Kenmore Front Loading Dish washer. June 09, 2010
via Sears.com

We recently bought the Kenmore front Loading Washer and gas drayer. We were attracted to the model and features. One of them was the ability to sanitize during the wash cycle . The price was great compared with othe brands.

I am writing this after my first use. I was impressed by the simplicity of operting the machine (the manuals are easy and great). We just loved it and the wash and dry was just perfect. You can not even notice when washers or dryers are on and working and they just look great.

Kenmore 41028 Washer is pricey and certainly not perfect May 28, 2010
via Sears.com

We purchased the Kenmore Elite 4102 washer and its companion dryer 9102 in ginger, and had it installed on 5/8/2010.  I settled on this pair from Sears a month ago after conducting thorough research on the quality and ratings from **************** and reading product reviews on this site.  The washer and dryer units are attractive and compared to many of the machines out there, are more compact, especially in the front to back depth since we have a narrow pass through clearance in our laundry/utility room.  Since these machines are made by LG, all things being equal, the washer/dryer doors seem more attractive on the LG models versus Kenmore Elite.

I had about two week's worth of laundry (between 2 people) to catch up once these units were delivered and installed.  In that time, I did about 6 loads in a 3 day period, consisting of new bed linens, towels, and casual clothing.  All was well this first week.

Week 2 consisted of 3 loads, and that's when I discovered my BRAND NEW KENMORE ELITE WASHER leaks!  My first load consisted of 4 bath towels.  When I emptied the washer, I noticed there was a roughly 10" puddle in front of the washer.  I consulted the User's Manual and tried to troubleshoot the problem, which consisted of making sure the hot/cold water supply and drain hose was connected properly.  As a precaution, I even checked the filter and used the drain outlet at the base of the washer to drain the machine completely.  I did two more loads afterwards, and things seemed fine.

Today (Week 3) I did another load of bath towels.  Before I began, I again drained the machine completely, and washed a load of 4 bath towels and 3 hand towels.  I was surprised to find another puddle at the end of the wash cycle.  From what I've observed in the past 3 weeks, the washer seems to leak after washing towels specifically.

I contacted Sears to schedule a service, and the representative was "surprised" to hear about this problem, stating leaks usually depend on model and usage.  However, I think it is reasonable to expect more from a month old machine that has washed only a dozen loads.  The technician is coming out tomorrow, so we'll see if the problem gets fixed for another review.

*****UPDATE 10/29/10*****

Thanks for reading and following up on my first review! After 2 visits from the Sears repair techs, their best suggestion was to switch to another HE laundry detergent. It seems the one I originally purchased that claimed to be good for all machines was still too strong for the Kenmore 4102. The techs believed this was the cause of the problem because when they ran the machine without anything inside and without adding any detergent, the machine was still creating a lot of suds. Too much suds apparently bypasses the door seals, similar to if you used hand dishwashing detergent into a automatic dishwasher.

I ran the machine a few times, washing only dish towels and without adding any detergent to dilute what leftover detergent may have been inside the machine. And after switching to another HE detergent, the machine now runs fine.  I've added a star to my original review.

Love my Kenmore Elite front-loading pair! February 14, 2010
via Sears.com

I was really nervous about spending so much on a washer/dryer, especially when I read reviews on problems with different brands.  But I decided to chance it, and I am glad I did.  I bought the 41028 washer w/steam and the matching dryer w/steam.  Because of some reviews, I read the instruction book thoroughly before I even turned them on.  I have had them about 2 weeks, used several different cycles, washed a large comforter, rugs, etc., and love it!

It's going to take some getting used to the length of the cycles and all the weird motions, tumbles, delays while it balances the load, etc.  I have sat and watched it like a tv program!  But the longer wash cycles are made up for by the extremely short drying times.  But don't expect the Steam Refresh on the dryer to cut out the need to press men's 100% cotton pants.  The book even says it works best on cotton/poly blends.

I stacked my set, and one reason I chose the Kenmore over another brand was that the Kenmore doors don't bulge out as much (probably an inch less).  Yet the set still sits about 35" from the wall, including the dryer exhaust and bulge of the door glass. My husband says he'll cut another exhaust in the wall as high as the stacked dryer's exhaust so I can push the unit closer to the wall.  The guys who installed the set said the Kenmore and LG stacking kits are much better that other brands they have installed.  The installer also said that when he can afford it, the Kenmore Elite will be his next w/d.

The dryer door can be reversed (washer cannot) if you need to unload to another side.