After my often used washer stopped working, it was time to get a new one, and quick! With a small budget, but the needs of an active family of four I looked towards a name associated with quality and trust. I went to Sears and looked at the Kenmore appliances there.
At Sears, there was a 3.4 cubic foot Model 2002 top loading washing machine. It is an energy star machine, so would be more efficient than my last machine. Simple dial controls for temperature, load size and wash type. It was simple and straightforward, perfect for my needs. At a sale price of $299.00, it fit my small budget as well. The store did not have any machines in stock, but two days later I could pick up my new washing machine and try it out. Instillation was easy. In about 10 minutes we had unhooked the old washing machine and installed the new.
It was time to test out the washing machine. Looking at the quick start guide, I was met with a disappointment in the machine. There was a notice about a “lid lock” sensor process that will take two to three minutes to ensure that the lid is closed and lock it in place prior to any water filling. I could not open the lid to add in any dropped or forgotten items without interrupting this process and starting it all over again.
While the washer was running, it was quiet. There was only a minimal amount of sound coming from the washing machine. I anxiously waited for the first load to finish. I waited and waited. Over an our later, it was finally finished. At first, I was unsure if I had gotten distracted and it had sat there for a bit before I noticed it was finished. With my busy household, that happens often. With my second load, I was going to make a point to pay attention. One hour and twenty minutes later, that load finished washing. That is a long time for a top loading washing machine.
The clothes were clean. Most of the waster was spun out, so it would require less drying time in the dryer. Unfortunately, laundry would take more time overall because of the longer time in the washing machine. The time savings in the dryer did not seem to be much of a help when clothes take well over an hour to wash.
I haven’t decided yet if my washer is going back to the store or staying here. I got it at such a low price, it may be worth just living with the quirks until my budget frees up for something better. Anyone considering a Kenmore washer should research a little more about the features and length of wash prior to purchase. This washer is not for you if you do a high amount of laundry in short periods of time. If you can spread it out or do a load a day, it may be a good investment of a little bit of money for a good performing machine.
