Are Criterion Appliances Made in the USA? What Buyers Should Know

Are Criterion Appliances Made in the USA?

Criterion appliances are a private-label brand sold exclusively through Menards, one of the largest home improvement retail chains in the United States. If you’ve been wondering whether these appliances are American-made, the short answer is: some are, but not all. The full picture involves multiple manufacturing countries and several third-party producers, which is worth understanding before making a purchase.

What Is the Criterion Brand?

Criterion is an exclusive appliance brand owned by Menards, a home improvement company headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Menards currently operates more than 300 stores across 15 states, primarily in the Midwest. The Criterion line covers a broad range of household appliances and is sold only through Menards retail locations — it is not available at national chains like Home Depot or Lowe’s.

It is worth noting that a separate “Criterion” appliance label exists at Home Depot, but that brand has no connection to the Menards version. The two share a name but are entirely different products from different sources.

Where Are Criterion Appliances Manufactured?

Criterion appliances sold through Menards are produced in multiple countries, including the United States, China, Mexico, and Canada, depending on the product type and model. Menards does not manufacture these appliances in-house. Instead, the company works with a network of third-party manufacturers who produce appliances to Menards’ specifications under the Criterion label.

Midea, a major Chinese appliance manufacturer and one of the largest OEM producers globally, is one of the confirmed manufacturing partners. Midea produces several Criterion appliance models, including refrigerators, at facilities in China. For some product categories, manufacturing or assembly takes place in Mexico, and certain appliances — particularly washers — are reported to be produced domestically in the United States.

Because Menards does not publicly disclose its full supplier list, the country of origin for any specific Criterion product is best confirmed by checking the product label or model documentation directly.

Confirmed Manufacturing Locations by Product Category

Note: Manufacturing locations are subject to change and may vary by model year. Always check the product label for current origin information.

Who Actually Makes Criterion Appliances?

Menards selects manufacturers that meet its quality standards and produces the Criterion line as a white-label product. Midea is the most widely documented partner for refrigerator production. For other categories such as washers and dishwashers, the domestic production claims from multiple sources suggest US-based contract manufacturing is involved, though Menards has not publicly confirmed all supplier relationships.

This white-label model is common in the appliance industry. Brands like Kenmore (Sears) and various store-branded appliances follow the same approach — products are designed to a retailer’s specifications and sold under a proprietary name, while the actual manufacturing is handled by established OEM partners.

Criterion’s Product Range

The Criterion lineup available at Menards includes:

• Refrigerators — top-freezer, side-by-side, and French door configurations
• Chest and upright freezers
• Dishwashers
• Ranges and ovens
• Microwaves
• Washers and dryers — both top-load and front-load models
• Window air conditioners

The range is designed to cover most standard household needs at accessible price points.

Are Criterion Appliances Good Quality?

Criterion appliances occupy the budget-to-mid-range tier of the market. Consumer feedback is generally positive for value, with specific strengths and limitations worth knowing.

What Buyers Like

Criterion appliances are consistently praised for competitive pricing, with many models offering features — such as LED lighting, adjustable temperature controls, and stainless steel tub construction in washers — that are typically found on more expensive units. Many Criterion washer models carry ENERGY STAR certification, meaning they meet or exceed federal energy efficiency standards, which can reduce ongoing utility costs.

Menards backs Criterion products with a standard one-year warranty, with extended coverage options available for up to five years on select models. Customer service is accessible by phone and email for warranty and repair inquiries.

Common Complaints

Some buyers have reported concerns about long-term durability compared to premium brands. Replacement parts have occasionally been described as difficult to source or expensive. A subset of users has also noted that entry-level models carry limited advanced features, which is expected at this price point. Customer service experiences have been mixed, with some consumers finding resolution slower than expected.

These complaints are not unique to Criterion — similar feedback appears for most budget appliance brands — but they are worth factoring into the decision if longevity is a priority.

Why Criterion Uses Global Manufacturing

Producing appliances across multiple countries allows Menards to manage costs and maintain a price point that competes with budget brands from major retailers. Manufacturing in countries with established appliance production infrastructure — such as China, where Midea operates large-scale facilities — gives Criterion access to volume pricing and category-specific expertise. Diversifying production across multiple countries also reduces exposure to single-source supply chain disruptions.

This approach is standard practice across the appliance industry. Brands including Whirlpool, GE Appliances, and LG all source components or finished products from various countries regardless of where their headquarters are located.

How to Check Where a Specific Criterion Appliance Was Made

The most reliable method is to check the model and serial number label on the appliance itself, which is required by US law to state the country of origin. This label is typically located inside the door frame on refrigerators and freezers, or on the back panel of smaller units. You can also check the product listing on the Menards website, which sometimes includes country of origin in the product specifications section.

Is Criterion Worth Buying?

Criterion appliances are a reasonable option for buyers who want basic-to-mid-range functionality at a lower price than major national brands. If US-made manufacturing is a hard requirement, it is possible to find Criterion washers and dishwashers that qualify — but you would need to verify the specific model before purchasing, as the supply chain varies.

For buyers prioritizing price, Energy Star efficiency, and standard features across a full household appliance lineup, Criterion offers reasonable value within the Menards store ecosystem. For buyers who want premium durability or a more transparent supply chain, brands with fully disclosed domestic manufacturing — such as certain Whirlpool or GE Appliances models — may be a better match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Criterion appliances made in the USA? No. Criterion appliances are manufactured in the United States, China, Mexico, and Canada depending on the product. Some categories, including washers and dishwashers, are reported to have US-based production, but this varies by model.

Who manufactures Criterion appliances for Menards? Menards partners with multiple third-party manufacturers. Midea, a major global OEM producer based in China, is one confirmed partner for refrigerators. Other manufacturing partners have not been publicly disclosed by Menards.

Is Criterion the same brand at Menards and Home Depot? No. These are two entirely separate brands that happen to share the same name. The Criterion brand at Menards is owned by Menards. The Criterion label at Home Depot refers to a different set of products from different manufacturers.

Does Criterion offer an extended warranty? Yes. Criterion appliances come with a standard one-year warranty. Extended coverage of up to five years is available on select models.

Are Criterion appliances Energy Star certified? Many Criterion washer models carry Energy Star certification. Availability varies by product category and model — check the specific product listing to confirm.