The top-rated front-loader in our Ratings, the $800 Kenmore 4027, excelled in most of our tests. But if a problem pops up—an extra-long cycle time, for example—let the washer tell its problems to an expert.
 
Sears has introduced Kenmore Connect, technology that allows washers and dryers to communicate directly with service experts. Basically, you dial an 800 number, put the phone’s receiver over the machine’s power button, and push the wash/rinse button or dryer’s temp button. Troubleshooting data is transmitted to the experts, enabling them to diagnose the problem and come up with a solution.
 
Since more than 60 percent of Sears’ service calls aren’t related to mechanical failure, Kenmore Connect could drastically reduce the number of in-home repair visits. That’s good news for consumers, since waiting for the repairman is a hassle, especially when you work. If the problem can’t be solved by phone, Sears’ executives say the diagnostic tool will allow their technicians to arrive better prepared to fix the machine. “Over time, this technology will solve every problem. That’s our goal,” says Tim Adkisson, a product engineer for Kenmore.
 
If you bought it this year, your Kenmore machine might already have this technology. Sears ran a pilot test program with appliance owners before announcing the capability. The retailer is notifying owners by mail starting next week, and in the near future new product manuals will include information about Kenmore Connect. Here’s the list of models with the feature.

• Washers: 40272, 40311/8, 40441/8, 40512/8, 41022/8/9, 42192/8/9 and 29272/8
  
• Dryers: 9/80872, 9/80311/8, 9/80441/8, 9/80512/8, 9/81022/8/9, 9/82192/8/9 and 7/69272/8

For more information or to watch a demo video visit Kenmore's website.

And check our Ratings of front loaders, top loaders, and dryers (available to subscribers) if your laundry appliances aren’t what they used to be.

--Kimberly Janeway