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Discover why the Kenmore 78132 electric dryer stands out with its 7.4 cu ft capacity, excellent drying scores, and Energy Star efficiency. We break down performance, noise, convenience, and maintenance tips to help you decide if it's the right fit for your laundry needs. Pros, cons, and smart accessories included.
Quick Pick
Kenmore 78132 Electric Dryer
Best for large families needing reliable, spacious drying with moisture sensing. Energy Star certified for savings. Pair it with the BlueStars 341241 Dryer Drum Belt for long-term maintenance.Check current deals in our Best Home & Kitchen Deals.
In today's fast-paced households, a dependable clothes dryer isn't just a convenience—it's essential for keeping up with laundry demands. The Kenmore 78132 electric dryer emerges as a strong contender in the mid-range market, offering a generous 7.4 cubic foot drum that handles king-size comforters and weekly family loads with ease. With an overall score of 71 out of 100 in rigorous testing, it excels in core drying performance while delivering solid energy efficiency.
This front-loading model features smart touches like a moisture sensor to prevent over-drying and a wrinkle shield option that tumbles clothes periodically to reduce creases. Whether you're drying heavy cotton towels or delicate permanent press fabrics, the Kenmore 78132 consistently performs at a Very Good level. But is it the best choice for your home? We'll dive into specs, real-world testing data, pros, cons, and accessories to give you a clear picture.
To put the Kenmore 78132 in context, here's how it stacks up against typical mid-range electric dryers (based on averaged data from leading models with 7.0+ cu ft capacities):
| Feature | Kenmore 78132 | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 7.4 cu ft | 7.0 cu ft |
| Drying Performance (Cotton) | Very Good (VG) | Good (G) |
| Drying Performance (Perm Press) | VG | G |
| Convenience Score | Good | Good |
| Noise Level | Fair | Good |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes | 70% of models |
| Sensor Dry | Yes | Yes (80%) |
| Stackable | Yes | Yes |
| Predicted Reliability | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Owner Satisfaction | 4/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Price Range | $600-$800 | $550-$750 |
This table highlights the Kenmore's edge in capacity and drying consistency, making it ideal for larger households. For current pricing, see our Best Home & Kitchen Deals.
The standout feature of the Kenmore 78132 is its drying prowess. In tests with standard cotton loads (8 lbs), it achieved Very Good results, extracting moisture evenly without scorching fabrics. Heavy loads, like 12 lbs of towels, dried in about 45-50 minutes—10% faster than average thanks to the powerful 6,800-watt heating element.
Delicates fare equally well. Permanent press settings with the moisture sensor stopped the cycle precisely at 3-5% remaining moisture, minimizing shrinkage and static. Users report up to 20% less ironing needed post-dry.
Real-world tip: For best results, sort loads by fabric weight and use the "Normal" cycle for mixed cottons. This dryer shines in high-volume scenarios, drying a full week's worth of family laundry in under 4 hours total.
Rated Good overall, the Kenmore 78132 prioritizes practicality. The intuitive digital controls feature large, backlit buttons and a cycle selector knob that's easy for all ages to navigate. An interior drum light illuminates contents for quick checks, and the reversible door adds installation flexibility.
Stackability is a boon for small spaces—pair it with a compatible Kenmore washer for vertical setups saving 20-30% floor space. However, it lacks app connectivity or steam refresh, which some premium models offer.
Pro Tip: Customize cycles with the Wrinkle Shield (up to 90 minutes of intermittent tumbling) for overnight drying without creases.
At Fair noise rating (around 65-68 dB on high), the Kenmore 78132 is audible but not disruptive—like a moderate conversation. Place it away from living areas or on anti-vibration pads to quiet it further.
Energy-wise, its Energy Star certification means 15-20% lower utility bills versus non-certified models. Annual costs average $40-$50 (based on 295 kWh/year usage), with the moisture sensor preventing unnecessary runs.
Overall, pros outweigh cons for value-driven buyers.
Large families (4+ members), apartment dwellers needing stackables, or budget-conscious users prioritizing performance over bells and whistles. Avoid if you need ultra-quiet operation or voice controls.
Regular upkeep extends the Kenmore 78132's life to 10+ years. Clean the lint filter after every load (prevents 90% of fires) and vent annually. For drum issues, stock the BlueStars 341241 Dryer Drum Belt—compatible with Kenmore models, it's a precise replacement (replaces 8066065, AP2946843) that installs in 30 minutes and costs under $20.
Recommended Accessory: BlueStars 341241 Dryer Drum Belt – Reliable fix for wear-and-tear.
If the Kenmore doesn't fit, consider air-drying hybrids:
Reduce dryer dependency with steamers:
See on Site: Whitmor Rack for space-saving drying.
The Kenmore 78132 delivers where it counts—superior drying in a spacious, efficient package. At its price point, it's a smart investment for practical laundry solutions. Complete your setup with our recommended accessories.
Yes, it meets strict efficiency standards, using about 295 kWh annually for typical use—saving you $15-25 yearly on bills.
Rated Fair at 65-68 dB, similar to a dishwasher. Anti-vibration pads can reduce it by 5-10 dB.
Absolutely—it's stackable with most Kenmore front-load washers, ideal for apartments.
Yes, the Sensor Dry feature auto-adjusts time based on load humidity for optimal results.
Typically 1-year full parts/labor, 10-year limited on drum—check retailer for details.
Excellent—the 7.4 cu ft drum fits 20+ bath towels or a king comforter without tangling.
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