True Tidbits and Fascinating Factoids About Kenmore History
The Kenmore brand has been a vital part of American homes for over a century, and generations of people have grown from childhood to old age with Kenmore products. In 2024, Kenmore’s mission continues to be keeping homes cleaner and fresh meals cooked, for the next generations.
We’re a brand writing its latest chapter in what cleaner, greener home management solutions look like, focused to what makes YOUR life easier. So take a moment to stroll down memory lane with us, and take a look at what we’ve been up to, where we are now, and where we’re heading in the future.
Our Origins
The Kenmore badge first appeared on a sewing machine more than one hundred years ago. Sewing machines were introduced with the Kenmore name in 1913 and the product line has been expanding ever since.
Kenmore Sewing Machine 1945
Kenmore Brand has been in the business of dirty laundry for almost 90 years. The first Kenmore washing machine was introduced in 1927. The wringer style washer could be purchased for $79.50. That may sound cheap to you, but due to inflation that’s actually closer to $1330 in today’s dollars. And just think of all the great features you can get today!
Kenmore Washing Machine 1927
Keeping America Tidy
The Kenmore Revolving Brush Upright Vacuum Cleaner made its first appearance in American homes in 1932. Today, customers can shop from an extensive line of upright and canister vacuums, stick vacs, carpet cleaners, wet/dry vacuums, and more.
Kenmore Vacuum Ad 1932
Kenmore Means “Right at Home”
Over the years, iconic Kenmore appliances appeared in a number of television and film productions. Donna Reed kept her television family looking sharp with her Kenmore appliances. And Olivia de Havilland’s home was stocked with Kenmore appliances in the thriller Lady in a Cage. Much later, Kenmore appliances played a central role in episodes of the reality TV series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Donna Reed with Kenmore Washer, Dryer 1963
From Revolution to Evolution
As Kenmore became more and more integral to American homes, making life easier through innovative labor-saving technology, we continued to pursue new ways to lend a hand in the household.
1967 Lady Kenmore Dishwasher with Roto Rack
The Kenmore product lineup has evolved quite a bit over the years. But some product categories, like dishwashers and refrigerators, have remained a constant for decades. And then there are those product innovations that lasted for but a moment in the Kenmore catalog. Anyone remember the home soft drink machine of the 1980’s?
Kenmore Soft Drink Machine, 1984
Where America Shops
For many years, Kenmore products were closely associated with the Sears and Kmart retail chains. But as times have changed, so have our partnerships. And today, Kenmore is available in more ways and on more sites than ever before.
You can find a broad assortment of Kenmore products through many of the most popular retail chains in North America, including Amazon, Walmart, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Target, and more!
Appliances… and So Much More
In addition to our traditional lineup of ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, floorcare, and laundry appliances, Kenmore brand has expanded to include a far broader product assortment than we’ve ever offered before. Our cookware, cutlery, countertop appliances, water softeners, grills & accessories maintain the high standards of quality and honest value that the Kenmore name has always stood for.
Whole Home Electrification
Today, the Kenmore brand is leading the way to help create a more sustainable future through home electrification initiatives. We are on a mission to help fully electrify 1 million American homes in the simplest, most cost-effective way possible.
We’re actively building a whole home suite of appliances to help you cook, clean, and drive more efficiently, consume less energy, and save money, both on units and utility costs. We recently announced the launch of our first product package offering a dynamic EV Charging solution. We also announced the efforts by our DieHard EV Charging brand to expand the EV Charging infrastructure.
DieHard Commercial EV Charger
A Rich Past and a Bright Future
For 110 years, Kenmore has been an integral part of American life. Our reputation has been built, year after year, on a firm foundation of trusted performance and inspired innovation, driven by our customers who choose us to help make their lives easier.
In the coming months and years, we will be introducing all-new products in several of our most important and iconic appliance categories, many of them ENERGY STAR® certified and designed to conserve our precious natural resources. And we will continue to work closely with our manufacturing partners to push the boundaries of energy-efficiency and sustainability, going forward.
Be on the lookout for new Kenmore full-size refrigerators, built-in dishwashers, laundry appliances, and small/countertop appliances… all debuting in the coming new year!
More than ever before, Kenmore is here to bring you More of What Matters.
Kenmore
The Kenmore brand represents 100 years of trusted performance, backed by exclusive features and innovations that no other brand can bring to the table. We’re always evolving to ensure day-to-day tasks are taken care of with faster cooking, better cleaning and more living throughout the home.
