By Christine Frietchen on October 28, 2009 in
The Kenmore 48102 washing machine isn't tested by Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping, but it does get almost 80 comments from people who own the washer. Overall, about the same number of owners give this washer a one, two or three-star rating as those who give it a perfect five-star score, so the overall score ends up at 3.5 out of five. Here's the scoop based on those reviews:
Pros:
- Reasonably quiet
- Not many problems with vibration
- Good spin cycle shortens drying time
Cons:
- Leftover water in the basket creates odors, mildew
- Small items like socks get stuck in the rubber gasket
- Pet hair remains clumped in basket
We also found some complaints about leaks and repairs, and dog owners say they find clumps of dog hair left behind in both the washer and dryer. But the most common complaint is about odor. Frankly, this is an issue with lots of other front-loading washers, even some models that cost a lot more. If you don't either leave the door open or wipe up leftover water, odors and mildew are the result.
However, as we reported in our washing machines report, the similar-sized Amana NFW7200TW appears to have tackled this challenge with a Microban-treated gasket. In the 178 reviews for the Amana washer at HomeDepot.com, not a single one complains about mildew. The washer maintains a high average rating of 4.5 out of five stars.
Of course, the Kenmore doorbuster deal essentially gives you a free dryer with the washer; still, there's no reason (other than aesthetics) to buy a matching dryer if your existing dryer is working just fine.
The bottom line? The Kenmore washer/dryer combo is a good deal if you're meticulous about wiping the water out of the rubber gasket or leaving the door open (a no-no if you have kids) and if you need a dryer as well. But for $40 less today, you could go for the better reviewed, similar sized Amana washer and put the extra $40 towards a new dryer in the future.