Please don’t waste your money.
In March of 2006 I decided to splurge on a top-of-the-line washer and dryer. I use Consumer Reports regularly and I research anything I’m about to buy months before purchase. When I researched the Kenmore Elite Oasis Washer and Dryer, I read nothing but fantastic reports.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments176 - Barry
Wow. 8 loads per week. We don't do 8 loads in a month. Maybe you are wearing the machines out. Do you run a Hotel?
177 - Lucky Enough
I've had three sets of Kenmore washers & dryers with the first two sets lasting over 20 years each (and still going fine when i replaced them) and then the third set (oasis) at a vacation home now going on eight years with no problems. I have now had new Elite HE's and will be buying the Service Agreement just because I don't think any appliance is built to last anymore. The nicest thing that was ever said to me by an appliance service technician was to stay away from anything that wasn't mechanical (like with knobs) and stay completely away from anything with a circuit board as those are the appliances with all the problems. It makes sense because electical boards don't mix very well with the heat and water environment that washers & dryers exist in. Hard to find those "low" end appliances these adys but it's probably a good piece of advice. Unfortuantely, we all love those bells and whistles so much that we don't heed this man's good advice, including me. So just let the buyer beware, I think all the new manufacturers have the same issues so I'm not necessarily thinking this is a problem with Sears. I have a two year old top of the line Frigidaire refrigerator that I'd like to shoot for all the problems that I've had with it.
178 - Alexandria Jackson
no one cares.
oh, and my washer spin cycle now sounds like a lear jet. woo hoo. Go Sears!
179 - melinda jewell
HHHUUUMMMM....I've had many of the same problems. Note to those willing or able to work on things yourself. My husband ordered a motherboard for my dryer off of ebay...cost him $50. and he installed it himself. Sears tried to convince him only they could fix it, with their own part....a cost of over $300. He asked, Is my Dryer under warranty?? They said, NO....he said, don't tell me I can't work on my own dryer!!
180 - melinda jewell
So, just to humor me...does anyone know what part is needed for the Spin Cycle sounding like a Lear Jet....and going Unlevel constantly??? With mine it doesn't matter if there is 1 towel, 2 towels, or 6. It doesn't matter if I'm only washing socks and undies, or blue jeans....and Sears told me it would wash a King Sized Comforter....IT WON'T!! I was pleased the first 6 months....then it went to pot!! Before my first year was up, Sears had to replace a part in the washer...it really really sucks!!
181 - R. Lawrence
I am looking for a good front loading large capacity washer an dryer. It sure looks like Kenmore is OUT! I am considering Bosch or LG, but anyone have any suggestions? Any one have a simple, non-digital large capacity front loader? Would appreciate input.
182 - Sugar
Ok so in all reality....nowadays, what washer and dryer set should be the best bang for the buck? Least problems, highest durability, longest lasting...etc
183 - Sugar
Oh... And actually gets clothes clean without ripping them to shreds like some of the he front loaders do...
184 - Sugar
*sorry, I meant h.e. TOP loaders, not front loaders
185 - Thomas
Alexandra, Melinda, Sugar, and the rest of you folks,
Thanks for this blog Alexandra I am right there with you, and I to will never buy anything from Sears again.
Melinda - Just now a few months after my “extortion plan” expired my balancing act is driving me crazy also. I too will be as you husband and will go inside for a look @ $95 a call, I am sure that I can find what is broken. Did he find the problem?
Sugar- Costco has the best warranties available at no extra cost. Whirlpool is one brand they sell (not that I am endorsing Whirlpool). I am looking at the cheaper model without all the electronics’ as Lucky is suggesting.
Back to basic is my new motto from this point onward.
186 - Alexanddria Jackson
Well, I bought another extortion plan. The Lear Jet sound was a bad ball bearing. Had to order (and wait for) three new washer drums because the bearing is part of it due to some design flaw. Why 3? because the first two arrived cracked. That's right, water everywhere.
187 - Joe
When our electric dryer died, we decided we'd replace it with a new gas dryer. After ordering the dryer plus installation, we found out at delivery that the installation quoted was just to hook up the dryer (plug it in, attach the gas line and vent). Based on the price, we assumed it was to run the gas line (the three feet required). They never asked us about the gas line, and when the delivery men came, they said they couldn't run it and we needed to pay an additional $385 or call a plumber to do it. My plumber ran the line for $225 and when I called back to try to get them to deliver again and waive their "installation fee" I went through their phone maze seven times. Each time at the end of the maze when I finally got a live person, when they transferred me to the department to handle the issue, it was a dead line. On the eighth call, I told them that I was cancelling the order and asked for a refund. It's interesting that the charge for the dryer was done immediately and the credit for the return was to take 2-3 weeks (it was actually 22 days). It was also $200 short!
188 - Penny
Sound slike the same thing I am going though with Wjirlpool! I bought a washer from Menards a front loader whirlpool brand. Within one year of owningit it starting to be really loud when spinning so called they sent a repair man out to look at my washer, he says need an outer and inner tub kit so orders them and so a couple weeks later a new repair man shows up says we don't need both tub kits so only puts an outer tub kit in and 5 months later I am back to the noisy washer call them agai itis out of warranty and we didn't buy extended warranty so they just have been nothing but rude! I call my local reparman out he looks at it and tells me $700 to repair this! The washer cost $450!!!! He tells me because only one tub kit and not both being replaced threw the berrings out and to replace the berrings $700 so my washer is 1 1/2 hardly that and now looking for a new one! A extended warranty is totally ridiculous these appliance manufacturers need to have pride in what they build and quit soaking us out of money! I will never buy another Whirlpool product have been loyal to them for 37 yrs no more!!! They are the rudest most awful people! They just take you money and throw u under the bus!!!
189 - Norwood
I have never been so dissatisfied in a company in I couldn't tell you when. I've had a technician to my home 4 times since I bought in a year ago. 2 times in a week. Same problem over and over again and of course they can't find any problem with my Kenmore Elite Washer. Its flooded my utility room several times. So many I've lost count. Yet they still tell me nothing is wrong with it. We bought the extended warranty thank goodness. I read up on Consumer Report before purchasing this set. Saw no bad reports so I thought we had made a good choice. We were so wrong. Please check comments before you buy, it would have saved me a lot of trouble.
190 - lori
I've had machine for four years and having same problems. I have already replaced the sensor board for four hundred dollars and it is gone again!!!! Never again!!!
191 - marisa
Point is they just don't make things like they used to. Everything is crap and we the consumer have no choice but to buy it. I agree warrantys are for suckers BUT these days with the way they make things....(overseas not in AMERICA) we have no choice. Either way it's going to cost us you the consumer just have to decide which you would rather do spend your money up front with a warranty or wait and spend it with a technician. Sorry ya'll just how it is these days.
192 - Peggy
Hello my fellow sears suckers! I too have bought top of line kenmore elite washer and dryer pair. MANY trips to laundry mat. Within the past 6 yrs of owning them i have had service 6 times on the washer and now the dryer is dead. Not only have I had routine service every other month in order to use my washer I have to give it the good ole FONZI slam on the right side to get it to lock in only for it to stop 1/2 way through the load with a lovely f11 code and i have to give it another FONZI slam, that is if I notice it otherwise I go to get the clothes out to put in the dryer (if IT works) to find that the clothes are not done washing. SO if you are debating whethor or not to buy from Sears DONT!
193 - diane s
Dont ever purchase the Kenmore Elite Dryer!
WHAT A MISTAKE AND A VERY EXPENSIVE ONE! This thing has gotten louder and louder. It Shakes and Bangssss so much now; I feel it is a safety issue as this thing is gas! We wont use it anymore; we are afraid that the gas line with come lose or shake right off of the dryer!
I am forced to purchase a new dryer again. What a waste of money on this thing. I will NEVER purchase Kenmore again! This dryer is so loud'''''My neighbor can hear it.
194 - Katy
SAME issues with this stin'k washer.......I too thought I was buying it for life..one year later the issues began...cracked tub...randon beeping....buttons work SOMETIMES if you are having a lucky day...get ONE wash setting, can not select anythimg else - piece of junk...only reason I replaced my 20 year old Kenmore was it was OLD and I wnted a newer looking machine - BIG MISTAKE.....oh it is also rusting
195 - Katy
AND the clothes get tangled and shredded in this GREAT innovative machine
196 - Jacksmom
Late, but just reading this. I had same (almost exact except different appliance) experience with over range microwave that was very expensive to buy and install. Vowed never to shop at sears again! Good for you for posting.
Only if consumers begin fighting back will these companies get the message.
197 - Gloria
DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!! This washing machine is HORRIBLE problem after problem after problem. It just recently began making a sound like someone angrily banging on a door. It sounds like a helicopter in your house! I haven't even finished paying it off, and Sears is of no help at all, they refuse to help me in any way.
Awful waste of money, disgusted with Sears for even selling this garbage.
198 - cmjake
Kenmore is not what it used to be. Be forewarned about appliances and service. Steer clear. A word to the wise.... I would only buy Kenmore but the latest crop has failed terribly. Needed to just replace a washing machine and dishwasher after less than 5 years. My brother had less than 2 years on his dishwasher and customer service was so useless he bought another dishwasher. Threw money down that drain! CAREFUL!
199 - Beth
I have had it with Sears products and their so called service!! I brought 5 appliances 2 yrs. ago. Only 1 was not brought from Sears. I have had repairmen ( I have the maintenance agreements on most of the appliances) here 4x for the ice maker (he is coming this Weds.) and 3 times for my dishwasher, as I just made another appt. To add to the frustration, I have to wait an average of 4 weeks to get someone out here!!! This is ridiculous! I will NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM SEARS AGAIN AND I ADVISE YOU NOT TOO ALSO!!!!
200 - Elisha B
Sears will NEVER get another dime from myself, my friends, family, Facebook Friends, and Blog readers again. I purchased a refrigerator on November 28th 2011 and cancelled due to the fact I was gifted one by a friend. I cancelled my order on December 3rd 2011. I have called numerous times and have spoken to managers that have told me anything from "It has been sent out" to "It hasn't even been cancelled." The refrigerator was never delivered the money was taken from my account and I cant even get a clear answer as to where my refund is. BUYERS BEWARE AND SHOP ELSE WHERE PLEASE. It is the Holiday season and I am out of $500 dollars until SEARS can see it in there heart to Refund me.
201 - Mike Martin
Just FYI, most all of the Kenmore washers are made by Whirlpool. We got one of their Cabrios 3 years back, and are now seeing bearing problems with it. I expect the control panel problems to follow.
It kind of seems like the lesson to be learned here is to get the cheapest, simplest, largest washer you can find since the expensive ones are junk right out of the box.
202 - valerei
hi!! we bougth a kenmore elite front loader washer and dryer a year ago.it was probably the most expensive of all the washer and dryer that were there. sad to say i wish i can return it!!! very dissappointed!! the washer continuously puts stains on my clothes. there are blue slash like dots all over my shirts. i dont know how many i had to throw away. well now i'm keeping them for them to see. i'm putting up a fight now...i want a new washer!!! has anyone had this problem??? please let me know.
203 - Linda
Purchased my Kenmore Elite Top-Loading Washer 3 months ago and it DOES NOT get clothes clean! I would most definitely go back to an agitator when this one bites the dust, but at approx. $1000, I would hope to get my money's worth. Never again!
204 - Patti
I do not trust Consumers Reports anymore after spending so much money on top of the line appliances reccomended by them and I also have had nothing but problems with Kenmore Elite appliances.
205 - frank
i will never buy anything else from sears
206 - vera
just got the kenmore elite steam washer and dryer Feb 6th 2011 and delivered Feb 9th. This has been the most tramatic experience in my life. First the washer went. we was without one for 4 or 5 days. They delivered one that belonged to someone else 3.5 istead of 4.5 washer so nowwehave a loaner off the floor and the dryer has no heat now.
They are up on pedastals cause of a back problem I have and going for surgery. Now we need both replaced. Sears knows how to make you feel better on the phone promising you they will take care of the problem. The real problem is the machines they are building now are crap from the manufacturer. why do we need to purchase extra coverage. I have used Kenmore for years and never had a problem. Still have old top loaders in my other house that are about 8 years old and they are still going. New is not always better. What to do ? You think LG is a better deal ?
207 - vera
Actually the top loaders are 10 years old.
208 - Shelby
Bought Kenmore Elite Washer, Oasis HE. I'm 65 Yrs. old, so with four children plus, I've washed some clothes. Finally in 2007 we bought my FIRST brand new , we thought top of the line washer for $1,200.This is the worst excuse for quality there ever could be! The Day after the so called warrenty ran out, I had to push with all my mite to make each selection. It could take up to 10 min. just to make it start. Now I use handle of wooden spoon to press (touch) pads ! Heaven Forbid it does the self leveling trick. If I let it Go, it would seriously bust out my walls. It can take all day to wash a load of clothes. It is just two of us so it has Not been abused. It is A HUGE Piece of CRAP. Going to get my baseball Bat!!! I called Sears (finally) to see if they would take it back, and give me a deal for a refurbished or something, But your just out of luck. The people listen to complaints nicely, but THAT'S ALL You will get! OH, they will send service tech. etc. etc. which will cost about what a new machine would when they get though with you! $1,200.00 SHAME ON YOU SEARS!!!!! Things like this may be why Sears is Going Down!
209 - cyndi
i have a kenmore elite washer front loader it is a piece of crap it has had more service then my old washers combined
210 - John
Wife and I bought a Kenmore top loader washing machine and matching dryer in 1998. Both were made by Whirlpool (model code 110). Washer stopped its high speed spin Jan 2010. Debated for a few days to fix or throw out. Wife gave me 7 days. Diagnosed as a failed transmission, I bought a rebuild for $125, installed and been running fine for 2 years. This is the first and only problem with our 23+ year old Whirlpool made Kenmore units. Even though the washer is a resource hog the clothes get clean. And from the other side I've kept a lot of material out of a landfill by fixing. Based on all the heartache I read here I'll keep running and if need be fixing them as long as possible. I also encourage readers to visit Appliance Parts Pros or Repair Clinic, many times you can diagnose problems and fix yourself. Over the past two years I've repaired the washing machine, 7 year old Whirlpool refrigerator (circuit board caused frig lighting to all go out), ignitor in our 7 year old Maytag oven, and broken spring on the door of our 16 year old Maytag dishwasher.
211 - John
Oops, first sentence above should have read: Wife and I bought a Kenmore top loader washing machine and matching dryer in 1988.
212 - Rachel
Kenmore Elite Canyon Washer&Dryer (High Energy Efficient) .... DOES NOT CLEAN THE CLOTHES .... beeps all the time ..... hate hate hate this product ..... DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT BUY ....... Water consumption has not gone down as claimed by "shower" effect instead of soaking clothes .... DO NOT BUY.
213 - Kim
My husband & I made the mistake of purchasing the Kenmore Elite washer & dryer Feb 2006....We've replaced the mother board after much frustration trying to wash clothes & constantly getting error code f06. Inside the metal casing is a manual of code of errors for "technicians only". Disconnect ALL POWER!! remove front bottom panel, it should be taped/enclosed in plastic envelope on side wall...Now we had to disassemble entire washer to find the bearing had blown out literally!!!! the SS tub was slapping around shredding the "front" piece of plastic tub-$135 to replace...Rear plastic tub piece which houses the bearings that blew out & its ALL ONE piece-$390-$435, depending upon which place we buy parts!!There's much more but you get the point---DO NOT BUY KENMORE. Sears tried to tell me I couldn't get parts unless I paid $319.99 & had their technician diagnose problem...SEARS really should recall these machines-THEY ARE LEMONS
214 - Lisa
I just purchased the set Kenmore Elite with 3yr PA. Delivery date May 14, 2012. Now I am seriously considering canceling the delivery. I also have to wonder if it is just the Kenmore product or all products...and is this what we the consumers have to look forward to in the future.
215 - Peggy
We just purchased Kenmore Eite top-loading washer Model 796.2900. Everytime we put a load of clothes on to wash, we have to rebalance about 3 times during the cycle. This is very aggravating.
216 - louisa
My Kenmore is completely defunct after 15mo. I just had a technician come out and look at it. The mother board is bad. I have to pay $500.00 wait an extra week for the part and another day off work to get it fixed. I cannot believe that something that is that costly is completely defunct within 15 mo. I keep getting the same thing from the people at Sears....you should have bought the extended warranty. I am totally offended that this is their customer service. Seriously? Now I know that the extended service warranty means, our product sucks so youre going to pay more either now or later. I will NEVER EVER!!!!! shop at Sears again. I am contemplating not fixing my machine and taking a total loss on it and going somewhere else to purchase something that will actually work.
Shame on Sears, shame on Kenmore.
217 - Trustme
I had the same problem started 3 years . And the problem got worse recently, paid and replaced the control board today. Make: Kenmore Elite Oasis; Model: 110.27042603. That's obviously due to the original problem from the manufactory, but I had to pay for it. This washer is the worst one that I have ever used.
Suggestion: keep away form the products of Kenmore.
218 - Malcolm and Mary
We bought a washer top of the line Elite four years ago in Kingsto, Ontario. It has been down 7, that's right, seven times. Of course you wait ten to fourteen days for them to repair the machine.
We finally went into Sears and complained and we were so pissed off we bought another waswher, "agitator type" We were given no break in price and they really were not too interested in helping me. They finally said they would give me a five year warrenty for free on the new washer and I agreed. Then they had the bloody gall to phone me this morning and offer to sell me insurance . I warn you all DO NOT BUY ANY OF SEARS PRODUCTS. THEY ARE SHEER JUNK! AND LIARS TO BOOT!
219 - Andrew
I bought a Kennmore Elite Top loader model 796.2900 in Jan. of 2012 and started having problems with it in April. The bleach would not completly dispense. I called Sears out several times and they denied that there was any bleach left in the dispenser. I put a ruined shirt sleve in the bleach dispenser after a cycle had finished and the Service tech and I both watched as the sleve bleached out. He would not adimit that there was bleach.
I finally had to contact Comsumer Affairs in the state of California since the machine was still under manufacture warranty. Sears refuses to admit that there is a problem with the machine but Consumer Affairs have contacted them and not until then was Sears willing to work with me. It takes more time to do a load than with my 20 year old machine that is still working perfectly. Sears sells JUNK in my opinion. Why they have decided to sell junk is beyond me. They were a top of the line appliance store and now they don't even have a good customer service or honest tech's.
220 - Becky Ellis
I have owned my Kenmore washer for 18 months and the BEARING IS ALREADY GOING OUT. They want to charge me $285 to fix it and cannot come out for 3 weeks. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING. I will not buy another Kenmore anything. They are not what they used to be.
221 - Glenn Contrarian
I've owned a Kenmore HE4T washer and dryer for almost ten years. Being a foster parent for medically fragile children, we normally wash an average of at least two loads per day. Do the math - two loads per day for nearly ten years - that's at least 7000 cycles. We've had to call in a repairman twice, both times for what turned out to be minor fixes. I'm still using them today as I type this.
I've more than gotten my money's worth!
222 - Patrick
Lets riot and burn every sears....
223 - Patrick
Called sears told them I wanted Kenmore washer and dryer out of my house or it would be in their parking lot ...its 7 mo old paid 1700 for the set been serviced three times already...sears agreed to even exchange for different brand name....BE AGGRESSIVE! Good luck
224 - Bonnie
I'm so sorry to hear such horrible things. I was exactly like most here. In 2006, my washer and dyer were old (1967 &1971 repectfully). I wanted a new set. Did alot of research, and ended up buyer the Kenmore elite set.
Still to this day I absolutely love them. They have been moved four times and I haven't had one single problem with either of them.
I would purchase again. Thanks Kenmore!
225 - Gary Manis
People, Sears doesn't manufacture anything. They don't even design these appliances. They are designed by other companies and manufactured in the same plants that make the other brands. The old appliances that lasted for 50 years were designed and built in the US. The appliances we buy today are not. Most are designed to operate flawlessly for 8 to 10 years and then fail. Yes, that's right, fail on schedule. It's called Planned Obsolescence. Cheers!