Kenmore 2642273 Washer Review

Our scorecard

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other portable and full-size washers and dryers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Specifications

Capacity

4.5 cu ft

Load type

Front Load

Installation

Freestanding

Cycles

12

Operation

Fully Automatic

Controls

Knob & Touch

Drum

Stainless Steel

Noise

60.0 dB

Color

Metallic Silver

Finish

Metallic Silver

Dimensions

34.02 X 27.01 X 39.6 In

Weight

216.05 lb

Overview

The Kenmore 2642273 positions itself as a premium full-size front loader built around a 4.5 cu ft drum. That capacity comfortably handles a king comforter, a large family load of mixed clothing, or bulky items like sleeping bags. Twelve cycles give you meaningful options across fabric types and soil levels, from a quick refresh cycle for lightly worn clothes to heavy-duty settings for work clothes and towels.

At 60 dB, this washer is quieter than most top loaders and quieter than several compact portables. That matters in open-plan homes or apartments where the laundry area sits adjacent to living or sleeping spaces. Controls combine knobs and touch input, which balances physical feedback with a cleaner interface than dial-only designs.

Priced at $1149.99, the Kenmore competes with the KoolMore FLW-5CWH, which also offers 4.5 cu ft and 12 cycles but carries a much smaller review base. At the same capacity, the Kenmore's 98 reviews at 4.3 stars is a substantially stronger endorsement. The machine weighs 216 pounds and measures 34 x 27 x 40 inches, so this is a permanent installation requiring a dedicated laundry space, a proper water supply, and a strong floor.

Performance notes

A 4.5 cu ft front loader running at 60 dB covers both the capacity and noise bases that make it suitable for a variety of home layouts. Front-load washers at this capacity use noticeably less water per cycle than top loaders of the same drum size, which adds up to real savings over years of use. Twelve cycles mean you are not locked into a one-size normal cycle; specialty settings for delicates, heavy-duty, sanitize, or quick wash are all likely included, though the precise cycle list is not fully detailed in available specs. The stainless steel drum is smoother than porcelain, reduces fabric wear, and holds up better against moisture over time. Combined knob and touch controls offer the durability of physical selectors with the precision of touch for secondary adjustments. At 216 pounds, this machine will not walk across the floor during high-speed spin cycles.

What buyers say

Ninety-eight reviews at 4.3 stars places the Kenmore 2642273 in the upper tier of buyer satisfaction for a machine in this price range. The review count is enough to reflect real-world performance patterns rather than early adopter impressions. No recent monthly purchase volume was recorded, which may indicate stable inventory flow rather than low demand. Compared to the KoolMore FLW-5CWH (1 review, $1634.40) at the same capacity, the Kenmore offers far superior buyer evidence. Positive feedback at this star level typically clusters around cleaning performance, noise, and cycle variety, while occasional concerns might involve installation logistics or price.