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Worse on Purpose

KitchenAid (Appliances)

Whirlpool premium kitchen nameplate. Ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators positioned above Whirlpool/Maytag.

Status: Watchlist
Founded
1919
Website
kitchenaid.com
HQ
USA
Manufacturing
USA,Mexico
Ownership type
Conglomerate subsidiary
Parent
Whirlpool
Acquired
1986
Status since
2026-06-08

Ownership

Whirlpool subsidiary (acquired 1986). Premium positioning sits on shared Whirlpool platforms.

Why Watchlist

The premium badge buys a nicer finish and the same underlying machine, not added lifespan. Watchlist.

Sister brands under Whirlpool

See all 4 sister brands

Read the full investigation

Investigation · June 11, 2026

Your Appliances Got Worse On Purpose

One company makes the refrigerator you'll buy under four different names. Another sells the identical window unit under nine. GE is Chinese now, Frigidaire is Swedish, and Kenmore never built anything at all. Plus the few brands still built to last.

Read the full investigation

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