Electrolux teams up with GE to invade your kitchen

You might not consider Electrolux a household name. But that's likely to change the next time you're shopping for a new washing machine or kitchen range, thanks to the Swedish manufacturer's $3.3 billion acquisition of GE Appliances. With the deal, Electrolux catapults past Whirlpool as the major appliance market leader in the U.S. Here's what you need to know about the new number one, based on Consumer Reports' testing.  

The Electrolux brand is geared toward higher-end consumers with a preference for European styling and innovation. Think Kelly Ripa, who the company hired as its spokesperson in 2008 to burnish its reputation for style and sophistication. Electrolux also owns Frigidaire, which it positions as a mass-market alternative. GE appliances, including its Cafe, Profile, and Monogram lines, will continue to be sold under the GE name.     

Electrolux's current brands have had a lot of success in Consumer Reports' tests. For example, several of our recommended electric smoothtops are from the Electrolux family, including the 30-inch Electrolux Icon E30EC65ESS, $1,200, and the 36-inch Frigidaire Professional FPEC3685KS, $1,000. We were also very impressed by the $1,800 Frigidaire Gallery FGIF3061NF, a 30-inch range with induction.

Electrolux also figures prominently in our vacuum Ratings. Many models are middle-of-the-pack, but it has a handful of capable performers, including the Electrolux UltraCaptic EL4650, a $700 bagless canister vacuum that's particularly tough on pet hair and bare floors.

The laundry category is where we expect to see the biggest growth for Electrolux, especially as the company leverages GE's deep ties with U.S. homebuilders. But they've got their work cut out for them, since Samsung and LG have been dominating our Ratings of washing machines and clothes dryers. The competition should be a good incentive, and a boon to consumers.    

As for GE, Electrolux is acquiring the iconic barnd at a good time. The recently launched refrigerator factory in Louisville, Kentucky has been cranking out some very impressive and innovative French-door models, including the GE Profile PWE23KMDES, $2,600, which is tied for the top spot among all our tested refrigerators.

GE also brings to Electrolux its exceptional distribution network, which is capable of delivering a new major appliance to your doorstep within 18 hours of purchase. Think about the next time your oven goes kaput the day before Thanksgiving. As far as our range Ratings are concerned, GE and Electrolux are two brands to consider.      

—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)