Criterion appliances are made by Menards through manufacturing partnerships with companies like Midea. Menards owns the Criterion brand as a private label exclusive to their stores. These appliances are manufactured in multiple locations including China, Mexico, and North America, depending on the specific product type and model.
When you shop at Menards, you’ll find Criterion appliances at prices lower than major brands. Understanding who makes Criterion appliances helps you make informed buying decisions. The answer involves private label manufacturing, global supply chains, and strategic partnerships that keep costs down while maintaining acceptable quality standards.
Menards Owns Criterion as a Private Label Brand
Menards owns and controls the Criterion brand completely. John Menard Jr. founded Menards in 1960 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The company now operates over 300 home improvement stores across the Midwest United States.
Criterion exists as what retailers call a “store brand” or “private label.” Menards designs the specifications, sets quality standards, and controls pricing. They don’t manufacture the products themselves. Instead, they contract with established appliance manufacturers to produce items under the Criterion name.
This business model offers three key advantages:
Lower prices: Without marketing costs and brand premiums, Criterion appliances sell for 20-40% less than comparable national brands.
Profit control: Menards keeps higher margins because they eliminate the middleman between manufacturer and retailer.
Product specifications: Menards can request specific features, materials, and quality levels to hit their target price points.
You’ll only find Criterion appliances at Menards stores. This exclusivity drives store traffic and keeps customers loyal to Menards for future appliance needs.
Midea and Other Manufacturers Produce Criterion Appliances
Midea Group manufactures most Criterion appliances sold at Menards. This answers the question of who makes Criterion appliances for the majority of their product line. Based in China, Midea ranks as one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers. They produce over 200 million units annually across refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and other home appliances.
Midea doesn’t just make budget products. They own major brands including Toshiba’s appliance division and manufacture products for many North American retailers. Their facilities meet international quality standards including ISO 9001 certification.
Evidence suggests Midea handles Criterion production:
Model number similarities: Criterion and Midea appliances share identical model number formats and technical specifications.
Parts compatibility: Service technicians report that Midea replacement parts fit Criterion appliances perfectly.
Manufacturing codes: Product labels on Criterion items show factory codes matching Midea facilities.
Other manufacturers may produce specific Criterion product lines. Menards likely works with multiple suppliers to:
- Negotiate better pricing through competition
- Ensure supply chain reliability
- Access specialized manufacturing capabilities
- Meet varying production demands
The exact manufacturer can vary by product category and model year. If you’re researching who makes Criterion appliances for a specific model, Menards doesn’t publicly disclose which factories produce specific Criterion items.
Where Criterion Appliances Are Manufactured
Criterion appliances come from manufacturing facilities in several countries. The production location depends on the appliance type, cost targets, and supply chain logistics.
China: Most Criterion refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves are manufactured in Chinese facilities, primarily by Midea. These factories handle high-volume production with established quality control systems.
Mexico: Some Criterion appliances use Mexican assembly plants. These facilities often combine components sourced from multiple countries, taking advantage of USMCA trade benefits.
United States and Canada: Limited Criterion production happens in North American facilities, typically for larger appliances where shipping costs from Asia become prohibitive.
This global manufacturing approach mirrors what major appliance brands do. Even premium manufacturers like Whirlpool and GE produce appliances in China, Mexico, and other countries to control costs.
The country of origin appears on each appliance’s label. Check the product specifications or packaging before purchase if manufacturing location matters to you.
Complete Range of Criterion Appliances Available
Criterion offers a full lineup of major kitchen and laundry appliances:
Refrigerators: Top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, and French door models ranging from 18 to 33 cubic feet.
Cooking appliances: Freestanding ranges, slide-in ranges, wall ovens, and cooktops in gas and electric configurations.
Dishwashers: Built-in models with standard and tall tub options, featuring 5-7 wash cycles.
Microwaves: Countertop, over-the-range, and built-in models from 0.7 to 2.2 cubic feet.
Laundry: Front-load and top-load washing machines, electric and gas dryers with capacities up to 4.5 cubic feet.
Specialty items: Chest freezers, upright freezers, compact refrigerators, and wine coolers.
Criterion focuses on essential features rather than premium options. You won’t find smart home connectivity, touch screens, or advanced technology. The appliances handle basic functions reliably at competitive prices.
Product availability varies by Menards location. Larger stores carry more extensive Criterion selections. The brand releases new models annually, typically updating designs and adding requested features based on customer feedback.
How Criterion Compares to Major Appliance Brands
Criterion positions itself as a budget-friendly alternative to established brands. Here’s how they compare across key factors:
| Factor | Criterion | Major Brands | Store Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $300-$1,500 | $600-$3,000 | $350-$1,800 |
| Warranty | 1 year parts/labor | 1-5 years | 1-2 years |
| Features | Basic | Basic to premium | Basic to mid-range |
| Availability | Menards only | Nationwide | Retailer-exclusive |
| Parts Access | Limited network | Extensive network | Varies by brand |
Price advantage: Criterion refrigerators cost $400-$700 less than equivalent Whirlpool or GE models. A Criterion dishwasher runs $350-$500 versus $600-$900 for Bosch or KitchenAid.
Feature trade-offs: You sacrifice advanced options like WiFi connectivity, specialized wash cycles, or precision temperature controls. Basic operations perform adequately.
Longevity concerns: Major brands typically last 13-15 years with proper maintenance. Customer reports suggest Criterion appliances average 7-10 years before requiring major repairs or replacement.
Service network: Whirlpool, GE, and Samsung maintain extensive authorized service networks. Criterion relies on independent appliance repair shops, which may lack specific training or parts inventory.
Criterion makes sense for:
- Rental properties where longevity isn’t critical
- Budget-conscious buyers who accept shorter lifespans
- Secondary appliances like garage refrigerators
- Temporary housing situations
Major brands serve better for:
- Primary residence appliances
- Long-term value seekers
- Buyers wanting premium features
- Those prioritizing manufacturer support
Quality and Reliability of Criterion Products
When evaluating who makes Criterion appliances, quality becomes a key consideration. Criterion appliances deliver acceptable performance for their price point. They handle basic functions without the refinement of premium brands.
Customer reviews show mixed experiences. Positive feedback highlights:
Value proposition: Buyers appreciate getting functional appliances at significant savings. For basic needs, Criterion performs adequately.
Initial performance: New Criterion appliances generally work as expected. The first year typically goes smoothly.
Simple repairs: When problems occur, they’re often straightforward fixes that local technicians can handle.
Common complaints include:
Build quality: Cheaper materials and construction lead to issues. Plastic components crack, door seals wear quickly, and finishes scratch easily.
Noise levels: Criterion refrigerators and dishwashers often run louder than premium brands. Expect noticeable operating sounds.
Inconsistent cooling: Some users report temperature fluctuations in refrigerators, requiring frequent adjustment.
Shortened lifespan: Many Criterion appliances need significant repairs or replacement within 5-7 years.
Manufacturing by Midea brings established production capabilities. Midea produces millions of appliances that meet international standards. However, Menards likely specifies lower-cost materials and simpler designs to hit aggressive price targets.
Quality control varies. Some customers receive reliable units that last years. Others experience problems within months. This inconsistency reflects the challenges of extreme budget manufacturing.
Warranty and Customer Service Coverage
Criterion appliances include a standard one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor. This matches most appliance industry standards for basic coverage.
The warranty covers:
- Manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
- Mechanical and electrical component failures
- Labor costs for authorized repairs
The warranty excludes:
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage from misuse or improper installation
- Cosmetic issues that don’t affect functionality
- Consequential damages like food loss from refrigerator failure
To get warranty service, contact Menards customer service at 800-880-3086. They’ll direct you to an authorized service provider in your area. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of warranty coverage.
Extended warranty considerations: Menards offers extended protection plans through third-party providers. These plans extend coverage for 2-5 additional years after the manufacturer warranty expires. Given Criterion’s reliability questions, extended coverage may provide value if you plan to keep the appliance long-term.
Parts availability: Finding replacement parts for Criterion appliances can prove challenging. Local appliance parts suppliers may not stock Criterion-specific components. You’ll often need to order parts through Menards or online suppliers, causing repair delays.
Service network: Unlike major brands with factory-authorized service networks, Criterion relies on independent repair technicians. Service quality depends on the individual technician’s experience with these appliances.
Response times for warranty service vary by location. Urban areas with multiple service providers typically offer faster service. Rural customers may wait longer for technician availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Criterion appliances made in the USA?
Most Criterion appliances are manufactured in China by companies like Midea. Some models use Mexican assembly facilities. Very few Criterion products come from US factories.
Is Criterion the same as Midea?
No. Criterion is Menards’ private label brand. Midea manufactures many Criterion appliances but also makes products under its own name and for other retailers worldwide.
How long do Criterion appliances typically last?
Customer reports suggest 7-10 years average lifespan with proper maintenance. This is shorter than major brands that often last 13-15 years.
Can I buy Criterion appliances online?
Criterion appliances are only available at Menards stores or through Menards.com. Knowing who makes Criterion appliances helps explain this exclusivity. You cannot purchase them from other retailers or marketplaces.
Does Criterion make good refrigerators?
Criterion refrigerators provide basic cooling functionality at budget prices. They lack premium features and may not last as long as major brands, but serve well for cost-conscious buyers or secondary uses.
