Kenmore Power Miser 12, 50 gal. Gas Water Heater Reviews


3.59 of 5
(by 22 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 68% of reviewers recommend (15 out of 22)

Pros
  • None
Cons
  • pilot light keeps going out (1)
  • only lasted 19 months (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

Textbook Water Heater Replacement

Our old water heater was still somewhat operational when we decided to have it replaced. Although the old unit was not leaking it could not keep up with the demand of a two person household. Since the replacement was not on an emergency basis we set an installation date. We used the Sears installer which... read full review »
Posted on Jun 29, 2008
Most Helpful Critical Review

Beware!!!!

The hot water heater did a good job until it started leaking. Called up for warranty service and technician tracked me down on my second number to verify appointment to determine the issue. On the following day, I received three calls from the plumber. The second call told me that my second number was... read full review »
Posted on May 19, 2008

Kenmore Power Miser 12, 50 gal. Gas Water Heater Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 13 of 22 in total

Poor quality product

We purchased the 50 gallon Power Miser 12 thinking we would have a care free decade. Within the first year it started leaking at the valve they use to empty it. They replaced that part and I thought that would be the end of it. Now, our four year old water heater that should have lasted twelve years needs to be replaced. The bottom is leaking and it is not repairable. While we will not have to pay the $400 to replace it, we will have to pay almost that much to have a new one installed and the old one removed. When it is not leaking, it performs quite well. However if you are looking for a quality... read full review »
Posted on Dec 07, 2007

Poor Quality & Service

I purchased a Sears Miser 12-50 gal. hot water heater on 9/7/2007 planning to install it myself since the salesperson at the Sears store said the plumber Sears used had a very poor record of performance and he wouldn't recommend my having Sears install the unit. My 18 year-old hot water heater was still working; I prefer to plan ahead. I chose Sears because of its reputation and because I have had excellent experience with Sears appliances and Sears service over the past 30 years. All of my major and many minor appliances are Sears/Kenmore brand or, in the case of the dishwasher and disposal, another... read full review »
Posted on Feb 17, 2008

this is good

I was a little put off by the fellow with the $800 install. Apparently they have changed things because my install just was $138 extra and the plumber had to call and get it ok'd before he would start work. This water heater is bigger than the one it's replacing so I guess the extra is to be expected. It looks great, it heats great and I called the installers to put in my new garbage disposal. So I'm happy. Saving to get a new dishwasher from Sears now. I am disappointed that the 12 year guarantee is only good for a year because my mother and I live in a duplex rather than a single family home.... read full review »
Posted on Dec 20, 2007

Bad experience

Bought this unit due to twelve year warranty,knew it had only one year labor warranty. After less then 3yrs, the heater developed a large leak in the base of the tank itself and flooded my basement. Had to call service to confirm it was leaking. He spent 30 seconds looking at it and charged me $59.00 and said call warranty service. It took me 14 phone calls through 3 different depts. to arrange the installer to replace my unit. The warranty repair still cost me $ 450.00 and was truly a horrendous customer service experience. Before you buy test what it takes to get through cust. service to replace... read full review »
Posted on Feb 15, 2008

A Water that does not perform

We purchased this heater after our previous SEARs water heater failed after 10 years of service. Failure was due to leaks. The unit was installed in o8/2000. Just like its predecessor, the gas control valve failed almost every 2 years. Had the extended warranty which was valuable in this instance. Now after 7 years we are going to replace it with a tank-less unit since SEARs wondrous service told us that they were not going to fix it anymore. We are a two person household and this tank cannot keep up with two person requirement. I have read the good about this tank, but for our application, I would... read full review »
Posted on Dec 19, 2007

Large, but better.

This unit is 2" wider than the 50 gal unit I had. It is also taller. So far, I am very happy with the unit. Sears (A plumbing contractor) installed the unit. No problems.
Posted on Nov 06, 2007
A+ on the water heater. Thanks Sears for the great guarantee and the R 16 2" of foam. Suggestions to anyone who orders from the 1-800 number. Write down names of everyone you talk with. I was first told the unit would have to be ordered and would take a week. That was OK. Then two hours later I was called and given my order number. That lady told me the unit was at my store and could be picked up today. I questioned her and mentioned the previous conversation. She was very sure it was there, so I borrowed a truck, got a friend to go with me and went to the store. The unit was not at the store.... read full review »
Posted on Jul 25, 2007

Great Water Heater Be Cautious Sears Install

First and Foremost A++ on water heater.Replaced a Sears that conked out after 15 years. Having Sears do installation.....a nightmare. Ordered on Sunday, said Monday Install. Monday AM called the plumbing company that Sears contracts with locally....they said Sears forgot to charge us for the $40 inspection license. Not only did I get no call from the plumbing company but not a call from Sears!! Offered to pay plumbing company directly the $40 fee......."oh we can't do that with Sears". Went back to Sears and paid $40 fee. Then 2 hours later Sears plumber called saying they could not do till next... read full review »
Posted on Oct 23, 2007

great heater

Replaced a 6-yr old Rheem with this unit. Water is now hotter and more plentiful than ever, with much better design. Note that the warranty covers more parts than typical water heater warrantys. Had a good friend who is a licensed builder install it, so I didn't have to deal with the typically problematic Sears installation contractors. We special-ordered it, picked it up at Sears, unpacked it at home to install it & it was all dented & damaged like someone had played soccer with it. Sears replaced it, so no worries, but check it at the store before you drive it home to be sure.
Posted on Oct 15, 2007

A tank that never runs out of HOT water!!

I wanted to buy a State Water Heater, model number GPX 50 YXRT until I found this Kenmore, it has identical specs but 2 additional years of warranty, and it was locally available without freight charges from Sears, to top the deal off, Sears had a 10% special the day I needed a new tank, yes!! I installed the tank myself without any trouble, total cost with additional plumbing supplies was about $450, it's so nice that you can set-it and forget-it. We have 5 - 6 adults taking showers and baths every day, plus the dishwasher and clothes washer going at the same time and it keeps right up with... read full review »
Posted on May 12, 2007

Unit Great - Installation ROBBERY

The water heater itself is great. Lots of hot water and top features. The Sears installation, on the other hand, was way out of line. Started at an advertiused $299.00. They added a $100.00 permit fee. Then when the installer arrived with water heater, he claimed code requires 4 inch vent. Specs claim 3 or 4 inch vent. Charged $175.00 to enlarge our 3 inch vent stack. Charged $50.00 for a 12 inch piece of ground wire. Charged to replace existing gas piping that did not need to be replaced. Overall it cost over $800.00 to install a $450.00 water heater. Buy the water heater, but go elsewhere for... read full review »
Posted on Mar 08, 2007

insane heater loved it

if a water heater could be called awesome, this is the one
Posted on May 17, 2007

Excellent water heater

After reviewing other products, I bought this one and installed it myself. It was very easy to install. It came with insulation for the inlet and outlet plumbing. It doesn't have any fancy features to malfunction. It's just a straight-forward water heater. After allowing the gas to fill the manifold, it fired right up using the piezo lighter. A nice feature. It heated a full 50 gallons of ice cold water in about 45 minutes. I especially like the box that covers the controls. It protects things since my tank is in the garage. Overall, no leaks and it operates flawlessly. With a family of 4, we... read full review »
Posted on Feb 04, 2007

Reviews of Kenmore Power Miser 12, 50 gal. Gas Water Heater