When the Upton brothers launched their business in 1911 they no doubt dreamed of success, but they probably had no idea their company would grow from a modest enterprise off the shores of Lake Michigan to a worldwide entity called The Whirlpool Corporation, with factories on every major continent. Entrepreneurs Louis, Frederick and Emory Upton just had a product to sell. That product was an electric motor-driven wringer washer.
Although The Upton Machine Company had its share of struggles in the beginning, the company managed to persevere and build a reputation in the industry. Their machines were designed with both innovation and ingenuity in mind and the Upton brothers stood behind their appliances. After only a few years their hard work paid off when Upton was asked to manufacture washers for retail giant Sears, Roebuck & Co. The machines would sell under the trade name of “Allen”.
In later years the company would be the first to manufacture a top loading automatic washer (1948) and by the time the 1950’s rolled around the company had officially become The Whirlpool Corporation. By then their line had expanded to include automatic dryers, refrigerators, ranges and air conditioners. In 1969 Whirlpool introduced the first residential trash compactor.
In the eighties the company diversified by adding two more names to their appliance line, Kitchen-Aid and Roper. Kitchen-Aid was aimed at high-end consumers and the Roper brand was for customers looking for values.
Today Whirlpool offers an impressive array of household appliances, from air conditioners to refrigerators. You can find many products carrying the Whirlpool name including built-in ovens, combo washer/dryers, cooktops, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, dryers, freezers, hoods and vents, microwaves, ranges, and washers.
Innovative technology continues to be a trademark of the Whirlpool brand and the streamlined appliances that customers have come to expect from Whirlpool still continue to take center stage.
One example of this technology is the Polara Refrigerated Range. This range, which doubles as a refrigerator, not only combines the low temperatures of a refrigerator with the high temperatures of a range, but it also features a ceramic cooktop surface and a self-cleaning oven.
Among the many Whirlpool refrigerators available, the impressive side by side 25.9 cubic foot refrigerator offers the space saving feature of an in-door-ice dispensing system, adjustable SpillGuard Slide-Out Glass Shelves and a temperature controlled convertible meat bin.
Another interesting product is the Whirlpool g2microven microwave. This hybrid appliance allows you to grill steaks, brown chicken or bake brownies, all at microwave speeds.
Of course, Whirlpool still sells the appliance that made them famous, the washing machine. However, today’s washing machines have come a long way since the early wringer type models sold by Upton. For instance, the Whirlpool Duet Washer has enough room to wash 16 pairs of jeans in one load. It is also versatile enough to launder bulky items, like comforters or blankets and has a wool cycle for sweaters.
Another time saving product designed for the laundry room is the SinkSpa system. This sink features a deep-basin and three micro jets. The jets, which provide a swirling action, make hand-washing delicates a breeze.
One product designed as an alternative to standard dryers is the DryAire Cabinet. The cabinet can dry many different types of items, from work boots to delicate clothing. The cabinet circulates controlled air and has enough room to dry several items at once, with an option to either hang items or allow them to lay flat.
For getting rid of odors or smoothing out wrinkles, the Personal Valet system uses a deep misting process. It is designed to fit into a closet or laundry room and can be mounted to a wall. The entire process takes only thirty minutes.
Whirlpool products have been around for almost a century. When you purchase a Whirlpool appliance you can rest assured that you are buying a product from a company that has earned the respect of consumers worldwide.
