28081 Review

Companion Dryers:
Electric - Kenmore-69272 Review
Gas - Kenmore-79272 Review

Washer Pros and Cons

Cleaning

Sanitizes clothes with an internal heater. Raises the temperature of the input water supply to ensure the water is very hot, usually above 150 degrees F. High water temperature is the key to getting clothes really clean.

Spin

Maximum spin rate is about average for a new washing machine. Higher spin RPM removes more moisture from clothing and reduces dryer cycle time. Can significantly save on energy costs, especially when coupled with an electric dryer.

 

Energy

Energy Factor is 21% lower than average. Clothes washers with lower Energy Factors are less efficient and will cost more to operate because they use more energy. Ranks in the lower 10% of new washers for FAIR energy efficiency.

 

Water

The Kenmore 28081 Water Factor is 42% higher than the average new washer. Higher Water Factors indicate the washer is less efficient and will use more water to operate. Ranks in the lower 10% of new washers for POOR water efficiency.

 

Cycles

Cycles and options are 35% lower than average. Less operating flexibility may be an issue if you have a wide array of fabrics or soil conditions within your family. Ranks in the lower 5% of new washers for FAIR program selection and flexibility.

 

Price

Price per cubic foot is 6% lower than average. Based on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), each cubic foot costs about $13 less than the average new washer. Ranks in the top 35% of new washing machines for BETTER price efficiency.

Performance Ratings

Steam

No Steam Cleaning – Does not have the capability to produce high-temperature steam. Steam can gently penetrate fabrics and is very effective on soil removal. Steam cycles are now available on about 50% of newly manufactured washers.

 

Sanitize

Sanitize Cycle – Clothes are sanitized by raising water temperatures to high levels that kill several types of household bacteria. Sanitization method may be effective, but it is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

Allergen

Not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to reduce allergens such as dust mite and dander with high temperature water.

 

Temp Control

Auto Temp Control – Automatically regulates the hot and cold water supply to ensure that the wash water is at the proper temperature for the cycle selected. On cold winter days the hot water runs longer or more often to compensate.

Heater

Internal Water Heater – Includes an internal water heater that can boost water temperature beyond your home’s hot water tank. Helps maintain optimum temperatures throughout each cycle. Hot water is the key to really getting your clothes clean.

Water Level

Automatic Water Level – Designed with sensors that detect the load size and then adjust the water level to achieve the best cleaning and rinsing performance. Convenient feature that eliminates guessing and saves water costs.

Drum

Stainless Steel Wash Drum – Stainless steel is a durable wash basket material that resists corrosion, stains, and chipping. It is superior to porcelain or plastic. Over 90% of new washers produced today have stainless steel drums.

Vibration

Standard Vibration Control – designed with a standard spring suspension to help reduce vibrations. Effectiveness of this system compared to other washers with advanced anti-vibration is unknown.

 

Wash Type

0 – High efficiency top load washer that uses an 0 to lift and rotate clothing in varied wash motions. Provides for more usable drum space than the older agitator models and uses much less water to clean clothing.

MSRP

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is about average for a new washing machine and is rated GOOD for overall price. In addition to the MSRP, it’s also beneficial to evaluate cost efficiency by comparing price per cubic foot.

 

Motor

This model has been discontinued by the manufacturer but may still be available at some stores that sell Kenmore washers. Most appliance stores will provide at least the standard one-year part and labor warranty on the drive motor.

 

Convenience Ratings

Capacity

Interior capacity is 22% higher than average. Larger washers generally cost more, but if you have a big family, or want to do your wash less often, they can save you time and money. Ranks in the top 30% of new washers for LARGEST load size.

Periodic Tumble

No Periodic Tumble – After the wash cycle completes there is no extended tumbling of the clothes. Periodic tumbling, especially with circulating air, keeps the clothes fresh if you are delayed in transferring them to the dryer.

 

Time

Remaining Time Display – Includes a digital time display at the top of the washer that shows estimated remaining cycle time. Just glance at the display while you’re working and plan your time accordingly.

Delay

Delay Start / End> – You can program the wash cycle to start or end several hours later when you wake up or arrive home. Allows you to organize laundry chores around your schedule, or take advantage of lower, off-peak, utility rates.

Dispenser

Bleach, fabric softener, or detergent can be preloaded into the dispensing trays and automatically released by the washer at the optimum time in the wash cycle.

Settings

12 Temp-Soil-Spin Settings – 5 Temperature, 4 Soil, and 3 Spin settings. About average number of settings for a new washing machine. The more settings available, the greater the flexibility in caring for a wide range of fabrics, stains, and conditions.

 

Quick Wash

No Quick Wash – This washing machine does not have a fast wash cycle that can have your clothing ready in much less time than regular cycles. Some washers can have a small load ready in just 15 minutes.

 

Wash-Dry

No Overnight Wash & Dry – Like most washers, this model does not have the unique capability to both wash and dry your clothes overnight. A few washers can continue to tumble the clothes and circulate drying air after the wash cycle has ended.

 

Drum Light

No Drum Light – There is no internal lighting of the wash drum area when loading or unloading clothes. Sometimes shadows or an unlit laundry room can hide a stray sock that remains missing until the next wash cycle.

 

ADA

Not ADA Compliant – Does not comply with American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Most top loading washers are not ADA compliant because of the door location and the controls are higher from the ground than front load washers.

 

Wi-Fi

No Wi-Fi – This washing machine is not Wi-Fi Enabled or Wi-Fi Ready. It cannot be remotely programmed, operated, or diagnosed through a home Wi-Fi Internet connection or Smartphone. It is not Smart Grid or Smart Meter capable.

 

Detergent

No Detergent Reservoir – Like most washers, this machine does not have a reservoir that holds a large supply of detergent. A Few brands such as GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool offer new washers with multi-day detergent and fabric softener storage.

 

Reverse Door

No Reversible Door – Reversible doors generally do not apply to top load washers as they usually open from front to back. They are available on some front load washers where an open door can sometimes block the dryer.

 

Stackable

Not Stackable – Most top load washers cannot be stacked vertically with a dryer to save space and make dryer loading easier. This is a handy feature with front load washers if your laundry room area is small.