Consumer Product Information: Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer
The Kenmore 44102 is front load washer that has been around for a few years. It isn’t cheap, and there are some important aspects of the Kenmore 44102 to consider before investing in one.
Specifications of the Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer
The Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer comes with six preset washing cycles. It also includes a heavy duty cycle and extra rinse. There are four temperature levels. The spin also runs at four speeds to accommodate your delicates as well as heavily soiled clothing.
Like other front loaders, the Kenmore 44102 is a drum washer, with a stainless steel tub. It is equipped with fabric softener dispenser, bleach dispenser, and detergent dispenser in the front of the washer.
The dimensions are 26.75″ x 36″ x 26.75″ (depth, height, and width). The washer capacity is 3.1 cubic feet, allowing for large loads.
The Kenmore 44102 is Energy Star Compliant and comes with a one year warranty.
It is a stackable unit, with a matching dryer.
I have seen the cost from just under $700 to over $800. The cost of purchasing a front load washer should be evaluated in terms of energy savings, water conservation, and durability of the product.
Advantages of the Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer
It has been said that two of the main advantages of the Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer are lower water usage and energy savings. Long term savings and water conservation top my priority list when shopping for a new appliance. This made the Kenmore 44102 worth researching.
Another advantage cited by users is less nicks in clothing. The Kenmore 44102 eliminates the agitator found in top loaders, replacing it with a barrel washer. I love the idea that it keeps down annoying knits on sweaters and poly/cotton blends. A front load washer should stop nasty pulls in fall novelty sweaters, beads on dress shirts and slacks.
Users of the Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer give it a three to four star rating for ease of use, ability to clean, and convenience. Those who have used a front loader seem to like the cleaning aspects of all brands better than top loaders. Although, having looked at over fifty reviews, I have yet to see a five star rating on any aspect of the Kenmore 44102.
Disadvantages of the Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer
The number one complaint is that the washer vibrates horribly when in the spin cycle. Numerous users stated that their washer “walked” because of excessive vibration. Sears and Kenmore advise that placing the Kenmore 44102 on a level surface will stop the vibration, but most people found that even if they were able to stop the front load washer from walking out of the laundry room it was still too loud. This is one annoyance I don’t need.
You can’t balance a front load washer the way you can a top loader. There doesn’t seem to be a solution to this problem with this Kenmore model. There are other front load washers that cost a little more, but don’t have the noise and vibration problem. The LG Tromm is one example of a much quieter running front load washer.
At least two users commented that the ball bearings in the barrel wore out within two to three years. This is another reason not to purchase the Kenmore 44102. If you are like the rest of us, a washer is not something you want to buy that frequently. They also cited issues with Sears and Kenmore in getting the appliance serviced while it was within the one year warranty.
The disadvantages of the Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer influenced me enough not to purchase this washer. If you do decide to purchase it, because you find it used, on-sale, or like the price better than newer models, please, consider purchasing the extended service warranty. It is my understanding that repair of the Kenmore 44102 can cost almost as much as a new washer.
Sources:
“Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer: Three Weeks of a Bad Experience.”
Epinions.com
http://www0.epinions.com/content_174763839108
“Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer: Money Wasted Two Years and Trash”
Epinions.com
http://www.epinions.com/content_399365803652?linkin_id=8003929
“Entry Level Front Loading Washing Machine: You Get What cha Pay For”
Epinions.com
http://www0.epinions.com/content_224114871940
“Kenmore 44102 Front Load Washer: Product Features”
Epinions.com
http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-Kenmore-44102
