Help with Kenmore Washers, please

[hercamore]

Hi,

25 yo Kenmore washer just croaked. I loved my washer and want to purchase the same brand.

does anyone here have a newer model Kenmore washer.

Do you like it? Any of the new features worth getting?

thanks,

herc.

 

[swea_pea1]

I bought my Kenmore washer 2 years ago. I didn't get any of the new gadgets, but I like it well enough. Don't know if I'd buy it again though because my Kenmore dryer (which I bought at the same time) just died and had to be fixed. When a $250 appliance doesn't last longer than 2 years, I'm very hesitant about going there again.

 

[crazelion]

Kenmore washers comes with many different features but you can probaly found just like washer now at Sears. I washer went out me I found a newer model of my old washer at Sears brand new. Check at Sears I bet they will have something similar to old washer in the store.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I bought the Kenmore Elite 3yrs ago. Sometimes the dryer messes up and shuts off but I think it is because we have too much stuff on it.

The washer I don't have any complaints about. (hey that is in YODA talk)

 

[hercamore]

Thanks, everyone.

Some of the new washers have 22 cycles!

why would I need 22 cycles, LOL?

I do know I want a big capacity washer.

Yes, that dryer should have lasted longer than 2 yrs.


herc.

 

[Blondie]

Our Kenmore finally died at the ripe old age of 21 (that was 2 years ago!)

We went out and bought another, and the matching dryer to go along with it, even though our old dryer wasn't completely dead yet, but was taking 2-3 cycles to completely dry a load of clothes.

So far....knock on wood...both the washer and dryer are working great!

We got the larger capacity for both washer and dryer, and it is so nice to be able to wash a comforter or blanket and have it all fit!

 

[justjulie]

We just bought the Kenmore front loader with the extra spin cycle and time delay features - it was the "middle" washer of the three offered and I couldn't be happier.

What made it even better is we recieved a $78 rebate from the government for purchasing a "energy efficient" washer.

 

[Lanshark]

My first Kenmore washer lasted 21 years so when it died I rushed right out and bought another. It was high end and lasted under 10 years before the motor gave out.

My appliance repair guy, which I trust, told me to buy a Maytag. They have the least problems. That's what I bought and have been very happy with it.

 

[justjulie]

The Sears guy told me that Kenmore is made by Frigidaire, also another "trusted" name. The front loader is fast becoming their best selling washer of all time.

 

[tar heel]

I thought Whirlpool made Kenmore.

We have a two-year old Kenmore 90 series that was Consumer Reports #1 rated washer at the time we bought it. It has quite a few cycles, speeds, etc., and I do use some of them, especially the delicate cycles. I wash sweaters, bras, etc., with no problems. I have noticed that on the highest speed/cycle, the washer "walks" when it spins.

We, too, had a 20+ year-old Kenmore -- it came with our first house -- that worked like a charm. Inbetween, we had a Maytag that didn't wash well and lasted about 10 years before the tub started leaking.

 

[JennsBabySky]

I could be wrong, but I think both Frigidaire and Whirlpool OEM the Kenmore brand. I believe it depends on the model.

After reading these posts, I would sure like to know who built the Kenmore models 20+ years ago -- I want one of those. I just replaced my Whirlpool washer and dryer and it was only about 5 years old. In my opinion, that is way too soon!

Good luck in your decision,
Jennifer

 

[MICKEY88]

I have a 23 year old kenmore washer and dryer....dryer stopped working a few months ago..I opened it up, and the belt had torn, for 25 bucks I got a rebuild kit from sears..included the belt and new rolers for the drum..took about 30 minutes to install the parts and put it back together, while I had it apart I thoroughly cleaned the inside with my shop vac, it now works like new and dries the clothes much faster,,the washer had stopped about 7 years ago, tore it apart and replaced a 10 dollar part,,has been working since....

if you have anyone mechanically inclined in the family, I highly recommend buying the book.." How things work in your home , and what to do when they don't"

this book has saved me a fortune over the years,, covers all types of household appliances, large and small, and power tools/ lawn mowers, you name it it's in there..most repairs are simple with the book...

 

[MICKEY88]

Originally posted by Blondie
Our Kenmore finally died at the ripe old age of 21 (that was 2 years ago!)

We went out and bought another, and the matching dryer to go along with it, even though our old dryer wasn't completely dead yet, but was taking 2-3 cycles to completely dry a load of clothes.

So far....knock on wood...both the washer and dryer are working great!

We got the larger capacity for both washer and dryer, and it is so nice to be able to wash a comforter or blanket and have it all fit!

you probably could have saved money on the drier by taking the back off and cleaning the heating element and the duct work/vent the accumulation of lint in these areas causes poor performance..

 

[denisem]

Bought Kenmore washer/dryer about a year ago (first front-load washer).

Pros on front-load: cleaner clothes with less water/detergent; the aggressive spin cycle really takes out the moisture = less dryer time.

Cons: Can't throw in the stray sock I missed . Also, we have 1st floor laundry in frame home over basement. Spin cycle DOES vibrate the surrounding area big time; a minor annoyance, but one worth mentioning. Wouldn't be a problem on cement flooring or in basement.

I'm generally pleased with Kenmore brand - we've also replaced stove (Kitchenaid), refrig (Maytag wide-by-side), dishwasher (Kenmore) in the past year and are most pleased (or merely lucky!) with the Kenmore replacements over other brands.

Denise < --- thanks to Mickey88 with the book recommendation: I like knowing "how things work" even if I don't do it myself.

 

[Pebblszzz]

All my appliances are Kenmore, and I'll never switch.

These suckers last forever!

I bought my Kenmore vac (canister, 4.5hp) in 1980, and although the hose is primarily coated with duct tape, it still sucks up everything but what's nailed down. But it sure is ugly!!!

My Kenmore fridge, 12 yrs old, is just now starting to show signs of a bad thermostat, but is otherwise wonderful.

Washer/Dryer combo (super-duper-heavy-capacity) is incredible. It only dances when I've got a seriously unbalanced load.

Tip for dryers: if yours gets hot, but doesn't dry, don't go buy a new one (my granny keeps doing this). Have a professional come clean out your household vent (especially if your dryer isn't against an exterior wall). Silly granny has been through 3 dryers in 5 years, and finally listened to me. Doh!!! I'll never buy a house with a laundry room that isn't on an exterior wall.

 

[denisem]

Originally posted by Pebblszzz
Tip for dryers: if yours gets hot, but doesn't dry, don't go buy a new one (my granny keeps doing this). Have a professional come clean out your household vent (especially if your dryer isn't against an exterior wall). Silly granny has been through 3 dryers in 5 years, and finally listened to me. Doh!!! I'll never buy a house with a laundry room that isn't on an exterior wall.

Boy, this bears repeating. I'm older than dirt, so I'm aware of this (havin' learned the hard way ), but recently clued in a younger co-worker about vent cleaning - solved her dryer problem.

Denise < --- her future "dream house" will revolve around a **HUGE** laundry/workshop/junk room - with direct venting, of course

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My Kenmore washer and dryer are 17 years old and still working.
Sometimes I wish they weren't so I could get a new set.

Lori