Are Kenmore fridges reliable ?

[Fritzo]

Kenmore is only a brand. Use the model number to look up the actual manufacturer. IIRC they use a lot of samsung and electrolux refrigerators.

Whirlpool and Maytag are more common. We have all Kenmore appliances (the builder contacted with Sears when our house was built), and they've all lasted 10 years so far with minor repairs. Our dishwasher and washer/dryer are rebranded Whirlpool, our oven and refrigerator are rebranded Maytag. They tend to have good warranties, and it's in your best interest to find out what brand they actually are so you don't have to pay premium prices for things like filters and fuses.

For instance, the water filter in our 'fridge costs $50 from Sears. However, since it's actually a Whirlpool, I can get the same filter from Home Depot for $22.

Here's a list of manufacturers based on serial numbers:

http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/sears.shtml