What's this? This score is based mainly on evenness of heating, ease of use, and auto-defrosting ability. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Approximate retail price:
$149.99
We expect this model to perform similarly to the tested Kenmore 6325[2] although it may differ in price and features.
The Kenmore 6912[ ] is a countertop microwave oven available from
Kenmore.
The 6912[ ] typically costs
$149.99.
Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's
our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on countertop microwave oven
models like the 6912[ ].
Claimed capacity (cu. ft.):
Capacity as listed on the product or packaging.
Watts:
This is the manufacturer's figure of the microwave power output. In general, the more watts an oven offers, the greater its cooking power-and the faster your food will be cooked. That said, differences in claimed wattage of 100 watts or less are unlikely to result in significant differences in performance.
Sensor:
Controls the cooking and reheating time automatically. It shuts off an oven when it determines (usually by sensing steam) that food is hot enough.
Tested Model
The Ratings of Kenmore 6325[2] were applied to untested model Kenmore 6912[ ], which in our judgment is enough alike in its performance, features, and specs that our test results apply to both.
This brand, sold at Sears, offers a wide number of countertop microwave ovens, with prices ranging from $70 to $350. Capacities are from 1 to 2 cubic feet, and some models provide convection cooking. Kenmore over-the-range models measure about 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet and have wattage ratings of 900 to 1,200; they cost $200 to $800. Sears offers a wide range of OTR ovens and sells a model with GE's Advantium speed-cook technology.
Features & Specs - Kenmore 6912[ ]
Claimed capacity (cu. ft.) Capacity as listed on the product or packaging.
Claimed capacity (cu. ft.)
1.2
Watts This is the manufacturer's figure of the microwave power output. In general, the more watts an oven offers, the greater its cooking power-and the faster your food will be cooked. That said, differences in claimed wattage of 100 watts or less are unlikely to result in significant differences in performance.
Watts
1200
Convection mode A few microwaves include a convection oven feature, which has a heating element and a fan that distributes heat. In convection mode, you can set the oven temperature as you would in a traditional oven to bake or roast items.
Convection mode
No
Sensor Controls the cooking and reheating time automatically. It shuts off an oven when it determines (usually by sensing steam) that food is hot enough.
Sensor
Yes
Detailed prompts Display offers instructions to guide you through the cooking process.
Detailed prompts
Yes
Stainless/SS-look option Stainless-steel is stylish, but it shows fingerprints. Another option: a vinyl-covered metal finish that gives you a stainless-steel look but resists smudging.
This is the second Kenmore microwave I've had in the past few months. The first one (different model) had controls that stopped working. This one, at the 2.5 month mark, started making loud popping sounds and then quit. Not sure why consumer reviews are so different from Consumerreports reviews.
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By
Rob-N-Ang
from
Tampa, FL
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
Stopped heating after two months
10/14/2012
Pros
Attractive Design
Heats Evenly
Powerful
Cons
Unreliable
Best Uses
Comment:
We bought this microwave (in stainless) based upon the CR recommendation. I saw others had problems shortly after buying it but I figured these must be the unusual occurrences. <br /><br />Two months after we brought it home it stopped heating. We could put a food item in there for 3 minutes on full power and it didn't warm up at all. <br /><br />I unplugged the microwave for about 30 seconds and plugged it back in. Still nothing. <br /><br />I unplugged it for an hour and, when I plugged it back in, it started working properly again. It lasted another 5 days before it stopped warming the food. This time we unplugged it for good. It goes back tomorrow - we'll seek out another brand. <br /><br />The irony, by the way, is that when we bought it the sales person was so adamant about selling us the extended service plan that we almost didn't buy it. My reasoning was that if the brand was so unreliable that I should have to buy a warranty, maybe I shouldn't get it. When confronted with this logic she backed down. But now because of that exchange we won't be risking it with another Kenmore.
How long have you owned it:
One-to-three months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By
Irv
from
East Bay, CA
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
Very Poor Reliability
9/7/2012
Pros
Easy To Install
Heats Evenly
Powerful
Cons
Bad Reliability
Unreliable
Best Uses
Comment:
Bought unit and it worked well for one month, then it would no longer heat. Returned to [@] and no hassle return. Bought exactly the same model again figuring it was a random failure. The same failure occurred, once again not able to heat, exactly one month later. Again returned to Sears with no hassle. I believe that this microwave is flawed in some manner because it twice failed under normal household usage. I then purchased a microwave from another manufacturer.