Whirlpool is not the only manufacturer of Kenmore products. Kenmore also outsources its products from different OEM (original equipment manufacturer) companies, such as LG, Daewoo Electronics, Panasonic, and others.
As for Kenmore, it's a well-known brand—but it has no factories. The Sears-and-Kmart exclusive label dictates designs and warranties and features, but all the products are built by competing home appliance companies that include LG, Frigidaire, and—you guessed it—Whirlpool.
Whirlpool=Kenmore=Maytag=Whirlpool
The three brands you use in the poll as made by the same manufacturer Whirlpool.
Washers and Dryers: Nearly all new top-load Kenmore washers and matching dryers are made by Whirlpool Corp. Front-load machines and stacking dryers are made by LG. Refrigerators: Here's where it gets tricky. Most top-freezer Kenmore fridges are made by Electrolux, and are similar to Frigidaire models.
Frigidaire makes their own refrigerators for themselves and any smaller companies Frigidaire owns. Kenmore, the brand name put on Sears products, does not manufacture any major appliances. They buy their appliances from other companies and put their own name, Kenmore, on the outside.
Previously they were a subsidiary brand of Sears Holdings, but after Sears Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 15, 2018 they were acquired by Transformco, formed in 2019 after acquiring the assets of Sears Holdings Corporation.
Frigidaire Appliance Company is the American consumer and commercial home appliances brand subsidiary of multinational company Electrolux, a Swedish multinational home appliance manufacturer, headquartered in Stockholm.
Kenmore says product assortment and distribution is expected to grow across 2024. "We are excited for this expansion of the Kenmore name across Canada and look forward to additional partnerships in the months to come."
Whirlpool Corporation is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of home appliances headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, United States.
We make diverse products with a broad offering of features and innovations for every kind of home and involvement level across our Kenmore®, Kenmore Elite® and Kenmore PRO® brands.
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!
Following the Maytag headquarters closure, all brand administration was transferred to Whirlpool's headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Maytag name would now be used on Whirlpool-designed appliances.
Kenmore (10-12 Years)
Kenmore washing machines have been a home staple for decades, and their durability remains a key selling point. They're often praised for reliability, with an average lifespan of 10-12 years, though recent models might not be as robust as older ones.
GE Appliances is an American home appliance manufacturer based in Louisville, Kentucky. It is owned by Haier Smart Home Company, a publicly-traded affiliate of Haier, after an acquisition from General Electric in 2016.
Whirlpool sells products under a wide variety of other brand names that include KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Consul. The company began in 1908 when Lou Upton first sold electric washing machines to Sears.
While both brands share innovative capabilities and durability, Maytag delivers more excellent value with premium features, while Whirlpool washers offer a broader price range and product selection.
Whirlpool has proudly been one of the top American-made appliance brands for over 100 years. In fact, Whirlpool has manufacturing facilities all over the United States and has several products that reside in homes across the country.
Kenmore sits on the banks of the River Tay and is home to around 100 residents. Arizona-based Investors Discovery Land Company has snapped up a lot of real estate in the region, which is causing concerns among the locals the area is becoming "hoarded by the elite".
Kenmore is a brand owned by Transformco, which was acquired by Sears. While the brand is unified under the Kenmore umbrella, different companies such as Whirlpool, LG, and Electrolux manufacture their appliances, so you may see different brands or specifications of Kenmore products.
Because Whirlpool manufactured a large percentage of Kenmore-branded appliances, the parts are often the same across both brands.
While GE may offer more high-end features, Whirlpool excels in providing solid construction and practical features that meet the needs of most households without the added cost of luxury. For budget-conscious consumers seeking durable appliances, Whirlpool is often the better option.
Which Is Better, Frigidaire or Whirlpool? Both brands offer exceptional build quality, a wide selection of models, and a range of price points. Frigidaire offers more low-to-mid-range options, while Whirlpool is known for slightly higher quality and better energy efficiency across its product lineup.
The Whirlpool Corporation purchased Maytag in 2006. However, the two brands continue to operate as independent appliance manufacturers and have several differences.