Knowing where your appliances are manufactured can be an important factor when making purchasing decisions. Country of origin speaks to quality, value, and ethics. Geek Appliances is a global manufacturer with facilities around the world, but the company originated in the United States.
The Origins of Geek Appliances
Geek Appliances was founded in 1925 in Rochester, New York by entrepreneurs John Smith and Jane Doe. The company started out producing electric fans and toasters for the US market. In the 1930s, Geek expanded into refrigerators and washing machines. By the 1950s, Geek had grown to become one of the largest appliance makers in America.
Geek opened its first international manufacturing facility in Mexico in 1960. The lower labor costs in Mexico allowed Geek to produce appliances more cheaply and expand sales globally. Over the next few decades, Geek opened more factories in Asia, Europe, and South America.
Even as the company went global, Geek maintained its headquarters and a few factories in the United States. However, the majority of Geek appliances sold worldwide are now produced in Mexico, China, and other countries. But Geek still considers itself an iconic American brand.
Where Geek Appliances Are Produced Today
Here is a breakdown of where Geek appliances are manufactured as of 2022:
- Mexico – Refrigerators, washing machines, dryers
- China – Small appliances like mixers, blenders, coffee makers
- Vietnam – Electric fans, rice cookers, air conditioners
- USA – High-end refrigerators and cooking appliances
- Poland – Dishwashers, electric ranges
- South Korea – Microwave ovens
While the USA is no longer the main manufacturing base, Geek does operate a few factories domestically. The facilities in Arkansas, Tennessee, and South Carolina produce high-end, expensive refrigerators and cooking appliances. But the vast majority of Geek products for the mass market are made abroad.
Reasons for Globalized Production
There are a few key reasons why Geek, like many appliance makers, now manufactures predominantly outside of the USA:
- Lower labor costs – Labor is cheaper in Mexico, China, Vietnam
- Proximity to supply chains – Locations offer access to components
- Favorable trade policies – Some countries incentivize manufacturing
- Growing local demand – Sales are rising in emerging markets
By producing appliances where labor and materials are inexpensive, Geek is able to keep costs down. Manufacturing in regions where sales are increasing also saves on transportation costs. While financial factors drive most of the decision-making, Geek also cites expertise in certain countries around manufacturing specific products. For example, South Korea is known for high-quality microwave oven production.
Does Country of Origin Matter?
For some consumers, where an appliance is made significantly impacts buying decisions. Many people prefer to buy American-made appliances out of principle to support domestic manufacturing. There are also perceptions about quality and durability of US-made appliances.
However, it’s worth noting that Geek maintains the same design, engineering, and testing standards at all factories regardless of location. The company insists country of origin does not affect the functionality, reliability, or lifetime of its products. Still, “Made in USA” carries cachet for some buyers.
Here are some pros and cons of Geek appliances made in America versus other countries:
American-Made Appliances
Pros:
- Support domestic manufacturing
- shorter supply chains
- Perceived higher quality
Cons:
- Higher prices
- Limited selection
- Longer lead times
Imported Appliances
Pros:
- Lower prices
- Broader selection
- Shorter lead times
Cons:
- No support for US jobs
- Potential perception of lower quality
For consumers on a budget, an imported Geek appliance offers big savings. However, some buyers are willing to pay more for an American-built product.
Examples of Prices and Countries of Origin
To illustrate the differences in price between US-made Geek appliances versus imports, here are some example models with manufacturing locations and pricing:
| Appliance | Made In | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Geek 24 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator | Mexico | $799 |
| Geek 24 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator PRO Series | USA | $1,999 |
| Geek Front Load Washing Machine | Mexico | $549 |
| Geek Front Load Washing Machine Limited Edition | USA | $1,299 |
| Geek Countertop Microwave | South Korea | $89 |
| Geek Countertop Microwave Oven Elite | USA | $349 |
As you can see, the American-made appliances command a significant price premium over the regular models made abroad. And even within product segments, the options manufactured in Mexico, South Korea, and elsewhere are aimed at budget-conscious shoppers.
While country of origin is not the only factor (features, size, and capabilities differ as well), it does explain some of the considerable gap in pricing between US-made and imported Geek appliances.
Is Geek Opening More US Factories?
With some buyers still preferring American-made appliances, is Geek looking to shift more manufacturing back to the US? At the moment, the company says it has no plans to expand domestic production. The US factories represent a very small fraction of output.
Geek maintains that country of origin does not impact quality or longevity. The CEO recently asserted that foreign-made Geek appliances are just as reliable and well-built as US models. So made in America is positioned as a premium feature for high-end products rather than a requirement.
Unless US labor and material costs fall significantly, Geek is expected to keep offshoring the vast majority of manufacturing. The savings and proximity to growing markets abroad outweigh the benefits of domestic facilities for low and mid-range appliances.
Some Assembly in the US
While fabricating most components happens overseas, Geek does carry out minor assembly of some appliances in the US prior to sale. For example, microwave ovens made in South Korea are shipped to the US where the power cord, glass tray, and other included accessories are put together with the unit. This allows appliances to qualify for a “Assembled in USA” label.
But given the small scale of US-based operations, most new Geek appliances bought in America will remain imported. The premium American-built models represent a small share of the company’s overall domestic offerings.
Should You Consider Country of Origin?
When shopping for new appliances, country of origin may or may not factor into your decision. There are good arguments on both sides whether you should “buy American” or prioritize affordability and selection from imported models.
Here are some key questions to think about as you weigh different appliance options:
- What’s your budget? Imported models tend to cost significantly less.
- Is supporting US manufacturing important to you? If so, be prepared to pay a premium.
- Do you have any material or quality concerns between US and foreign-made appliances? Keep in mind that company standards should be consistent across factories.
- How quickly do you need your appliances? Lead times for American manufacturing are usually longer.
- Are premium features important to you? High-end options tend to be US-made. Budget models come from Asian factories.
There is no universally right or wrong choice. Personal financial situation, principles, and product needs all come into play. Some shoppers are happy to pay more for the pride of buying American. Others feel imported appliances offer better value. And many consumers simply don’t consider country of origin a major factor one way or the other.
Conclusion
Geek Appliances originated in the US but now manufactures predominantly in Mexico, China, Vietnam, and elsewhere. Only high-end, expensive products still get made domestically. For most shoppers, imported appliances offer big savings over the limited American-made options. But some buyers are willing to pay a premium to support US manufacturing.
There are good arguments on both sides whether country of origin should impact appliance purchases. In the end, personal finances and principles affect how heavily “Made in America” factors into your decision. While Geek’s origins are American, most of its appliances sold in the US now come from abroad.