Criterion appliances are made for Menards, a large Midwestern home improvement retailer, through manufacturing partnerships with companies including Midea Group of China.
Criterion is a Menards exclusive private label brand, offering refrigerators, freezers, ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves at prices typically 20 to 40 percent below comparable national brands.
Menards is headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and operates more than 300 home improvement stores across the Midwest United States.
Knowing who builds Criterion helps you judge whether the lower price comes with the quality of a trusted manufacturer or a compromise in construction.
This article covers who makes Criterion appliances, where they are produced, who owns the brand, what they offer, how they compare to a rival, and whether they are any good.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Criterion Appliances?
Criterion appliances are made for Criterion, a private label brand exclusively owned and sold by Menards.
Menards does not manufacture the appliances itself; instead it sets specifications, quality standards, and pricing targets, then contracts production to established global manufacturers.
Midea Group, the Chinese appliance giant, is widely identified as the primary manufacturer behind most Criterion products, based on matching model number formats and parts compatibility that service technicians have confirmed.
Some Criterion models may also be sourced from other manufacturers depending on the product category and production run.
Because Midea is one of the world’s largest appliance makers, Criterion buyers benefit from sophisticated manufacturing behind the private label price, as detailed in Menards’ company background.
Where Are Criterion Appliances Made?
Criterion appliances are made in multiple countries depending on the product type and model.
Most Criterion refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves are produced in Chinese facilities, primarily by Midea.
Some Criterion products are assembled in Mexico, taking advantage of USMCA trade benefits.
Certain higher-end or specific models may be assembled in the United States or Canada.
The model label on each appliance is the surest way to confirm the exact country of manufacture for a specific unit.
Who Owns Criterion Appliances?
Criterion is owned entirely by Menards, which controls the brand design, specifications, pricing, and distribution.
Menards was founded in 1960 by John Menard Jr. in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and has grown into one of the largest privately held companies in the United States.
Forbes ranks Menards among the 30 largest privately held American companies.
Because Criterion is exclusive to Menards stores, it is not available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, or any other national retailer, as confirmed on the Menards Criterion brand page.
What Does Criterion Offer?
Criterion covers a broad range of major home appliances for everyday use.
The lineup includes refrigerators, chest and upright freezers, gas and electric ranges, dishwashers, microwaves, and over the range microwave combinations.
Criterion appliances are designed to deliver core functionality at a budget price and are available across all Menards stores in the 15 states where the chain operates.
Warranties and service terms are handled through Menards’ customer service channels rather than a standalone manufacturer support line.
Criterion Appliances vs Galanz Appliances: How Do They Compare?
Criterion and Galanz are both budget-friendly appliance options with a connection to Chinese manufacturing.
Galanz is a genuine manufacturer that owns its brand, its factories, and its full product lineup, and sells through multiple retailers.
Criterion is a private label controlled by Menards and sold only through Menards stores, making it harder to compare models across retailers.
For Menards shoppers in the Midwest, Criterion is a strong value pick, while Galanz has broader availability nationwide for buyers outside Menards’ footprint.
Are Criterion Appliances Any Good?
Criterion appliances offer solid everyday value for budget-conscious buyers in Menards’ market area.
Because Midea is believed to be the primary manufacturer, the underlying product quality tends to be stronger than many other store brands at a similar price.
Freezers and refrigerators are the brand’s most popular categories, and many buyers report reliable performance for the price.
Because Menards does not publicly disclose which factories produce specific Criterion models, it can be difficult to research the exact builder of any given unit before purchase.
For Menards shoppers who want a reliable everyday appliance at a significantly lower price than national brands, Criterion is worth strong consideration.
For more on other budget appliance brands, see Who Makes Galanz Appliances and Who Makes Midea Appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criterion Appliances
Who makes Criterion appliances?
Criterion is a private label brand owned by Menards. Most Criterion products are believed to be manufactured by Midea Group, with some models sourced from other contracted factories.
Where are Criterion appliances sold?
Criterion appliances are sold exclusively at Menards stores across 15 Midwestern US states. They are not available at any other national retailer.
Are Criterion appliances made by Midea?
Most evidence, including matching model numbers and parts compatibility, points to Midea as the primary manufacturer behind Criterion appliances. Menards does not publicly confirm its specific manufacturing partners.
Are Criterion appliances a good buy?
Yes, Criterion is a solid budget choice, especially for freezers and refrigerators. The Midea connection gives it a stronger manufacturing base than many anonymous store brands at the same price.
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.