For many, Kenmore is a brand reminiscent of reliable household appliances that have stood the test of time. However, a question that has lingered for years is, who are Kenmore appliances made by? Uncovering this answer takes us on an enlightening journey through the annals of Kenmore’s storied past and its multifaceted partnerships.
Diving Deeper into the World of Kenmore Appliances
Kenmore’s legacy is rich and varied, spanning multiple manufacturers and decades of home appliance evolution.
History of Sears Kenmore Appliances
The Kenmore brand was birthed in 1913, not as an appliance but as a sewing machine sold under the Sears umbrella. Over the subsequent decades, the Kenmore name expanded its reach. From sewing machines to vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and more, the brand became synonymous with reliability and innovation.
Throughout the 20th century, Kenmore solidified its status as Sears’ crown jewel, often touted as one of the best reasons to shop there. But a less known fact is that while Kenmore products sported the Sears brand, they weren’t actually manufactured by Sears.
Which Brands Are Kenmore Appliances Made By?
Here lies the fascinating secret behind the Kenmore badge. Kenmore itself never had a factory or a production line. Instead, it relied on third-party manufacturers, titans in their respective appliance fields, to produce its products. These companies would produce appliances that were then branded and sold as Kenmore.
Whirlpool, for instance, was one of the major manufacturers for Kenmore. Other big names like LG, Electrolux, and GE have also played significant roles. So, if you’ve ever seen resemblances between a Kenmore appliance and another brand, it wasn’t mere coincidence!
Kenmore Manufacturer Codes
To determine who made your Kenmore appliance, look to the manufacturer code section of the appliance’s model number. The model number code is the first three digits of your Kenmore appliance’s model number. Here’s the full table to guide you:
| Manufacturer | Code |
|---|---|
| Admiral (Inglis) | C646 |
| Admiral (Inglis) | C880 |
| Amana | 335 |
| Amana | 596 |
| Broan | 233 |
| Caloric | 174 |
| Caloric | 960 |
| Camco | C362 |
| Camco | C363 |
| Camco | C978 |
| Carrier | 416 |
| D&M | 587 |
| Defiance | 789 |
| DM (Frigidaire) | 587 |
| Electrolux | 336 |
| Fedders / Whirlpool | 484 |
| Friedrich | 840 |
| Frigidaire | 119 |
| Frigidaire | 970 |
| GE | 362 |
| GE | 363 |
| GE | 464 |
| Gibson / Frigidaire | 253 |
| Goldstar (LG Electronics) | 580 |
| Goldstar (LG Electronics) | 721 |
| Hitachi | 934 |
| Hoover | 473 |
| Inglis | C106 |
| Inglis | C110 |
| In-Sink-Erator | 175 |
| Jenn Air | 629 |
| Keeprite | 867 |
| Keeprite | C938 |
| Kelvinator (1970+) | C970 |
| Kelvinator (Frigidaire) | 622 |
| Kelvinator (prior to 1970) | C933 |
| Kelvinator / Frigidaire | 417 |
| Kelvinator / Frigidaire | 628 |
| Kelvinator / Frigidaire | 662 |
| KitchenAid | 666 |
| Lennox | 292 |
| LG (Refrigerators) | 795 |
| Litton | 747 |
| Marvel / Imperial | 757 |
| Maycor (Maytag) | 925 |
| Panasonic | 568 |
| Panasonic | 586 |
| Philco Italy | 683 |
| Preway | 155 |
| RCA | 274 |
| Rheem / Ruud | 879 |
| Roper | 103 |
| Roper | 155 |
| Roper | 278 |
| Roper | 647 |
| Roper | 835 |
| Roper (Whirlpool) | 917 |
| Samsung | 401 |
| Sanyo | 564 |
| Sanyo | 565 |
| Sanyo | 566 |
| SFS Corp. (Sanyo/Fisher) | 143 |
| Sharp | 575 |
| SpeedQueen | 362 |
| SpeedQueen | 363 |
| SpeedQueen | 651 |
| Tappan (Frigidaire) | 719 |
| Tappan (Frigidaire) | 791 |
| Toshiba | 562 |
| Trane | 144 |
| WCI / Frigidaire | 790 |
| Whirlpool | 106 |
| Whirlpool | 110 |
| Whirlpool | 198 |
| Whirlpool | 562 |
| Whirlpool | 664 |
| Whirlpool | 665 |
| Whirlpool (Chambers?) | 850 |
| Woods | C675 |
| York | 342 |
Are Kenmore Appliances Still Made Today?
Following the decline of Sears, many pondered over what happened to Kenmore appliances. While Sears did undergo bankruptcy, the Kenmore legacy continues. Today, Kenmore appliances can be found at various retailers, including Kenmore appliances at Lowe’s. The brand has managed to remain relevant and trusted, primarily due to its rich history and dedication to quality.
However, with the shifting dynamics, it’s crucial for consumers to keep abreast of where and who sells Kenmore brand appliances, as distribution channels might evolve.
The Kenmore story is more than just appliances; it’s a century-old tale of branding brilliance, collaborations, and continuous adaptation. Whether you’re a Kenmore loyalist or a curious consumer, knowing its origins enriches the relationship you share with every Kenmore product in your home.
And remember; when seeking professional Kenmore appliance service, look no further than Appliance King of America. We’re your trusted name in appliance care serving the Palm Beach area and beyond!
