Kenmore Series 70 pros/cons

[lunarluminary]

Hi everyone! I'm moving into a new place, where a washing machine and dryer were left behind. The dryer is relatively new, but the washer is on the older side. I know very little about these things, and I was hoping to get some opinions on it before I purchase a (slightly) newer one. It's older than basically any I've used before, but I don't want to assume its age is a drawback. I did take a picture of the model info, and I've gathered that it's a Kenmore series 70 from the 90s?

So, I suppose what I'm asking for is an assessment of its functionality, or rather the expected functionality, in comparison to something newer? Does it work best under specific temperature/cycle settings or anything?? I won't have a chance to mess with it myself until I actually move next week, but I find myself curious about it.

 

[repairguy]

It was built the 49th week of 1994. They are great machines in my opinion. I would stick with it.

 

[combo52]

1994 Direct Dr. washer

I would agree use this machine and see if you’d like it.

When you say you want something a little bit newer, that means buying a used washing machine, which can have all kinds of problems, yes, there are better things out there than this machine, there are machines are far more efficient do larger loads and do a better job, but they’re also drawbacks. It really depends on what you like and what you want.

A new Speed Queen front load washer had a little over $2000 would be an excellent choice. There are also a half dozen full-size front load washers for almost half as much available here in the US that are excellent performers.

There are no top loading washers on the market today that I would consider buying. They just don’t perform well enough if you’re looking for great performance.

It would be also helpful to know what you want in a washing machine to make any recommendation as to what you should do how large your family is etc.

John

 

[DADoES]

 
Your Kenmore was built by Whirlpool.  Sears itself doesn't manufacture any appliances, all their products are sourced from other manufacturers. The first three digits (before the period) of the full model number is a code for the manufacturer, 110 is Whirlpool.  Whirlpool was the majority source for Kenmore laundry machines from the late 1940s into the mid 2000s.

The direct-drive design was a VERY successful product, newly-introduced in late 1981 via a few models under the Kenmore label.  Whirlpool's first model was in 1982.  Whirlpool produced them under many brand labels ... Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Roper, Estate, Inglis ... then also Maytag, Amana, Admiral, and Magic Chef after they bought Maytag in 2006.

The direct-drive design was discontinued in 2010-2012, replaced by what's known as the VMW design (vertical modular washer), a poor substitute for DD's robustness.