Kenmore 50 gal. Tall Natural Gas Water Heater (33205)
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Kenmore 50 gal. Tall Natural Gas Water Heater (33205) Reviews


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3.65 of 5 (by 23 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 70% of reviewers recommend (16 out of 23)

Pros
  • reputation, sears customer serivce (4)
  • fair price for a power vented model (2)
Cons
  • expensive but all vented ones are (2)
  • pricey replacement parts (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

“the best in the market , powerful , money well spent ”

i was searching for a water heater for almost 2 weeks and this one was the winner , water gets high fast even when its -5F outside , no need to wait if someone took a shower , two showers can work at the same time , and im talking in mid-January 2011 , you have to use half cold half hot and the thermostat... read full review »
Posted on Feb 15, 2011
Most Helpful Critical Review

“Not too loud”

I was concerned about the noise after reading the reviews - one said loud, one said not.  I figured if it was terrible, I could get creative.  Fortunately I'm happy with the volume.  It's no louder than my furnace blower motor right next to it, and I can't hear it unless I'm in the basement.

I might...

read full review »
Posted on May 04, 2010

Kenmore 50 gal. Tall Natural Gas Water Heater ... Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 13 of 23 in total

“Amazing water heater.”

I just bought this model this after noon got it home about 1 pm and had it installed by 4, its replacing a 30 year old A.O Smith. I was amazed by how fast it heated up 50 gal of water in about an hour, my old heater took forever to just do 30, and this is not loud at all just about the same if not better then my furnace.  I am extremely happy with my choice and would def recomend this to any one else.  I did also buy the 5 year warranty just because of all the electronics on it.  Oh yea an it was over 60% off cause some one ordered it and didnt want it, To good of a deal to pass up.
Posted on Nov 27, 2010

“So far, so good ~ Keeping fingers crossed”

Professionally installed 3/10/10. Did EXTENSIVE research on this and other Kenmore water heaters prior to purchase. Replaced a 14 year old 'traditional' WH with constant pilot light that vented to the chimney. 

Took note of all issues listed here (and elsewhere) that were encountered by others, hoped for the best. This one is made by AO Smith, a good thing.

Upon install, unit would not stay lit - thought my worst fears were recognized...Fortunately, I purchased the mac-daddy service plan. 

Technician came out same day I called, ran tests - determined venting pipe (PVC) was encountering too much...

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Posted on Mar 15, 2010

“Buy it!”

This was a replacement for a 9 year old Bradford White water heater. I first called a plumbing house but in the end the Sears reputation and the fact that they are right around the corner anytime I need them won the day. I paid abut $1200 installed which includes a 5 year comprehensive warranty. I think the tank has a 6 year warranty. There is one complaint posted here that the blower is so loud that it can be heard throughout the house. Not our house. This blower is quieter than what we had for close to 10 years.  I can't vouch for its longevity yet as it was put into service just this morning....

 read full review »
Posted on Sep 18, 2009

“This product should be more clearly labled as a "Power vent."”

This is a good price for a 50 gallon power vented water heater, but unless you knew what one looked like, or knew the exact model number you wouldn't know this is a power vented water heater.
Note to Sears. Add "Power Vent" to this product discription.
Posted on Feb 25, 2011

“Be Prepared to Pay!”

I strongly recommend the service plan if you make the mistake of buying this model.  My unit is less than 4 years old and it's needed the gas valve AND ignitor replaced at a cost of $600!  I'd avoid buying this unit.  It is a money pit!
Posted on Jul 13, 2010

“LOUD!!”

Unit was professionally installed and heats well. There is a very lioud noise that comes from the power vent blower. It can be heard all through the house (even from the basement to the second floor). I am not real happy right now as the unit is only about three weeks old. If Sears takes care of the problem I will update my review.
Posted on Jan 22, 2009

“Leaks after 3 years”

I purchased and installed this water heater 3 years ago and it just started to LEAK. My last water heater lasted 15 years. This is a major disappointment and will look for an alternative water heater other than Kenmore.
Posted on Dec 23, 2008

“kenmore 40 gal natural gas power vent water heater”

top of the line water heater with quick recovery. installed by a semi- pro and is not loud if it is in your basement. this is a must buy if you need a hot water tank.

                            C L   mount morris ny

 
Posted on May 14, 2010

“one of the best gas water heaters”

Was the best I could find. Don't really have a lot to add to the review. Only thing I was disappointed with is that for this money it should come with more insulation and the power vent is not made to have the intake run outside (so you have the warm air in your home being fed to the fire then dumped outside). Considering this is the 'supper efficient' model. I put it in a the house we just built so I can't comment on $$ savings.
Posted on Feb 19, 2008

“Defective gas valve from factory”

I purchased this top-of-the line water heater from my local Sears store on July 21, 2008 and spent 8 hours installing it. When I finished it would not start. I called Sears' warranty service and they sent out a repairman. The repairman said the gas valve was defective and wouldn't let the burner start and that this was a flaw from the manufacturer he was regularly seeing. He also told me that a replacement for the defective valve has been on backorder from the OEM for some time. He was surprised that Sears was still selling a unit which is known for defects. As a result I do not know when I will... read full review »
Posted on Jul 24, 2008

“Top Notch Water Heater”

I installed this unit on my own, and it was relatively easy to accomplish, the instructions covered all aspects quite well, and I'm very pleased with the unit. The electronics on the unit make it easy to operate and the unit has electric ignition of the gas burner so this increases the savings over my last unit which had a pilot. The efficiency of the unit seems really high to me, and the unit does not run at night at all and the water stays hot. I'm looking forward to lower gas bills. Excellent value.
Posted on Oct 19, 2007

“BIG MONEY SAVER”

I installed this unit in 2 nights after work. I had 50 gal. electric water heater which was 7 years old. I found in very easy to install and would say it requires a moderate skill level. I ran gas line, PVC vent, Water, and converted 220 electric line to 110 to supply the electric needed. We have a family of 5, 4 of which are adults, My electric bill DROPPED $300.00 in the first month!
Posted on Oct 14, 2007

“Great unit!”

I replaced an 11 year old Ruud Power Vent with this unit. 5 hours start to finish ( my first WH) including removing the old one. The install kit from Sears had everything except the venting material (3 in PVC). After one extra trip to hardware store as I reconstructed the vent line, we were in business. Instructions were great and start up went smoothly. It is working like a champ.
Posted on Feb 12, 2008

Reviews of Kenmore 50 gal. Tall Natural Gas Water Heater (33205)

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