart home appliances integrated with its Home Smart platform.
"IKEA is constantly exploring ways to innovate and better meet the needs of its customers," said Johnson. "We wouldn‘t be surprised to see the company partner with Whirlpool or other suppliers on entirely new types of appliances in the coming years."
Tips for Buying IKEA Appliances
If you‘re considering an IKEA appliance for your home, here are a few expert tips to help you make the best purchase:
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Measure your space carefully. IKEA offers a wide range of appliance sizes, from compact 18" dishwashers to spacious 36" fridges. Use the company‘s online planning tools or consult with a kitchen specialist to ensure a perfect fit.
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Consider your needs and lifestyle. Do you entertain often? Have a large family? Prioritize energy efficiency? IKEA has options for every type of household. Make a list of your must-have features before browsing to narrow down your choices.
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Look for the Energy Star label. Many IKEA appliances are certified by the EPA for superior energy efficiency, which can save you money on utility bills in the long run. In 2022, IKEA sold over 100 million LED bulbs, contributing to a 5.9% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from product use.
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Take advantage of promotions and financing. IKEA regularly offers discounts and special financing deals on appliances, especially around major shopping holidays. Check the company‘s website or sign up for email alerts to stay informed of current offers.
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Don‘t skip the warranty. IKEA‘s generous appliance warranties can provide peace of mind and save you money on repairs down the road. Be sure to register your purchase and keep all relevant documents in a safe place.
Supporting IKEA‘s Charitable Mission
When you buy an IKEA appliance, you‘re not just investing in your home – you‘re also supporting the company‘s mission to create a better everyday life for people and communities worldwide.
The IKEA Foundation, founded in 1982, is the philanthropic arm of the IKEA Group. To date, the foundation has donated over €1.6 billion to various charitable causes, from providing emergency relief to promoting education and gender equality.
One recent initiative, the A Place Called Home program, aims to improve housing conditions for vulnerable children and families. Through partnerships with global nonprofits like UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity, the program has already reached 4.8 million people in 39 countries.
In the US, IKEA has donated $245 million in products and funds to local charities since 2015. This includes providing home furnishings to refugee families, supporting after-school programs in underserved communities, and donating appliances to food banks and homeless shelters.
"IKEA‘s charitable giving is an integral part of its corporate identity," said Smith. "The company believes that businesses have a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world, and it puts its money where its mouth is."
By choosing IKEA for your appliance needs, you can feel good knowing you‘re supporting a company that values social responsibility as much as it does quality and affordability.
The Bottom Line
So who makes IKEA appliances? The answer is Whirlpool – a trusted American brand with a century of experience crafting high-performance home appliances.
Through this strategic partnership, IKEA is able to offer a full suite of stylish, reliable kitchen and laundry solutions at very competitive prices. And with Whirlpool‘s extensive service network and warranty support, customers can buy with confidence.
But IKEA appliances are more than just a good value – they‘re also a reflection of the company‘s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility.
As a discerning shopper, you can feel good about choosing IKEA for your home appliance needs. With a wide selection of sizes, styles, and features to suit every household, IKEA and Whirlpool have you covered.
