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Kenmore 75121 (12,000 BTU)

Discontinued

Reviewed

June 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Powerful
Remote control
Energy Star-rated
Effectively reduces humidity

Cons

Hard to install
Uses more energy than smaller units

Where to Buy

$299.99 from Sears.com

Our Analysis
Specs

There aren't many reviews for large air conditioners, but the 12,000-BTU Kenmore 75121 receives a surprising number of recommendations from experts and owners alike. Compared to most high-BTU air conditioners, the Kenmore is relatively inexpensive, and owners say that it does a great job of cooling. Some even claim that it can cool an entire one-story house or manufactured home. Despite its price, this air conditioner includes a full range of features such as remote control, electronic touchpad controls, digital temperature display, timer, brownout protection, four-way adjustable vents and timer. It also removes more humidity from the air than most air conditioners -- 3.79 pints per hour -- which could be a major benefit if you live in a humid climate. Because of its size, the Kenmore 75121 uses a slide-out chassis and can be difficult to install. It's also important to note that while this unit is Energy Star-compliant, it still uses quite a bit more energy than a lower BTU air conditioner. If you can get by with a little less cooling power, the 10,000-BTU Kenmore 75101 (Discontinued) uses almost one-third less energy to operate.

Both ConsumerReports.org and ConsumerGuide.com review the Kenmore 75121, but Consumer Reports' review offers more objective information. We also found more than 100 owner reviews for this air conditioner at Sears.com and Viewpoints.com.

Where To Buy

$299.99 from Sears.com

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

There are 10 recommended air conditioners in this most recent roundup from ConsumerReports.org, in which about 40 models are tested and compared. Each model is scored in several areas including noise level, energy efficiency and cooling ability. The Kenmore 75121 is among the tested models.

Review: Air Conditioners: Cool Comfort, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, June 2010

2. Sears.com

More than 100 owner reviews for the Kenmore 75121 at Sears.com give this unit an average rating of just over 4 stars (out of 5). Owners agree that the air conditioner does a great job cooling, but some report receiving broken units. Most say that it is quiet; a few disagree.

Review: Kenmore 12,000 BTU Multi-Room Air Conditioner, Contributors to Sears.com

3. Viewpoints.com

Viewpoints.com doesn't have a lot of reviews for most appliances. Still, the Kenmore 75121 receives more than a dozen reviews here, and most owners say they would recommend this air conditioner to a friend. Owners here say the air conditioner is quiet and many seem especially impressed with its cooling power and price.

Review: Kenmore Air Conditioner, Contributors to Viewpoints.com

4. ConsumerGuide.com

In this unusually detailed review from ConsumerGuide.com, the Kenmore 75121 receives a perfect rating and a Best Buy award. The accompanying discussion indicates that the air conditioner was tested but doesn't include objective data or a comparison to other models.

Review: Kenmore 75121 Air Conditioner, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, May 16, 2008

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