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  • Design & Usability

  • Performance & Features

  • Conclusion

  • By the Numbers

  • Cleaning Performance

  • Efficiency

  • Design & Usability
  • Performance & Features
  • Conclusion
  • By the Numbers
  • Cleaning Performance
  • Efficiency
Editor's Note:

The Kenmore 41383 (MSRP $1179.99) is an affordable, 4.5 cubic-foot, stackable, front-loading washer with some high-end features. For example, the Steam Treat setting allows you to add steam when running select cycles, and a Sanitize function gets clothes really clean. Those options are rarely seen on machines that drop under $1,000 on sale.

While the feature set exceeded expectations, overall cleaning performance turned out to be on par with other similarly sized machines. But a recent price drop—$749 for the silver 41383 and just $649 for the otherwise-identical white 41382—make this washer one of the most affordable front-loaders on the market. We think it's a superb value.

To read our full review of this washer's matching dryer, the Kenmore 81383, click here.

Design & Usability

Sensible design

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The Kenmore 41383 is grey in color with silver accents. We consider it pretty stylish—but hey, it's hard to go wrong with a solid color. Those who aren't fond of the gray color of the machine should note the Kenmore 41382 is the same machine in white. Its MSRP is $1,069, and sale prices occasionally drop to $799.

Regardless of which color you choose, this machine has sensible controls. It always resets to the 48-minute Normal cycle, and all print is large and easy to read. If you've used a front-loading washing machine in the past ten years, there's little that will confound you. Everything from the door to the power button is very straightforward.

This magnetic bumper keeps the door ajar to prevent mold from growing on the gasket.

This magnetic bumper keeps the door ajar to prevent mold from growing on the gasket.

The magnetic bumper, which allows the door to stay ajar without the risk of swinging open, sets the 41383 apart from other front-loading washers. It's a great design feature that helps keep the drum dry and free from smelly mold, a common complaint amongst front-loader owners.

Performance & Features

Feature-rich

Our tests revealed the Kenmore 41383's cleaning performance is on-par with other machines in its price range. It ranked slightly lower than the cheaper Kenmore 41182, but still scored respectably.

This washer did the best when it came to removing cocoa and blood stains. That's a good sign, since those substances are on the opposite sides of the pH scale.

Features-wise, this washer is loaded. Special settings include Sanitize, Steam Treat and Stay Fresh. Steam Treat as important if you're doing laundry for someone with allergies, or if your load includes cloth diapers. Rarely do we see steam on a washing machine that costs less than a thousand dollars.

The 41383 also has a Stay Fresh mode, which keeps the drum rolling slowly after the cycle has finished, and helps prevent wrinkled or musty clothing. For who want to set it and forget it, you won't find musty shirts in your laundry room the next day.

For in-depth performance information, please visit the Science Page.

Conclusion

Steam and sanitize for less

The 4.5-cu.-ft. drum has plenty of room for your family's laundry.

The 4.5-cu.-ft. drum has plenty of room for your family's laundry.

The Kenmore 41383 is a product tailor made for families with big messes.

It's one of the least expensive washers available with both a Sanitize cycle and a steam cleaning option. If you use cloth diapers or otherwise need to frequently sanitize clothing, this washer is aimed at you.

If you just want clean clothes, other washers will get the job done—but this Kenmore is an exceptional value.

By the Numbers

Science is the bedrock of our reviews. For washing machines, the most important tests revolve around cleaning ability and efficiency.

Cleaning Performance

During our cleaning performance tests we use controlled, stained cloth swatches. The swatches are coated in common substances like sweat, dirt, and cocoa. Each stain strip is placed into an eight-pound load of laundry and washed with standardized detergent. When the cycle is finished, we take the strips out and analyze them to determine how much of each stain has been lifted.

Before and after test stain results using the Normal cycle. From left to right: control, sweat, dirt, blood, cocoa, and red wine.

Before and after test stain results using the Normal cycle. From left to right: control, sweat, dirt, blood, cocoa, and red wine.

The Kenmore 41383 had the most trouble with dirt stains, but did particularly well with protein-based ones. We were also encouraged by this machine's handling of both cocoa and blood, which are on the opposite sides of the pH scale.

Efficiency

Efficiency tests take two factors into account: what goes in and what goes out. In terms of what goes in—water and electricity—the Kenmore 41383 is very efficient. Based on average national costs and use patterns, we estimate an annual running cost of around $29.

What comes out is wet laundry. The wetter your laundry is, the harder your dryer will have to work, using more electricity. On average, the 41182 spun out 53% of excess water. Bad machines leave behind 75%, and anything that's at least around the 50% mark gets a gold star from us.

Meet the tester

Jonathan Chan

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

See all of Jonathan Chan's reviews

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Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

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