Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Kenmore Elite 7205

Kenmore Elite 7205 Review

Refrigerators

Product Grade
Report Card Grade
0 Reviews
Best Feature:
Large capacity but flexible storage for improved organization
Worst Feature:
Icemaker doesn't produce much ice and has quality issues
Best Uses:
Spacious refrigerator perfect for large households
Pricing:
$2576 - $2812 (see review for warranty information)

Where to Buy

Store Name
Price
$3,654.99

Overview

We give the Kenmore Elite 31.0 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (72052, 72053, 72059) an A- because it is a good, large capacity refrigerator that is energy efficient and maintains optimal internal temperatures without producing too much noise. It has a sleek, attractive design and offers some convenient features like three-tiered freezer storage, an external water/ice dispenser and an open door alert. With that said, we had to deduct points because there were numerous complaints about the quality of the icemaker and a few complaints about the quality of Sears' customer service. While we definitely recommend this refrigerator, we would highly encourage you to purchase the extended protection agreement along with it.

Photos

The Kenmore Elite 31.0 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator 72052.
Kenmore Elite is known for reliability.
The fridge has adjustable shelves, door bins and dairy bins, as well as temperature- and humidity-controlled drawers.
Adjustable shelving in the fridge.
The top two shelves can be retracted for more flexible storage space.
Kenmore Retractable Shelving 2 - A side view of the retractable shelves.
Kenmore Drawers – The refrigerator has two crispers and a full-width temperature-controlled pantry drawer.
You can adjust the crispers for fruits or vegetables.
Door bins for condiments.
The refrigerator has one sealed dairy bin.
The door bins on right hand side are adjustable.
The automatic icemaker is built into the refrigerator door to save space in the freezer.
Inside the automatic icemaker.
LED lights illuminate the interior of the fridge.
A built-in air filter keeps air odorless and food fresher.
The refrigerator has an external water/ice dispenser for additional convenience.
The freezer has three levels of storage space.
There is a pocket compartment in the freezer drawer for easy access to certain items.
The Tilt-N-Take freezer drawer.
There is extra ice storage in the freezer if needed.
All of the finishes have matching handles.
The model number information is located inside the refrigerator.

 
This Product
Head of Class
Most Popular
Overall Score
73%
77%
76%
Our Awards
Date Reviewed
January 2013
January 2013
December 2012
Pros
ENERGY STAR® qualified; has external digital temperature controls with child lock; maintains optimal internal conditions; quiet; great lighting; humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers; three tiered freezer storage; Tilt-N-Take freezer door easy to open; built-in water filter; external water and ice dispenser; air purification system; open door alert
Superior temperature performance; high-quality design built to last for 20 years; highly adjustable storage design; air purification system; built-in water filter; bulk ice making feature; humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers; open door alert; can be used in a standard installation or in a flush inset installation; Star-K certified with a "Sabbath" mode
ENERGY STAR® qualified; maintains optimal internal conditions; has external digital temperature controls with child lock; quiet; space-saving icemaker design; built-in water filter; external water and ice dispenser; bonus storage (ex. egg container, wine rack and can holder); open door alert; available in multiple finishes; LED Tower Lighting
Cons
Many complaints about the icemaker not working properly; some complaints about Sears' customer service; some complaints about frost build up in the freezer; left side door bins very narrow and won't be able to accommodate many condiment jars
Very expensive; useable freezer capacity is relatively limited; no gallon-size door bin; energy efficient but not ENERGY STAR® compliant
Some complaints about the icemaker not working properly; some reported quality issues with the handles (loosening and/or falling off); door bins aren't adjustable; some complaints about small drawers that didn't open fully; doesn't have built-in air filter; doesn't have temperature-controlled drawer
Refrigeration System (25%)
Storage Capabilities (20%)
Extra Features (25%)
Exterior Style/Functionality (10%)
Brand Reputation/Reliability (10%)
Customer Feedback (10%)
Type
Freestanding
Built-in
Freestanding
Style
French Door (Tilt-N-Take freezer door)
French Door (pull-out freezer drawer)
Side-by-Side
Total Capacity (cu. ft.)
30.7
21.0
24.5
Price (MSRP)
$2576 - $2812
$8,575 - $10,060
$2349 - $2399
Warranty
10-year warranty on the linear compressor. You can also purchase an additional In-Home Master Protection Agreement for either $379.99 (3-year) or $549.99 (5-year).
2-year full warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit; 5-year full warranty on parts & labor for the sealed refrigeration system; 12-year limited warranty on just parts for the sealed refrigeration system.
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit; 5-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the sealed refrigeration system
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
35.75" x 70.25" x 36.25"
36" x 84" x 24"
35.88" x 70" x 29" (taken from instruction manual)
Depth with Door Open at 90°
48.13"
43.38" (note: the freezer drawer fully open will exceed that depth at 47.5")
45.44"
Width with Door Open at 90°
44.25"
40.75"
36.33"
Weight
Unknown
529 pounds
254 pounds
ENERGY STAR® Qualified
Yes
No
Yes
Power
It uses 579 kWh/year. Kenmore estimates that it could cost about $62 a year to run.
It uses 571 kWh/year. Sub-Zero estimates that it could cost about $61 a year to run.
It uses 560 kWh/year. Samsung estimates that it could cost about $60 a year to run.
Cooling Technology
GeniusCool™ technology features a linear compressor and dual evaporators to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels in the both compartments.
High-tech dual refrigeration system with electronic microprocessor monitors/controls temperature and humidity levels in the fridge and freezer separately. The system is able to keep temperatures within 1 degree of your preset temperature.
Twin Cooling Plus™ technology (single compressor / dual evaporator) offers precise monitoring and control over humidity and temperature levels in each compartment. There are also 5 temperature sensors and multiple vents to ensure that cold, fresh air is always circulating evenly throughout each compartment.
Auto-Defrost (Frost-Free)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Temperature Controls
An external digital control panel (with a child lock) allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge or the freezer.
A digital control panel at the top of the fridge allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge and in the freezer.
An external digital control panel (with a child lock) allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge or the freezer. Panel also has "Power Cool" and "Power Freeze" button that will quickly drop the internal temperature in the fridge or freezer.
Built-In Air Filter
Yes, it has a built-in CleanFlow™ charcoal air filter to keep air fresh and clean.
Yes, it has a built-in air purification system that reduces airborne bacteria, odors and even ethylene gas.
N/A
Fresh Food Capacity (cu. ft.)
20.7
15.7
15.2
Shelf Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Spill-Proof Edges
Yes
Yes
Yes
Shelves
5 shelves including 1 stationary full-width shelf and 4 adjustable split shelves
4 full-width shelves (3 adjustable and 1 stationary)
4 adjustable shelves including 1 that is also retractable
Total # of Drawers
3
2
3
Humidity-Controlled Drawer (Crisper)
2 (half-width)
1 (full-width)
1
Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Drawer
1 (full-width)
1 (full-width)
N/A
Door Bins
6 door bins including 2 gallon-size bins, 3 narrow bins and 1 covered dairy bin
8 door bins including 4 adjustable bins, 2 stationary bins and 2 adjustable dairy bins (magnetically sealed)
5 stationary door bins including 1 gallon-size bin and 1 dairy bin
Additional Storage
N/A
N/A
Egg container, optional wine rack and foldable can holder
Freezer Capacity (cu. ft.)
10.0
5.3
9.3
Freezer Storage
3 tiers of storage including 2 pull-out drawers and 1 deep bin
2 pull-out wire drawers that are divided into separate compartments
4 shelves, 2 drawers and 3 stationary door bins
Icemaker
Yes, it has a slim, factory-installed automatic icemaker built into the fridge door.
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker in the freezer.
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker that is built into the freezer door. The ice bucket is clear, so you can easily check ice levels when necessary.
Bulk Ice-Making Capabilities
No
Yes, in "MAX ICE" mode, ice production increases by 40% for a 24-hour period.
No
Built-in Water Filter
Yes
Yes
Yes
External Water/Ice Dispenser
Yes, it has an external water and crushed/cubed ice dispenser on the left-hand door.
N/A
Yes, it has an external water and crushed/cubed ice dispenser on the freezer door.
Lighting
LED lighting system along the sides and top of the fridge and 2 LED lights under its doors to illuminate the freezer.
40W appliance light bulbs in the fridge and the freezer
LED Tower Lighting systems in the fridge and freezer
Open Door Alert
Yes, after set amount of time
Yes, after 1 minute (optional)
Yes, after 2 minutes
Product Design
It is available in 3 different finishes including White (72052), Black (72059) and Stainless Steel (72053). It has smooth, contoured doors and matching handles.
It is available in Stainless Steel or Overlay (with custom panels). It has flat, smooth doors, and you can choose between 3 handle styles including Pro, Tubular or Framed.
It is available in 4 different finishes including Black (RSG257AABP/XAA), White (RSG257AAWP/XAA), Stainless Steel (RSG257AARS/XAA) and Stainless Platinum (RSG257AAPN/XAA). It has flat, smooth doors with concealed hinges and a concealed grill at the bottom.

ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review


Specifications

Refrigeration System

The Kenmore Elite 31.0 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator 7205 is an ENERGY STAR® compliant refrigerator that uses 579 kWh/year. Kenmore estimates that it could cost you about $62 a year to run.

It features the innovative GeniusCool™ cooling system that has a linear compressor and dual evaporators to keep optimal internal temperatures and humidity levels in the fridge and freezer. It also has a frost-free freezer and separate external temperature controls in the water/ice dispenser that allow you to make precise temperature adjustments to each compartment.

You can control temperatures in the fridge and freezer from the external water/ice dispenser.
You can control temperatures in the fridge and freezer from the external water/ice dispenser.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Storage in the Fresh Food Compartment and Freezer

The 7205 series Kenmore Elite refrigerators have 30.7 cu. ft. of capacity and offer the most storage space of any Kenmore refrigerator. With 20.7 cu. ft. of capacity, the fresh food compartment has very flexible storage capabilities. It has a total of five spill-proof glass shelves including one full-width shelf and four split ones. The four split shelves are all adjustable and the two top shelves can even be retracted to allow for more space below. The refrigerator also has three drawers including a full-width, digital temperature-controlled pantry drawer and two half-width AirTight Crispers that Kenmore promises will keep your produce fresh longer than a standard humidity crisper bin. In terms of door storage, there are three storage bins on each door including two gallon-size bins and a covered dairy bin on the right side and three narrower door bins on the opposite side (to make room for the in-door icemaker). The 7205's freezer has 10 cu. ft. of capacity and is designed with a Tilt-N-Take freezer drawer that conveniently tips open to reveal three tiers of storage space including two pullout drawers and a deep bin.

The fridge has adjustable shelves, door bins and dairy bins, as well as temperature- and humidity-controlled drawers.
The fridge has adjustable shelves, door bins and dairy bins, as well as temperature- and humidity-controlled drawers.
Credit: Mary Griffin
The freezer has three levels of storage space.
The freezer has three levels of storage space.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Extra Features

The refrigerator has an external water and ice dispenser on the left door that uses a built-in water filter and provides easy access to filtered water and cubed or crushed ice. The automatic icemaker is even built into the fridge door to allow for more useable capacity in the freezer, and there is an ice storage container in the freezer that you can use whenever you need extra ice on hand. It also has a CleanFlow™ charcoal air filter to keep the air circulating through each area fresh and odorless, and it features bright LED lighting along the sides and top of the fridge as well as under its doors for the freezer. For additional convenience, the Kenmore Elite 7205 refrigerator has an open door alert that will beep after a set amount of time.

The automatic icemaker is built into the refrigerator door to save space in the freezer.
The automatic icemaker is built into the refrigerator door to save space in the freezer.
Credit: Mary Griffin
A built-in air filter keeps air odorless and food fresher.
A built-in air filter keeps air odorless and food fresher.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Exterior Style and Functionality

The Kenmore Elite 7205 is a French-Door, Bottom-Freezer refrigerator with a Tilt-N-Take freezer drawer. It has smooth, contoured doors and is available in three different finishes with matching door handles including White (72052), Black (72059) and Stainless Steel (72053). It has exposed hinges, and it isn't ADA-compliant.

The Kenmore Elite 31.0 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator 72052.
The Kenmore Elite 31.0 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator 72052.
Credit: Mary Griffin
All of the finishes have matching handles.
All of the finishes have matching handles.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Brand Reputation

In a 2013 J.D. Power and Associates refrigerator study, Kenmore Elite received a 4/5 in overall customer satisfaction. It also received very good ratings from Consumer Reports. They awarded the 72053 a 78/100 and gave it an excellent score on temperature performance and noise level. In terms of warranty, Kenmore only includes a 10-year warranty on linear compressor in the price, but you can also purchase an additional In-Home Master Protection Agreement for either $379.99 (3-year) or $549.99 (5-year).

User Reviews

The Kenmore Elite 31.0 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (72052, 72053, 72059) has received very good feedback from customers online including a 4/5 on Sears.com (558 reviews). Most customers are very happy with the refrigerator's useable capacity, energy efficiency, style and performance. Customers also appreciated the bonus features like its LED lighting, external water and ice dispenser and flexible storage options. About 67% of reviewers on Sears.com said that they would recommend the refrigerator to a friend. While there were some complaints about structural issues with the fridge (narrow door bins, inconvenience of sometimes having to open up both doors, etc.), the most common complaints that came up in customer reviews were related to the icemaker being too small and/or not working properly. When problems did come up with the appliance, many customers also expressed frustration with Sears' customer service and felt that the quality of Sears' service had deteriorated in recent years. It is hard to tell from Sears' website because reviewers aren't required to include how long they have owned their appliance, but I did feel like many positive reviews I read were from customers who had just installed the fridge and might not have yet encountered the problems that other reviewers mentioned. Overall, the Kenmore Elite 7205 model sounds like a pretty good refrigerator, but we would definitely suggest purchasing the extended warranty or protection agreement just in case problems do come up.


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