LG Washer

[launderess]

There is a misconception that Kenmore appliances are merely rebranded versions of original factory appliances, which is not correct.

When Sears contracts with a manufacturer to make "Kenmore" appliances the plant/production is nothing but Kenmore, for that particular run or even in some cases plant. Sears makes design changes to original specs and quailty control measures. This is why Kenmore appliances are usually higher rated than their other branded cousins made by the same company.

Case in point, we have a Kenmore 18" dishwasher made by Frigidaire. Everyone told us to stay away from Frigidare models of this dw because of problems, even CR. To date the Kenmore unit has run like a top without a wimper (knock wood).

Launderess

 

[appnut]

Amen Laundress!! You said it!!!

 

[kenmore1978]

production lines

"When Sears contracts with a manufacturer to make "Kenmore" appliances the plant/production is nothing but Kenmore, for that particular run or even in some cases plant."

That may be true, but I doubt it. I can't imagine that WP doesn't have the ability to run a Whirlpool washer and a Kenmore washer on the same line the way Ford can build a Ford Taurus and a Mercury Sable on the same production line. Just a matter of getting the right parts to the line at the right time. This would include building BOL, MOL, and TOL models on the same line, the equivalent of adding options to cars as they are built. It amazes me that the car companies can keep all that stuff coordinated, and I'm sure the appliance companies have copied them.

 

[repair-man]

I can't be certain about other brands but you will never convince me that there is any difference (in design or quality) between Whirlpool or Kenmore. All of the functional parts match-up identically. If they didn't they wouldn't have the same part numbers. Sears does tend to get the new and innovative features first. (i.e. Dual Action agitators, triple action agitators, elect temp control, elect dry control, etc.)

Ed

 

[toggleswitch]

I am not willing to comment (for once on this site! LOL)
on quality issues, because I just dont know. I wll take both prior perpectives under advisement. LOL

This I do know. Sears badge does tend to have more features than whirly badge (or in the case below, Fridi-lux badge)

I needed a dryer with controls in the front to mount it under a kitchen countertop. I bought a "Sears exclusive" Fridge-ge-more because it was the only one that had a stainless-steel drum. Euro models at twice the price (and smaller/slower to boot!!!) were not an option at the time.

I ABOSULTELY can't stand whirl-more fryers (I mean dryers but keep typing it this way!) propensity to become stained/streaked with blue and green dye from clothing.

I an shocked, BTW that someone designated their std. painted dryer "drum" (rather than stainless) in the hettie that has a window. GENIUS!

 

[hooverac216]

yeah but hoover is just as bad

 

[peterh770]

But what is the difference really between brands with the same parent company? A different timer, a different agitator, a different control panel, maybe different water valves, a white or a black speckled tub... But the guts are going to be the same to be cost effective. So why buy a high priced Kenmore or Maytag when you can get virtually the same mechanical machine at a lower price like the Roper or Admiral.

 

[launderess]

Something must be different since it is rare that Kenmore appliances have the same complaint level of their branded cousins.

Case in point the FriGeMore front loaders sold under Kenmore and two other brand names. IIRC the Frigidaire washer has the highest number of complaints (mainly rear bearing failure), while Kenmore and GE versions had fewer complaints overall. In fact the GE model ranked #1 for reliability on CR. Considerng Electrolux made all three, something had to be different in the brands.

Or, maybe there just is less booze flowing freely during Kenmore production! *LOL*

Launderess

 

[partscounterman]

They DO get mixed up sometimes

I remember a few cases where the label on the box proclaimed that the appliance inside was bisque, but the unit inside was another color.
Also when I worked at Sears, I sold a washer to a lady on Lanai. These sales were always tricky, as the product had to be ordered out of the Honolulu distribution center, delivered to Young Brothers dock. The customer then had to arrange delivery from the dock to thier home. When my customer got her Whirlpool washer home, she discovered that it was an Estate Washer inside the box and the graphics on the control panel were in Spanish. The label on the outside of the carton indicated the correct model. So it was a huge PITA for this customer to get the correct machine.
Sears should have let her keep the spanish machine and send the right one out but they made her return it. I hope she got reimbused for her trouble. I dunno- I was out of that loop once it was discovered that I had ordered the correct machine

 

[toggleswitch]

LOL. U 2? When I worked there it was WILD! People are nuts!


I think I have shared a horror story or two. Thanks for sharing yours. LOL