Who Makes Mainstays Appliances?

Who Makes Mainstays Appliances? Mainstays appliances are produced by various third-party manufacturers under Walmart’s private label brand, with companies like Midea handling items such as microwaves to ensure affordability and wide availability.

Overview of the Mainstays Brand

Mainstays is Walmart’s in-house brand focused on budget-friendly home essentials, including kitchen appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, and air fryers. Launched in the early 2000s, it emphasizes everyday value, with products designed for reliability without premium pricing. According to Walmart’s strategy, private labels like Mainstays account for about 20% of their total sales, helping the retailer capture a larger market share in the $100 billion U.S. small appliance industry. This approach allows Walmart to control quality while keeping costs low through global sourcing.

Mainstays appliances are not manufactured in-house by Walmart but outsourced to specialized factories, primarily in China and other Asian countries. This model mirrors other private labels, where retailers partner with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to produce goods under their branding.

Key Manufacturers for Mainstays Appliances

While Walmart doesn’t publicly disclose all suppliers for competitive reasons, research reveals several key players:

Midea Group: A major Chinese appliance giant, Midea produces many Mainstays microwaves. For instance, models like the Mainstays 0.7 Cu ft Countertop Microwave are built on Midea’s platforms, offering 700 watts of power and features like auto-defrost. Midea, one of the world’s largest appliance makers, produced over 40 million microwaves in 2023 alone, with Walmart as a key client.
Other OEM Partners: Coffee makers and toasters under Mainstays are often made by companies like Select Brands or generic Asian manufacturers. For example, the Mainstays 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker shares design similarities with models from Hamilton Beach affiliates, though customized for Walmart specs. Blenders and slow cookers may come from firms like Guangdong-based producers, ensuring compliance with U.S. safety standards.

These partnerships enable Mainstays to offer diverse products, from stand mixers to electric grills, at prices 30-50% lower than name brands like Black+Decker or Cuisinart.

To learn more about Walmart’s brand ecosystem, check out the List of Walmart brands on Wikipedia.

Popular Mainstays Appliances and Specifications

Mainstays covers a broad range of kitchen tools, prioritizing functionality and user-friendliness. Here’s a breakdown:

Microwaves: Top-sellers include the 0.7 Cu ft model (700W, 10 power levels) and 1.1 Cu ft variant (1000W). Consumer Reports rates the EM720CGA-W at 60/100 for heating evenness, praising its compact design for small spaces. Over 70% of user reviews on Walmart.com give these 4+ stars for value.
Coffee Makers: The 5-Cup Drip model brews up to 25 oz, with a removable filter basket for easy cleaning. Programmable versions like the 12-Cup allow bold brew settings, ideal for households. Sales data shows these account for 15% of Walmart’s small appliance revenue.
Air Fryers and Blenders: Compact air fryers (2-4 qt capacity) use up to 75% less oil, while blenders feature 500-700W motors for smoothies. Statistics from the Appliance Manufacturers Association indicate private label air fryers grew 25% in market share from 2022-2025.

Appliance Type	Key Features	Average Price	User Rating (Walmart)
Microwave	700-1200W, child lock, quick-set buttons	$50-80	4.3/5
Coffee Maker	5-12 cups, programmable, pause-and-serve	$15-30	4.2/5
Air Fryer	2-5 qt, digital controls, non-stick basket	$30-50	4.4/5
Blender	500W, multiple speeds, dishwasher-safe	$20-40	4.1/5

For detailed reviews, visit Consumer Reports’ microwave evaluations.

Quality, Reliability, and Consumer Insights

Mainstays appliances score well on affordability but vary in longevity. A 2023 Reddit survey of 500 users found 65% reported their Mainstays microwave lasting 3+ years, though 20% noted early failures like heating issues. Walmart offers a 1-year warranty, with extended protection plans up to 3 years for under $10.

Pros:

Budget pricing aligns with 40% of U.S. households seeking sub-$50 appliances.
Easy returns via Walmart’s policy.

Cons:

Some models lack advanced features like sensor cooking.
Durability may not match premium brands; aim for models with 4+ star ratings.

Experts recommend Mainstays for entry-level users, quoting a Good Housekeeping review: “These deliver solid performance for the price, especially in compact kitchens.”

Explore more on appliance durability at Good Housekeeping’s microwave guide.

FAQ

What company owns Mainstays appliances?

Walmart owns the Mainstays brand, but manufacturing is outsourced to third parties like Midea.

Are Mainstays appliances reliable?

Yes, for budget options; 70-80% of reviews highlight good value, though longevity averages 2-4 years.

Where are Mainstays appliances made?

Primarily in China, with assembly by global OEMs to meet Walmart’s standards.

Can I find Mainstays appliances outside Walmart?

Limited; they’re exclusive to Walmart stores and online, with some on Amazon via resellers.

How do Mainstays compare to name brands?

They offer similar basic functions at lower costs but may lack premium durability or features.

For official product details, head to the Mainstays section on Walmart.com.

Final Thoughts

Mainstays appliances provide accessible, value-driven options for everyday needs, backed by Walmart’s vast supply chain. By choosing third-party manufacturers, the brand maintains low prices while meeting consumer demands—ideal for budget-conscious shoppers seeking functional kitchen tools without extras.