Kenmore 41142 Washer

Pros: If you need a great machine for only two years I highly recommend this model.
Cons: It's a short term machine with a high price tag comparatively.

We bought this machine in the Fall of 2001. It was unbelievably quiet, so much so that you had to look at the basket to see if it was running. Two years later the trouble started. The machine began to vibrate so the quite machine became the annoying ...

Pros: This machine is easy to operate, compact, and economical with water, detergent, and electricity.
Cons: Don't expect a long, trouble-free life from this machine.

This particular Kenmore/Frigidaire machine has several variants, usually small differences in controls and appearance. The basic operating mechanics are the same - which is the problem. I bought a Kenmore 41142 in November 2001 based on Consumer ...

Pros: Glass door (not plastic),Compact, nice appearance
Cons: Identical parts not stocked for replacement, Buzzing, soap residue

We purchased this machine almost 4 years ago and we will replace it with a different front-loading machine. We bought the machine at Sears as a Kenmore but it arrived with Frigidaire branding. I have since found that they are the same product. I believe...

Pros: Efficiency, Cleaning Ability, Capacity, Automatic Detergent Dispensers, Stackable
Cons: Price, Small Door Opening, Short Water Hoses

We just got our new washer, washed a few loads, and it works great! It has tons of features, can wash just about everything in one load, and the clothes are so dry when they come out the dryer doesn't need to do any work.

This washer is one of...

Pros: Gets the clothes clean and almost dry.
Cons: None

We've had this washer for a year and I still love it. It is the best appliance that I have ever had. It gets the clothes so clean, the final spin leaves the clothes almost dry it is so Quiet and it is so fun to watch!

The washer has a...

Pros: Great washing machine at an reasonable price.
Cons: Nothing significant.

The trouble with these reviews this that most people's frame of reference is fairly narrow. With washing machines lasting 10+ years, unless you're in your 40's or 50's you probably haven't owned more than one or maybe two different brands or models....

Pros: Excellent at extracting water during rinse cycle, energy efficient, normal tub size
Cons: More expensive than top-loaders

If it’s time to buy a washer, you have a load of questions on how to choose the washer that’s right for you. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you through this process.

Here is a list of resources that helped me figure...

Pros: Cleans clothes really well
Cons: Bearing life is too short. Repair is too Expensive

We have had this machine for for less than three years. We have 4 people living in this household. This machine has not had very much use and still looks like new, but when it goes into the spin cycle it makes an unbelieveable racket it sounds like a jet a take off. The bearing for the Tub is bad. I am extremely dissappointed with the life of this bearing, and to top it off it is like a $400 repair! Our last washer was a Maytag and it was about 20 years old and the only problem I ever had with it was belts, and that took two minutes to replace. I WOULD HIGHLY DISCOURAGE ANYONE FROM PURCHASING THIS UNIT!

Pros: FRONT LOADER - ENERGY EFFICIENT
Cons: NEED TO REPAIR MACHINE EVERY 3/4 YEARS.....

WE PURCHASED OUR MACHINE IN 1999 AND IN 2005 NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEMS NOTED BY SLOREG, HOWEVER WE DID NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL 2007 WHEN THE WASHER REALLY WENT NUTS...AS IT TURNS OUT IT IS THE BEARINGS/SEAL....A $600 REPAIR...THE WASHER COST $700 TO PURCHASE....WE WILL BE BUYING A NEW WASHER INSTEAD OF HAVING TO DEAL WITH FIXING THIS ONE EVERY 3 TO 4 YEARS....AND WE WILL STICK WITH A FRONT LOADER BECAUSE THEY ARE DEFINITELY MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT.

Pros: Works fine for 3 to 4 years.
Cons: Design Flaw: drum enclosure/seal/bearing/possibly pulley needs replaced every 3 to 4 years

The washer works fine for 3-4 years until the drum bearing goes, as stated below by slogreg. I just wanted to confirm this huge issue.

To repair, you have to tear down almost the whole machine. Replacement is required of the rear half of the drum enclosure which has the bearing integrated into it (rear shell), the seal between the shell and drum, then repeat every couple of years. See: http://www.applianceaid.com/frigidaire_frontload_washer.html#noise

I hoped to keep it for much longer than 3 years.

Frigidaire will not cover this with their 5 year warranty, only the motor, speed controller, and the pulley --NOT the bearing / shell / seal.

I would avoid this and the Frigidaire at all costs.

Pros: Cleans better than top loaders.
Cons: Doesn't last.

When I purchased my Kenmore, I was extremely happy with the cleaning. Unfortunately, with less than three years of use, I was given an estimate of over $800 to repair it. The repair man told me that the repair was not permanent and we would probably be in the same situation in a couple of years. Buyer beware!

Pros: gently on clothes
Cons: short lifespan

Have had this washer for only 4 years and also experienced the bearing problem...seems that is a very short lifespan for a relatively expensive appliance. will avoid this brand after reading numerous complaints about it.

Pros: excellent washing performance, large capacity
Cons: expensive repairs needed after only 3 years

Unfortunately, I have the same story as several other reviewers here. I was very happy with the performance of my washer until I found black grease spots all over my clothes when my washer was a month shy of 3 years old. Repair estimate: $400, with only the steel basket itself being covered under lifetime warranty. I expect a major appliance to last a lot longer than this!

Pros: Worked well when it worked
Cons: Smells bad Stopped working at 6 years and 7 months (a record) Reliability is low

I lost access to my ihamconsulting account, but I wrote a review almost 7 years ago. I was very happy with this washer until it stopped working this week (6/12/2008).

I started seeing some bad reviews and I remembered that I had an account here in epinions. Well, I was surprised that this machine was such a lemon for a lot of people.

I guess mine lasted this long because it didn't leak. However, the tub won't spin and just makes a twirling noise. It does drain. I called several independent repair man and they don't even work on front-loaders. They told me to call Sears.

I'm just going to buy a new washer, but it's so disappointing to see that these new washers don't last as long. I guess I'm lucky that mine lasted 6 years and 7 months.