The answer is: very few. Most microwaves sold in the USA are imported from other countries, mainly China. However, there are some brands that still manufacture some of their microwaves in the USA, such as GE, Whirlpool, and Thermador.
Microwaves are one of the most convenient and versatile appliances in the modern kitchen. They can heat up food, cook meals, defrost frozen items, and even make popcorn. But have you ever wondered where your microwave comes from? Is it made in the USA or somewhere else?
In this article, we will explore the origin and quality of microwaves made in the USA, and compare them with microwaves made in other countries. We will also provide you with a list of the best microwaves made in the USA that you can buy online or in stores. Let’s get started!
Why Are There So Few Microwaves Made in the USA?
The main reason why there are so few microwaves made in the USA is the cost of production. Manufacturing microwaves in the USA requires higher labor costs, stricter environmental regulations, and more expensive materials than in other countries. These factors make it difficult for American manufacturers to compete with foreign competitors who can offer lower prices and faster delivery.
Another reason why there are so few microwaves made in the USA is the lack of consumer demand. Most American consumers are not aware of or concerned about the origin of their microwaves. They are more interested in the features, performance, and design of the product. As long as the microwave works well and looks good, they don’t care where it was made.
However, there are some benefits of buying microwaves made in the USA, such as:
- Supporting the local economy and creating jobs for American workers
- Ensuring higher quality standards and safety regulations
- Reducing the environmental impact of transportation and packaging
- Having easier access to customer service and warranty support
If you are one of the consumers who value these benefits, you might want to consider buying microwaves made in the USA.
Which Brands Make Microwaves in the USA?
As we mentioned earlier, most microwaves sold in the USA are imported from other countries, mainly China. However, there are some brands that still manufacture some of their microwaves in the USA, either partially or fully. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- GE: GE is one of the oldest and most trusted appliance brands in the USA. It has nine manufacturing facilities across the country, where it produces refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, wall ovens, and cooking ranges. Some of its microwaves are also made in the USA, such as the GE Profile Smart Countertop Microwave Oven, which has Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control features.
- Whirlpool: Whirlpool is another well-known appliance brand in the USA. It has several factories and warehouses in the country, where it makes refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and air conditioners. Some of its microwaves are also made in the USA, such as the Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology, which allows you to scan the barcode of your food and automatically set the cooking time and temperature.
- Thermador: Thermador is a luxury appliance brand that is owned by Samsung Electronics America. It specializes in high-end cooking products, such as ranges, ovens, cooktops, and hoods. Some of its microwaves are also made in the USA, such as the Thermador Built-in Microwave Oven, which has a sleek design and a spacious capacity.
How to Choose the Best Microwave Made in the USA?
If you are looking for the best microwave made in the USA, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- Size: The size of the microwave depends on the space available in your kitchen and the amount of food you want to heat or cook. Microwaves come in different sizes, from compact to large. You should measure the dimensions of your countertop, cabinet, or wall before buying a microwave, and make sure it fits well.
- Power: The power of the microwave determines how fast and evenly it can heat or cook your food. Microwaves have different power levels, measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the faster and more powerful the microwave. However, higher wattage also means higher energy consumption and higher cost. You should choose a microwave that has enough power for your needs, but not more than necessary.
- Features: The features of the microwave depend on the functions and convenience you want. Microwaves have different features, such as preset programs, sensors, turntables, timers, clocks, lights, fans, and more. Some microwaves also have smart features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control, and scan-to-cook technology. You should choose a microwave that has the features that suit your preferences and lifestyle.
- Design: The design of the microwave depends on the style and appearance you want. Microwaves have different designs, such as countertop, over-the-range, built-in, drawer, and more. They also have different colors, finishes, and shapes. You should choose a microwave that matches your kitchen decor and personal taste.
What Are the Best Microwaves Made in the USA?
Based on our research and analysis, here are some of the best microwaves made in the USA that you can buy online or in stores:
- GE Profile Smart Countertop Microwave Oven: This is a smart microwave that has Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control features. You can use your smartphone or voice assistant to start, stop, pause, or check the status of your microwave. You can also access hundreds of recipes and cooking tips from the GE Appliances app. This microwave has a 1.5-cubic-foot capacity, a 1000-watt power, and 10 power levels. It also has a sensor cooking feature that automatically adjusts the time and power based on the food type and weight. It has a stainless steel finish and a LED display.
- Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave with Scan-to-Cook Technology: This is an over-the-range microwave that has a scan-to-cook technology feature. You can scan the barcode of your food with your smartphone and send the cooking instructions to your microwave. The microwave will automatically set the time and temperature for your food. You can also use your smartphone to control and monitor your microwave remotely. This microwave has a 1.9-cubic-foot capacity, a 1100-watt power, and 10 power levels. It also has a steam cooking feature that helps you steam vegetables, fish, and rice. It has a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and a touch screen display.
- Thermador Built-in Microwave Oven: This is a built-in microwave that has a sleek design and a spacious capacity. You can install it in your wall or cabinet, and save space on your countertop. This microwave has a 2.1-cubic-foot capacity, a 1200-watt power, and 10 power levels. It also has a sensor cooking feature that automatically adjusts the time and power based on the food type and weight. It has a stainless steel finish and a glass touch display.
Conclusion
Microwaves are one of the most convenient and versatile appliances in the modern kitchen. However, not many microwaves are made in the USA. Most microwaves sold in the USA are imported from other countries, mainly China. However, there are some brands that still manufacture some of their microwaves in the USA, such as GE, Whirlpool, and Thermador. These brands offer high-quality, durable, and innovative microwaves that can meet your needs and preferences. If you are looking for the best microwaves made in the USA, you can choose from the list we provided above, or do your own research and comparison. We hope this article helped you find the answer to your question and the perfect microwave for your kitchen. Thank you for reading!