Opinions/info on this Kenmore Washer and Dryer?

mrcoppertone · Jul 16, 2019

I'm looking for a daily driver and came across this Kenmore set. If I had to guess, it looks to be from the 80s. I can't seem to find these anywhere online.

Anyone familiar with this model and how reliable it is? They are a bit pricy at $300 but I think I can get the price down.

appnut · Jul 16, 2019

Near bottom of the line direct drive washer. Very reliable!!!! From 1986 to maybe early 1990s.

repairguy · Jul 16, 2019

Dependable basic machines. Dryer is gas.

norgeway · Jul 16, 2019

I would wait

And get a belt drive I hate these thrashing things, They don't call them SHREDMORE for nothing!

combo52 · Jul 16, 2019

Great bassic Machines

And really all the washer and dryer anyone needs.

These machines are not hard on clothing if used properly, just use around a 6 minute wash period if clothing is not very dirty and don't overload such that the clothing can't move in the water.

Having worked on 1000s and 1000s of these machines over the last 30+ years I have had very few ever complain about damaged or excessively worn clothing, and in fact have had far more complaints about Maytag washers with Power-Fin agitators.

Its really all about knowing your machine and how to use it.

The term shredmore is stupid, these were by far the best selling washers in the US for much of the last 30 years and few people were walking around in tattered torn clothing.

John L.

mrcoppertone · Jul 16, 2019

Thanks for the advice! It would work just fine for me but it sounds like it's going to be a tough sell for the rest of the house. I think I need to find something slightly less utilitarian if that makes sense? My girlfriend is very particular about having different wash cycle options and something that can handle delicates really well. We also need something that can handle large duvets, sheets etc.

If any of you happen to have any daily driver favorites that can handle larger loads, would be curious to know! I missed out on this Maytag set, which crushed me honestly. They would have been perfect!

rp2813 · Jul 16, 2019

That Maytag washer has the short stroke orbital transmission. It would have been a nice set with all of those buttons on the washer, which make for easy tailoring to whatever you happen to be washing.

combo52 · Jul 16, 2019

Maytag Set

Other than having a two speed agitation the MT set is no better than the basic KMs, and the basic KM dryer will dry faster and more efficiently than the MT dryer.

John L.

70series · Jul 17, 2019

I have that exact Maytag washer. Always wondered what the matching dryer looked like.

lowefficiency · Jul 17, 2019

>> Other than having a two speed agitation the MT set is no better than the basic KMs

In this particular case, I would say that another pair of Maytags would have a distinct benefit over the Kenmores (or any other brand), in that they share so many mechanical design similarities with the older turquoise set that mrcoppertone purchased. Any familiarity gained from working on the daily drivers would help when the older set needed service, as well as vice-versa.

(Other set for context)

Turquoise Maytag Set / $200 / San Diego

. Not every day I see something like this... https://offerup.co/dn3iLOlvHX

www.automaticwasher.org

combo52 · Jul 17, 2019

Better Daily Drivers

I would go with something from WP like this DD washer and 29" dryer, these are far easier to work on and far MORE reliable than either MT pair, and they do a better job to boot.

Why have two mediocre pairs ?

John L.

mrcoppertone · Jul 17, 2019

They removed the listing for the Kenmore's. If they were in the $100-$200 range I would have considered it. The Maytag's were also $300 but the seller was willing to drop them off and install. He was also going to help me haul my old set upstairs so it was a much better deal.

I'm leaning towards a Maytag set so everything matches and there's a bit of a theme going. The repairs being similar is certainly something that can come in handy. I found a very similar Maytag set like the one I posted above for $150.

I wouldn't pass up a Whirlpool or anything else that's really reliable. I'm looking at everything. Just ideally something that looks good sitting right next to the turquoise Maytag set.