Kenmore Elite 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater
Kenmore Elite 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater Review
The Kenmore Elite 40-Gallon Electric Water Heater is Sears' premium-branded 40-gallon electric tank, built by A.O. Smith with Kenmore Elite licensing. Smaller-capacity sibling of the Kenmore Elite 50-Gallon Electric.
Specs: 40 gallons stored, two 4500W heating elements (240V), UEF 0.93, 52-gallon FHR, 8-year tank and 8-year parts warranty. Glass-lined steel tank, magnesium anode rod. ENERGY STAR certified.
The Kenmore Elite tier sits above standard Kenmore in Sears' brand hierarchy. Same A.O. Smith engineering as the equivalent A.O. Smith mid-tier units (Conservationist, Voltex Premium), with Kenmore branding.
Distribution: Kenmore Direct online ordering, remaining Sears Hometown locations. About $549 unit, $1,100 installed. For most contemporary buyers, the A.O. Smith Conservationist 40-gal at Lowe's is more readily available with equivalent engineering.
- No combustion, no venting required — installs anywhere with 240V electrical access
- UEF 0.95 — top-tier efficiency; qualifies for Inflation Reduction Act §25C residential credit
- Resistance electric has slower recovery than gas at comparable capacity — schedule heavy use to match tank recovery