Overview
Magic Chef was a major American appliance manufacturer known for kitchen ranges, ovens, refrigerators, and household appliances. The brand originated from stove manufacturing operations in St. Louis, Missouri during the 19th century and eventually became one of the most recognized appliance names in the United States.
Magic Chef later became associated with Admiral appliances and Maytag Corporation through a series of corporate acquisitions and mergers.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Magic Chef |
| Origins | 19th century stove manufacturing industry |
| Headquarters | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Industry | Household appliances |
| Major Products | Gas ranges, electric ranges, refrigerators, freezers |
| Related Brands | Admiral, Norge |
| Later Parent Companies | Maytag Corporation, Whirlpool Corporation |
| Product Markets | Residential consumer appliances |
Physical Description
Magic Chef manufactured gas and electric cooking ranges, ovens, refrigerators, microwave ovens, laundry appliances, and compact household appliances. Products were sold throughout North America through appliance dealers, department stores, and major retail chains.
History
The origins of Magic Chef trace back to several stove manufacturers operating in St. Louis, Missouri during the mid-1800s. These companies eventually consolidated under the American Stove Company name.
The “Magic Chef” brand became highly successful during the early 20th century due to strong marketing and widespread popularity of its gas cooking ranges.
Throughout the mid-1900s, Magic Chef expanded into additional household appliance categories including refrigerators, freezers, and laundry equipment. The company became one of the leading American appliance brands.
In 1986, Maytag Corporation acquired Magic Chef. The acquisition also included the Admiral appliance business, further expanding Maytag’s appliance product lines.
Following later corporate mergers and acquisitions, the Magic Chef brand eventually became associated with Whirlpool Corporation after Whirlpool acquired Maytag in 2006.
Although ownership changed over time, the Magic Chef name continued to be used on household appliances for many years.
Historical Addresses
Corporate Headquarters
Magic Chef, Inc.
2885 North Broadway
St. Louis, Missouri
American Stove Company
American Stove Company
St. Louis, Missouri
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1850s | Origins in St. Louis stove manufacturing industry |
| Early 1900s | Magic Chef brand introduced |
| 1929 | American Stove Company emphasizes Magic Chef branding |
| Mid-1900s | Expansion into major household appliance lines |
| 1986 | Acquired by Maytag Corporation |
| 2006 | Maytag acquired by Whirlpool Corporation |
References
- Wikipedia: Magic Chef
Brand history and appliance manufacturing overview. - Whirlpool Corporation History
Information regarding appliance brand ownership transitions.