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Kenmore HE3t Front loading washer & dryer - advice please

18 years ago

Recently, I bought a Kenmore Elite (HE3t) Smartwash Quietpak4 frontloading automatic washer. Paid a little over $1,000 for each (after their sale offer). Have been using them for 3 weeks, but found out that the clothes still smell. They don't smell as clean as the freshly washed ones from my old top loading washer. The dryer also doesn't dry the first time. I ended up doing the drying at least a couple of times even though I set it on the heavy load cycle and more dry mode. I bought these appliances in a hurry because my old dryer broke down and I thought I would be nice to get a new dryer with its matching washer. I also came to realize that there are differences in the front loading models. The washer I got doesn't have water jets while there are others which have and would do a better job of cleaning, I suppose. At the time of purchase, the sales people did not make this difference known to me. I wish they had. As a first time user and also in a hurry to buy one to replace my broken appliance, I think I didn't make a wise purchase. Now, I'm regretting that decision. So, I've been thinking of returning them to Sears, but find out that I have to bear the 15% restocking charge for each one of them. Still, I think I should return them because they aren't working out to my satisfaction.

Meanwhile, I've been looking into alternative brand names like LG Tromm WM2277HW XL Front Load Stackable Washing Machine with 7 washing progrms. They work out to be $899 (for the washer) and $849 (or the dryer) from Home Depot.

And the other one recommended by Lowe's is Samsung Washer and Dryer (3.8 cu ft capacity) for $898 (washer) and $748 (dryer). I also prefer them to be stackable because of limited space. At this moment, I really would appreciate if some of you who have more experience with the frontloading washer and dryer to offer your feedback on your experience with different models. It's one thing to hear a salesman's talk and it's another to find out from consumers of these products. Your input will be most valuable. Thanks so much.

Comments (6)

  • 18 years ago

    I purchased the same machine and 3 days after the 90 day return policy expired we started having problems with error codes and the spin cycle. Dealing with Sears service has been a nightmare, to say the least. There are a number of consumer complaints on this particular model including the sears.com website under customer reviews.
    Consumerreports.com also has customer reviews posted on this particular model. Ironically, CR gives it a good rating. The problems people are commonly having are with the spin cycle, error messages (the computer), and the drum cracking. Sears has refused to acknowledge that this is a defective product. I found two posted complaints were a sears extended warranty was purchased as a result of the problems with this machine, and both ended up with a cracked washer drum, which was not covered under the extended warranty. Sears pays their service techs a commission for every extended warranty they sale to a customer. I would guess they also pay lousy wages. After being a loyal Sears customer for more than 20 years, I will no longer give them my business. Letters to their corporate office have been unanswered and their consumer relations center in Texas isn't about keeping customers, but wearing them down so they just go away.
    After what I know now, I would definitely return the machine and do my homework before purchasing another front loader. There is a lot to know.
    Good Luck

  • 18 years ago

    From all I have read on here you will be no better off with an LG than you are with the Kenmore. The LG's are hard to get serviced and get the parts for so I read. Check it out on this forum before you switch. Maybe you just need to change detergent, or change your wash temp?.About the dryer, have you checked to see if your vent is kinked or partly blocked with lint from theold dryer? If it is clogged somewhere down the line,depending on how long yours is,could be partly what happened to your previous dryer. Just a thought.

  • 18 years ago

    I agree with the advice of checking th vent. You said your previous dryer died. If you mean it didnt heat, the cause could be a clogged vent which evenually burnt your heating element which also caused the safety thermostats to trip. The new dryer will not dry because it has poor airflow..the dryer must be able to pull the air out of the dryer quickly in order to dry your clothes effectively. Also with your washer if there is an odor check to see if you have a white and/or brown residue around the door glass and/or seal. you must clean these on any FL frequently. Also if you wash small items such as bras, panties, kids clothes they can become sucked in the pump. and clog the water from draining. this causes a bad odor that vinger and bleach cycles can eliminate, but clear the blockage first....i hope this helps...btw remember that FL are more efficient because it uses less water, and the drum speed cycle turns at a higher RPM, so there is less water retention..the dryer is designed to compliment less water...so if the washer is not effective the dryer can also be effected as well

  • 18 years ago

    Blackbelt consumer: Sorry to hear of your bad encounter with Sears. You know, when I first got those machines home and tried them on, I already felt that something wasn't "kosher." I guess we bought in to the sales talk too quickly. We never learned our lesson dealing with Sears. We got a Kenmore dishwasher. It was a smaller capacity one, but cost more. We got it because of space limitation. Before the year was up, it already had problem--the water spinner broke--it melted away! And of course the warranty period was over too. So, I was thinking to myself how could Sears sell such a shoddy product! Anyway, Sears will be history for me too.

    spark823: Thanks for the heads up on LG. Interesting thing is that a few people in this forum seem to have positive things to say of it, but of course until the problem becomes a problem, it's always ok. In all fairness, all things will have problems some day, but if the problems become evident too soon, then the product is no better than the top loaders. They seem to last for years. Only difference is its energy saving feature, but I wonder how much savings is worth looking into, considering all inconveniences one has to go through. By the way, I do use the new detergent that is made for front loaders.

    laudrytech:

    The only thing with our set is that we have installed a new vent, so there's no kink or clog as far as we can tell. Also, the machine being so new, there isn't any residue around the door. That said, I will look out for the helpful things you suggested for future trouble shooting though.

    Guys, I have learned something here and want to thank each one of you for taking the time to respond. Meanwhile, I've been thinking of reverting back to good old days--with the top loaders. Any models to recommend? Stackable ones are preferred. Thanks so much once again and have a good evening.

  • 14 years ago

    Have had my 42924 washer and matching dryer for a couple of years - yes had a cracked drum, the dryer handle broke (poor design) but we have had repairs and they work well. Have a question...has anyone moved the washer door from right opening to left opening? And if so, how do you do it...is it as simple as taking the bracket screws out, flipping it over and screwing in the other side? I wonder because the inside profile of the door seems to have a top and bottom.....I would appreciate any feedback.

  • last year

    Same prob here. Front loaders are awful, I could tell right away that my clothes were not as clean as with the top load. Going back old school top load. But the dryer works fine.