Kenmore Power Miser 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater
Kenmore Power Miser 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater Review
The Kenmore Power Miser 50-Gallon Natural Gas Water Heater is Sears' value-positioned gas tank, built by A.O. Smith with Kenmore branding. "Power Miser" reflects the energy-efficiency marketing positioning.
Specs: 40,000 BTU input, UEF 0.60, 81-gallon FHR, 6-year tank and parts warranty. Atmospheric vent. Electronic ignition. Magnesium anode rod, polyurethane foam insulation.
The Power Miser line was A.O. Smith's mid-tier Kenmore-branded gas tank, equivalent to AO Smith ProMax or Conservationist depending on sub-model. Distribution through Sears retail (now limited due to Sears retail shrinkage) and Kenmore Direct online ordering.
About $549 unit, $1,250 installed. For most contemporary buyers, the equivalent A.O. Smith Conservationist at Lowe's is more readily available. Service and parts are A.O. Smith-supported regardless of brand badge.
Right buyer: Kenmore brand preference from prior Sears appliance purchases, particularly buyers replacing an existing Kenmore Power Miser. For most replacement scenarios, the broader retail availability of Rheem Performance Platinum or A.O. Smith Signature Premier makes them more convenient choices.
- Natural gas combustion — faster recovery than electric resistance at comparable tank size
- 50-gallon capacity — right-sized for 3–4 person households with standard usage patterns
- Below-average UEF 0.6 — modern standard models reach 0.65+, condensing 0.95+
- 6-year warranty — below the 8–12 year average for premium models in this class
- Atmospheric venting requires vertical B-vent — less routing flexibility than power-vent or condensing alternatives