Why Choose Amana?
When it comes to appliances you can count on, this brand delivers. One of the main reasons behind the brand’s success is the simple yet stylish design of its kitchen and laundry appliances. Although the brand’s products don’t come equipped with the frills found in many competing brands, Amana appliances have all the features you need. And since they don’t have a lot of extras, they are easy to operate.
This company has a long history of technological advancements, giving it an edge over competitors. And since value is as important as style, the brand offers stylish appliances that won’t break the bank. Not only this, but they are eco-friendly, too. You’ll find a variety of finishes and configurations. So whether you’re looking to replace an old appliance or remodel your home, Amana has appliances to fit your plans.
This award-winning brand offers energy-efficient kitchen and laundry appliances that make it easy to perform daily chores. Its tagline “Just Right” promises just the right quality, with just the right performance, at just the right price. The company designs, engineers, and assembles most of its products for the U.S. market in the United States.
History
George Foerstner is responsible for the birth of the Amana brand. He started the Electrical Equipment Co. in 1934 with $3,500 from his savings. Initially, the company supplied and installed walk-in coolers for restaurants and taverns across the Midwest.
Foerstner grew up in the Amana Colonies, a seven-village community on 26,000 acres of land in Iowa. He learned about business at the age of 13 while working at his father’s store.
Foerstner was known as a stern boss with a keen sense of business. He kept his eye on the market and could predict trends. Also, he paid as much attention to his employees as he paid to the quality of products the company sold.
In 1936, Foerstner sold the company to the Amana Society but continued to manage the business. A few years later, they sold the business to a group of industrialists assembled by Foerstner. The new privately held firm dropped the name Electrical Equipment Co. In 1949, it changed its name to Amana Refrigeration Inc. It was not a surprise when they appointed Foerstner as its vice president and general manager. Foerstner remained at the helm of the brand for 48 years before retiring in 1982.
Since then, the brand has expanded. The company offers a range of appliances for residential and commercial use. Products include air conditioners, furnaces, and ovens. The brand also has countertop ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers in its portfolio.
Founding and Milestones
During World War II, the company manufactured walk-in freezers and refrigerators for the U.S. Army. When the war ended, the company concentrated on making appliances for home use. Under Foerstner’s direction, the brand began an aggressive advertising campaign. The campaign featured celebrities like Dorothy Lamour, Bob Hope, and Groucho Marx. As a result, Amana became a household name.
Amana has led the appliance industry for over 80 years. Consequently, the brand has received credit for many firsts, including the first bottom-freezer refrigerator (1947) and the first side-by-side refrigerator (1949). These products helped the brand become a household name and secured its position in the appliance industry.
In 1954, the brand received a patent for the first self-defrosting refrigerator and introduced the first room air conditioner. In 1957, the company brought the first bottom-freezer refrigerator to market. Other firsts include the Radarange® microwave (1967), a tubular heat exchanger for furnaces (1986). Also, the brand introduced a freestanding refrigerator with a 24-inch depth (1988), and the first stainless-steel drum clothes dryer (1992).
In 2001, the brand launched The Messenger, a refrigerator with a built-in messaging center. Five years later, it introduced a top-loading washer with antimicrobial protection. The following year, Amana debuted the Jot® refrigerator with a dry-erase surface.
In 2009, the brand partnered with interior designer Thom Filicia to create a line of refrigerators in assorted hues. In 2011, the brand added front-loading washers and dryers with hung-strut suspension to its lineup. This technology keeps the machines from vibrating, making it easy to install them on an upper level. In 2016, the company unveiled a new, streamlined logo to represent what the company promises to deliver: simplicity, quality, and value. Today, the company sells its products in more than 120 countries.
Production and Manufacturing
The Amana brand is part of Whirlpool Corporation. It generates $4.7 billion in annual sales and employs 2,500 people. The plant in Iowa assembles the brand’s refrigerators alongside other Whirlpool brands. The facility dates back to 1934 and has received several upgrades over the years.
Products
Amana creates simple, attractive appliances at wallet-friendly prices. Besides refrigerators and freezers, the brand offers washers, dryers, microwaves, cooktops, hoods, ranges, and heating and cooling systems.
Amana products reduce energy while delivering the best performance possible. The company installs LED readers in microwaves and refrigerators to regulate performance. They also use thermal monitoring technology to keep appliances such as stoves and dryers from overheating.
Manufacturing
As a subsidiary of Whirlpool, the brand shares manufacturing facilities with other brands. The brand has factories spread throughout the United States. For instance, the company builds its washing machines in Clyde, Ohio, and its dryers in Marion, Ohio. Its air conditioners and heating products come from its Houston, Texas plant.
Amana manufactures its refrigerators in the company’s city of origin, Amana, Iowa. Besides making innovative products, the company ensures that its manufacturing process is safe. To that end, the company marries technology with skilled workers. Instead of putting heavy refrigerators onto a conveyor belt, machines carry the heavy refrigerators down the assembly line horizontally, instead of vertically. This allows each worker to perform necessary tasks without bending down too far or reaching too high. Workers can adjust the height and rotate the machine.
Popular features among the brand’s refrigerators include an Easy Freezer food organizer that allows easy access to frozen foods. Also, humidity-controlled Garden Fresh crisper bins help foods last longer, and a Fast Cool option lets you cool drinks quickly. Most importantly, the refrigerators carry Energy Star certification, meaning they deliver high-performance features and operate efficiently.
Key Facts
Product performance has always been a top priority of the brand. Besides rigorous testing, many of its manufacturing plants are ISO 9001-certified, meaning that the company continuously looks for ways to improve product performance and production. Also, most plants are working toward ISO 14001-certification, which means they have an effective environmental management system in place.
As part of Whirlpool, Amana follows the same sustainability plan. In 2009, Whirlpool entered an agreement with DOE Better Plants to make its supply chain more sustainable and energy efficient.
The 43-acre facility in Iowa, for example, is taking steps to qualify as a 50001 Ready facility, which would give it status as a World Class Manufacturing plant. To qualify, the plant must prove that it produces products of the highest quality quickly and at a low cost. Through the 50001 Ready plan, the company has identified areas of waste and implemented steps to reduce energy consumption.
Whirlpool has always looked ahead when planning its day-to-day operations. To help improve the environment, the company plans to reach net-zero emissions across all brands by 2030. As part of its approach, the company plans to minimize carbon emissions from its large industrial operations. To date, the company has installed solar panels and windmills to make factories energy-efficient, and it recycles all materials that come through its doors.
Warranty Information
Amana offers a limited warranty that covers all major appliances for one year. The company promises to pay for parts and labor at any authorized repair shop due to defects in materials or workmanship. Amana requires proof of purchase for service. Check the last page of your owner’s manual for warranty information about your specific appliance. The company also offers an extended service plan. The service plan for refrigerators covers reimbursement for food. There is no deductible, and if the appliance can’t be fixed, the company will replace it.
Amana Refrigerator/Freezer Parts
To find parts for your refrigerator, click on the parts replacement page. On this page, you can access user manuals and obtain maintenance information. You can also find out how to troubleshoot temperature issues, external ice and water dispenser problems, and more.
Check Out More Amana Content From RefrigeratorHQ
If you want to learn how to choose the best refrigerator, we can help. You’ll find buying guides, product reviews, and more at RefrigeratorHQ.
Amana Refrigerator/Freezer Reviews
The brand has several refrigerators on the market. We analyze models in several categories, such as top-freezer refrigerators and bottom-freezer configurations.
Amana Refrigerator/Freezer Roundups
Find the features you want. Whether it’s a side-by-side refrigerator with an external water dispenser or another model, Amana offers a refrigerator that will suit your needs. Here, we show you a few consumer favorites and list the storage capacity, dimensions, weight, and notable features.
Amana Refrigerator/Freezer Comparisons
Amana designs refrigerator/freezers that keep everything within reach, so you can grab your favorite foods and drinks on the go. Here, we line up models shoulder to shoulder so you can compare hassle-free storage options like EasyFreezer pull-out drawers and Garden Fresh crisper bins.
Amana Press Releases
For media inquiries, contact the Public Relations manager via phone or email. You’ll find detailed information here. You can also use this link to view press releases in PDF form.
Amana Recalls
Since Whirlpool owns Amana, you’ll need to visit the Whirlpool website for recall information. Click here (http://repair.whirlpool.com/) or scroll to the bottom of the page and tap the ‘Recall Information’ link to navigate to the Whirlpool website. Currently, there are no recalls issued for the brand’s refrigerators. The last refrigerator recall occurred in 2009.
Where To Buy
In addition to the brand’s website, you can buy refrigerators at Best Buy, Home Depot, and other appliance retailers. Both in-store and online options are available.
Deals
Looking for a deal? We have found them. Just click one of the links below to unlock a bargain.
Similar Brands
There are so many refrigerator brands that you may feel overwhelmed by all the choices. But you shouldn’t settle for the first brand you see. If you don’t think Amana is the best option for you, we can direct you to a few worthy alternatives.
Online Presence
The company has an online presence, but currently, the brand is not active. To get the most up-to-date information visit the website and sign up for the newsletter at the foot of the page. If you want to review old posts and videos, click on the following links.
Contact Information
You’ll need to provide the model and the serial number of your appliance. You can also opt to chat with a representative between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday. Or call the customer service department. If you need a question answered outside of business hours, search for a solution on the FAQs page.
- Customer Service Number: 866-616-2664
- Assistance Request Page