Our most helpful positive review

5 people thought this was helpful.

Excellent so far! September 16, 2008

We researched washers carefully, read online reviews, Cons Reports, etc. I also used a friend's top loading Elite when my washer broke. After 6 mos, of use I am totally satisfied and would definitely recommend this machine. Due to the large heavy loads, I recommend making dryer door at equal or lower height than washer door and on opposite side than washer. I have been very careful to follow the user manual care/cleaning instructions exactly. I always keep the door wide open when not in use, and I do the monthly cleaning/bleaching cycle. I have had no odor whatsoever. I have had to wash out mold under the large seal as per manual one time in 6 mos. About 5 mins of work. I knew this issue before buying so, while it is a ridiculous problem to have since I paid so much $$, I accept it. Unlike old machines, you have only several minutes at the beginning to add clothes; otherwise, restart cycle. The X-high spin cycle will get clothes-- expecially bedding-- terribly twisted and wound together. Not fun. You trade this issue for very "dry" clothes coming out of the washer. High spin cycle, depends on the clothes whether you have the problem. Spin speed medium or less, no problem. You need to completely shake out even perm press clothes to avoid wrinkles in the dryer. WRT top load Elite washer, I had same issues with my friend's machine. Do consider your height with top loaders because I could barely reach the clothes in the bottom of that machine. I am 5'5". By the way, I have 2nd floor laundry room that has built in extra support for a washer. I got conflicting recommendations on whether we needed more special weight bearing support for this new heavier machine. We didn't get anything. So far no problems.

Our most helpful negative review

2 people thought this was helpful.

Worthless washer does not clean clothes! March 31, 2010

The HE5t washing machine is a poor excuse for a washing machine.  We used it for a month and our clothes were not coming clean.  The toddler's clothes smelled as strongly of urine after the wash as they did before.  A month after we purchased the machine we called the Sears repairman.  After he heard how we washed the clothes and after he checked the machine for correct functioning he told us that we were doing every thing correctly and that the machine was functioning as it was intended.

When we objected and said it was not getting our clothes clean, he told us that the front loaders like ours use so little water that they have a hard time cleaning like the old top loaders and he said that you can not fill the washer with a full load and expect it to be cleaned.  He suggested we wash with one third of a load!  So... we have to do three times as many loads and the loads take twice as long as the old top loading machines... and they still do not clean our clothes!

We have been washing with the machine one third full for almost two years now and and the clothes still do not come clean.  We keep the nasty mold smell out by using white vinegar for a fabric softener but the clothes still smell foul.

Sears sells this machine as a "green" machine.  It hurts rather than helps the environment.  Each load may use less soap, water and electricity but when you have to do three load compared to one load in a top loader, it is not a savings - not to mention having to buy three machines to keep up with the laundry.

This is the second top of the line Kenmore washer we have purchased in the past eight years.  Both of them have been exceptionally poor washing machines, unfit for their intended purposes.  After a life of loving Kenmore laundry machines, these two machines have succeeded in convincing us that Kenmore is no longer a reliable brand and does not take care of thier customers.