Crosley appliances are made by two of the biggest names in the industry: Whirlpool Corporation builds the laundry appliances, and GE Appliances builds the kitchen appliances.
The Crosley brand is best known for affordable, quality appliances sold exclusively through independent local dealers and rent to own stores rather than big box retail chains.
The brand is managed by Crosley Corporation, based in Concord, North Carolina, which serves as the exclusive distributor of Crosley branded products throughout North America.
Knowing that Whirlpool and GE Appliances build Crosley products helps explain how the brand can offer trusted quality behind a lesser known name at a lower price.
This article covers who makes Crosley 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 Crosley Appliances?
Crosley appliances are built by two manufacturers under contract with Crosley Corporation.
Whirlpool Corporation builds Crosley laundry appliances, including washers and dryers.
GE Appliances, a Haier company, builds Crosley kitchen appliances including refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and ranges under a contract signed in 2018.
Because both Whirlpool and GE Appliances use the same production standards they apply to their own brands, Crosley products benefit from world class manufacturing.
The result is an appliance that can genuinely compare to more heavily marketed brands at a lower price.
Where Are Crosley Appliances Made?
Because Crosley relies on Whirlpool and GE Appliances for production, the manufacturing locations follow each company’s plant network.
Whirlpool makes the majority of its United States market appliances domestically, with key plants in Ohio and Iowa, which means many Crosley laundry products are made in the USA.
GE Appliances manufactures across several United States locations, including major plants in Kentucky, which covers many of the Crosley kitchen products.
Some models may be sourced from Mexico or other countries depending on the specific item.
The product label or customer service for a specific Crosley model can confirm the exact country of manufacture.
Who Owns Crosley Appliances?
The Crosley appliance brand is managed and distributed by Crosley Corporation of Concord, North Carolina.
Crosley Corporation traces its ownership of the brand through a long chain that runs back to Powel Crosley Jr., who founded the original Crosley Radio Corporation in the 1920s.
The brand passed through several owners before landing with Concord, North Carolina based distributors who now run it exclusively through independent dealers, as detailed in the Crosley brand history.
It is sold in all 48 contiguous states through a network of more than 3,000 independent retail storefronts, as GE Appliances confirmed at the time of its 2018 contract.
What Is the History of the Crosley Brand?
Crosley began in the 1920s when Powel Crosley Jr. built affordable radios in Cincinnati, Ohio, becoming the world’s largest radio manufacturer by 1925.
He expanded into refrigerators in the 1930s and is credited with introducing adjustable door shelves to the American fridge.
The company changed hands several times after World War II, eventually becoming part of Maytag and later Whirlpool.
The appliance brand was eventually separated from the electronics brand and is now run by Crosley Corporation in North Carolina.
What Does Crosley Offer?
Crosley offers a full line of major home appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, gas and electric ranges, washers, and dryers.
Products are sold under the Crosley Professional, Crosley, and Conservator brand names, targeting different price points within the independent dealer channel.
One of Crosley’s strongest selling points is its warranty, which runs up to 10 years on its appliance line, one of the longest in the industry.
The first year covers both parts and labor under the supervision of Whirlpool or GE Appliances, while Crosley covers parts from years 2 through 10, making it one of the best warranties in the appliance industry.
Crosley Appliances vs Whirlpool Appliances: How Do They Compare?
Because Whirlpool builds Crosley laundry appliances, the two brands are closely related behind the scenes.
Whirlpool branded appliances sit higher in price, carry more marketing support, and are available at major national retailers.
Crosley is sold only through independent dealers and rent to own stores, which keeps the price lower and targets a different buyer.
For shoppers who want Whirlpool quality at a lower price and are comfortable buying from an independent dealer, Crosley is a compelling alternative.
Are Crosley Appliances Any Good?
Crosley appliances are well regarded for their price point, especially given that Whirlpool and GE Appliances build them.
Owners often praise their reliability, clean design, and particularly the outstanding 10-year warranty that backs every major appliance.
Because the brand is not sold in big box stores, some buyers may find it harder to locate, but the independent dealer network is active across all 48 contiguous states.
For budget shoppers who want a reliable appliance with industry leading warranty coverage, Crosley is a smart pick.
For more on related brands, see Who Makes Whirlpool Appliances and Who Makes Amana Appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crosley Appliances
Who makes Crosley appliances?
Crosley laundry appliances are made by Whirlpool Corporation and Crosley kitchen appliances are made by GE Appliances. Crosley Corporation in North Carolina distributes the brand.
Where can I buy Crosley appliances?
Crosley appliances are sold exclusively through independent local dealers and rent to own stores. They are not stocked at big box retail chains like Home Depot or Best Buy.
Are Crosley appliances made in the USA?
Many Crosley appliances are made in the United States through Whirlpool and GE Appliances plants. Origin varies by model, so checking the specific product label confirms the exact location.
What warranty do Crosley appliances carry?
Crosley offers a 10-year limited warranty on its major appliances. The first year covers parts and labor through Whirlpool or GE Appliances, and years 2 through 10 cover parts under Crosley’s own program.
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.