Criterion is one of the leading appliance brands in the USA and worldwide. Especially they are very famous for their refrigerators. They have become part and parcel of many kitchens with their high-quality products of freezers and refrigerators. Most American people trust the brand’s market reputation, rich history, and excellent after-sales service.
However, there are a few Americans who know the actual manufacturer and owner of the Criterion appliances. As a result, we have to face questions like, “Who makes Criterion appliances?”
In short, it is Menards that owns and makes Criterion appliances. Menards is one of the most famous American home appliances manufacturers for different products. After Lowe’s and The Home Depot, they are now the third-largest home improvement manufacturer in the United States.
In this article, we will try to guide you through Criterion appliance manufacturers, market reputation, their history, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Just keep continuing your reading.
Table of Contents
What is Criterion?
Before we jump into the question “who makes Criterion appliances?”, I think it’s also necessary to know about them and their products first. Although most American know about the brand, this will only help the newcomers.
Criterion usually manufactures refrigerators and freezers for residential uses. You will find their products across the whole United States. Their versatility, reliability, and innovative design have made Criterion one of the top-rated refrigerator brands worldwide.
Criterion kitchen appliances have become part and parcel of many American and non-American homes. From the large double-door to the standard single-door refrigerators, they are very skilled at supplying all types of freezers and refrigerators for all types of users in the American market.
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Who Makes Criterion Appliances
We already know who makes Criterion Appliances, it’s Menards, an American home improvement company that makes Criterion appliances. According to Forbes, Menards ranks 26th among the largest private companies in the USA and also the 3rd biggest home improvement retail chain company in America.
Only Home Depot and Lowe’s are in front of them regarding sales and store numbers. However, according to their annual reports showcase, they look forward to surpassing the company by 2025. They are currently operating in 15 states of the United States and have 335 stores across these states.
Read More: Who Makes Amana Appliances?
All About Menards
Menards is a family-owned business that was founded in 1958. It is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and operates over almost 300 home improvement stores in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, etc. Menards is currently considered throughout the whole American home improvement market as the low-cost leader.
| Type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail(home improvement) |
| Founded | 1960; 62years ago |
| Founder | John Menard Jr. |
| Headquarters | Eau Claire,Wisconsin, US |
| Number of locations | 335 Stores And 12 Distribution Centers (As of February 2021) |
| Key people | John Menard Jr.(President) |
| Products | Building materials, hardware,tools, garden supplies,ceiling fans, electrical supplies,home appliances, light fixtures, cabinets, doors, windows, paint, wallpaper,wood stain, plumbing supplies, carpet,toilets, vinyl,groceries, linoleum, automotive, propane |
| Revenue | US$10.7 billion (2020) |
| Owner | Menard, Inc. |
| Number of employees | 45,000(2021) |
| Website | www.menards.com |
With a one-stop shopping experience, most Menards stores also sell name-brand appliances, lawn and garden supplies, pet items, and even groceries. They not only deliver great products to you at reasonable rates but also serve as a useful resource for the community.
By enhancing jobs and economic growth, they always meet the home improvement requirements of business owners, local homeowners, and tenants.
Why is Menards so Successful?
The only Wisconsin company, which is much older than Home Depot and smaller than both Lowe’s and Home Depot, has remained quietly regional & privately held for more than 50+ years and counting.
Besides, the big lettering on Menards sponsorship on race cars, the renowned ‘Save Big Money’ jingle, & the founder’s reputation are audible. John Menard, the founder of Menards can’t avoid public scrutiny, since he appears consistently on Forbes’ yearly list of USA’s billionaires and attends NASCAR races to cheer on his son, Paul who is a race car driver.
Furthermore, Menards’ leadership has avoided media interviews and controls the information the firm distributes. Hardware Retailing like home appliances was one of the media outlets which reached out to the company for more details but did not receive a response.
Is Menards Good Enough?
Menards has always been dedicated to providing the best customer service. Whether it is assisting clients in their designing or calculating their projects with assisting with an order, the Design-It Center, or even answering concerns about products, customers always come first.
The company is always dedicated to customer service and offers a comprehensive assortment of quality, and supplies for all kinds of home improvement needs. Criterion, Masterforce, Midwest Manufacturing, DAKOTATM, Grip Fast, Mastercraft, Tuscany, etc. are just a few of the finest home improvement brands available at Menards.
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Where is Menards Located?
We know Menards’ headquarter is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA. Their home improvement stores all across America are conveniently located in 15 states. They offer everything to everyone, from the novice do-it-yourselfer to the seasonal contractor. With their simple store Locator, you can easily find your nearest Menards store.
Simply choose your present state and input your city or five-digit ZIP code. Then, choose your desired shop to view its hours, directions, address, and phone number.
All ABout Criterion Appliances
Criterion Appliances first arrived in Pissed Consumer on August 23, 2019. Since that, till now this brand has gained 30 reviews.
In the Appliances and Electronics category, Criterion Appliances is ranked 288th out of 2025. Till now, their total rating is 4.1, and customers are very satisfied with their products and customer service.
However, unlike its independent cooperatives and publicly traded competitors such as True Value and Ace Hardware, the third-largest home improvement company in the United States does not reveal its financial information as a private firm.
Top Benefits of Criterion Appliances
Criterion has established itself as one of the leading home appliance brands in just less than 2 decades. But, what makes Criterion so famous? Are they any good? After researching it, we found the following benefits that make its appliances so popular.
Energy Efficiency
Criterion always uses the latest technology to make their appliances. It includes a modern and innovative insulation system. This system keeps the freezers cold without consuming much energy. Thus, most of their electrical appliances have an energy-efficient rating that cuts your electricity cost considerably.
Affordability
Criterion is known for its affordability. If you compare Criterion appliances with other brands in the market, you will be able to see the difference in their pricing. It makes their home appliances a great choice for people with a low budget.
Widest Range
Whether you want a big one for your family or a small refrigerator for personal use, Criterion has refrigerators for all users. Their widest range of appliances includes chest freezers, drawer freezers, upright freezers, etc. So, you can easily choose from their comprehensive product list to meet your requirements.
Alluring and Modern Design
Last but not the list, Criterion offers the most alluring and modern designs for their products in the market. For example, most of their models include a wire basket which is an exceptional feature. Also, managing different storage parts which makes them user-friendly.
Should you Buy Criterion Appliances?
After reading all of the above sections, we think now you can make a decision on buying Criterion appliances. You know better what you need or not. Just compare them with your requirement and find out your answer.
If you want to know from us, we will also suggest you buy Criterion appliances. They are affordable, long-lasting, have a modern design, and provide high-quality customer service. We did not find any reason not to buy their products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the founder of Menards?
John Menard is the Founder of Menards home appliance company.
What type of Store is Menards?
Menards is the third-largest home improvement retailer store in the United States, after Lowe’s and The Home Depot.
Where can I find the largest Menards store?
You can find the largest Menards store in SOUTH BEND which is located at 4640 St. Joseph Street. This store has two floors,9 departments, and a lumber yard.
Are Criterion refrigerators any good?
Yes, they are very good in many aspects such as affordability, modern design, various ranges, etc.
More Facts
FAQs
Is Criterion a good brand? ›
Criterion® is a Menards® exclusive brand that offers great quality, great features, and is available at a great price. Menards® offers the largest in-stock selection of appliances, and our Criterion® line is stocked at all of our locations with appliances.
Who are criterion appliances made by? ›Criterion appliance is a brand owned by the American home improvement company Menards.
Is Criterion chest freezer garage ready? ›Criterion® 17 cu ft. Garage Ready Automatic Defrost Upright Freezer at Menards®
Who makes Whirlpool refrigerator? ›The Whirlpool Corporation is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, United States.
Is Menards a good place to buy appliances? ›Coming in last place among the major appliance sellers were Sears and Menards. Menards got poor marks for selection, service, and website usability, a subpar rating for price, "and only a middling rating for its in-store atmosphere," according to Consumer Reports.
Is Whirlpool same as LG? ›...
LG vs Whirlpool Corporation.
| 28% | Promoters |
|---|---|
| 60% | Detractors |
Over the last 50 years Criterion Manufacturing has experienced several changes, but one thing still remains the same, We have a passion for manufacturing and the various industries it serves.
How long do chest freezers last? ›Chest freezers are expected to last between 15 and 20 years while upright freezers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Can a chest freezer be kept in an unheated garage? ›Changes in temperature in an unheated garage can be hard on these appliances. "You need to make sure that the unit is not exposed to temperatures above 110° F or below 0° F, because that may damage the freezer," says Larry Ciufo, who oversees the ratings for Consumer Reports' freezer tests.
Are Maytag and Whirlpool the same? ›A: Maytag and Whirlpool are not the same company. Maytag was bought by Whirlpool in 2006, making Maytag a member of the Whirlpool Corporation. The design and manufacturing of each brand's products is kept entirely separate.
Is Whirlpool made in China? ›
BENTON HARBOR, Mich., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) today announced manufacturing production changes to its China operations, which include the closure of its washing machine manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China.
Is the criterion channel legit? ›The Criterion Channel is a strong service that's tailor-made for classic and art-house film fans. It boasts ad-free streaming of Criterion Collection movies, most of which are available in full HD. The biggest drawback of the service is that not every film in the Criterion Collection is available for streaming.
Are Amana Appliances good? ›While minimal, the features found on Amana washers and dryers deliver impressive performance. In fact, Amana washer and dryer reviews from our buyers average 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving that, when done right, simple can be powerful.
How do I contact criterion appliances? ›Then simply fill in that number above. If you haven't heard from us within 24 hours, please call (800) 783-4903 or (973) 627-5162, and ask our print circulation department to check on your order (and remember to inquire as to your subscription number).
Who sells the most appliances in the US? ›The top three retailers, Lowe's (#1), The Home Depot (#2) and Best Buy remained unchallenged in 2019, generating 71.63 percent of the appliance revenue in 2019. Of note, The Home Depot posted a 9.1 percent gain, creeping ever closer to Lowe's position atop the throne.
Which appliance company has the best customer service? ›Samsung and Whirlpool (883) rank highest in a tie in customer satisfaction among front-load washers. Samsung (872) ranks highest in customer satisfaction among top-load washers, followed by LG (850). Samsung (879) ranks highest in customer satisfaction among clothes dryers, followed by LG (867).
What is a criterion dishwasher? ›With a 14-place setting capacity, the versatile Criterion® front control dishwasher offers excellent value for money. An adjustable upper rack allows for the flexibility to place tall items in the upper rack. The dishwasher has a durable stainless steel tub and 6 wash cycles, including a sanitary option.
What brand of refrigerator has the least problems? ›A: From our research, the refrigerator brands that are the most reliable are LG, GE, Whirlpool and Samsung. It makes sense that these would be the same companies we listed as manufacturing the refrigerators with the fewest problems.
Is GE or Whirlpool better? ›Both Whirlpool and GE machines are manufactured in the US to the highest standards of quality and durability. Whirlpool earns the slight edge here, with their machines reporting fewer repair needs or issues. Plus, their repair costs are lower than just about any other brand on the market.
Where is the Criterion Collection located? ›The Criterion Collection, Inc. New York City, New York, U.S.
How can I make my refrigerator colder? ›
Pull the unit away from the wall and unplug it. Check the owner's manual for any “off” or “zero” settings in your fridge and freezer and set them to off or zero. Plug the unit back in and adjust the temperature controls of both to your desired setting. Give the fridge about 24 hours to cool to your set temperature.
Who makes Insignia freezer? ›The fact that the company manufactures its products in China has raised eyebrows, causing people to wonder about the quality of its appliances. However, Haier is ranked 11th on Kantar BrandZ's list of Top 100 Most Valuable Chinese Companies. Insignia refrigerators are only sold at Best Buy.
Which is better a chest freezer or upright? ›Compared to their upright counterparts, chest freezers are more energy-efficient, have a longer life expectancy, are less expensive to purchase and maintain, have more usable storage space, and keep food fresher for longer in the event of a power outage.
Do chest freezers use a lot of electricity? ›Large chest freezers can consume anything between 380 to 400 watts of electricity. The Energy Start said these units can use about 980 kilowatt-hours per year, which can equate to an average $67 cost in your energy bill annually.
How often does a chest freezer need to be defrosted? ›Most manufacturers suggest regularly defrosting a chest freezer every 6 to 12 months or when the frost buildup is over 1/4 inches thick. The freezer's usage affects how frequently ice collects in the freezer. Opening it often increases the chances of ice formation, so defrost it every 3 to 4 months.
Should I unplug my garage refrigerator in the winter? ›Should You Unplug a Garage Fridge for the Winter? If you don't have any food in the fridge, unplugging it during icy weather will save you the trouble of heating the thermostat. However, if you still want to use your fridge for food storage, it's best to leave it plugged in.
Is it better to keep a fridge full or empty? ›Answer: A Refrigerator Works Better 3/4 Full
Keeping a refrigerator at 3/4 full is where it's at. This allows the refrigerator to operate at maximum efficiency. Air circulation is unhindered and freely moving, and the food is properly absorbing the cold to assist in the process.
Unplug your refrigerator if the temperature in your garage drops below 35 °F. By doing this, you can avoid having to pay for costly repairs if the water lines in your appliance freeze or rupture.
What is the best month to buy appliances? ›- May: Memorial Day. Why: Retailers concentrate appliance sales around Memorial Day. ...
- July: Independence Day. ...
- September: Labor Day. ...
- November: Veterans Day. ...
- November: Black Friday. ...
- After a new release.
Bosch Home Appliances is part of BSH Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group, the third largest appliance manufacturer in the world.
What refrigerator Do repairmen recommend? ›
Caveats aside, the raw data shows that LG, Samsung, and GE Profile were the most reliable refrigerator brands in 2021. GE Appliances, KitchenAid, and Beko were the least reliable. Yet, as noted in the previous section, most repair pros advise against buying LG and Samsung refrigerators.
What washing machine do repairmen recommend? ›Most Reliable Washer and Dryer Brands: Speed Queen, Whirlpool, and GE. Based on all the research, which includes interviewing 16 appliance repair pros and analyzing service rates and customer testimonials, the most reliable washer and dryer brands are Speed Queen, Whirlpool, and GE.
Is Maytag made in China? ›Maytag Laundry Appliances
While Whirlpool has owned the Maytag name since 2006, Maytag is the oldest brand among laundry appliances made in the USA. Since its inception in 1893, Maytag has produced high-quality, USA made washer and dryer models.
China's Galanz Gets Go-Ahead to Buy Whirlpool China for USD366. 8 Million. (Yicai Global) March 29 -- Antitrust regulators around the world have approved Chinese home appliance manufacturer Galanz Group's acquisition of the Chinese unit of US white goods maker Whirlpool.
Who is the largest appliance manufacturer in the world? ›Whirlpool Corp. (NYSE: WHR) is the world's largest home appliance company, with $20 billion in annual sales, 77,000 employees and 59 manufacturing and research centers around the world. Its brands, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana, are sold in nearly every country on earth.
Does China own KitchenAid? ›KitchenAid is an American home appliance brand owned by Whirlpool Corporation. The company was started in 1919 by The Hobart Manufacturing Company to produce stand mixers; the "H-5" was the first model introduced.
What is so special about criterion? ›The Criterion Collection is dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD editions of the highest technical quality, with supplemental features that enhance the appreciation of the art of film.
Why is criterion so popular? ›For 38 years, The Criterion Collection has ensured that some of the most important films are preserved and collected for fans to easily access. Criterion even has a streaming service that houses most of its titles and is one of the best streaming sites for movie lovers.
Are criterion collections worth it? ›Criterion Blu-rays almost always cost more. For example, the Criterion Blu-ray of The Silence of the Lambs costs $21.12 today at Amazon while you can get the regular Blu-ray edition of the film for just $8.99. That's quite a difference. But if you're really into movies — particularly that movie — it's worth it.
Is the criterion channel worth it? ›Is the Criterion Channel worth it? With a crowded field that includes the above streaming services as well as Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, Peacock, Britbox, BET Plus, and seemingly more new options every day, the Criterion Channel is a great option if you're looking for the titles and extras it offers.
How long has Criterion been around? ›
Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has been dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films from around the world in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements.
Is Criterion Collection down? ›Criterion.com is UP and reachable by us.
How much does criterion cost? ›How much is a subscription to the Criterion Channel? A monthly subscription to the Criterion Channel costs $10.99 USD a month and an annual subscription costs $99.99 USD a year. This includes a free 14-day trial for you to try out the service with no obligation.
What is the Criterion called? ›standard, criterion, gauge, yardstick, touchstone mean a means of determining what a thing should be.
How big is the Criterion Collection? ›Criterion has produced and distributed more than 1,000 special editions of its films in VHS, Betamax, LaserDisc, DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray formats and box sets.
How many criterions are there? ›Criterion
What do the Criterion spine numbers mean? ›Spine number, as its literary meaning, is the number allocated to a specific release that is shown on the spine of the package. The use of the spine number in Criterion Collection was begun in the Laser-disc era, and was later adapted to the release of DVD and Blu-ray.
Can Blurays be 4K? ›A 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc has a much higher capacity than a standard Blu-ray disc which allows it to store a movie with Ultra HD resolution. Normal Blu-ray discs look great, but the maximum resolution is 1920 X 1080. A 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc has a resolution of 3840 X 2160.
How much is Criterion Channel a month? ›The Criterion Channel is available in the U.S. and Canada for $10.99 a month or $99.99 a year after a 14-day free trial. Watch now on desktop and mobile web browsers or through apps for Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, iOS, and Android devices.
How do I get the criterion channel for free? ›Navigate to criterionchannel.com, then select Sign Up in the upper-right corner. To begin a 14-day free trial, enter your email, password, and payment details. Then, select Start Free Trial.
Does Roku have Criterion Channel? ›
Using the The Criterion Channel Roku channel, you can view the content easily on your TV. 3rd generation Roku devices and higher are supported for up to 1080p playback. Roku 4 and higher support 4K playback.
How do I cancel Criterion Channel? ›- Go to the settings menu in the top right-hand corner of the screen, click on "Manage subscription"
- Click on "Cancel Subscription"
- When prompted with the option to "Pause subscription," instead select "No thanks, I want to cancel"