Why Choose Kenmore?
Kenmore is an iconic brand backed by more than a century of reliable performance. Not only this, but the brand also delivers innovative features that make it quicker and more convenient to complete daily routines. Since 2014, this manufacturer has received the Women’s Choice Award for excellence, satisfaction, and reliability. The brand has also ranked No. 1 in customer service satisfaction by JD Power.
History
Kenmore has a long history stemming from R.W. Sears, a mail-order company launched in 1886. At the time, its founder, Richard W. Sears, sold watches. When Sears moved his business from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Chicago, Illinois the following year, he hired Alvah C. Roebuck. Besides repairing watches, Sears tasked Roebuck with designing the company’s first catalog. The booklet featured watches and jewelry.
Two years later, Sears sold the business and started another mail-order operation. He named it Sears, Roebuck & Company, and sold varied merchandise including sewing machines, firearms, and clothing.
In 1895, clothing manufacturer Julius Rosenwald bought Roebuck’s interest. He wanted to tap into the rural market. Rosenwald knew that people living in isolated regions lacked convenient access to stores. He wanted to provide farmers and other rural residents with an alternative to high-priced local general stores. The plan had limited success. But as consumers started buying automobiles, the company had to change its business model.
The first Sears retail store opened in Chicago in 1925. Customers could buy everything from encyclopedias to washing machines at the store or through mail order. Soon the retail sales exceeded catalog orders. As a result, Sears opened other stores. By 1930, the company was operating 300 retail stores. It remained the largest retailer in the United States until the 1980s. The catalog was discontinued in 1993.
Sears Roebuck & Company started the Kenmore brand with a foot-controlled sewing machine in 1913. Its success prompted the company to brand other devices under the same name. The goal was to offer consumers appliances that provided the greatest performance at the lowest price. There are various theories about how the Kenmore name came about. The most plausible explanation stems from the street name of its flagship store at 79th and Kenwood.
By the time the company introduced its washing machine in 1927, Kenmore had become a household name. Sears was one of a few stores that survived the 1930 banking crisis. Even during the Great Depression, prices remained low. Although the company was not profitable, its 300 retail stores remained afloat as other businesses folded. During the last three years of World War II, Sears produced cooling systems for military aircraft. When the company went back to manufacturing appliances for consumer use, customers stayed loyal to the brand.
As consumer demand increased, Kenmore released a suite of small and large appliances. Besides dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, the brand offered countertop appliances, trash compactors, and garbage disposals.
Founding and Milestones
Richard W. Sears remained president of the company until he became ill in 1901. In 1906, the company offered Sears stock in an IPO. Three years later, Rosenwald took over as president. He retired in 1924. General Robert E. Wood joined the team in 1925 and managed the first Sears retail store. He became president in 1928.
Two years after launching its first washing machine, Sears introduced the Gyrator. This machine featured a wringer and claimed to wash clothes in three to seven minutes.
In 1932, Kenmore introduced its first vacuum cleaner. It sold for half the price of its competitors and came with a money-back guarantee. In 1933, the brand introduced the Toperator, an automatic washing machine. By 1936, Kenmore had sold 1 million washing machines.
When World War II started, production ceased. After the war ended, the brand introduced a line of electric and gas ranges. In 1949, Sears introduced the first Kenmore automatic electric clothes dryer. Free-standing and portable dishwashers were introduced in 1951. And in 1954, Kenmore was the No. 1 seller of washing machines. Following this, the brand added a delicate cycle to its automatic washing machines. By 1957, Kenmore had sold 10 million products.
Fast-forward to 1977: The brand exceeded expectations, prompting Sears to change the name of its Coldspot refrigerators and freezers to Kenmore. In 1982, Kenmore gave the refrigerator an overhaul with a smooth back that hid the coils and made it possible to push the appliance against a wall. The brand set a new trend in 1985 with black lacquer appliances. By 1995, Kenmore had cornered 25% of the U.S. appliance market, and nearly 60% of American households had at least one of the brand’s appliances.
When Kenmore celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2002, it also became the official appliance supplier for the Winter Olympics. In 2016, the brand entered the electronics market, providing HDTVs and Ultra HDTVs. The following year, Kenmore announced that customers could purchase its appliances on Amazon. They come equipped with Alexa, so you can control them with voice commands. Currently, TransformCo owns Sears and the Kenmore brand.
Production and Manufacturing
Kenmore has provided consumers with top-performing appliances for over a century. Products include vacuums, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and freezers. The latest line of smart appliances helps you perform chores more efficiently.
Products
Of the multiple products Sears sells, those with the Kenmore brand name remain the most profitable. In fact, the brand has a higher value than the store. With over a century of providing customers with innovative appliances, Kenmore offers reliable solutions.
This is especially true for Kenmore refrigerators. Available in various sizes and door configurations, these energy-efficient appliances have a host of features that set them apart from competitors. The Kenmore Elite French-door model, for example, comes loaded with a host of innovations. For instance, GeniusCool technology allows you to control the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer separately. Another innovative feature is Kenmore’s trademarked CleanFlow air filter. This component includes a charcoal filter that circulates air and eliminates odors. Also, the Elite French-door refrigerators come equipped with Alexa capabilities, letting you control temperatures and check the water filter from a distance.
Manufacturing
Kenmore’s headquarters is located in Chicago. It also maintains offices in Hoffman Estates, Illinois; New York, New York; and Atlanta, Georgia.
The company doesn’t make its own appliances, so there is no manufacturing plant. However, it operates a distribution center in Manteno, Illinois. The brand outsources its manufacturing to brands like Whirlpool and GE. This partnership began decades ago when Kenmore cornered the appliance market. At the time, manufacturers were desperate to get their products into Sears stores. A few manufacturers agreed to put the Kenmore name on their appliances rather than using their own. They also added top-of-the-line features to Kenmore branded appliances.
The partnership continues today. The company works with other manufacturers on the design of new appliances before branding them with the Kenmore name. Generally, Whirlpool and LG manufacture the brand’s laundry appliances. GE and Frigidaire assemble the cooktops, ovens, and ranges. Depending on the model — top-freezer refrigerator, bottom-freezer refrigerator, or side-by-side refrigerator — the unit may be manufactured by one of four manufacturers: Electrolux, Frigidaire, LG, or Whirlpool. The same is true of smart refrigerators, upright freezers, and chest freezers.
Key Facts
As a brand of Sears, Kenmore provides products and services in a way that protects human health and the environment. Recognized for its energy-efficient products, the brand announced its Super Efficient Refrigerator Program (SERP) in 1993. To date, its refrigerators exceed federal energy standards by 29%.
By 2001, the brand was designing all appliances for maximum energy efficiency. Not only do the appliances help protect the environment, but they also save customers money on electric bills. The Elite line for example, uses the same energy as a 75-watt light bulb.
Since the brand outsources the manufacturing of its products, it works with suppliers to ensure they meet its sustainability standards. The sustainability policy includes:
- Environmental Stewardship – Encourage suppliers to use environmentally sustainable packaging.
- Impact Reduction – Recycle materials to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of its products.
- Environmental Monitoring – Analyze the brand’s environmental performance and verify it meets established goals.
- Regulatory Compliance – Comply with environmental laws and regulations.
- Conservation – Conserve natural resources and reduce the brand’s carbon footprint.
- Emergency Preparedness – Perform preventive measures to avoid environmental accidents and emergencies.
Warranty Information
The company offers a one-year warranty against material defects and flaws in workmanship. During the warranty period, the company will pay the cost of any repairs. If necessary, the customer will receive a replacement at no cost. There’s also an extended coverage option.
Refrigerators purchased after February 2018 also come with a lifetime warranty on storage bins. During the first year, the company will replace and install the bins. After the first year, the company will supply the bins but will not install them.
Elite and PRO refrigerators come backed by a five-year warranty on sealed refrigeration systems, and select Elite models come with a 10-year linear compressor warranty.
For answers about your warranty not covered on the website, call 844-553-6667, or visit this website.
Kenmore Refrigerator/Freezer Parts
Kenmore refrigerators rarely break down. Still, there may come a time when you need to replace a worn-out part. After all, a minor issue can turn into a huge problem if not handled quickly. Go to Sears Parts Direct, and select refrigerator parts. Look for your model number, and click the “Shop Parts” icon to find the part you need. You’ll get to view a diagram of the refrigerator to make sure you are selecting the correct part. There are also links to manuals, DIY troubleshooting guides, and error code tables.
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Kenmore Refrigerator/Freezer Releases
Stay up to date with TransformCo’s press releases concerning Kenmore appliances.
Kenmore Recalls
To find information on recalled products, visit here. If your product is on the recall list, you can check RefrigeratorHQ for the next steps to take and replacement recommendations.
Where To Buy
You can purchase major Kenmore appliances, including refrigerators, online from the brand’s website or Amazon.
Deals
We love scouring the internet to find great deals. So before you buy, click on the link below to see if there is a discount on your favorite model.
Similar Brands
We have provided a lot of information about Kenmore refrigerators. Still, we understand that you may want to check out other brands before you buy. Therefore, we have researched other brands like Bosch and LG to help finalize your decision.
Online Presence
Contact Information
- Customer Service Number: 844-553-6667
- Customer Service Email: customersupport@kenmore.com
- Installation & Repair Contact
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