The Kenmore Situation Since Sears Closed
For most of the twentieth century, Kenmore was the brand you bought at Sears. It was the default choice for millions of American families, and Minneapolis was no exception. If you bought a house in the Twin Cities anytime between 1970 and 2015, there's a strong chance it came with Kenmore appliances already installed.
Here's what most people don't know: Kenmore never manufactured a single appliance. They contracted with other manufacturers — primarily Whirlpool, LG, Frigidaire, and GE — who built machines to Kenmore specifications and put the Kenmore badge on them. This means a Kenmore washer might actually be a Whirlpool underneath, or it might be an LG. The model number tells me which manufacturer built it, and that determines how I diagnose and repair it.
Since Sears effectively collapsed, many repair services have stopped working on Kenmore because parts sourcing became less convenient. I never stopped. Whether it's a refrigerator or a washer, the parts are still manufactured by the original builders. You just have to know which manufacturer made your specific model, and after 45 years of cross-referencing Kenmore model numbers, I do.
Decoding Your Kenmore Model Number
The first three digits of a Kenmore model number identify the manufacturer. If it starts with 110, Whirlpool built it. If it starts with 795, LG made it. 253 is Frigidaire. 363 is GE. This prefix system has been consistent for decades, and it's the first thing I check when you call me with a Kenmore issue.
Knowing the manufacturer matters because the diagnostic approach, the parts catalog, and the common failure points are completely different. A Kenmore 110-series washer uses Whirlpool's direct-drive system. A Kenmore 796-series washer uses LG's direct-drive motor technology. Same brand name, completely different machines. I know both platforms cold.
Kenmore Services
Common Kenmore Issues I See
Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Compressor Failures
The Kenmore Elite refrigerators made by LG (models starting with 795) had a known compressor defect that LG was sued over. The linear compressor fails prematurely, often between 3 and 7 years. I can replace the compressor, but I'll also tell you if your unit qualifies for the LG settlement.
Kenmore 80 Series Washer Won't Spin
The classic Kenmore 80 Series washer, built by Whirlpool, has a direct-drive motor coupler that wears out over time. It's a small plastic and rubber piece that costs almost nothing but requires pulling the cabinet to replace. One of my most common Kenmore repairs.
Parts Confusion After Sears
Many Kenmore owners struggle to find parts now that Sears is gone. I cross-reference every Kenmore model number to its manufacturer and order factory parts from the original source. Your Kenmore 110 washer takes Whirlpool parts. Your Kenmore 795 fridge takes LG parts. I handle the detective work.
Your Kenmore Still Deserves Good Service
Just because Sears went away doesn't mean your Kenmore appliance should. Many of these machines were built by top-tier manufacturers and have years of life left. The parts exist. The repair knowledge exists. What disappeared was the Sears service network, and that's exactly the gap I fill for Minneapolis homeowners who still rely on their Kenmore machines.