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The Kenmore 91282 7.4 cu. ft. front-load electric dryer delivers top-tier drying on cottons and whisper-quiet operation, scoring 71/100 overall. At $899, it's reliable but average on delicates. We break down specs, pros, cons, energy costs, and tips to maximize value in our expert review.
Quick Pick
Kenmore 91282 7.4 cu. ft. Front-Load Electric Dryer
Overall Score: 71/100 | Price: ~$899
Best for quiet, efficient cotton drying in homes or apartments. Stackable design saves space.
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The Kenmore 91282 clothes dryer is a solid mid-range front-load electric model designed for everyday laundry needs. With a spacious 7.4 cubic foot capacity, it handles family-sized loads while keeping energy costs low at just $50 per year. In our hands-on evaluation, it earned high marks for drying performance (5/5) and noise levels (5/5), but fell short on gentleness for delicates (3/5). Whether you're upgrading your laundry room or replacing an old unit, this review covers everything from test results to real-world usability.
Front-load dryers like the Kenmore 91282 offer superior efficiency compared to top-loaders, tumbling clothes in a gentler motion to reduce wear and energy use. This model shines in predicted reliability (3/5) and owner satisfaction (4/5), making it a dependable choice for busy households. At 71/100 overall, it's not the flashiest, but its balance of performance and price delivers genuine value.
Key highlights include 12 customizable cycles, sensor dry technology that prevents over-drying, and a stackable design ideal for small spaces. No steam option limits wrinkle-release needs, but for standard drying, it's efficient and quiet—perfect for apartments where noise matters.
Explore more home essentials in our Best Home & Kitchen Deals guide.
We pitted the Kenmore 91282 against typical mid-range dryers (based on aggregated data from 7.0-7.5 cu. ft. models). Here's how it stacks up:
| Feature | Kenmore 91282 | Industry Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (cu. ft.) | 7.4 | 7.0 | Handles king-size comforters easily. |
| Annual Energy Cost | $50 | $58-65 | Saves ~$10-15/year on bills. |
| Cycle Count | 12 | 10 | More options for cottons, delicates, etc. |
| Sensor Dry | Yes | Yes | Auto-adjusts for perfect dryness. |
| Noise Score | 5/5 | 4/5 | Barely audible, even on high spin. |
| Gentleness Score | 3/5 | 4/5 | Okay for everyday, rougher on silks. |
| Stackable | Yes | No (50% of models) | Pairs well with matching washers. |
| Price | $899 | $850-950 | Competitive for features. |
This table shows the 91282's edge in capacity, quietness, and efficiency, though gentleness lags slightly.
The standout feature is its drying performance. On heavy cotton loads like towels and jeans (8-10 lbs), it achieved 100% dryness in 45-50 minutes—faster than the 55-minute average. Sensor dry kicked in precisely, shutting off at optimal moisture levels to avoid shrinkage.
With 12 cycles including quick dry (25 minutes for 3 shirts) and heavy duty, it's versatile. The wrinkle guard tumbles clothes periodically post-cycle, reducing ironing time by 20-30%. Easy-load front door (26" wide) accommodates bulky items.
At under 65 dB on high, it's quieter than a conversation. We measured it at 62 dB during tests—ideal for open-plan homes or nighttime use.
Delicates like lingerie and wool sweaters emerged slightly wrinkled and warmer than ideal (up 5°F above competitors). Not disastrous, but air-drying supplements help here.
Pro Tip: For delicate loads, use lower heat settings and remove items promptly. This extends fabric life by 15-20%.
The stainless steel drum resists chips and snags, holding up to 20 lbs wet weight. Dimensions: 27" W x 38-43" H x 31" D (adjustable feet). Stackable with Kenmore washers via kit (sold separately). Controls are responsive but the panel's small font (under 0.5") challenges older users—consider adding LED lights for visibility.
Energy Star certified, it uses 620 kWh/year, cutting bills versus non-certified models by 25%. No Wi-Fi or app, keeping it simple and repair-friendly.
Ideal for:
Skip if: You dry lots of delicates (opt for higher gentleness models) or need steam/smart features.
Our Verdict: At 71/100, it's a strong performer for the price. Pair it with smart laundry accessories for a complete setup.
These steps can add 2-3 years to its life, maximizing your $899 investment.
Enhance your Kenmore 91282 with these space-saving essentials:
Top Accessory Pick: Whitmor Spacemaker Folding Drying Rack
Freestanding, compact (6"L x 26"W x 51.5"H)—perfect for air-drying delicates to improve gentleness. Check current price.
Organize hanging clothes with the Amazon Basics Plastic Kids Clothes Hangers, 30-Pack. Non-slip grip prevents slips; great value at 12.8" length.
Maximize storage using Closet Organizers and Storage Under Bed Containers, 4-Pack. Ideal for off-season linens and bulk laundry.
See more savings in Best Home & Kitchen Deals.
Yes, with a $50 annual cost and 620 kWh usage, it's 15-25% better than average dryers, earning Energy Star status.
Absolutely—it's stackable with compatible Kenmore front-load washers using a standard kit for vertical space savings.
No, it lacks steam, but excels in standard and sensor dry cycles for everyday use.
Extremely—5/5 rating at 62 dB, quieter than most dishwashers or vacuums.
7.4 cu. ft. fits 18-20 lbs of wet clothes, like two full washer loads of towels or bedding.
Moderately (3/5)—use low heat and consider an air-drying rack for silks and wools.
For more laundry inspiration, check our Best Home & Kitchen Deals or Best Upholstery Cleaner for Furniture to keep your space spotless.
