Roper appliances are made by Whirlpool Corporation, the world’s largest home appliance manufacturer, which has owned the Roper brand since 1989.
Roper is Whirlpool’s stripped back, no-frills value brand, offering basic washers, dryers, ranges, and refrigerators at the lowest price point in the Whirlpool family.
Whirlpool is headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and trades on the NYSE under the ticker WHR.
Knowing that Whirlpool builds Roper helps explain how a budget brand can still carry the engineering and parts support of one of America’s most trusted appliance companies.
This article covers who makes Roper appliances, where they are produced, who owns the brand, its history, how it compares to a rival, and whether the appliances are any good.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Roper Appliances?
Roper appliances are made by Whirlpool Corporation and sold through the Roper brand, which is Whirlpool’s most affordable lineup.
Whirlpool produces Roper appliances in the same American factories used for its other brands, simply with fewer features and a more basic specification.
That shared manufacturing base is what gives Roper a reliability advantage over many competing budget brands that use lower tier overseas production.
Roper is sold exclusively at Lowe’s in North America, making it a retailer-channeled value brand rather than a broadly distributed line.
Because Whirlpool builds Roper to its own quality standards, parts are widely available and service is supported through Whirlpool’s established North American network.
Where Are Roper Appliances Made?
Roper appliances are made in the United States at the same Whirlpool factories used for other brands in the portfolio.
Washers are produced at the Clyde, Ohio plant, which is one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturing facilities.
Dryers are made in Marion, Ohio, dishwashers in Findlay, Ohio, and refrigerators at the Amana, Iowa facility.
The Roper brand confirms its domestic production on the official about page, noting that it delivers sensible solutions at an affordable price through Whirlpool’s manufacturing, as noted by appliance research sources.
Who Owns Roper Appliances?
Roper is owned by Whirlpool Corporation, which acquired the brand in 1989.
Whirlpool positioned Roper as its entry level brand to serve buyers who need basic, dependable appliances without paying for the Whirlpool or Maytag brand premium.
The brand sits at the bottom of Whirlpool’s portfolio, below Amana, Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir in both price and specification.
The full history of the Roper brand and Whirlpool’s ownership is documented in Whirlpool’s corporate history.
What Is the History of Roper Appliances?
The Roper brand traces its roots to 1890, when George D. Roper founded a company in Rockford, Illinois, initially focused on pumps and industrial products.
Roper shifted into gas stoves and home appliances in the early twentieth century, eventually merging with Florence Stove Company and building strong brand recognition.
Sears acquired a stake in Roper in 1964, and the brand eventually passed to Whirlpool in 1989.
Under Whirlpool, Roper was repositioned as the company’s most affordable appliance line, sold exclusively through Lowe’s to keep costs and distribution focused.
Roper Appliances vs Amana Appliances: How Do They Compare?
Roper and Amana are both Whirlpool brands aimed at budget shoppers, but Amana sits one tier above Roper in price and features.
Roper offers the most basic specification available, with straightforward controls and minimal extra features.
Amana adds a step up in finish, features, and capacity while still staying well below the price of Maytag or Whirlpool branded appliances.
For a buyer who wants the absolute lowest price from a trusted American maker, Roper is the pick, while Amana suits those who want slightly more for a modest increase in cost.
Are Roper Appliances Any Good?
Roper appliances are a solid choice for buyers who prioritize basic functionality and low price over advanced features.
Because Whirlpool builds them in its American factories to consistent quality standards, Roper tends to outlast many cheaper imported alternatives at a similar price.
The simplified design also means fewer things can go wrong, and parts are widely available through Whirlpool’s large North American service network.
Long term durability reviews are generally decent, though advanced feature seekers and performance buyers should look at Maytag or Whirlpool branded models.
For renters, first time homeowners, or anyone who just needs a dependable washer or dryer at the lowest possible price from a trusted maker, Roper delivers excellent value.
For more on related Whirlpool family brands, see Who Makes Amana Appliances and Who Makes Whirlpool Appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roper Appliances
Who makes Roper appliances?
Roper appliances are made by Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool acquired the Roper brand in 1989 and builds Roper products in its American factories.
Are Roper appliances made in the USA?
Yes, Roper appliances are made in the United States at Whirlpool’s plants in Ohio and Iowa, the same factories that produce Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana branded products.
Where are Roper appliances sold?
Roper appliances are sold exclusively at Lowe’s in North America. The brand is not stocked at other major national retailers or home improvement chains.
Is Roper a good brand for the price?
Yes, Roper is a strong value for budget shoppers who want a basic, reliable appliance built by a trusted American manufacturer. It consistently outperforms many budget alternatives because it is built in Whirlpool’s own facilities.
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.