Admiral appliances are made by Whirlpool Corporation and sold exclusively at The Home Depot.
The brand is known today mainly for washers and dryers, though it once produced a much wider range of home appliances and consumer electronics.
Admiral became part of Whirlpool’s portfolio through its 2006 acquisition of Maytag, which had owned the brand since 1986.
Knowing Admiral’s long ownership history helps buyers understand why finding certain Admiral parts can be more difficult than with Whirlpool’s actively promoted brands.
This article covers who owns Admiral, its ownership history, what products it sells today, and answers to common questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Admiral Appliances?
Admiral appliances are made by Whirlpool Corporation and sold exclusively through The Home Depot.
The brand began in 1934 as Continental Radio and Television Corporation, founded by Ross Siragusa in Chicago, to produce radios and phonographs.
The company adopted the Admiral name during World War II and later expanded from televisions into major home appliances, including refrigerators, ranges, and ovens.
How Did Admiral End Up Owned by Whirlpool?
Admiral changed hands several times over the decades after its founding, eventually moving from Rockwell to Magic Chef and then to Maytag in 1986.
When Whirlpool Corporation acquired Maytag in 2006, the Admiral brand transferred over as part of that broader deal, which also included Jenn-Air, Amana, and Magic Chef.
Whirlpool made Admiral exclusive to The Home Depot following the acquisition, a partnership that continues today.
What Products Does Admiral Sell Today?
Admiral’s current lineup is much narrower than its mid century catalog, focusing mainly on washers and dryers.
The brand previously sold a wider range of cooking appliances, including gas and electric ranges and ovens, though those have largely been discontinued in favor of laundry products.
Used Admiral stoves and ranges from earlier decades remain in circulation through resale and used appliance parts dealers.
Admiral vs Estate: Comparing Whirlpool’s Home Depot and Sears Era Brands
Admiral and Estate are both Whirlpool Corporation brands tied to specific retail partnerships rather than sold broadly across all appliance stores.
Admiral is exclusive to The Home Depot today, while Estate has historically been associated more with Sears and other budget oriented retail channels.
Both brands trace back to acquisitions Whirlpool made over the years rather than being built from the ground up as in-house names.
Are Admiral Appliances Still Made?
Whirlpool Corporation continues to manufacture a limited Admiral lineup, primarily washers and dryers sold through The Home Depot.
Inventory can vary significantly by store and season, since Admiral occupies a smaller niche compared to Whirlpool’s primary brands.
Shoppers comparing other Whirlpool owned brands can also look at Maytag and Roper, two brands with similarly layered ownership histories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Admiral Appliances
Who owns Admiral appliances now?
Admiral is currently owned and manufactured by Whirlpool Corporation.
Why is Admiral only sold at Home Depot?
Whirlpool made Admiral exclusive to The Home Depot after acquiring Maytag in 2006, continuing a pattern of retail exclusive brand partnerships.
Did Admiral used to make TVs?
Yes, Admiral started as a television and radio manufacturer in the 1930s before expanding into major home appliances in the following decades.
What does Admiral make today?
Admiral’s current product lineup is mainly washers and dryers sold exclusively through The Home Depot.
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.