Kenmore Elite 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater
Kenmore Elite 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater Review
The Kenmore Elite 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater is Sears' premium-branded electric tank, built by A.O. Smith with Kenmore licensing. Currently in limited distribution as Sears has shrunk its retail footprint; Kenmore branding continues through Kenmore Direct and select retail channels.
Specs: 50 gallons stored, two 4500W heating elements (240V), UEF 0.93, 62-gallon FHR, 8-year tank and 8-year parts warranty (varies by sub-model). Glass-lined steel tank, magnesium anode rod, polyurethane foam insulation. ENERGY STAR certified.
The Kenmore Elite tier sits above standard Kenmore in the brand hierarchy. Same A.O. Smith engineering as the equivalent A.O. Smith mid-tier units, with Kenmore branding and the slightly different feature mix specified to Sears at production.
Distribution: Kenmore Direct online ordering, Kenmore-only retailers, occasional appearances at remaining Sears Hometown locations. For most buyers, the equivalent A.O. Smith product is more readily available through Lowe's. Service and parts are A.O. Smith-supported.
About $649 unit (varies by channel), $1,200 installed. Right buyer: Kenmore brand preference from prior Sears purchases. For most replacement scenarios, the A.O. Smith Signature Premier or Rheem Performance Platinum at big-box channels are more convenient choices.