Appliance Brands Sold in Australia: Who Makes What and Who Owns Who
The appliance industry is dominated by a handful of large conglomerates that own multiple brands. Understanding the ownership structure helps you understand why certain brands are similar in quality and technology, and why some "different" brands are actually the same thing under a different badge.
The Major Players
Haier Group (China)
Haier is the world's largest appliance manufacturer by volume and owns:
- Haier — the flagship brand, strong in China and growing in Australia
- Fisher & Paykel — acquired 2012. The New Zealand brand has largely retained its design identity and manufacturing quality
- GE Appliances — the household appliance division of GE, acquired 2016 (not sold in Australia mainstream market)
Electrolux (Sweden)
One of the world's largest appliance companies, Electrolux owns:
- Electrolux — sold in Australia across kitchen and laundry
- Westinghouse — the Australian brand, one of the most trusted local names
- AEG — premium European brand available in Australia
Westinghouse and Electrolux appliances often share platforms and technology.
Samsung (South Korea)
Samsung makes and sells its own appliances globally under its own brand. It's the largest South Korean electronics and appliance company.
LG Electronics (South Korea)
Like Samsung, LG makes and sells its own appliances globally. LG and Samsung are direct competitors across all major appliance categories.
Daikin Industries (Japan)
The world's largest HVAC manufacturer. Daikin focuses specifically on air conditioning and HVAC — they don't make other home appliances. They own several sub-brands globally.
Mitsubishi Electric (Japan)
Part of the larger Mitsubishi Group. Mitsubishi Electric (the electronics and HVAC company) is separate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (which also makes HVAC) and Mitsubishi Motors. Important to distinguish these in Australia.
Bosch (Germany)
Bosch Household Appliances is part of the BSH Hausgerate group, jointly owned by Bosch and Siemens (though Siemens has divested). BSH owns:
- Bosch
- Siemens (home appliances division)
- Gaggenau (ultra-premium)
- Neff
Hisense (China)
Hisense owns or operates several brands including Hisense, Gorenje, and licenses the VIDAA smart TV platform. In appliances, they primarily sell under their own brand in Australia.
Why Does Brand Ownership Matter?
Knowing who owns what helps you understand:
- Technology sharing: Westinghouse and Electrolux share platforms, meaning similar quality and repair parts
- Service network: An Electrolux-owned brand uses the Electrolux service network
- Future support: Brands with strong parent company backing are more likely to have long-term parts availability
Visit Oceania Appliances
We carry appliances from most major brands and can give you an honest, independent perspective on each.
Oceania Appliances
2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
Phone: 0481 243 211
Open 7 days, 10am – 8pm