Key Statistics on the U.S. Appliance Manufacturing Sector

Homes and businesses cannot function without modern appliances. From refrigerators and ovens to washers, dryers, and small housewares, the U.S. appliance manufacturing sector builds the products that keep daily life running. The industry includes a mix of legacy brands and innovative newcomers producing everything from major kitchen appliances to heating, cooling, and water systems.

While job growth in the sector was modest at 0.99% over the past year, rising consumer purchasing power and the integration of intelligent, connected technologies are expected to drive continued expansion. Emerging energy-efficiency standards, reshoring investments, and smart manufacturing practices are also reshaping how appliances are designed and built across America.

The Latest Statistics in the Household Appliance Manufacturing Sector

According to verified data collected by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, the U.S. appliance manufacturing industry shows both strengths and distinctive differences from general manufacturing:

• 383 appliance manufacturers operate across the United States.
• 61,010 workers are employed in the sector nationwide.
• 2% of companies are women-owned, and 1% are minority-owned, mirroring totals across U.S. manufacturing.
• 24% of firms import raw materials, compared to just 11% for manufacturing as a whole
• 52% export finished products, nearly double the 29% average for all manufacturers.
• 13% of companies are publicly owned, compared to just 5% in manufacturing overall.
• The average facility spans 289,000 square feet, and the average company age is 49 years, underscoring a balance of experience and innovation.

These concentrations reflect access to established supply chains, skilled labor, and logistics networks that enable both domestic and global distribution.

Key Subindustries in U.S. Appliance Manufacturing

The U.S. appliance sector includes manufacturers of refrigerators and freezers, washers and dryers, cooking appliances, fans, and small electric housewares. Many companies also produce heating, cooling, and water-heating equipment that serve both residential and commercial markets. Based on MNI’s verified company data, the industry breaks down into these primary SIC categories:

Electric Housewares & Fans (SIC 3634): 151 companies (40.8%)

These manufacturers produce small electric appliances such as fans, blenders, coffee makers, and other countertop devices commonly found in homes, offices, and hospitality environments.

Household Cooking Equipment (SIC 3631): 110 companies (29.7%)

This segment includes manufacturers that produce gas and electric ranges, ovens, and cooktops for both residential and commercial use, supplying the equipment that fuels everyday cooking and large-scale foodservice operations alike.

Household Appliances, Not Elsewhere Classified (SIC 3639): 57 companies (15.4%)

Companies in this diverse group manufacture appliances not covered by other categories, including water heaters, dehumidifiers, and various specialty or emerging household devices.

Household Refrigerators & Freezers (SIC 3632): 24 companies (6.5%)

These firms focus on producing energy-efficient and technologically advanced refrigeration systems designed for both household and light commercial applications.

Household Vacuum Cleaners (SIC 3635): 19 companies (5.1%)

Manufacturers in this category produce upright, canister, and robotic vacuum cleaning systems that combine mechanical precision with modern automation features.

Household Laundry Equipment (SIC 3633): 9 companies (2.4%)

This segment consists of manufacturers that produce washing machines, dryers, and combination laundry units built to meet the needs of residential consumers and commercial laundry facilities.

Where Are Appliance Manufacturers Located?

Appliance manufacturing is distributed across the United States, with concentrations in regions that combine skilled workforces, strong supply chains, and access to major consumer markets.

•  Midwest: 32% of all companies.
• South: 30% of companies.
• West: 22% of companies.
• Northeast: 16% of companies.

The Midwest and South remain dominant, hosting legacy brands and newer entrants that serve both domestic and export demand.

Top States for Appliance Manufacturing (by Employment)

1. Ohio – 7,834 employees (13.5%)

Ohio leads the nation in appliance manufacturing, home to major facilities producing cooking, refrigeration, and small appliances. The state’s long industrial heritage continues to fuel innovation and output.

2. Tennessee – 7,019 employees (12.1%)

Tennessee supports a growing base of household appliance production, with large facilities manufacturing ranges and refrigerators. The state’s logistics network enhances its national reach.

3. Michigan – 6,418 employees (11.1%)

Michigan’s skilled workforce and industrial infrastructure support both OEM production and component manufacturing for major brands.

4. California – 5,840 employees (10.1%)

California’s diverse economy sustains both large-scale and specialty producers. Sustainability-focused manufacturers thrive here, reflecting the state’s environmental priorities.

5. North Carolina – 4,506 employees (7.8%)

North Carolina hosts a strong mix of major and small appliance manufacturers, supported by contract production and a robust supply network.

6. Texas – 3,975 employees (6.9%)

Texas is home to large manufacturing sites serving construction and residential markets, leveraging its central location for rapid distribution.

7. Georgia – 3,410 employees (5.9%)

Georgia’s appliance makers produce a range of cooking, refrigeration, and small housewares products, supported by strong export infrastructure.

8. Illinois – 3,251 employees (5.6%)

Illinois supports a blend of established and emerging manufacturers producing small appliances and component parts.

9. Wisconsin – 3,010 employees (5.2%)

Wisconsin’s facilities supply both household and commercial markets, including hospitality and foodservice applications.

10. South Carolina – 2,807 employees (4.8%)

South Carolina continues to attract new investment from major appliance producers expanding domestic capacity.

Top Cities for Appliance Manufacturing (by Employment)

• Cleveland, OH — 2,044 employees. A cornerstone of American appliance production, Cleveland hosts key operations in cooking, refrigeration, and small housewares manufacturing.
• Knoxville, TN — 1,825 employees. Located near major logistics routes, Knoxville supports both domestic and international appliance distribution.
• Benton Harbor, MI — 1,615 employees. Long associated with the appliance industry, Benton Harbor remains home to major production and innovation centers.
• Los Angeles, CA — 1,472 employees. Los Angeles supports a mix of high-efficiency appliance and component manufacturers serving both North American and Pacific markets.
• Charlotte, NC — 1,240 employees. Charlotte’s appliance companies focus on both large and small units, benefiting from proximity to major East Coast markets.

Ownership Structure

The appliance industry is primarily driven by private enterprise, though several major public corporations also shape its direction.

• Private corporations: 58.4%
• Limited liability companies (LLCs): 13.7%
• Subchapter S corporations: 10.9%
• Publicly traded companies: 9.8%
• Sole proprietorships and partnerships: <7%

This ownership mix reflects a balance between long-standing family-run businesses and multinational brands.

The Takeaway

The U.S. appliance manufacturing industry remains a cornerstone of American innovation and quality craftsmanship. From iconic brands to nimble newcomers, these companies are redefining how appliances are designed, built, and delivered. With new opportunities in energy efficiency, smart technology, and domestic investment, the future of appliance manufacturing is both connected and resilient.

Related: Top 10 Appliance Manufacturers in the U.S.A. 

Connecting with U.S. Appliance Manufacturers

If you sell to or partner with the U.S. appliance companies, finding the right contacts is critical. IndustrySelect, powered by MNI, provides detailed company profiles and verified executive contacts. Users can build targeted lists, apply custom filters, and connect directly with decision-makers. Want to try IndustrySelect out for free? Start with a free demo account, preloaded with 500 profiles, and see how easy it is to expand your reach in this vital industry.