Kenmore Vs. Whirlpool Dishwasher

Kenmore is only a store brand name. Kenmore appliances are not made by a Kenmore company, nor are they made by Sears. Sears contracts other brands, such as GE, Frigidaire, or Whirlpool, to build machines for them. Kenmore is nothing more than a name on the outside.

For a long time the majority of Kenmore appliances were made by Whirlpool, and this is still true in many cases. That Kenmore dishwasher that you are comparing to Whirlpool might actually be the same machine.

The quality of a Kenmore dishwasher can vary wildly, because it could be manufactured by any of the other major appliance brands. Some brands make better dishwashers than others, but with a Kenmore you don't know exactly what you are getting.

Whirlpool dishwashers are reliable machines that can be easily repaired. Most problems require only a simple part replacement.

When you look up parts for a Kenmore branded dishwasher, you often have to go through a Sears service of some type. The part numbers will actually be Whirlpool or GE or Frigidaire numbers. Also, the parts will come in the manufacturer's box, not a Kenmore box.

Whirlpool dishwasher parts can be researched in a variety of locations. Certain aftermarket parts are easier to locate for a Whirlpool dishwasher than for a Kenmore-branded counterpart.

Sometimes a service technician will be required to communicate with factory tech-help to solve a particularly difficult problem.

On Kenmore-branded appliances, the service technician will have to be from Sears to get factory tech help. This greatly limits the availability of appropriate technicians.

On Whirlpool-branded appliances, any service provider can get factory help directly from Whirlpool.

Kenmore dishwashers are not stand-alone products. Due to the difficulty with parts and repairs, it is always advisable to go with a factory brand rather than a store brand. The possibility that a Kenmore and Whirlpool could actually be the same dishwasher only adds to Whirlpool's favor.