Kenmore and AO Smith compete head-to-head in the residential tank water heater market. Both are credible options, but they target different priorities. Here's the honest tradeoff breakdown to help you choose.
The 60-second verdict
Same product underneath, but A.O. Smith direct is the simpler choice post-Sears bankruptcy. Kenmore makes sense only if priced meaningfully below A.O. Smith equivalent.
Where Kenmore wins
- Sometimes priced slightly below A.O. Smith equivalent
- Familiar Sears branding for long-time customers
- Same A.O. Smith engineering underneath
Where AO Smith wins
- Direct A.O. Smith warranty path (simpler post-Sears bankruptcy)
- Broader dealer network
- Cleaner resale value (A.O. Smith name preferred over Kenmore for home buyers)
- Better customer service post-2019
Direct spec comparison
| Factor | Kenmore | AO Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Primary category positioning | Kenmore private-label (A.O. Smith or State OEM) | A.O. Smith direct |
| Typical warranty (residential) | 6/9/12-year tier | 6/9/10/12-year tier |
| Typical lifespan | 10-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Price tier | $450-650 | $500-1100 |
| Dealer network | Sears Hometown, online (limited) | Lowe's, plumbing supply, Home Depot regional |
| Parts availability | A.O. Smith parts (via Sears or direct) | A.O. Smith direct |
Choose Kenmore if
You have an existing Sears credit relationship or Kenmore is priced 20%+ below A.O. Smith ProLine.
Choose AO Smith if
You value warranty service simplicity — A.O. Smith direct routes through their network, not Sears.
Honest bottom line
In 2026 and beyond, A.O. Smith ProLine is the simpler and safer choice. Kenmore is only justified by significant price advantage.