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Kenmore 600 series 3.5 cu ft

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Product Overview

The Kenmore 600 is a practical top loading washing machine with a 3.5 cu ft capacity, meaning that it can wash as many as 17 bath towels in a single load (based on 24in by 44in towels).


As with many other washing machines it is designed to reduce impact on both the environment and your pocket – water consumption is reduced by 32% and energy usage by 48% (based on using the normal cycle and compared to a conventional machine built before 2004).

It is available only in white and there is a matching Kenmore 600 dryer - they are a popular combination. The unit has an overall depth of 26in and is 27in wide, with a maximum height of 43 1/8 in.
Despite its generous capacity this washing machine is ideal for small loads, having an Express Wash cycle designed to get them cleaned quickly. It has Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) so that it can deliver reliable, consistent cleaning, and a Hand Wash cycle for delicate items.

There are 5 water level settings and, with Automatic Temperature Control, 5 temperature settings. There is a useful feature for people with sensitive skin – a Second Rinse option which improves detergent removal.
check markPros x

Cons

• good range of control on washing cycle

• No frills

• 3.5 cu ft tub

• Good customer service

• not energy star comliant

• Mixed views regarding noise

• No advanced features


White Porcelain Wash Basket

The Kenmore 600 has a white porcelain wash basket that is intended to resist scratches and minimize odors. It comes with a load balancer and has leveling legs so
that it can be installed in a position to minimize vibration when it spins, which will help to prolong its working life.

Mixed views on the Noise

Every washing machine makes a noise when it is spinning clothes, and every user will have a different opinion as to whether or not it is acceptable. The Kenmore 600 is no exception to this and users have mixed views – some claim that it is very loud but others, having bought it despite reading poor reviews, have commented on how quiet they found it. Some users have had problems with the water temperature controls, with cold rinses being replaced by hot rinses. This fault has required the water temperature regulator to be replaced on a number of machines. Even though it is more energy and water efficient than previous washing machines the Kenmore 600 is not Energy Star compliant.

Lack of advanced features

This is not an advanced machine and does not have features used less often, such as special cycles for silk or wool. There are no delay wash or pre-wash settings, and it lacks convenience features such as ‘add a garment’, cycle status lights or an estimated running time delay.
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Final Thought

The Kenmore 600 is a popular, practical washing machine for families, offering a good range of control over the washing cycle. There are many satisfied users who have found it to be a reasonably priced solution to their laundry needs.

If you are looking for a washing machine with a good capacity, reliability, and don’t need advanced features, then the Kenmore 600 is worthy of consideration.

More Kenmore Washer Reviews

Kenmore Washing Machines Main Page





Comments for Kenmore 600 series 3.5 cu ft

Average Rating starstar

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Dec 21, 2013
Rating
starstarstar
600 series
by: Aprilove

Bought this machine used. Looks good and so far, it runs good but it has no lint basket and I noticed dog hairs,etc... on my clothes and blankets. Wish it had a lint basket. And it is very noisey. That really doesn't bother me. My 85 year old mom loves the noise. She gets up and does her exercises to the rhythm. She has me doing it now. We really have a good time and lots of laughs. I told her that it sounds like sammy davis tap dancng in our laundry room.

Dec 09, 2012
Rating
star
Sears Kenmore 600 Series Washer
by: Anonymous

This machine is the worst. It doesn't spin right to get the excess water out. It keeps moving all over the floor, even when level. Can't run just hot water to fill in machine even when there is a setting for hot water I have to turn off cold water to fill the washer with hot water. I have always purchased sears brand but after this I will have to do my home work on the ratings on items.

Jun 17, 2012
Rating
starstar
two disadvantages compared with former machine
by: Anonymous

Does not spin clothes dry enough. Lint is not filtered out; my old Kenmore portable had an emptyable lint filter, but this machine does not, so my clothes come out with the cat hair redistributed, instead of gone.

Mar 05, 2012
Rating
starstar
poor work from china
by: peaches from Kansas

My 600 series Kenmore-- washes and dries quite well, it's making such a noise I would never buy from Sears again. Bring our products back from china. We need AMERICA made! Sears used to be the best now it's on the tail end of the scale, how sad, we've allowed greed to rule all

Mar 05, 2012
Rating
star
series 600
by: dell from kansas

the 600 series washer sounds like it taking off to the moon, "seriously" might come home one of these days it just might be on the moon. why can't we bring back MADE IN AMERICA !!!!!!

Jan 10, 2012
Rating
star
Poor Washer - STAY AWAY
by: Anonymous

1. It leaves clothes wet - doesn't spin properly/fast enough

2. It has a big clunk - something is going to break soon, I can just feel it!

3. The water temperature is either hot (it makes a pulsing noise and our pipes seem like they are going to burst!) and the warm setting is cold, cool setting is cold. Cold is cold - at least that is right!

Would you buy this machine after reading these reviews? Sure wish I would have check this site before buying - Lesson: Do not go washer shopping AFTER your washer dies - you'll be pressured into buying something you may not have had time to check reviews on.....learned my lesson.


Jan 08, 2012
Rating
star
You Get what you pay for
by: Sears Biggest Fan (NOT!)

I'm sitting here waiting for a repairman to show up. I know what he's going to tell me. This is another fine example of the deterioration of the Sears brand. Growing up, we had Kenmore appliances that lasted forever. This one is a piece of crap. A waste of $600.00. Machine is less than 3 years old. This machine made a racket from day one. Now it's emitting smell of burnt something on the spin cycle. DO NOT Purchase this product. Hoping I can get about $25 for scap metal

Jun 20, 2011
Rating
star
What the Heck?
by: Margot in FL

Bought the 600 series as a pair (washer & dryer) 2 & 1/2 years ago to replace a 25+ year old GE washer that died. Did the research - Kenmore 600 series rated the best then. Well, the washer just died (timer,transmission & possibly motor eventually) and will cost me too much to replace the parts, so will have to buy a new one. What a shame. The tech said they usually last 15+ years, but that I got a dud. I use it twice a week. Perhaps I should take in laundry & use it more:) At any rate, very disappointed, & of course, I spent $135 + tax in a service call to find this out. Tech gave me a coupon towards my next purchase at Sears. Anyone else have this experience?

Feb 16, 2011
Rating
star
do no buy
by: Cindi from Texas

DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE! It will not despense warm water during the wash cycle or the rinse cycle. I bought my machine at Sears in Nacogdoches, Texas. A repairman came to my house 1 week late, installed a new therostat, and told me that my new machine will not despense warm water like my old Kenmore machine. I told him my clothes are not clean unless I stand there to despense hot water first then add cold water. He said there was nothing I could do. I even called the owner of Sears in Nac. She said that is the way the machines are made now!

Feb 02, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Great washer/dryer
by: Anonymous

Had mine for 15 years. Just recently had to replace some parts (temp regulator in the dryer and agitator clips in the washer). But nothing lasts forever, right?

Pretty good machines overall. Not looking forward to the day I have to replace them. From what I read and hear, most stuff made these days is junk.

Jan 15, 2011
Rating
star
Piece of Junk - Do not buy
by: Anonymous

After 15 months of purchase the washing machine stopped spinning and the dryer timer knob would get stuck and the dryer would continue to run. It would cost $129.00 just for a Sears Technician to come look at it. If it was the transmission, which I'm sure it was, the part is over $300.00. I am very disappointed in the Kenmore because my last set I had for 15 plus years with no problems. I urge you not to buy this set.

Oct 30, 2010
Rating
star
temperture control
by: Anonymous

cannot get a hot water wash, this should be told to the buyer, I have never ask what the water temperture is for this model, in all the years I have purchased a washer I have never experience a problem with water temperture, hot is hot , warm should be warm, not 78 degrees that is what I was told the warm water is for this model. the hot is only about 104 degrees. Terrible washer, I was satisfied with the service, Sears did give me another model, Thank you

Oct 19, 2010
Rating
starstar
Automatic Temperature Control Problems
by: Anonymous

Firstly let me say, I wanted a BASIC machine since it has been my experience that the gadgets not needed are the first to break down. As such I declined the salesmans recommendation to buy a model with Automatic Water Level. When I purchased the Kenmore 600 washer, there was no indication on the panel that Automatic Temperature Control was a feature; otherwise I would not have purchased it. Give me hot water when I ask for hot and cold for when I ask for cold. Since the washer, was installed in February 2010, I believed the warm water was cold since the faucet cold water was very cold in winter. Then summer arrived and the water was still cold so I started re-reading the manual. "Some models have ATC." Since the washer was loading with more cold water than hot water when the warm cycle was selected, I called for service. The repairman replaced the ATC conrol unit; however, warm water temperature was still in the low 70's and I've had to change water temperature to hot half-way during fill cycle. I have asked for a full refund (since I did not/do not want the ATC feature. Also a further change of the ATC control unit to an "upgraded" model does not increase the warm water temperature to beyond the mid-80's. My next step is Small Claims Court. The reviews indicating similar problems will further justify my case in court. Thanks to all of you!

Oct 06, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar
love it
by: Anonymous

I love my washer/dryer. Does the job. As for noise- you can't expect it to be mute- especially since its superload and you have a lot of stuff in it. Even out the load instead of all the weight on one side and you won't have a problem.

Sep 13, 2010
Rating
star
Sears Appliances Junk
by: George

Brought Sears Washer / Dryer 600 series.The washer is PURE JUNK.To think this washer was purchased new from treir Brampton City Centre Store.the washer is ONE YEAR OLD, We have had them here 8 times for REPAIRS. But they will not replace it. Customer service there is none. you will never get the same person twice. tech. never turn in their reports. Every time you call them it is treated as if it is your first call. Customer service people are ignorant, illiterate,and often cannot speak english.Reasons not to buy SEARS.

1. Appliances come from CHINA.
2. Furnitur comes from MEXICO.
3. Customer Service from Philippines.



Jun 18, 2010
Rating
starstar
Annoyed
by: Anonymous

The "knock" sound that the machine makes when it completes a cycle does not bother me. The unacceptable annoyance is that the machine twists my clothes/towels/sheets into tight tourniquets. Sometimes clothes are so twisted that I have to unknot them. This is too stressful on my clothes - and me!

Jun 14, 2010
Rating
starstar
?EXTENDED WARRANTIES
by: Anonymous

Not one of the customers mentioned having a repair program or product replacement plan. If so all of the repairs would have been free.

May 07, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
love this machine!`
by: claire

Love this washing machine! Turn it on and it cleans perfectly with no problems. Easy to use. Very happy. Very efficient.

Mar 30, 2010
Rating
star
Do not buy 600 series washer
by: Very disappointed

The washer doesn't clean well and it leaves an soapy/oily residue at top of water line in drum and agitator. which has to be manually cleaned often. Also the hot water automatically adds cold water in with it for a lukewarm wash. To get hot water you have to shut off the cold water valve while the washer fills up. and make sure you don't forget to turn the cold water back on or there would be no rinse water.

Bought unit in march 2007 and 30 days later had a serviceman come out to check he stated that "washers have to be cleaned and that is normal, and tried to sell a cleaner for $20 additional dollars." which would have to be used periodically. Whoever heard of that?

Both my mother and grandmother have had Kenmores all their lives. What has happened to the quality of the Kenmore brand since their last purchase of around 15 years ago?

Very disappointed.

Mar 22, 2010
Rating
starstar
Disappointed
by: Melissa

I bought my Kenmore 600 series in Sep 2006. It was my first NON-Refurbished purchase of a washer/dryer which I was very proud of until now Mar 2010. My washer apparently has a bad transmission. The part is $275 to replace. I've enjoyed my washer and its high capacity, but now I ponder on the decision to replace the part, or put it towards a new washer. I've read many comments regarding the bad transmission in other Kenmore 600 series. I'm very disappointed in the result of my brand new purchase. My last refurbished purchase lasted 3 years, but I left it with the last move.

Mar 20, 2010
Rating
star
TAKES FOREVER TO CHANGE POSITION
by: Anonymous

TO WASH ONE BASKET OF CLOTHES I HAVE TO WAIT LIKE AN HOUR I HAVE TO MANUALY CHANGE IT FROM RINSE TO SPIN AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN WASHING IS SUPPOSED TO BE EASYER WITH A MACHINE I RATHER WASH BY HAND DISAPOINTING!!

Mar 04, 2010
Rating
starstar
600 and the eliete
by: gale

was told in the store that i could control the water tempture, used it and all i get is cold water rince sears used to be good, but now their just junk. this the 2nd one I will return, will look for some ones old modle and fix it. stick to the basic ones dont need a waaher to think for me.

Jan 01, 2010
Rating
star
Waste of $$$$$
by: Bill NY

I purchased this item in March of 07 and needed a $175 repair by May 08. A repairman removed a small sock that got caught in the gears some how and needed to be replaced. The repairman stated that this kind of thing is common with this model. A sock caused the problem, not a rock, a sock. 2 days ago my machine broke down again and I decided to replace it. 2 breakdowns in less than 3 years for a family of 4 (2 adult & 2 children) is unacceptable.

Nov 18, 2009
Rating
star
Bad Washer for Price
by: Phyllis Nelson

Purchased Kenmore 600 Series in Oct 2007
Washer stopped spinning. Call repairman
Clutch and brake are no good. Price $340 plus
$85 service call. Total $425.
That is the cost of a new kenmore washer.

I cannot believe Sears sells a product
for almost $500 and it last for 2 years.
That is not a way to build good costumer
relations

After reading some of the review on this
washer I could not recommend anyone buy
a Kenmore washer






Nov 03, 2009
Rating
star
Not well built like they used to be
by: Shirley

We have been buying Kenmore appliances for 47 yrs., but no more. They WERE a good buy. We are disappointed in our new oven and this washer. It is extremely noisy. tinny,and noisy when it changes cycles. I want to find a machine that gives me hot, warm and cold water without adjusting its self to add cold all the time. The microwave is ok. Forget the oven and washer or you will be making a mistake.It is a shame you can't give a product 0 stars.

Mar 18, 2009
Rating
star
Unreliable
by: Anonymous

I bought this washer from my local Sears and was extremely disappointed. Straight out of the box, it did not work - it put out hot water when it was supposed to be cold, and vice versa. We switched the hoses and tried again, same story.

I called the local Sears where I bought it, and they said "Okay, someone will come out and fix it." I said "No, I bought this today and it does not work, I will be returning it." They said I'd be charged a 15% restocking fee, and there was no way around it. I finally called corporate customer service (since my store obviously has no idea what customer service is) and after the 1st lady hung up on me, the 2nd lady told me that the policy *actually* is that a tech does have to come out and check it out and document that it is indeed broken, and THEN you can return it. So, I did just that.

When the tech came out, he said that when he received the request to come check out my washer, he asked "Is it the 701?" (the last 3 #s of the washer are 701) Yep. He said "I already know what's wrong. It's the ETC. All of the 701s have that problem." Sure enough, it's the Electronic Temperature Control - it doesn't work right and has to be repaired.

I can't believe that Sears is knowingly selling a defective washer. And then making their customers think they can't return it. I absolutely refuse to keep a washer that doesn't work right out of the box - I mean, really, what else is going to go wrong with it if it doesn't even work right at the beginning?!

Anyways... buyer beware... Do Not Buy the 600 series Kenmore Washing machine. Or, if you do, might as well call the tech to come too, so he can fix the ETC straightaway.

Nov 15, 2008
Rating
star
not impressed
by: J Pasquale

Noisy, during fill, during wash cycle, during rinse, when stopping each cycle there is a click (I guess annoucing it stopped). Water doesn't spray in-- it flows in like your thumb over 2/3 of an outdoor hose end.

Sears sales rep told us it was quiet. He led or did not know what he was talking about. I now remember saying previously, never buy anything from Sears.

I wont forget, no wonder people go elsewhere.

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