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Kenmore Review

Monday, December 2nd

2024 Refrigerator Reviews

Kenmore Review 2.5 Star Rating

Kenmore

2.5 Star Rating
  • Prices from $699 to $1,499
  • 27 refrigerators
  • 4.3 Cu Ft.-20.3 Cu Ft.
  • Side-by-side, top freezer, bottom freezer, compact, french door
  • 1-year warranty
  • $99 delivery
  • 30-day returns
  • "A+” rating and accreditation for parent company from the BBB

As you explore the world of household appliances, you may come across Kenmore, a well-established American brand owned and licensed by Transformco. Kenmore was acquired by Transformco after Sears filed for bankruptcy, allowing the brand to continue innovating and growing. According to reports, Kenmore released its largest refrigerator model to date, with an impressive 33 cubic feet of storage space; however, when we searched for it on Kenmore's website, that model was nowhere to be found. Along with other browsing issues on the Kenmore site, finding models was more of a hassle at Kenmore than with other brands. You can't buy any of the refrigerators directly from Kenmore, which may be frustrating for some.

Appliance Overview

  • Price range: $699 to $1,499
  • Types: Side-by-side, top freezer, bottom freezer, compact, french door
  • Different models: 27
  • Capacity: 4.3 Cu Ft.-20.3 Cu Ft.
  • Colors: 3
  • Energy Efficient: Yes
  • Return policy: Depends on the retailer
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty if purchased from an authorized retailer
  • Additional protection plans: Depends on where you buy
  • Financing: Yes
  • Shipping: Free at some retailers

Basic model: Kenmore 30 in. 18.1 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer

This basic model is a top freezer-style refrigerator. It comes in three color options. This model comes equipped with an ice maker that can produce up to 3 pounds of crescent-shaped ice per day. Its sleek design features a black finish and adjustable shelves that let you customize the space to fit taller bottles. The crisper drawers and dairy compartment are designed for freshness, allowing you to control the humidity level for your fruits and vegetables and store dairy products at the perfect temperature. The clear door bins provide additional storage, with two in the fridge for milk and two in the freezer for easy access to your frozen goods. Plus, this refrigerator is ENERGY STAR certified, making it an efficient addition to your home. You can expect to pay around $699 for this model at most retailers.

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Top-tier model: Kenmore 46-75515 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator

This is the most expensive model offered by Kenmore. This model offers upgrades like a sleek design, featuring french doors and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish. The model includes accelerated cooling with Accela Chill technology, and a built-in ice maker produces up to 4 pounds of crescent-shaped ice daily. The Multi Flow air system provides even cooling throughout the appliance, with gallon-sized door bins, a full-width pantry drawer, and humidity-controlled crisper drawers providing ample storage space. You can customize the interior to fit your needs with adjustable edge-to-edge glass shelving, perfect for storing taller items. Plus, this ENERGY STAR-certified fridge features an inverter compressor for precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. The price for these upgrades is around $1,499 at most retailers.

Shipping depends on where you buy

Because you can't buy any refrigerators directly from Kenmore, you'll have to select a third-party retailer to find shipping costs. Every retailer may be a little different, so make sure you double-check that you're getting a good deal wherever you buy. At one of Kenmore's suggested retailers (directed from their website), shipping was free to your room of choice (garage or kitchen, for most customers). This didn't include setup, but it does offer some options for low-cost (or zero-cost) delivery.

30-day returns at some retailers

Like shipping, returns also depend on where you buy. The site we checked offered a full refund within 30 days. There weren't any statements about return costs or shipping, however. So, you may want to contact the customer service team wherever you buy your Kenmore refrigerator to get the full picture.

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Some concerns about reliability

Kenmore's parent company Transformco currently holds an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. However, there are a high number of complaints on the BBB as well as with third-party review sites. On average, ConsumerAffairs shows that Kenmore has a 1-star rating. Customers complain that the Kenmore refrigerators don't last and parts need to be replaced regularly. Ratings from retailers are a little higher, but still relatively low compared to other brands. Kenmore holds an average of 4 stars and some positives include the quietness of the ice makers and the storage capacity. On the other hand, with far more reviews about the repair issues (and only a 1-year warranty), we're concerned about the quality.

Not a stand-out brand

While Kenmore's refrigerators offer some competitive features, such as energy efficiency and customizable storage space, several drawbacks bring the brand down. First, finding models and buying them directly from the company can be a hassle, and shipping and return policies vary depending on the retailer. Customers have also raised concerns about the reliability of Kenmore's products, with many complaining about repair issues and short lifespan. Overall, while Kenmore's refrigerators may be decent options for some, they don't stand out from the competition and may not be the best value for your money.

Where Can You Find the Best Refrigerator?

When purchasing a new refrigerator, choosing your new appliance can be a daunting decision that requires careful research and consideration. You're not just investing in a household appliance; you're making a choice that will impact your daily life for years to come. Whether you're moving into a new home and need a reliable appliance to keep your food fresh, or you're replacing an old fridge that's been giving you trouble for years, you want to make sure you get a model that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Refrigerators have come a long way in recent years, offering a range of features and designs to suit different lifestyles and preferences. From basic side-by-side models to cutting-edge designs with touchscreens and Wi-Fi capabilities, there's a refrigerator on the market to suit every taste and budget. Some models offer advanced features like smart sensors that can detect when food is spoiling and alert you to its presence, while others offer sleek designs that blend into your kitchen decor.

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Refrigerator FAQ

In the past, the only option was the freezer-on-top, fridge-on-bottom style, and then customers got the option for side-by-side styles. Today's refrigerators also offer the French door design, usually with two doors on the top and a pull-out freezer drawer (or two) on the bottom. Even more modern features include see-through doors, doors with touchscreens that can display calendars or stream music, and ice makers for cocktail-sized cubes!
Prices vary widely: by brand, features, size, and so forth. You could buy a mini-fridge for a dorm room for under $100, or a top-of-the-line professional model for almost $15,000! Fortunately, most refrigerators for average home use cost somewhere between $7,000 and $4,000.
Yes. Maybe you want a fridge in the house and a freezer in the garage. You can indeed buy refrigerators with no freezer, but be ready for a much more limited selection.
Yes. Not everyone wants to give up the space in their fridge that's taken up by the components of a water dispenser. You can find a decent range of options for refrigerators with no water dispenser in the door.
Most refrigerators will take anywhere from 3 to 24 hours to reach the FDA-recommended temperature of 40 degrees. Keep that in mind as you're planning the logistics of clearing out your old fridge and getting the new one set up: you'll want a way to keep food cold while you're waiting for your new appliance to cool down.
Refrigerators have the longest lifespan of most home appliances: about 13 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Your fridge also comes with a manufacturer's warranty, usually about a year. You can buy extended protection if you like, which generally extends that coverage for up to 5 years.
Buying your refrigerator online makes it much easier to narrow down all of the possibilities and zero in on the appliance that best fits your needs. In an appliance store, you could easily wander back and forth between several models, trying to keep all of the features and differences straight in your head. Shopping online, you can easily compare two models side-by-side (pun intended) and keep track of your favorites. Plus, most stores near you will have a very limited floor selection, as opposed to the vast inventory featured online.
That will depend on the store where you get your refrigerator. You could get free delivery or pay a small fee to have it brought to your home and installed. If you need your old fridge hauled off, that's usually included at an extra cost as well.
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Continued from above...

No matter which style you want, with a new refrigerator you're definitely in for an upgrade in quality or reliability. While you might be a bit worried about cost, don't worry, we've got your back. With refrigerators ranging from under $500 to over $5,000, there are new refrigerators out there for any budget. The top model on the market might be pricey, but you can find tons of comparable options for reasonable prices as well.

As long as you know what you're looking for in terms of features, size, and other key elements, you can easily stay within your budget without compromising on the tech side. Not everyone wants an in-door water/ice dispenser or Wi-Fi connectivity, so figuring out your refrigerator priorities can help you find the best deals for your new appliance.

Once you've determined what kind of refrigerator will best suit your needs, it's time to research different brands and models. Some manufacturers have a reputation for producing reliable appliances with excellent customer service, while others may be more prone to issues or recalls. All manufacturers are known for something different, with some focusing on more high-end options and others concentrating on the essentials. Make sure you find a brand that aligns with your refrigerator checklist.

However, with so many different brands out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you need a starting point, here are several factors you might want to consider to help you find the perfect brand, model, or style of refrigerator:

  • Style. Do you want a traditional side-by-side refrigerator or do you want something that changes up how you use your space, like a top freezer or bottom freezer? Knowing how you like to pack your perishables can help you easily narrow down which brands to shop with. Some have more options than others in a particular style.
  • Features. Check the features and options available on different refrigerators. Do you want food sensors and specialty drawers to keep food fresh? Do you want Wi-Fi connectivity?
  • Reputation. Invest in a high-quality refrigerator from a reputable manufacturer. This way, you'll know you can get years of reliability out of your new appliance. Look for models with impressive warranties and solid reputations to make sure you're getting the most for your money.
  • Price. Set a budget for your refrigerator and compare options in your range across different brands. Not all brands are made the same and you might find high-end features for low-end prices, depending on where you shop. While it's important to stay within your budget, remember that quality can last for years to come, so investing in a more expensive refrigerator can pay off over time.

To help you find the best refrigerators for your home and style, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top refrigerator brands and models on the market. We hope our research will help you find a top-notch addition to your kitchen appliances.

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