GE washing machines are made by GE Appliances, a subsidiary of the Chinese company Haier that operates independently from its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
GE remains one of the most recognized appliance names in America, even though the original General Electric no longer owns the appliance business.
General Electric sold its appliance division to Haier in 2016 for 5.4 billion dollars, ending nearly a century of GE ownership over the brand.
But how does an iconic American brand end up owned by a Chinese company while still building washing machines in Kentucky?
This guide will explore who owns GE Appliances today, where its washing machines are actually built, the brand history, how GE compares to Whirlpool and LG, and whether the investment is worth it.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns The GE Appliances Brand
GE washing machines are made and sold by GE Appliances, a company operating under license from General Electric.
GE Appliances has been a subsidiary of Haier Corporation since 2016, when General Electric sold the division in a deal worth 5.4 billion dollars.
Despite Chinese ownership, GE Appliances continues to operate independently from its own headquarters and factories in Louisville, Kentucky.
GE Appliances also continues using the GE brand name under a long term licensing agreement with General Electric.
Where Are GE Washing Machines Manufactured
GE Appliances builds washing machines at its Louisville, Kentucky headquarters campus, known as Appliance Park.
The company announced a 490 million dollar investment to build an advanced new laundry plant at Appliance Park, aimed at reshoring washer production that had previously moved to China.
This investment reflects a broader push by GE Appliances to expand US based manufacturing since the Haier acquisition.
Some GE branded laundry products sold outside the core washing machine category may still be produced at other domestic or international facilities.
The History Of GE Appliances And The Haier Sale
General Electric began manufacturing home appliances in the early twentieth century, and GE branded washing machines became a staple of American homes for decades, according to Wikipedia.
In 2016, General Electric agreed to sell its appliance division to Haier, a major Chinese appliance and electronics company.
The sale closed the same year, transferring ownership of the GE Appliances business while allowing continued use of the GE brand name.
Under Haier, GE Appliances has grown its US manufacturing footprint and has publicly emphasized continued investment in Kentucky operations.
What Makes GE Washing Machines Stand Out
GE washing machines are known for a wide range of price points, from basic top load models to smart connected front load washers.
Many models include GE own SmartDispense technology, which automatically doses detergent across multiple loads.
GE also emphasizes shorter cycle times on several models compared to some competitors, appealing to buyers who want faster laundry turnaround.
Our guide to who makes Whirlpool appliances covers GE most direct American competitor in the washing machine category.
GE Versus Whirlpool And LG Washing Machines
Whirlpool remains the largest US owned and US based appliance manufacturer, competing directly with GE on price and capacity.
LG, a Korean company, tends to emphasize smart features and larger drum capacities compared to typical GE models.
Our guide to who makes Maytag washing machines covers a Whirlpool owned brand that competes closely with GE on price.
GE tends to sit in the middle of the market on both price and features, making it a common choice for buyers who want a dependable, mid range washer without paying premium pricing.
GE Appliances Product Lineup Beyond Washing Machines
Washing machines are one part of a much larger GE Appliances product range.
The company also sells refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves, all carrying the same GE brand name under license from General Electric.
GE Appliances has positioned itself as the fastest growing major US appliance manufacturer since the Haier acquisition, based on its own reported sales figures.
This wide product range helps GE Appliances compete across nearly every category found in a typical American kitchen and laundry room.
GE Washing Machine Warranty Coverage
Most GE washing machines carry a standard one year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Certain components, such as some motors, may carry extended coverage depending on the specific model.
Extended service plans are available through many retailers for buyers who want protection beyond the standard first year.
Registering a new washer through the GE Appliances website can help streamline any future warranty claim. Keeping the original purchase receipt and model number handy also speeds up phone support if a repair visit becomes necessary.
Is GE Really Good Or Really Worth It
GE Appliances carries a mixed but generally recognizable reputation, benefiting from decades of brand trust built under the original General Electric.
On Trustpilot, most reviewers report being let down by their experience, citing product reliability issues and appliances failing prematurely.
Common complaints involve washers, dryers, and other appliances developing defective parts or unusual noises shortly after purchase.
Positive reviews still exist and tend to highlight straightforward controls, competitive pricing, and dependable performance over many years for some buyers.
For buyers who want a widely available, mid range priced washer backed by a long standing American brand name, GE remains a reasonable choice, though reviewing recent reliability data for a specific model is worth the extra research.
Frequently Asked Questions About GE Washing Machines
Is GE A Chinese Company Now
GE Appliances has been owned by the Chinese company Haier since 2016, though it continues to operate independently from its Louisville, Kentucky headquarters.
Are GE Washing Machines Made In The USA
Many GE washing machines are built at the company Appliance Park campus in Louisville, Kentucky, especially following a major reshoring investment in domestic laundry manufacturing.
Why Did General Electric Sell Its Appliance Business
General Electric sold its appliance division to Haier in 2016 for 5.4 billion dollars as part of a broader strategy to focus on other core business segments.
How Long Is The Warranty On A GE Washing Machine
Most GE washing machines carry a standard one year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.