Who Makes Microwaves in USA?

Who Makes Microwaves in USA? Few microwave ovens are fully manufactured in the USA today, as the industry relies heavily on imports—96% of the ~19 million units imported in 2024 came from China. However, select models from brands like Amana (commercial focus), Sharp (microwave drawers and built-ins), Whirlpool (some over-the-range), GE Appliances (certain built-in/OTR), and premium lines like Wolf, Thermador, and Dacor are produced domestically.

Microwave Manufacturing in the USA: Current Landscape

The U.S. microwave oven market remains robust, valued at approximately $3.66 billion in 2025, with projected growth to $4.43 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.89%. Despite high demand—over 90% of American households own at least one microwave—domestic production covers only a small fraction of consumption.

Imports dominate: In 2024, the U.S. imported around 19 million units worth $1.4–1.6 billion, primarily from China.
Production is limited: U.S. output hovers around 324,000 units annually, focusing on specialty, commercial, or premium models.

This shift stems from cost efficiencies abroad, though some brands maintain U.S. facilities for quality control, innovation, and “Made in USA” branding.

Key American Manufacturers of Microwaves

Several brands produce microwaves (or components) in the USA, often for built-in, over-the-range (OTR), drawer-style, or commercial units. Countertop models are rarely U.S.-made.

Amana (ACP Inc.)

Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Focus: The only manufacturer dedicated exclusively to commercial microwaves in the USA; also produces select residential models.
Notable: Invented the first countertop microwave (Radarange) in 1967. ISO9001-certified facility emphasizes durability for high-volume use.

Sharp Manufacturing Company of America

Location: Memphis, Tennessee.
Focus: Microwave drawers (invented here), built-ins, and select OTR/convection models.
Notable: Produced over 1 million drawer microwaves by 2020; supplies private-label versions for other premium brands.

Whirlpool Corporation (including Maytag, KitchenAid)

Location: Facilities in Iowa (Amana), Ohio, Tennessee, and others.
Focus: Some OTR and built-in microwaves; over 80% of Whirlpool appliances sold in the U.S. are domestically produced overall.
Notable: Models assembled in Iowa often qualify for FTC “Made in USA” standards.

GE Appliances (Haier-owned)

Location: Louisville, Kentucky (Appliance Park) and other sites.
Focus: Select built-in and OTR models.
Notable: Designs engineered in the U.S.; many parts sourced domestically, though not all microwaves are fully U.S.-made.

Premium Brands (Sub-Zero Group, Viking, Dacor, Wolf, Thermador)

Locations:
Wolf: Fitchburg, Wisconsin.
Thermador: La Follette, Tennessee.
Viking: Greenwood, Mississippi.
Dacor: California facilities.
Focus: High-end built-in, convection, and drawer microwaves for luxury kitchens.
Notable: Emphasize American craftsmanship and integration with pro-style ranges.

Brand	Primary U.S. Location	Key Microwave Types Produced	Strengths
Amana	Cedar Rapids, IA	Commercial, some residential OTR	Durability, dedicated U.S. focus
Sharp	Memphis, TN	Drawers, built-ins, convection	Innovation (drawer pioneer)
Whirlpool	Amana, IA; others	OTR, built-in	High volume, FTC-qualified models
GE Appliances	Louisville, KY	Built-in, OTR	Reliability, U.S. engineering
Wolf/Thermador	WI/TN	Premium built-in	Luxury integration

For specific models, check product labels or manufacturer sites, as production can vary.

Benefits of Choosing USA-Made Microwaves

Quality and Durability — Stricter U.S. standards and local oversight often result in robust builds.
Economic Impact — Supports American jobs (e.g., thousands at GE and Whirlpool plants).
Innovation — U.S. facilities drive features like sensor cooking, convection combos, and smart integration.
Sustainability — Shorter supply chains reduce shipping emissions.

FAQ

Are all microwaves from these brands made in the USA?
No—many brands produce entry-level or countertop models overseas. Always verify the specific model’s origin via the label or manufacturer.

Why are most microwaves imported?
Lower production costs in Asia, especially China (70%+ of global exports), make imports dominant for mass-market units.

Which type of microwave is most likely USA-made?
Built-in, drawer-style, OTR convection, and commercial models; countertop solos are rarely domestic.

Is there a fully USA-made countertop microwave?
Rare—most are imported, even from American brands.

How can I confirm a microwave is made in the USA?
Look for “Made in USA” on the product/rating plate, or check FTC-qualified claims on brand sites.

Final Thoughts

While the microwave industry has largely globalized, pockets of American manufacturing persist in premium and commercial segments. Brands like Amana and Sharp exemplify enduring U.S. innovation—from the first countertop model to modern drawer designs. Choosing domestic options supports local economies and often delivers superior build quality, even as imports meet everyday demand. For the latest model-specific details, consult manufacturers directly.