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Kenmore Appliance Warranty Review
By Quinlan Grim MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Kenmore has been a household name in America for well over a century. It’s one of the nation’s top producers of refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machines and other home appliances. But what happens when a Kenmore appliance breaks down?
All Kenmore products come with limited warranty coverage. The extent of that coverage varies for each appliance and doesn’t extend to other systems in your home like the best home warranties do. But it can save you from paying out of pocket for expensive repairs.
Here’s what you need to know about the Kenmore manufacturer warranty, including types of policies offered, customer reviews and how Kenmore warranties have been affected by the Sears bankruptcy.
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Kenmore appliance warranty overview
Appliances break down. But if an appliance you rely on daily isn’t working the way you expected, you shouldn’t have to pay for repairs yourself. That’s where the warranty comes in.
Kenmore offers limited warranties on all of its products. They aim to extend your appliance’s life and keep you from paying for damage that isn’t your fault. Unfortunately, your warranty might not cover as much as you’d like.
Still, if you bought a Kenmore product, you should know exactly what your warranty covers and what circumstances may call for additional coverage.
Here’s how Kenmore stacks up to other appliance warranty companies:
- Warranties come with the appliance purchase
- You can extend your coverage after the warranty expires
- Technicians are certified to work with Kenmore appliances
- Kenmore offers complete replacement if the appliance fails within the first year
- Only covers one appliance
- Most warranties expire after one year
- Extended parts warranties don't cover installation costs
- Customer service can be difficult
It’s worth noting that Kenmore appliances were sold exclusively through Sears for years. Since Sears filed for bankruptcy in 2018, many Kenmore customers have wondered about the future of their machines and warranty coverage. However, as the company restructures, Sears has promised to uphold Kenmore warranties.
Your Kenmore appliance warranty isn’t the same as a Sears home warranty. The warranties discussed here are specific to Kenmore appliances and don’t extend to other systems in your home.
Kenmore appliance warranty services for major appliances
The exact coverage of a Kenmore warranty varies depending on the appliance. For some major appliances, the company covers a particular part or component beyond the appliance’s life expectancy.
Generally, Kenmore warranty repair covers preventable damage that isn’t the customer’s fault. That includes broken or missing parts, faulty installation and poor workmanship. It doesn’t include normal wear and tear, flood damage, fire damage, appliance misuse or improper installation (if you installed the appliance yourself).
Like other warranty companies, Kenmore partners with independent contractors in your area. A certified technician will carry out warranty services after you file a claim.
What Kenmore appliance warranties offer
Kenmore appliance warranties replace damaged or defective parts during the contract’s lifespan.
The warranty is usually active for one year after you purchase the appliance. Some Kenmore appliances come with extended warranties on parts designed to last a long time. However, coverage generally becomes more limited as the appliance ages.
Here’s an example of what an appliance parts warranty might cover over time:
- Within one year: Parts are repaired or replaced at no cost to the customer.
- Within two years: Kenmore supplies part replacements, but the customer has to pay for installation.
- Within five years: Kenmore offers replacements for dishwasher racks damaged by rust.
- Within the appliance’s life: Certain parts, like stainless steel dishwasher tubs, are covered as long as you own the machine.
Once your limited warranty expires, you can purchase extended coverage. Of course, an extended warranty won’t replace the appliance for free when it breaks down. It will cover rust damage or poor workmanship, which can help your machine last longer.
What Kenmore appliance warranties don’t offer
Kenmore offers a manufacturer warranty, not a home warranty. Even Kenmore’s extended warranties apply to only one appliance at a time — or sometimes, one part at a time.
Here’s what you won’t get out of any appliance’s parts warranty Kenmore provides:
- Coverage for whole systems like HVAC or septic
- Free service after the first year
- Coverage for other appliances in your home
- Repair and replacement service for everyday wear and tear
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions (i.e., a damaged fridge that comes with your home when you buy it)
Types of warranty policies offered
Kenmore appliance warranties differ for each appliance. Let’s go over the policies for three of the most popular Kenmore appliances: refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.
Refrigerator
A Kenmore refrigerator warranty covers the whole machine for your first year of owning it. Kenmore will send a technician to repair any defective or damaged parts. If the refrigerator itself isn’t working (and it isn’t your fault), Kenmore will replace the whole thing at no charge.
You’ll get extended coverage for parts if you buy a Kenmore Elite or Kenmore PRO refrigerator. That includes a five-year warranty for the sealed refrigerant system and a ten-year warranty for your linear compressor.
Dishwasher
Every Kenmore dishwasher comes with a standard warranty that lasts one year. Beyond that, Kenmore covers rust damage and leak repair for certain parts. However, you’ll still have to pay a service fee for repair or installation and may have to order parts for Kenmore appliance warranty coverage yourself.
Washing machine
A one-year warranty covers Kenmore washing machines and dryers. Some parts, like drive motors, come with a lifetime warranty if you purchased your washing machine after February 2018.
Remember that a lifetime warranty covers the cost of the part but not the installation. You’ll have to pay for a technician or install it yourself.
Kenmore appliance warranty accessibility
Like with other warranty providers, there are a few hoops you have to jump through to access Kenmore appliance warranty services. Here’s what we learned about Kenmore’s accessibility.
Kenmore customer care line
Kenmore has a 24/7 customer care line to talk to a representative and learn more about your warranty. Unfortunately, this helpline doesn’t have the best reviews. Some customers have reported being on the line for hours without talking to a live representative. If you can’t connect with Kenmore’s customer service over the phone, you might have better luck sending an email.
Free quotes
If your Kenmore appliance comes with a free limited warranty but you want to extend it, you may be able to see your options — and get a free quote — when you purchase the appliance. You can also find this information online. All you need is your appliance details and the date of purchase.
Contact information
Because of the tie between Kenmore and Sears, finding the correct contact information for your issue can be tricky. Kenmore’s website lists a few different contact links. If you want to learn more about your specific product or warranty, you can contact Kenmore’s customer care line or send an email. For parts and installation information, you have to go through Sears.
Limitations
Every warranty has its limitations. The most significant limitation of a Kenmore appliance warranty is the one-year lifespan. You would have to pay to extend your contract or buy a home warranty plan if you want more coverage beyond that.
Kenmore appliance warranty customer satisfaction
The best way to evaluate a company’s quality is to look at its existing customers. Kenmore is one of the biggest appliance manufacturers in the nation, so it isn’t hard to find customer reviews.
However, it can be tough to sort through them. Here are a few simplified ways to look into Kenmore’s customer satisfaction.
Third-party ratings
Third-party ratings (ratings and reviews from neutral organizations) are helpful if you want a non-biased perspective.
Energy Star rates Kenmore’s appliances as energy efficient. Unfortunately, Kenmore doesn’t have many third-party ratings regarding appliance warranties. Sears Home Services, which includes Kenmore, is currently not rated by the Better Business Bureau.
Customer reviews and complaints
Again, there are many Kenmore reviews and complaints online. We picked out the highlights from scanning them: Kenmore’s products generally get decent reviews. Some sites rate it higher than others. Most online complaints deal with difficulties getting ahold of customer service and warranty limitations.
Awards and certifications
Every year since 2014, the Kenmore brand has received The Women’s Choice Award for America’s Most Recommended Everyday Washer and Dryer, Dishwasher and Refrigerator. While this recognition has been continuous for the past eight years, the award is for appliances, not warranties. There is no available information regarding Kenmore Warranty awards or acknowledgments at this time.
Kenmore appliance warranty FAQs
How do you see if a Kenmore appliance is still under warranty?
There is no online form to check the status of your Kenmore appliance warranty. The best way is to consult the documents you received when you purchased the appliance. However, if you don't have that information, you can call Kenmore's warranty customer service. You can also visit Kenmore's website and look up your specific appliance.
If you call customer service, be ready to provide your appliance model and date of purchase. A generic question like "how do I check my Kenmore warranty?" won't get a detailed answer right away.
Who honors Sears Kenmore appliance warranty?
Sears still honors Kenmore's warranties regardless of the bankruptcy.
How do you submit a Kenmore warranty claim?
Your product has to be registered with Kenmore to submit a warranty claim. You can register your Kenmore appliance warranty registration online as soon as you purchase the appliance.
If your appliance is registered, go to the Kenmore website, look up your product and call the number listed to contact Sears customer service and file your claim.
Is my new Kenmore appliance covered under warranty if I bought it at an overstock store?
Sears upholds Kenmore warranties. Contact the seller if you bought your appliance from a second-hand business or an overstock store. You may only be able to access a Sears warranty if it's transferable — for example, a lifetime warranty on certain dishwasher parts.
How long is Kenmore warranty coverage?
Kenmore usually offers a 365-day warranty. A smaller Kenmore appliance like a dishwasher or garbage disposal might come with a two-year warranty, while larger appliances often have extended or lifetime warranties on certain parts.
How we evaluated Kenmore appliance warranties
Because of Kenmore’s ties with Sears, separating the two companies is tricky. We evaluated Kenmore’s appliance warranties independently based on Kenmore’s website and customer reviews.
It’s important to note that this review applies to Kenmore as a manufacturer, not Sears as a vendor or warranty provider.
Summary of our Kenmore appliance warranty review
Kenmore is a dependable appliance manufacturer and a staple in most American households. Unfortunately, while Kenmore’s appliances are great, its warranties are extremely limited.
A Kenmore warranty alone won’t cover your appliance for as long as you own it. If you want complete protection from expensive repairs, consider buying an extended warranty, or a comprehensive home warranty plan.
So, what does a home warranty cover? Major appliances and systems in your home, including Kenmore products. When comparing a home warranty vs. home insurance, you may find that a home warranty fills in the gaps not covered by your insurance plan.
If you’re looking for complete coverage beyond Kenmore’s policies, look for a dependable home warranty company. Additional coverage will help to keep your Kenmore appliance up and running for years.