Refrigerator differences? (Kenmore #5996 vs. 5997)

Those are what we call "sister models." They're the same model, with one tiny difference that would normally be considered insignificant, and until recently Sears had a sister model for every Kenmore appliance so one of them could always be on sale (the law requires a product to be off sale a certain percentage of the time). There's a new sale/savings system in place which seems to circumvent this issue, so most sister models have been eliminated, but some have yet to completely sell out.

Thanks.  Understood.  On these two items, could you share for me what that tiny difference is?  I'm buying a refrigerator this week.

59972 comes with a wine rack; 59962 doesn't.

Thank you for your prompt response.

Hello

So what is the real reason for phasing out the sister or similar to models?

From a manufacturing cost point, is this welcome by them or not?, such as Whirpool who makes the majority of Kenmore branded products, slowly changing but WP is still premier supplier for Sears major appliances.

Does this new/sale savings not "take away" from the consumer choice if base model will be the only choice?

Do other competitive stores have sister models also or just Sears Kenmore brand appliances?

thanks for any input.

The reason for ending the sister model system is inventory. Having two versions of everything increases inventory costs, and causes unnecessary processing errors. One of each will simplify the logistics process, and reduce inventory costs.

A happy by-product is that confusion is reduced, as are errors in the ringing process.

As far as reducing variety, it really doesn't. Does a customer care if their washer has a 13 hour delay instead of a 12 hour delay? Did you care whether your oven had a third rack when you only ever use one anyway? Or whether your refrigerator came with a wine rack or not? These are factors that don't play a part in a customer's decision-making process, and customers don't perceive a benefit to having two versions. If customers don't care, and it costs Sears extra money (which only serves to keep prices higher), and the customer will be at least as well, if not better, served by phasing out sister models, why wouldn't Sears do it?

One last thing: Sears had sister models because it could do so. Its Kenmore line allowed for duplication of models, but there is no incentive for manufacturer-branded models to be made this way, because the risk on their end is much higher, and their prices would go up significantly. Kenmore is a known sale for the manufacturer. Sears buys them first, then sells them. Their own brand is not a known sale, because they own the appliances until the retailer sells them.

AWESOME KNOWLEDGE I APPRECIATE THE INFO.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT BOTTOM FREZER MODELS?

What do you want to know?

we are thinking about buying a new refrigerator. We like Wirlpool Gold 24,9 GI0FSAXVA and Samsung RFG297AAPN, both stainless steel. We've just bought a stainless steel Whirlpool dishwasher. Could you please help us?

Samsung's focus in refrigerators is capacity. They squeeze more volume into less space than just about anybody. Their products are also quite good, and they produce not only their own brand of refrigerators, but the GE 3-door bottom-freezer models as well.

Whirlpool and Samsung use similar cabinets and doors, with a center mullion (that funny bar attached to the door that seals both doors shut), which is a very effective and durable sealing method. Either model should suit your needs well, though you may want to consider the Whirlpool if you want the best odds of your refrigerator's stainless steel matching the dishwashers (not all stainless steel is the same color).

Good luck!

thank you for your quick answer. we will think about

We are wanting to get a new Energy Star refrigerator, black, top freezer.  Quieting running is an issue.

Which are the best brands/models to look at?  Thanks,

There is a new Whirlpool you might want to check out: 87229. It's got the contour doors that have been extremely popular, with groove handles, which creates a more streamlined appearance. For a top-freezer it's pretty spacious at 21.7 cubic feet.

Fortunately, top-mount refrigerators tend to be of comparable quality, so there's not much to say as far as brands to avoid. Models will depend on the size of the space it's going into. I recommend taking a look at sears.com for top-mount refrigerators, where you can sort by color, capacity, brand, ice maker, and price.

Good luck!

Looking for a fridge about 25/26 deep (not counting door handle).  Have not found  this depth ...can you help?

Highbucks, 

Stay away from any refrigerator that was manufactured by LG, and a lot of Kenmore refrigerators are made by LG but Sears leaves that fact out. Last year LG was busted for lying about the energy star ratings, I bought a Kenmore Elite Trio (bottom freezer) and found out that it uses twice as much energy as specified. LG was force to fix the problem but the frig will never be energy efficient. I've tried to work with Sears but they won't stand behind the products they sell.

Be very careful to which refrigerator you buy because a refrigerator should last you for at least 15 years (or more) and don't go to Sears for the answers there is a lot of resources out in the internet to read a lot of the good and bad. For me I will never buy for Sears again.

Hello MisledCustomer,

I'd like to make you aware of a website that I ran across when I first found out that Kenmore is manufactured by several different brands.

http://www.appliance411.com/parts/sears.shtml

It is extremely handy to look at when you're doing your research on which appliances you want to buy. If you look at the model number on any Kenmore appliance, it'll be like this: xxx.xxxxxxxx. The first three digits represent who manufactures that particular model. If you completely abhor the LG brand, for their Kenmore refrigerators, their three digit number is 795.

Although LG does manufacture several Kenmore appliances, most Kenmores are assembled by either Whirlpool or Frigidaire. I've noticed that LG makes most, not all, of the Kenmore bottom freezers. They also produce all of the Kenmore microhoods & microwaves. LG also has one laundry pair for Kenmore.

I hope this is useful for anyone interested in purchasing a Kenmore appliance!

I have been looking at the kenmore elite trio with bottom freezer and french doors.   model 78343, the reviews are either all 5 stars or lousy.  Really no in between.  We need a model no bigger that 33 inches wide and want either stainless or metallic and water in the door with ice in the freezer.  Anyone have any recommendations???

what is the differences between model# 78773 & model# 78783

SEARSPRODUCTSLOVER said…

AWESOME KNOWLEDGE I APPRECIATE THE INFO.

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You're right! He's very knowledgeable, isn't he?