Kenmore HE5t Steam Washer: First Look

The addition of steam makes this HE5t one hot performer.

Price we paid: $1,600

Date of Consumer Reports full report: February 2008

What it is. This front-loading washer, model 4778, is an updated version of the HE5t model we’ve previously tested, but it adds Steam Treat, which is supposed to enhance cleaning performance.

When you push the button to select the Steam Treat option, available for five of the machine’s wash cycles, the water temperature is automatically set to warm. As the wash cycle progresses, the water is slowly heated and steam is introduced into the tub. Sears claims the steam washer will provide "optimal removal of organic stains" (food and blood) and "temperature-sensitive stains" (oil), and is designed for "heavily soiled loads that need improved stain treatment, loads with multiple types of stains, or loads you suspect as having stains, but are afraid may have been missed."

This Energy Star–qualified appliance is available at Sears stores nationwide. It comes in white or red (shown; Sears calls it Barolo) and has a stainless-steel wash basket, a sanitize temperature, and a clean-washer cycle to keep the interior clean (we haven’t tested those features).

What we liked. In initial testing, the HE5t has delivered excellent wash performance with and without the steam option. However, when using the steam option, performance has been somewhat better. Among its appealing features are an extra-large capacity (a claimed 4.0 cubic feet), quiet operation, and high marks for water and energy efficiency.

What we didn’t like. The long cycle times. A load using the heavy-duty cycle runs 1 hour, 40 minutes—not uncommonly long for a front-loader--and more than 2 hours with the steam option. The HE5t also has proved to be not as gentle on clothing in small and large loads as most of the other front-loading machines we’re testing.

Our initial take. Our preliminary testing shows this washer to be a top-notch appliance, though it is expensive. Indeed, you can get similar washing performance from the nonsteam HE5t for several hundred dollars less.

Use our free buying advice if you’re in the market for a new washing machine and learn how to set up a laundry room near your living space. And look for our latest report on washers and dryers in the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.                         

Comments

[Keith Garrett]

I'm slightly dissapointed in CR for the failure to tell its consumers about the "spider" problems with the front loaders. It appears as though all front loaders on the market that have a stainless steel drum also have an aluminum part attached to the drum called a spider. This spider is the arm that transfers the spin force from the gear to the drum itself. Upon doing much research after my spider failed, it turns out the there is a whole slew of consumers out there who are upset with the rapid deterioration of these spiders. From what I gather it is due to the incompatability between the aluminum and the stainless steel which causes the spider to corrode in about 5-6 years. Are there any frontloaders out there with a SS spider?

[sharon ogden]

The day the washer was installed, it did not work. The cycle began, but stopped before reaching the wash cycle. I waited for a repair person to come out after asking customer service what the code F 35 meant. The cs person couldn't explain it, but the technician immediately said that's a problem with the computer. It takes a week to order and then to set up another service call. He, a Sear's technician, stated this was not uncommon for the HE5T steam. He had 3 such calls in the last month in the Chicago agrea.

Not pleased!

[ONCODE7]

I just purchased a Kenmore Elite HE 5T washer and it was delivered yesterday. The washer was installed and a test was performed by the installer. Unfortunately during the testing period he noticed an error message of F32. I looked everywhere on the internet to see what this code meant and came up empty. So basically the installer told me that I would have to call out a technician. You would think with spending this kind of money that it would work appropriately.

The problem that I was having was I selected the normal cycle and hit the start button. The washer began to fill with water but after 3-4 seconds of filling it shut off. I was unable to hit stop or power off to try it again so I had to continually unplug it to try it. My husband called service and they claim the error code means there is lack of communication with the washer and the power ( whatever that means ) I am so upset since I have tons of laundry to do with 3 kids who love to dirty clothes!!!

[Gordon Cikra]

Installed Kenmore elite HE5t washer yesterday, and installers left without running it through a cycle. F32 faults after about 20 seconds. All they had to do is hit power on, and start. Now I am waiting til next week for a service call, which will undoubtedly result in further delays.
I made 2.5 hours of phone calls to various sears and kenmore numbers to get to this point - nowhere. I would not recommend these products to anyone. dont work out of box. and obvious known problems are not mitigated by service personnel. They are exacerbated instead!

[Rebecca Stepic]

We purchased this washer and dryer 3 months ago and since then ahve had 2 major problems with it. After the installers left, it would not run and when we called the repair people, they told us they would not be ack until 3-4 days. I was not happy. When they finally arrived, we found out, from an independne tcontractor, that the origianl Sears installers had instlled the machine properly. they brought me a new one and installed it properly and we were off to the races.

It has been 3 months and we have been doing all our laundry with them and it has worked wonderfully. Until last night. Now we are getting a F21 message, a drain problem, and a Sud message, which means there is too much suds because the machine can not distinguish the HE detergent I am using. I keep hitting the drain and spin cycle and it just keeps adding more water and shutting down. I have unplugged it several times and the water is overflowing onto the floor. We have taken all the clothes out of it and are trying to get it to drain.
My husband has told me that he thinks the computers on these machines are too complicated. We had Maytags for 15 years and they never gave us this kind of problem. I think we may be sending these machines back and buying Maytags.

[Alonzo]

Received the machine back in January 2008. The steam option really works great. I have had several loads run flawlessly through this machine! Careful guys, I was so fascinated with the machine that the wife lets ME wash all of the clothes now.

Overall this machine has taken everything I have thrown at it and cleaned like none other. We previously had a Kenmore 90 series agitator washer. This unit is MUCH quieter except for the spin cycle.

I find that my clothes are actually drier when this machine finishes washing. Thus, requiring less time in the dryer.

Overall, I would recommend this machine for a family that needs a machine with like 100 cycles, and endless combinations of speed, cycles, temps, etc.

Way to go Kenmore!!

Alonzo

[Alonzo]

Received the machine back in January 2008. The steam option really works great. I have had several loads run flawlessly through this machine! Careful guys, I was so fascinated with the machine that the wife lets ME wash all of the clothes now.

Overall this machine has taken everything I have thrown at it and cleaned like none other. We previously had a Kenmore 90 series agitator washer. This unit is MUCH quieter except for the spin cycle.

I find that my clothes are actually drier when this machine finishes washing. Thus, requiring less time in the dryer.

Overall, I would recommend this machine for a family that needs a machine with like 100 cycles, and endless combinations of speed, cycles, temps, etc.

Way to go Kenmore!!

Alonzo

[DORIS]

I purchased both the Kenmore steam HE5t washer and dryer. I am in love! The color is amazing. I love washing now. No problems at all. I've washed all my quilts and blankets and put them away. I keep looking for more things to wash. I am so glad I waited for this model.

[Nick]

Hello,

purchased a Kenmore HE5t washer and dryer and tried to use it for the first time and i also got error F35 after SUD on my washer.

It's very sad when this happens with appliances that are brand new in the box and for such a high price. Did some research online about error F35 (which btw it's not mentioned in the manual under trouble shooting) and sounds like some other people are having same issue. Maybe this is a well known issue for these units and maybe Kenmore should fix it.

very dissapointed

[James]

I also have a HE5t and am also disappointed. I bought Kenmore expecting a good solid washer. What I got was one that is really hard on clothes, which results in wrinkles.

The worst part is now I am getting the F32 error and must wait a week for a technician. I have only owned the washer for six months. Cycling power clears the error but does not fix the problem. I can't believe I spent thousands of dollars and I am reduced to trips to the laundry mat. I have been a long time Kenmore fan. Not any more. My Kenmore days are over. One can only hope that someone gets this type of feedback so the designers do a better job of verification and robustness testing. They obviously missed the boat this time. Good thing they are not making commercial aircraft.

[Tonya]

I recently purchased an kenmore Elite HE 5t front loading automatic washer (Model # 110 47086 600) and it keeps giving me a code of F28. I've searched the complete manual and found nothing. Do anyone know what this might mean.

[Patrick Fletcher]

Just so you guys know, there is a secret technician book inside a plastic bag taped to the right inside panel of your washers that has all of the error codes and corresponding solutions.

You can thank me now :-)

[Bosch Steam Washer Dryer]

Energy efficient steam washers and dryers are the way to go!

[Colin]

I also have the He5t washer and love it. We returned from a 3 week vacation this weekend with a pile of ditry laundry. When we tried to use the washer we received the same F32 error talked about above. A call to the Sears service department proved un-helpful other than a service appointment one week out.

I ended up fixing the problem myself by doing the following:

1) Un plug washer
2) Remove top panel of washer - 3 screws on back
3) remove electrical wires to the flow sensor (if you don't know wher to look or how to do this then you shoudl probably wait for the service technician)
4) plug in wahser and do a self test (it will fail) (see green tech sheet hidden inside of washer - usually stuck to panel in sefl adhesive plastic bag)
5) un plug washer
6) reconnect flow sensor selectrical wires
7) Turn on washer
8) Wash your clothes.

I still plan on having the service technitian out to have a look incase there's somethign legitimatly wrong with the flow sensor.

[Rob]

I purchased the HE5t (not steam) pair used, knowing the washer was inoperative. Yes, it was priced accordingly. After considerable troubleshooting, I've narrowed the problem to the motor control unit. It had been covered with wash water at some point, which evidently shorted out some components--in fact, I narrowed the failure to the two optocouplers on the board, which are responsible for serial communications with the control computer.

I ordered a new board, at just over $200. Hopefully, this will fix it. I'll also attempt to repair the board as a backup. Now, I'm considering dismantling the washer before placing it back in service, just to check out the spider arms on the back of the stainless drum. If I want it to last longer than 5 years, it should probably be powder coated to prevent electrolysis from destroying it. This is a bad design! I'm also curious about bolt lengths holding the drum together, after viewing this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwpKP_9_fAA
Bottom line: I'm not sure I'll keep these machines.

[Lizzy]

I also bought Kenmore Elire HE5t had it now for 1 1/2 and first for the SUDS error then the F21 and now its stuck on F32. Since my warranty ran out they are suppose to send someone down on friday to fix it. Of course there are all these service charges I need to pay. Ive felt Sears was a good company and now after reading all these complaints I think I made a very expensive mistake. Or maybe its these type of washers that look good but dont last. Its sad..

[Dora]

I also had the error code F35 on my kennmore elite. I called the repair man, but did not want to wait a week for clean clothes. I was able to fix the error code problem by unplugging the washer and waiting 40minutes for the computer to reset. I had read online that the computer would reset in about that amount of time. Hope this helps.

[Chris Hertenstein]

I just bought a HE5T washer and dryer, the dryer seems to work fine, however the washer is already broken down with a F35 code. This was delivered on the 13th, and first use was the 15th at which time the washer failed. I had purchased the 5 year service plan, which apparently offers no advance replacement, the call center person told me I could not schedule a service call until the following Thursday the 18th, and that I would be better off calling the store sale department and having them replace the unit.

[Jacquie]

I purchased one of these on July 28th and it gave a SUD and F35 error code to me. I too had to wait 4 days for a service call and then the technician said he had to order parts so here it is Christmas and I will be without this washer for almost two weeks. I called the store to see about a return or an exchange and they said that only if you have a second call and also the extended warranty will they consider an exchange. It sounds like based on above that this is a consistent problem and may be a design problem. First, if you tell the service center the error code why can't they stock the necessary parts? Second, why if this is a consistent problem can't they fix it? I am going to contact the manufacturer on Monday. Merry Christmas to me with all my piles of wash!

[Reb]

If someone wants to sell you this washer RUN. Had it 3 weeks now. Three error codes, two service calls, a door that is possessed and unlocks only when it wants to, shuts down at ramdom....I'm ready to send it packing. My wife is NOT happy. Why pay this kind of money and end up handwashing clothes in the sink to have something to wear. Previous washer was Kenmore, lasted 22 years and gave it away still in working order. Terribly disappointed in this one.

[Greg]

F35 Code Problem. We have had the HE5T less than 6 months and now our washer will not work. Due to the massive problems Sears is having and apparently not bothering to address, we are considering having our local TV news channel look into an investigative report. I spoke with a Sears Salesman last night and he is worried about their future - said he is hardly selling anything anymore. Be very cautious buying anything from Sears right now. They are showing early signs of being in serious trouble - starting with not taking care of their loyal customers.

[John Bugailiskis]

Check out this YouTube video on Kenmore front loading washers and you will see how Consumer Reports has clearly failed to inform consumers about a major engineering problem with these washers as the poster above indicated.
http://www.appliancejournal.com/appliance-repair-help/washer-repair/why-kenmore-front-load-washers-fail-271/

[Puertorican]

I have a kenmore Elite HE5t (Barolo) with the F35 and sometimes SUD fault showing in the display and the problem was in the lower cover looking at it from the front(where the glass door is)removed it and in the water pump there is a round cover, turn it counter clockwise to get it loose, the filter will come out also since is one piece,I found coins and paper in there, clean it and screw it back on, while the machine was unplugged to reset the computer since it takes about 5 minutes to reset,and that took care of the F35 and SUD fault, hope it help you people.

[Paul]

I also have a Kenemore Elite HE5t. It is now 13 months old...1 month out of warranty. I get a Code 35 following SUD error. I expected more out of a high priced washer. Sear service says they can come out in 10 days to evaluate the problem. I told them forget it. I think I bought my last Sears product.

[Portia Ingraham]

I purchased a Kenmore Elite HE 5t Steam Front-Loading Automatic Washer in November 2008. I am looking for information on code:F35, cannot find info anywhere help....................
Nassau Bahamas

[Portia Ingraham]

I purchased a Kenmore Elite HE5t Steam Front Loading Auatomatic Washer in November 2008 and now need to know what code: F35 means, can't find it anywhere. this came up after sud error Someone Please Help.

Portia, Nassau Bahamas

[Erik]

We purchased an Hr5t pair in march of 2008. After approximately 15 months we started getting F70 error codes. Sears service came out and said they could fix the problem for the low low price of $700.

The warranty in the manual claims to cover the parts cost of the circuit board but Sears refuses to honor that as they claim it only covers the "Smart Sensor" board, not the other two boards that mysteriously failed after just over a year.

So, long story short, I will never, ever, ever again buy another appliance from Sears. If you do, spend the money on the service plan as you will need it. We are throwing our 1 year old washer in the trash and replacing it with a brand new LG.

[cosworth edison]

I too have a Sears HE5T the started flashing the error F35 message one week after the 12 month warranty expired. I received a phone call a few days later asking if I wanted to purchase the extended warranty. YES! I think this will be a reoccurring problem. I have waited one week to have the service tech arrive without the part. I am now waiting an additional 10 days for a new service appointment with the part being mailed directly to me. Per the service tech, this is such a problem, they cannot keep the part in stock. He has replaced 4 in the last week. This was a very expensive machine, that clearly has a defective part that Sears is not notifying customers and repairing it in a timely manner. I bought this machine based on the consumer reports rating. This rating NEEDS to be updated!!! Shame on Sears and shame on Consumer Reports. Per the blogs and the service tech, this problem has been going on for well over a year. BUYER BEWARE.

[Dinesh Dhamija]

I also have the F35 and Suds erros on the HE5t. It is ridiculious that an expensive washer continues to have this kind of problem. Sears support was not to helpful, disconnecting calls on transfers many times, and giving me a date 5 days out.

Anyone have some additional insights on this problem. Perhaps a Class Action suit should be filed against Sears for this problem.

[SAMCAM]

Purchased Sears he3t steam washer with 3 year extended warranty in Nov/08 and we just received the f35 error code. we tried multiple times to reset machine by running rinse and spin cycle as well as trying to clean washer cycle, unplugging it, etc. All to no avail - problem persists. Called sears and the first service rep told us we could have the machine serviced in two weeks - I don't think that is acceptable so I said you need to come earlier. I have two children and loads of laundry.
She HUNG UP on us! We immediately called 1-800 # again and another person told us the same thing. There was nothing we could do to fix the machine ourselves - we had to wait for the tech to service the machine in two weeks. What can you do? We are waiting. In the meantime, I called the store I purchased the washer from and asked if they could ship me a new washer this stinking thing is only 6 months old. She took my info and promised to call me back. She actually called me back later that day to say they would do me a BIG favor and allow us a $25/week payment for each week we were without our washer. Or we could rent a washer and they would reimburse us the costs. That is the BEST they could do. Meanwhile - the warranty is what pays for the $25/week laundry costs not the store. What the heck! I am not impressed with the reliability of this washer. What kind of crap are Sears selling these days? I was under the impression they backed their goods, but that does not appear to be the case. We are screwed with the $2000 washer that is obviously not reliable! As you can see from the history there appears to be a major problem with this washer and error code F35!
If I were you I would NOT buy from Sears!

[gbail]

Yes, me too. He5T with the F35 code and the occasional Sud. And of course, two months past the warranty. Took the front off tonight to look at the filter recommended by 'Puertorican'. Unfortunately, it looked okay. Just some slime. Went in the back to find that analog pressure sensor (top left) that others have mentioned might be the cause. The hoses to it look okay. Couldn't find anything online to tell me what to look for with a multi-meter. Now I'm deciding if I should just easter-egg troubleshoot and buy the $90 part. Everyone above says they ordered a part but don't say what it is. Is it the press sensor?

[Franklin]

I also have a Kenmore Elite, F 35 and "Suds" appear in the read out. Sears are you listening. Everyone complain to Sears Corporate immediately. Product liability issue. Have no solution to fix problem at this time.

[Dennis]

HE5T ... SUDS or F35 error ... clean the filter :) !! The panel below the door has 3 screws (mine was a star shaped screw). The white cap screws off. Mine was full, had a few coins, broken pen caps and a small wash cloth!! Put it back together, canceled the SUDS error using "stop" and did a drain and spin ... it seems to work fine now.

[Gerald Woods]

Just purchased a new HE3t front loading washer and dryer. Installers set up the washer and tried to run a cycle, only to get an F 28 code, which they could not solve. We called Sears service and we were told that we had to call in a service call the next day and they would get to out to repair it in 4 or 5 days. We've decided to demand a new machine or have them pick up the set.

[lisa]

has anyone had trouble with fabric softener, bleach, and detergent draining immediately out of dispenser and dripping down gray rubber area before washer cycle begins? I thought these were to be dispensed at appropriate times during the wash cycles?

[John Prehn]

F35 code may be cause by incorrect soap. The washer needs HE detergent, and very little of it. I fixed code by running washer on drain and rinse and spin a few times until it would run without the error code, then running the machine on regular wash with no detergent. I then loaded the machine normally, added slightly less than the amount of detergent called for on the detergent label, and it worked fine.