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In 1927, Kenmore first appeared on a Sears laundry appliance, an agitator type, wringer washing machine. By 1936, Sears had already sold 1 million Kenmore laundry items. Its popularity hasn’t slipped. Today, nearly one in every three American homes contains a Kenmore appliance. You can see why, when you look at Kenmore’s history. The Kenmore brand boasts a long list of firsts in automatic appliances, energy efficiency, and stylish, modern designs.

The first appearance of the Kenmore brand washing machine almost escaped notice. The Kenmore washing machine did not show up in the venerable Sears catalog that year, and no known photograph of the 1927 washing machine with a Kenmore brand on it exists. The origin of the name Kenmore is equally vague.  One suggestion is that Kenmore came from Kenmore Avenue, a prominent street in Chicago.

With nearly 99 percent of urban homes wired for electricity by the end of the 1920s, Sears recognized the huge untapped market in household appliances. To reach this market Sears offered a wide assortment of Kenmore appliances.

After the Second World War, Sears helped revolutionize home décor with the introduction of the Kenmore Harmony House line of appliances. Kenmore Harmony House appliances featured the latest designs and technology for washing machines, dryers, and ranges. These appliances came in bright colors including Sunshine Yellow, Malibu Coral, Aquamarine, and the standard white finish.

Over the decades new Kenmore products reflected consumer demand. Kenmore dishwashers, garbage disposals, and trash compactors joined ranges, washing machines and dryers. Kenmore added countertop appliances to the product mix.  The Kenmore product line included everything from sunlamps, and electric baby bottle sterilizers, to vacuum cleaners, and electric blankets. Sears also sold a Kenmore 3-piece barber set and hair clippers, and a Lady Kenmore electric shaver. In 1977 Sears put the Kenmore brand name on refrigerators.

Kenmore Chronology

View a detailed chronology of the Kenmore brand.

Kenmore today

Read some basic facts about Kenmore today or visit Kenmore.com or on Sears.com for more information and to purchase products.

 
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