Kenmore Washer
By uaezarb on
We bought this Kenmore side load washing machine 5 years ago.I really liked the machine until just recently when it started breaking down. We bought the side load machine to save on water and also energy cost.The side load machine uses approximately16 to 24 gallons vs. up to 40 gallons of water used by top-loading machines.It spins the clothes much dryer than a top-loading machine, thus lessening the drying time in the dryer.The machine seemed to get the clothes cleaner than my previous top loader.
We had one small problem while the machine was under warranty and was fixed by a repairman, I can't remember now what the problem was.At the time the repairman was fixing the machine, I asked about the softener dispenser that seemed to be clogged, and was told that I needed to pour hot water into the dispenser to clean it.I did this several times and never had much luck getting it to work properly.So I had never been able to use the softener dispenser almost from the time we purchased the machine.
The machine was otherwise problem free for 5 years until it broke down.The first repair was when one of the shock absorbers broke and cost us $30 to repair.We fixed it ourselves, so there was no labor cost involved.The new shock absorber was made differently, so I assume there was a design flaw that they discovered and fixed.
After fixing the shock absorber, I used the machine only two more times before it started making a load noise in the spin cycle.My husband could not determine the problem at first until he removed the drum and discovered that there were two cracks in the part that holds the drum. (the pictures above show the cracks)This meant the whole drum had to be replaced which would cost over $200!We decided this was too much to put into a 5 year-old machine.
I believe the metal used in making this part should have lasted longer than 5 years before corroding.This part is in constant contact with the water and should have been made of a non-corrosive material.I am very disappointed that we only got barely 5 years use out of this machine.
Wow, glad I got top loading....mine is fine (knock on wood) and is 16 years old.
I have always though Kenmore was suppose to be good appliances. I guess every brand will have a certain product which doesn't live up to the normal standards. Thanks for sharing the detailed information.
I'm so surprised too that you didn't get more than five years use out of this-that's so disappointing with the Kenmore brand.
Huh, Kenmore has usually been good and sturdy. Sorry this one didn't work out.
Wow! My mom usually keeps washers for something like 15 or more years. .
Too bad it didn't last longer, I'd say that corrosive part was a design flaw for sure, that's something you'd think they'd want to have fixed for you. Sounds like it was a good machine otherwise except for those problems you had. Thanks for the info - I've not owned any Kenmore products. Thanks for the info on this though
Looks like the same issue as this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwpKP_9_fAA
Very surprised to see this about a Kenmore appliance but I am sure it happens more often than we think. Seems no appliance is made to last any longer. Too bad with these expensive pieces of machinery.
I have seen some general negative sentiment toward many of the kenmore front load washing machines out there. For example in this Kenmore 48102 front load washer review, which is actually a compilation of many individual reviews, it seems to be that people are generally much less happy with this Kenmore than people are who bought other makes.