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I’m going to let you in on a little secret: There’s no Kenmore factory.
Kenmore, the home appliance brand that’s sold at Sears, K-Mart, and now Amazon has never once built a home appliance. Instead, the brand works with a variety of manufacturers to design home appliances, which are then built specifically for Kenmore. Think of it like Trader Joe’s, but for appliances.
So, just who makes the Kenmore appliance you’re about to buy? There are some general rules of thumb, but the only way to be sure is to check the build plate, which shows the model number and serial number on all Kenmore (and Craftsman) products. Ahead of the model number, there will be three digits and a decimal point. That’s called a source code, and it’s Sears top-secret way of determining who made what.
For a full list of source codes, check out Appliance411. If you don’t want to get that specific, here’s a general idea of who makes what:
Dishwashers: Even though Whirlpool appliances are no longer sold at Sears stores, nearly all current Kenmore dishwashers are made by Whirlpool Corp., a partnership that’s lasted for decades. Some older models and Kenmores sold in Canada were manufactured by Bosch and Samsung.
{{ amazon name="Kenmore Canister Vacuum Cleaner", asin="B009HCALR4", align="right" }}Ovens, Cooktops, and Ranges: Nearly all Kenmore cooking products are now made by Frigidaire. A small number of ranges come from LG.
Washers and Dryers: Nearly all new top-load Kenmore washers and matching dryers are made by Whirlpool Corp. Front-load machines and stacking dryers are made by LG.
Refrigerators: Here’s where it gets tricky. Most top-freezer Kenmore fridges are made by Electrolux, and are similar to Frigidaire models. Most side-by-side and some inexpensive French door models are made by Whirlpool, while nearly all high-end French door and some side-by-side models are made by LG.
Vacuums: For the past decade, Kenmore’s flagship vacuums were made by Panasonic (less-expensive models came from TTI, Eureka, and PhoneMate). Now that Panasonic is winding down its North American small appliance business, upcoming Kenmorevacuums will be manufactured by a company called Cleva.
Room Air Conditioners: Kenmore air conditioners are mostly made by Frigidaire and LG.
Whatever you do, don't pay full price for a Kenmore appliance, as they're often marked down well below MSRP.
Additionally, don't buy a Kenmore appliance from an unauthorized retailer. Kenmore appliances are usually sold at Sears and K-Mart, though some folks buy and re-sell Kenmore appliances on Amazon and other third-party websites at inflated prices. Always check Kenmore.com for a sale price before you buy, or you could end up spending more than you have to.
Article updated on October 24, 2017 to reflect new information about the relationship between Sears and Whirlpool.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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FAQs
Whirlpool is not the only manufacturer of Kenmore products. Kenmore also outsources its products to different OEM (original equipment manufacturer) companies, such as LG, Daewoo Electronics, Panasonic, and others.
Are Kenmore appliances still good quality? ›
Recognized as a top appliance brand for 100 years, Kenmore brings a new level of performance with appliances that deliver time savings, convenience and great results. From quickly cooling drinks to laundry loads completed in less time, Kenmore is the most awarded brand in the industry.
How long do Kenmore refrigerators last? ›
How long do Kenmore refrigerators last? Your Kenmore refrigerator might run great for 10 to 20 years. With proper maintenance, many homeowners find that their refrigerators may even last longer!
Is Kenmore still in business? ›
The Kenmore brand truly is 100 years of trusted performance. We're backed by exclusive features and innovations that no other brand can bring. We deliver products that perform at a high level across the home, to get the job done right the first time. And we're always evolving to help you cook, clean and live better.
What brand is the same as Kenmore? ›
Washers and Dryers: Nearly all new top-load Kenmore washers and matching dryers are made by Whirlpool Corp. Front-load machines and stacking dryers are made by LG. Refrigerators: Here's where it gets tricky. Most top-freezer Kenmore fridges are made by Electrolux, and are similar to Frigidaire models.
Are Maytag and Kenmore made by the same company? ›
It's an unusual arrangement, but not unheard of: Car companies do it all the time. The Kenmore, Maytag, and Whirlpool that are the subject of this article were all designed by Whirlpool Corporation and built in the same factory–in Clyde, Ohio to be specific.
What refrigerator has the least problems? ›
All three of the appliance experts we spoke to for this roundup said Whirlpool and LG were the most reliable refrigerator brands due to their durability, reliability and ease of repairs. Samsung and GE were also mentioned by our experts as high-quality fridges.
Which brand of kitchen appliances is most reliable? ›
For those seeking a brand with a long-standing reputation for reliability, Whirlpool is a go-to choice. With a history dating back to 1911, Whirlpool has consistently produced appliances known for their dependability at a very reasonable cost.
What refrigerator has the longest life? ›
French-door refrigerators have an average lifespan of about 10-15 years, making them one of the more reliable options on the market. Like side by side models, these last longest when they have independent compressors for the fresh food and freezer sections.
What is the most dependable brand of refrigerator? ›
3 best brands for refrigerators
- #1 Whirlpool refrigerators. Whirlpool really gets it when it comes to fridge design. ...
- #2 LG refrigerators. ...
- #3 GE refrigerators. ...
- #1 KitchenAid refrigerators. ...
- #2 BlueStar refrigerators. ...
- #3 Maytag refrigerators.
According to Consumer Reports surveys, they consistently ranks among the top appliance brands for dependability and owner satisfaction. Their washing machines, in particular, received top ratings for reliability and performance year after year.
Is Kenmore still made in America? ›
Laundry Appliances
Kenmore-brand appliances: at least some models are made in USA. Available from Sears and KMart. (Sears is a retailer, not a manufacturer, so Kenmore washers and dryers are manufactured by many different companies, including Amana, Frigidaire, GE, Jenn-Air, LG, and Whirlpool.
Are Sears and Kenmore the same company? ›
Kenmore. The Kenmore Appliances brand is owned by Sears but manufactured by various appliance makers. The brand has a long history of over 100 years, having launched in 1913 originally on sewing machines. Appliances include washers, dryers, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and freezers.
Is Kenmore a good refrigerator? ›
Kenmore is a recognized brand in the appliance industry and has been around over 100 years. Kenmore offers high-quality refrigerators in a wide range of sizes and models at affordable prices. Variety: Kenmore offers a huge selection of appliances, from mini-refrigerators to giant, commercial appliances.
Are Frigidaire and Kenmore the same? ›
Interestingly, many Kenmore refrigerators are manufactured by Frigidaire. Whirlpool, GE and LG also commonly make refrigerators that are marketed as Kenmore products. All Kenmore refrigerators have a model number. The model number's prefix lets you know who manufactured the unit.
Are Kenmore and Frigidaire parts the same? ›
The Kenmore name represents many manufacturers. When you purchased your Kenmore appliance, you've actually purchased a Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag, or GE appliance. Therefore, the appliance part you purchase will be from one of those manufacturers.
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