Robertshaw

About Robertshaw: Over a Century of Precision Control

Few names in the heating and controls industry carry the weight of Robertshaw. The company traces its roots to 1899, when founder Frederick W. Robertshaw invented the first thermostatic control for a home water heater — a breakthrough that would define the trajectory of residential and commercial temperature management for generations. That spirit of innovation has never stopped, and today Robertshaw stands as the #1 brand for appliance controls and solutions in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Robertshaw has grown from a single invention into a global design, engineering, and manufacturing powerhouse. The company now holds more than 2,000 patents and manufactures upwards of 10,000 distinct controls for home and commercial applications. Its products touch nearly every gas- and heat-related system in the modern home: furnaces, boilers, water heaters, ranges, refrigerators, clothes washers, and more.

What Robertshaw Makes — and Why It Matters

At its core, Robertshaw specializes in precise, reliable control of gas, water, and thermal systems. The company's engineering teams focus on meeting stringent government regulations while delivering real-world performance for HVAC technicians, appliance manufacturers, and DIY homeowners alike. Their product portfolio spans water heater gas valves and controls, a cornerstone of the Robertshaw lineup and the category most closely tied to the founder's original invention. The iconic Unitrol series of combination gas valves integrates pilot safety, pressure regulation, and manual shutoff in a single, field-serviceable unit.

Beyond water heaters, Robertshaw is a trusted source for heating parts and accessories covering furnaces, boilers, and space heaters. From hot surface igniters and pilot assemblies to thermopiles and sensors, these components keep gas heating systems operating safely and efficiently. When a system's brain needs replacing, Robertshaw's furnace and A/C control boards offer reliable OEM-quality replacements engineered to exacting tolerances.

Temperature management in zone heating and baseboard applications depends on dependable switching — which is where Robertshaw's line voltage thermostats shine. Built for direct-line applications, these thermostats provide accurate, durable control without the complexity of low-voltage systems. For installers and homeowners who prefer straightforward operation, Robertshaw's lineup of non-programmable and mechanical thermostats delivers proven reliability with simple dial or slide controls that have stood the test of time.

Engineering You Can Trust

What separates Robertshaw from the competition isn't just longevity — it's a relentless commitment to solving real problems. The company's engineering team has consistently met or exceeded government energy-efficiency and safety regulations, ensuring that every control shipped is ready for the demands of both residential and commercial environments. Whether you're a professional technician replacing a failed gas valve on a tankless water heater or a homeowner swapping out a worn thermostat, Robertshaw parts are designed to drop in seamlessly and perform reliably for years to come.