Who Makes Kenmore Appliances?

Kenmore appliances are made by Whirlpool and several other manufacturers. Kenmore also outsources its appliance production to companies such as LG, Daewoo Electronics, Electrolux, and Panasonic.

While Sears Holdings Corporation originally owned and managed the Kenmore brand, they filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and were acquired by Transformco, an affiliate of ESL Investments. Subsequently, Transformco acquired the assets, including the Kenmore appliance brand for refrigerators, dishwashers, etc, and continues its household legacy.

Where Are Kenmore Appliances Made?

Kenmore is based out of Chicago, Illinois, but the company does not have its own production facilities. The manufacturing location of Kenmore appliances varies depending on the specific model and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Here’s a breakdown of some of the OEMs and their associated appliances:

• Whirlpool: Primarily handles major water-based appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. Production mostly takes place in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil.
• Frigidaire: Manufactures many kitchen appliances like ovens, ranges, and refrigerators. Manufacturing facilities are spread across the United States, Mexico, and China.
• LG Electronics: Contributes primarily to refrigerators and some washing machines. Production mainly happens in South Korea and China.
• Electrolux: Recently started producing select Kenmore refrigerators in Europe for specific markets.
• Cleva North America: Took over vacuum cleaner production after Panasonic stepped back in 2017. Manufacturing primarily happens in China.

Note: This information is subject to change. New partnerships and agreements with different OEMs can occur, and specific Kenmore models might be shifted to different manufacturers.

Kenmore Brand Overview

Kenmore Appliance Owner History

The iconic Kenmore brand boasts a long and fascinating history:

• 1913: Sears, Roebuck and Co. (later Sears Holdings Corporation) begins selling sewing machines under the Kenmore name.
• 1927 to 1932: The brand expands to include washing machines, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners.
• 1950s: Kenmore enjoys immense popularity, becoming synonymous with reliable and affordable home appliances.
• 1990s and 2000s: Increased competition from other brands hit the market and Kenmore struggled to maintain market share.
• 2017: 100 years of partnership between Whirlpool (the main manufacturer) and Sears Holdings ends.
• 2018: Sears Holdings files for bankruptcy, and the Kenmore brand is acquired by Transformco.
• Today: Kenmore continues to offer a wider variety of Kenmore appliances through partnerships with multiple OEMs, primarily targeting online and retail stores other than Sears.

What Kind of Appliances Does Kenmore Make?

Kenmore offers a comprehensive range of home appliances, including:

• Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators, freezers, ovens, ranges, cooktops, ventilation hoods, dishwashers, microwaves, and small appliances.
• Laundry Appliances: Washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryer combos.
• Floor Care Appliances: Vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, and steam mops.
• Other Appliances: Water heaters, air conditioners, and outdoor grilling equipment.

The Kenmore brand covers different price points and feature sets, catering to various budgets and needs. However, the specific product lineup might vary depending on the retailer, region, and OEM that produces the Kenmore product.

Is Kenmore a Good Appliance Brand?

Kenmore is a good appliance brand that is recognized for affordable quality at a lower price than other appliance brands. The Kenmore brand has been around for over 100 years, with a strong reputation for durability and performance.

Determining whether Kenmore is a “good” brand for you depends on your individual priorities and preferences.

Here’s a balanced perspective on the pros and cons of Kenmore appliances:

Pros:

• Affordability: Kenmore often positions itself as a value-oriented brand, offering competitive prices compared to premium options.
• Variety: The extensive product range allows you to find appliances for most needs and budgets under one brand name.
• Availability: Kenmore appliances are readily available through various online and retail stores such as Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Target, and Sears.
• Brand recognition: The long-standing reputation of Kenmore can inspire trust and familiarity for some consumers.

Cons:

• Quality inconsistency: The reliance on diverse OEMs can lead to variations in quality and performance across different models.
• Limited brand control: With Transformco licensing the brand, Kenmore has less control over design, innovation, and overall product direction compared to independent manufacturers.
• Mixed customer reviews: While some users praise Kenmore’s affordability and reliability, others report issues with durability and customer service.

Overall, Kenmore can be a viable option if you prioritize affordability and are comfortable researching specific models for quality and features. However, if brand consistency, cutting-edge features, or premium build quality are your top priorities, other brands might be a better fit for your appliance needs.

Explore More Appliance Manufacturers

Now that you know more about who makes Kenmore appliances, where they are manufactured, the kind of appliances Kenmore makes, and their quality, you may want to compare Kenmore to other appliance manufacturers.

Browse the appliance maker guides to research popular brands and find information on a specific company.

Who's Query

Who’s Query is an online encyclopedia of product owners and manufacturer information that educates users about who makes popular brands.