October 2007
Kenmore HE5 Steam Dryer: First Look
This new dryer uses water and heat to get rid of wrinkles and odors
GETTING STEAMED The Kenmore HE5 is designed to eliminate wrinkles and odors.
Price we paid: $1,050
Date of Consumer Reports full report: February 2008
What it is. The Kenmore HE5 Steam dryer, sold nationwide at Sears, is a 7.4-cu.-ft. dryer that uses water and heat to reduce wrinkles and remove odors.
This dryer offers two "SteamCare" cycles: Refresh is designed to relax wrinkles and get rid of odors in 15 minutes. Touch Up is for loads that you've left in the dryer for too long after a cycle has ended. (SteamCare requires a cold-water hook-up to the dryer.)
The HE5 is equipped with other notable features, including a signal for a blocked lint filter and another that alerts you when a load is 80 percent dry. It comes in white and, for $100 more, Barolo (shown).
What we liked. This dryer has a substantial capacity and is extremely quiet. During our tests, SteamCare removed most of the wrinkles and smoke odors on the loads we dried. When we used a timed cycle without the steam function, the HE5 also eliminated the wrinkles and left only a very slight smoke odor.
What we didn't like. Its $1,050 price tag.
Our initial take. Based on our preliminary testing, the Kenmore HE5 appears to be at least a very solid performer that excels at drying. Look for our full report on the HE5--and our reviews and Ratings of other new dryers and washers--in the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.
Essential information. If you're in the market for a new dryer, read our free buying advice. Then refer to the Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right model for your home. And if you're considering adding a laundry room near living space, keep these design considerations in mind.
Date of Consumer Reports full report: February 2008
What it is. The Kenmore HE5 Steam dryer, sold nationwide at Sears, is a 7.4-cu.-ft. dryer that uses water and heat to reduce wrinkles and remove odors.
This dryer offers two "SteamCare" cycles: Refresh is designed to relax wrinkles and get rid of odors in 15 minutes. Touch Up is for loads that you've left in the dryer for too long after a cycle has ended. (SteamCare requires a cold-water hook-up to the dryer.)
The HE5 is equipped with other notable features, including a signal for a blocked lint filter and another that alerts you when a load is 80 percent dry. It comes in white and, for $100 more, Barolo (shown).
What we liked. This dryer has a substantial capacity and is extremely quiet. During our tests, SteamCare removed most of the wrinkles and smoke odors on the loads we dried. When we used a timed cycle without the steam function, the HE5 also eliminated the wrinkles and left only a very slight smoke odor.
What we didn't like. Its $1,050 price tag.
Our initial take. Based on our preliminary testing, the Kenmore HE5 appears to be at least a very solid performer that excels at drying. Look for our full report on the HE5--and our reviews and Ratings of other new dryers and washers--in the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.
Essential information. If you're in the market for a new dryer, read our free buying advice. Then refer to the Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the right model for your home. And if you're considering adding a laundry room near living space, keep these design considerations in mind.
