I bought the DW in December 09, and I like it very much. VERY quiet and the dishes are CLEAN. I always use it with heat drying off & the dishes are dry the next morning when I empty it.

Kenmore Elite is not so much a separate brand as it is a deluxe trim-line within the Kenmore label. Sort of like when "Lady Kenmore" was Sears' Best back in the day. Kenmore Elite fills that slot now.

Keep in mind that Sears / Kenmore does not own manufacturing facilities. All products are sourced from other manufacturers (although to Sears' specifications & features) and labeled with the Kenmore (or Kenmore Elite) brand. The first three digits of the model number (preceding a period) is a code for the source manufacturer.
Who made that Kenmore?There may be a "parent owner" involved in the listed brands as well. Whirlpool, for example, owns Maytag (Jenn Air, Admiral, Amana), KitchenAid, and Inglis.

Thanks for the input. I wonder whether Sears customer service would tell me the name of the manufacturer if I asked. The only way to get the full serial number is from the ID tag on the appliance. Sears stores do not have most of the appliances on the floor. Which makes it necessary to buy appliances sight unseen. How scary is that?
Can anyone give me an opinion on the Kenmore Elite gas cooktop? Thanks
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02232499000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

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It may be model 790.32499800. 790 source code is Frigidaire. Electrolux currently owns the Frigidaire brand name and manufacturing facilities.

A recent experience with a $350 Kenmore vacuum -- you may have to have any repairs for Kenmore done only by Sears. Other places will not repair or do not like to repair Sears/Kenmore.

Yes I do not relish the idea of dealing with Sears. I avoid the store in general. However their stuff makes the top spots in the Consumer Reports ratings. And I am getting significant 'builder discounts' from their contract sales rep being that this is a new construction. The combination was irresistible as I now have payment fatigue.

Here are my thoughts on my Kenmore Elite appliances:

Range (smooth top convection, three racks, warming drawer): I am very happy with it.The bridge element is very handy and it is easy to keep clean----especially the touch panel (no buttons). The broiler works well.

Side by side refrigerator: I like it but the ice maker has been repaired twice (3 times?) and the refrigerator has stopped working once. Still under the 5 year warranty but dealing with Sears repairs is a pain. Though the actual repairmen are very nice, the 800 number is awful, but that's too long a story!

Speedcook (Advantium) microwave I LOVE this! The only problems are that the light that would shine onto the stove top burns out immediately, the fan is loud and it is somewhat a nuisance changing from glass to metal pan, but the results are worth it.

I am not sure if my Kenmore dishwasher is the elite model. I bought it earlier than the other three items and got a white model to match the appliances I had at that time. In spite of the fact that it is very quiet and does a very nice job, it has been repaired 3 times in 6 years. The third time they had to order a new door so I got a stainless door to match the other appliances. They did not charge me for it, but I HAD renewed the warranty, so I guess I really did pay for it....

All in all, I don't think I'd buy from Sears again!

I have had a SS Kenmore Elite refrigerator and dishwasher for about 3 years and like them a lot.
We bought the extended warranty on them because of previous problems with another brand but have not needed to use it except initially with the refrigrator.
I've forgotten the issue exactly, but they replaced the door handle for me that was loose. No more problems with it. Though at the time I thought "here we go again." It is a french door type with pull out bottom freezer.

The dishwasher is very quiet. Does a good job I guess, though I'm one of those people who rinses everything first, so can't say I ask too much of it. It may be a little slow, but has a "quick" feature if you want it. I'm never in a big enough hurry to care.

I have a Kenmore induction range which I love. Shopping for it and dealing with Sears was a pleasure. I would buy again there in a heartbeat.

My only issue is they use A&E for repairs and I HATE that company!

Having researched this question for a few days, I ended up getting mostly Kenmore Elite appliances(single wall electric oven, gas cooktop, dishwasher, side-by-side refrigerator). I was guided mainly by the excellent ratings for these appliances in Consumer Reports. I could not find too many user reviews to back up the Consumer Reports recommendations. But I feel happy with my choices. Still 2 more months for the appliances to be installed, as the cabinets are still not in. I hope to check back in with my own review. Thanks to all of you for your help and advice.

I have a Kenmore Elite French door bottom freezer refrigerator for 4 years and I love it. Never again will I have a side by side. No maintenance problems to date. I like my local Sears store and the salesman that sold me my appliances.

Here is the only thing I hate about sears. I bought a smooth top oven, a element went out on it, under warranty, no problem right?? Well the part was covered but NOT the service call to the tune of $140.00, to replace a $25.00 part I could of done myself in 15 minutes.

Fool me once...

It was my fault though for not reading the warranty disclaimers.

We've had the stainless steel Kenmore Elite Ultrawash HE dishwasher for about 2-3 years and I have LOVED it. It's quiet, energy efficient, and gets the dishes very clean. No complaints, no issues. We're about to redo the kitchen and replace it with a panel-front Miele, and I am hoping the Miele is a worthy successor.

good luck with your choices!