NuWave air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier way to prepare foods traditionally fried in oil. Many consumers wonder where these handy kitchen appliances are manufactured. In this article, we’ll take a look at the origins of NuWave air fryers and where they are produced today.
The History of NuWave
NuWave is a company based in Libertyville, Illinois that specializes in countertop kitchen appliances. NuWave was founded in 1993 by Hearthware Inc, which initially sold a variety of home goods including fireplaces, fireplace accessories, and seasonal yard decor. In 2008, NuWave introduced its first air fryer to the market – the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven. This oven used infrared heat and a specially designed cooking chamber to circulatively heat and crisp foods with little to no oil. The NuWave air fryer was an immediate success. In 2010, Hearthware Inc began doing business exclusively as NuWave, focusing solely on the rapidly growing air fryer market. Throughout the 2010s, NuWave continued expanding its air fryer products, introducing digital controls, larger capacities, and additional accessory attachments. Today, NuWave offers eight different air fryer models and is one of the most recognizable brands in the air frying industry.
Where are NuWave Air Fryers Manufactured?
While NuWave’s headquarters and primary facilities are located in Libertyville, Illinois, its air fryers themselves are not manufactured in the United States. NuWave, like many companies today, outsources the actual production of its products to third party factories located overseas. This allows companies to reduce manufacturing costs and keep consumer prices down.
According to the user manuals for various NuWave air fryer models, NuWave products are made in China. The words “Made in China” are printed directly on the heating elements inside the fryer baskets. NuWave air fryers are produced in factories based in the Guangdong province of southeastern China. Guangdong has become a major manufacturing hub, producing many of the consumer appliances, electronics, and other exported goods designed by companies in the U.S. and around the world. Large factory compounds in Guangdong cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou have the facilities and skilled workers needed for efficient mass production of countertop kitchen gadgets like air fryers.
Once manufactured, NuWave air fryers are packaged and shipped over to the United States. From ports on the west coast, they are distributed to retail outlets across the country. So while NuWave as a brand originated in Illinois, the appliances themselves are made and imported from across the Pacific.
Air Fryer Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process for NuWave air fryers likely follows standard industry practices used by countless factories in China. The production pipeline involves:
- Sourcing raw materials like plastic, steel, wiring, heating elements, electronic components
- Injection molding of plastic housing and components
- Cutting, forming, and machining of metal parts
- Assembly of internal mechanisms and electronics
- Installation of heating elements and wiring
- Attachment of labels, interfaces, logos
- Testing of final products for quality assurance
- Packaging finished air fryers for distribution
Automated machines and assembly lines allow for quick, consistent construction of air fryers. Each unit is checked to ensure proper functionality before being approved for shipping overseas to retailers.
Conclusion
So in summary, while NuWave has American roots, its popular air fryers are made in China today. Outsourcing production allows NuWave to profitably sell its appliances for around $100 to $200 each in the competitive small appliance market. NuWave air fryers are manufactured in factories in Guangdong province, assembled from components sourced worldwide, and imported back the to the U.S. for distribution and sale. The “Made in China” label on NuWave air fryers enables the company to provide quality products to consumers at affordable prices.