Who Makes Kenmore Washing Machines

Kenmore washing machines are made by third party manufacturers under license from Transformco, the company that owns the Kenmore brand name.

Kenmore spent decades as the exclusive appliance brand of Sears before the retailer collapse, and the name still carries strong recognition among American shoppers.

Transformco acquired Kenmore along with most of Sears Holdings remaining assets through a bankruptcy auction in early 2019, but the company does not manufacture appliances itself.

But if Transformco does not build washing machines, who actually makes the Kenmore branded washer sitting in a shopper cart today?

This guide will explore who owns Kenmore, which companies actually manufacture its washing machines, the brand history, how Kenmore compares to Whirlpool, and whether the investment is worth it.

So let’s get started.

Who Owns The Kenmore Brand

The Kenmore brand is owned by Transformco, the company formed from the remains of Sears Holdings after its 2018 bankruptcy.

Transformco acquired Kenmore along with nearly all of Sears Holdings other operating assets through a bankruptcy auction that closed in early 2019.

Unlike traditional appliance manufacturers, Transformco does not operate its own washing machine factories.

Instead, Transformco licenses the Kenmore name to established appliance manufacturers who design and build the actual products.

Which Companies Actually Manufacture Kenmore Washing Machines

Kenmore washing machines and other appliances that use water, including dishwashers, are manufactured primarily by Whirlpool under a licensing agreement with Transformco.

LG has also produced certain Kenmore branded appliances over the years, depending on the specific product category and model generation.

This licensing model means the actual engineering, factory production, and quality control for a given Kenmore washer often mirrors the manufacturer own branded product line.

Our guide to where Kenmore appliances are made covers this licensing structure in more detail across other appliance categories.

The History Of Kenmore

Kenmore launched in 1927 as the exclusive appliance brand sold through Sears, quickly becoming one of the most recognized names in American home appliances, according to Wikipedia.

For decades, Kenmore appliances were manufactured under contract by major companies including Whirlpool, though Sears kept the manufacturer identity largely hidden from consumers.

Sears Holdings filed for bankruptcy in 2018, and Transformco acquired the Kenmore brand along with other remaining assets during the resulting 2019 bankruptcy auction.

Since then, Kenmore has continued selling appliances through various retail partners, including Amazon and Ace Hardware, rather than through Sears stores.

What Makes Kenmore Washing Machines Stand Out

Kenmore washing machines historically emphasized straightforward, dependable engineering, benefiting from decades of contract manufacturing relationships with major appliance makers.

Pricing has generally positioned Kenmore between budget and premium tiers, competing directly with the manufacturer own branded products in many cases.

Since the Sears bankruptcy, Kenmore retail availability has narrowed considerably compared to its decades long dominance in Sears stores nationwide.

Our guide to who makes Whirlpool appliances covers the manufacturer most closely tied to many current Kenmore washing machines.

Kenmore Versus Whirlpool Washing Machines

Since Whirlpool manufactures many Kenmore washers, the two brands can share underlying engineering despite different branding and pricing. This overlap is not always obvious from the outside, which is exactly why checking specifics matters.

Buying a Kenmore washer sometimes means buying a Whirlpool engineered product at a different price point, depending on the specific model and retailer.

Whirlpool own branded washers typically come with more consistent, widely available retail distribution than current Kenmore offerings.

Shoppers comparing the two should look closely at the specific model specifications rather than assuming meaningful engineering differences based on brand name alone.

Why Kenmore Uses Multiple Manufacturers

Kenmore has relied on outside contract manufacturers for its entire history, even during its decades as the flagship Sears appliance brand.

This structure let Sears offer a full appliance lineup without operating its own factories, instead negotiating manufacturing deals with companies like Whirlpool.

The same basic model continues today under Transformco, though the brand overall market position has shrunk considerably since losing its dedicated Sears retail network.

Shoppers who want certainty about a specific washer origin should check the model number and manufacturer details listed on the product page before buying.

Kenmore Washing Machine Warranty Coverage

Most Kenmore washing machines carry a standard one year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Warranty service is typically handled according to the terms set by Transformco rather than by the underlying manufacturer directly.

Extended service plans are available through some retailers for buyers who want protection beyond the standard first year.

Given the brand licensing structure, buyers should confirm exactly who handles warranty service before completing a purchase. Reading the fine print on the product listing or contacting the retailer directly before checkout can prevent confusion later if a repair becomes necessary.

Is Kenmore Really Good Or Really Worth It

Kenmore reputation has shifted significantly since the Sears bankruptcy, and current customer sentiment reflects that transition.

On Trustpilot, reviews are predominantly negative, with common complaints about defective units, difficulty reaching customer service, and frustration over warranty support.

Some reviewers report that Kenmore appliances seem designed to fail shortly after the warranty period ends, though this pattern is common across many mainstream appliance complaints generally.

Longtime Kenmore customers sometimes note declining product quality and support compared to the brand era as the exclusive Sears appliance line.

For buyers who specifically want a Whirlpool engineered washer at Kenmore pricing, checking the current manufacturer for a specific model is worth the research before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenmore Washing Machines

Does Transformco Actually Make Kenmore Washing Machines

No. Transformco owns the Kenmore brand name but licenses actual manufacturing to companies like Whirlpool, which builds most Kenmore washers and other water using appliances.

Is Kenmore Still Sold At Sears

Kenmore is no longer tied exclusively to Sears stores and is now sold through various retail partners, including Amazon and Ace Hardware.

Who Owns Kenmore Today

Kenmore is owned by Transformco, the company formed from the remaining assets of Sears Holdings after its 2018 bankruptcy and 2019 asset auction.

How Long Is The Warranty On A Kenmore Washing Machine

Most Kenmore washing machines carry a standard one year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase.