ApplianceAdvisor Appliance Report KENMORE

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KENMORE (the Sears store brand)
888-536-6673

2006 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Were not at show.

2005 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
New Induction cooktop supplied by Electrolux and available August 30" w/ 4 burners for $1400. This is a 1/2 to 1/3 the price of available induction units, but it is not a performance match. For example the power management on this unit reduces the performance of all the burners, when all the burners are on. Still, the unit has brought induction within reach of mortals, and assuming that it is not so dumbed down as to destroy the function and transcendent speed of the induction then this could be a hit.
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New colors on He3T washers
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New microwave convection 22-80823 Avail July
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2002 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
3 New Microwaves
Kenmore offers Sharp's brilliant 2001 product, a 900W 0.9 cubic ft microwave with an integrated side-mounted toaster. Retails at $130. Kenmore also launched a 1.4 cubic foot 1200W microwave which features adjustable intensity continuous microwave power versus the pulsed full power systems of competitors. Retail at $150. Both units feature controls on the top of the door for reduced counter space.
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New Outdoor Grill Line
Model 15221 at $300 features (3) 11K BTU grill burners, 330 cu inch of grilling area and a stainless handle.
Model 15223 at $350 features (3) 11K BTU grill burners, (1) 12K BTU side burner top, 330 cu inch of grilling area, a second rack and a stainless handle.
Model 15227 at $550 features (4) 10K BTU grill burners, (1) 10K Infrared back burner, (1) 12K BTU side burner top, 389 cu inch of grilling area, stainless fixtures, and a wood smoker drawer.
All 3 units feature electronic ignition, porcelain grates, cast iron burners, temperature gauge.

Faux Stainless Steel Refrigerators
Kenmore Elite refrigerators will no longer feature true stainless steel. Instead they will have a photograph of stainless steel laminated to coated cold rolled steel. Kenmore claims that cleaning this surface is far easier than true stainless while also offering the advantages of a refrigerator that holds magnets. The feature will be called "UltraSatin" and will be available in May 2002. "UltraSatin" is very likely identical to Whirlpool's "Satina" finish.

New SmartWash dishwashers
This dishwasher senses soil level, and load size to reduce washing time for water and energy savings. Sears claims that this is "The only dishwasher on the market that senses dishload size to reduce the cycle time". We wonder about this. The washer uses between 5.9 to 10.1 gallons of water per load. Available May 2002.

2001 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Bribery Based Bias: Kenmore gave the press a $70 white hotel style bathrobe, an invitation only guided tour of their new washers, dryers and refrigerators, the opportunity to speak with marketers and engineers, and various breakfast edibles. I ate the food and kept the robe, even though I don't wear bathrobes. I like the idea that someone would want to buy my love. Kenmore further required the press to sign a non-disclosure form promising not to discuss the new washers until after July 15, so we waited.

New Top Secret Washer and Dryer from Whirlpool
Kenmore launches a HUGE front loader washer and companion dryer both with futuristic styling. The HE 3T is produced in Germany by Whirlpool's Bauknecht subsidiary. This is a huge front loader washer with 3.7 cu ft (large enough for 22 bath towels or a king-size comforter). The washer features a stainless drum, an internal heater for sanitation, and a moisture detector. It uses only 15.8 gallons of water vs. a conventional washer's 42 gallons. Energy Star rated. Available August 2001. Priced at $1500.
The dryer is 7.5 cu ft (is that correct?) and is time matched to the more efficient washer. The dryer features some sort of delicate heating system that protects the clothing from heat spikes or excessive localized heating which can damage clothing. Priced at $900
The combination can be stacked. Both units feature various electronic controls and programs, as well as a curved styling (both vertically and horizontally) never before seen by this author.
An accessory 13" high pedestal with built-in drawer on which to place the Washer or Dryer is available for $150.
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New Kenmore Fridge from Whirlpool
Kenmore introduces new refrigerators which surpass 2002 requirements. Sears and Whirlpool are both Dept of Energy partners of the year. Whirlpool improved the efficiency by reducing the number of foam voids in the insulation and using thermal imaging on a spot check basis to improve foam flow. Two new fan motors are used for the evaporator and the condenser. The piston compressor is built to tighter tolerances. In total the refrigerator is 15% more efficient than the new fed standard. The auto-defrost function learns from you, adapting the number and timing of defrosts to the actual use your family requires. Kenmore promised $50 to $60 in electricity savings per year, "cheaper than a 75 watt bulb" they say.
See the Advisor Rant About Energy Star

2000 Kitchen & Bath Show Introductions
Nothing to report