Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front or Kenmore 2.2 cu. ft. Compact? Which Kenmore Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are comparing the kenmore 4 5 cu ft front vs 2 2 cu ft compact models. Both are high-efficiency front load washers with light-touch controls and LED displays. They share steam options and express wash cycles. The main difference is size and capacity. The 4.5 cu. ft. model is a full-size unit for large households. The 2.2 cu. ft. compact model is designed for smaller spaces like studios or basements. Your choice depends on available space and laundry volume.
Key differences
| Aspect | Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer | Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.5 cu. ft. | 2.2 cu. ft. |
| Width | 27 inches | 10 inches |
| Length | 34 inches | 10 inches |
| Height | 39.6 inches | 10 inches |
| Wash Programs | 12 | 15 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer if
- You need to wash large loads of bulky items like comforters.
- You have a standard laundry room with 27-inch width clearance.
- You prefer energy savings with Cold Clean technology.
Choose Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer if
- You live in a small space like a studio or condo.
- You need a portable unit that fits in tight areas.
- You want more wash cycle options for specific fabrics like wool.
Verdict: The 4.5 cu. ft. model is the practical choice for families needing high capacity and standard installation. The 2.2 cu. ft. compact is ideal for small spaces where footprint matters most. Both offer efficient cleaning, but their sizes serve very different needs.
Capacity and Size Comparison
Capacity
The Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer offers a large 4.5 cubic foot drum. This volume allows you to wash bulky items like comforters or large loads of towels in a single cycle. In contrast, the Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer has a 2.2 cubic foot capacity. This smaller drum is designed for studio apartments, condos, or vacation homes where space is limited. You will need to wash smaller loads more frequently with the compact model, but it fits easily in tight spaces. The larger model handles bigger household demands efficiently.
Dimensions
Size matters for installation. The Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer measures 27 inches wide, 34 inches deep, and 39.6 inches tall. It weighs 216 pounds. This standard footprint requires a dedicated laundry area. The Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer is significantly smaller at 10 inches wide, 10 inches deep, and 10 inches tall. It weighs only 73.5 pounds. You can place the compact unit on a counter or in a closet. The compact model offers flexibility for small spaces, while the standard model needs a full-sized laundry room.
Wash Programs
Both machines provide multiple cycles to handle different fabric types. The Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer includes 12 wash programs. These include options for Kids Wear, Whites, Delicates, and Express Wash. The Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer offers 15 wash cycles. Its list includes Workout Wear, Wool, Delicates, and Express Cycles. Both models allow you to select from 5 temperature options. The compact model provides a slightly wider variety of specialized cycles, which may benefit those who wash diverse fabric types frequently.
Speed Features
Both washers prioritize speed with Express Wash and Accela Wash technology. The Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer uses Express Wash to clean small loads in 25 minutes. Accela Wash cleans full-size loads up to 26% faster than standard cycles. The Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer also features Express Wash and Accela Wash for faster soaking times. It adds Active Spray technology, which delivers concentrated detergent from dual nozzles for a deep clean. Both models help you save time, but the compact model includes the unique Active Spray feature for enhanced cleaning power.
Steam Options
Steam functionality is available on both units to improve results. The Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer includes a Steam Treat option to remove everyday stains using strong cleaning power. The Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer offers a Steam Option to relax wrinkles and reduce ironing needs. It also features an Iron Ready option that stops the cycle while clothes are slightly damp. This makes ironing easier. Both models use steam effectively, but the compact model provides an additional Iron Ready setting for convenience.
Which Kenmore Washer Fits Your Needs
Household with large laundry loads
The 4.5 cubic foot capacity handles bulky items like comforters and large towel loads efficiently. Its 27-inch width and standard height fit typical laundry rooms. You benefit from faster full-size cycles and energy savings, making it ideal for families needing high-volume washing power in a standard footprint.
Living in small spaces
This compact 2.2 cubic foot washer fits in tight areas like studios or closets. Its 10-inch dimensions allow for flexible placement, including stacking. The 15 wash cycles and steam options provide versatile cleaning without taking up much floor space. It is perfect for smaller households or secondary units.
User wanting more cycle options
You get 15 distinct wash programs compared to 12 on the larger model. This includes specialized cycles for workout wear and wool. The active spray feature and extra rinse options offer precise cleaning control. If you prioritize variety in wash settings over raw drum volume, this compact model serves you better.
The products compared
Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer
Best for: Large households needing fast, high-capacity washing
- Capacity
- 4.5 cu. ft.
- Loading Type
- Front load
- Wash Programs
- 12
- Ideal For
- Laundry Room
- Features
- Steam
- Dimensions
- 34 × 27 × 39.6 inches
View on Amazon: Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer Affiliate link
This Kenmore front load washer offers 4.5 cubic feet of capacity. It includes 12 wash cycles and 5 temperature options. The unit measures 27 inches wide and weighs 216 pounds. It features Express Wash for small loads in 25 minutes. Accela Wash speeds up full loads by up to 26%. ENERGY STAR certification helps reduce energy use. It suits households needing larger capacity than compact models.
Pros
- 4.5 cu. ft. drum capacity
- 12 wash cycles including Express Wash
- Accela Wash cleans full loads 26% faster
- Steam Treat option for tough stains
Cons
- 216-pound weight requires sturdy flooring
- No smart app or Wi-Fi connectivity
- Standard LED display lacks digital controls
Good fit if
- You need high capacity for large loads
- You want faster cycle times for everyday laundry
- You prefer front load efficiency
Skip if
- You have limited space under 27 inches wide
- You require smart home integration
- You need a portable or compact unit
Verdict: Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer fits families with heavy laundry needs. It offers speed and capacity that compact models lack. Choose this for efficient, large-batch washing.
Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer
Best for: small apartments and space-constrained laundry areas
- Capacity
- 2.2 cu. ft.
- Loading Type
- front load
- Wash Programs
- 15
- Ideal For
- Laundry Room
- Features
- Steam
- Color
- White
View on Amazon: Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer Affiliate link
This Kenmore compact washer offers 2.2 cubic feet of capacity in a small footprint. It features 15 wash cycles, including Express and Accela Wash technologies for faster cleaning. The unit includes steam options to reduce wrinkles and an Iron Ready setting. With five temperature choices and dual rinse options, it suits studio apartments, condos, and small spaces where space-saving is key.
Pros
- 2.2 cubic foot capacity for compact spaces
- 15 wash cycles including Express and Wool settings
- Steam option and Iron Ready function
- Active Spray technology for deep cleaning
- Stackable or side-by-side installation options
Cons
- Small 2.2 cubic foot capacity limits load size
- Dimensions listed as 10x10x10 inches appear inconsistent with 73.5 lb weight
- No Wi-Fi or smart home connectivity mentioned
Good fit if
- You live in a studio apartment or condo
- You need a stackable or space-saving washer
- You want steam cycles for wrinkle reduction
Skip if
- You require large capacity loads over 2.2 cu. ft.
- You need smart app control or remote monitoring
- You prefer top-load washing mechanisms
Verdict: Kenmore 2.2 cu. ft. Compact Front Load Washer fits small-space dwellers who need compact laundry solutions. It suits those prioritizing cycle variety and steam features over large capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer | Kenmore 2.2 Cu. Ft. Compact Front Load Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4.5 cu. ft. | 2.2 cu. ft. |
| Loading Type | Front load | front load |
| Wash Programs | 12 | 15 |
| Ideal For | Laundry Room | Laundry Room |
| Features | Steam | Steam |
| Color | Metallic Silver | White |
| Dimensions | 34 × 27 × 39.6 inches | 10 × 10 × 10 inches |
| Weight | 216 pounds | 73.5 pounds |
| Model | 2642273 | 2641202 |
Frequently asked questions
How much floor space does the Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. washer need?
The 4.5 cu. ft. model requires a footprint of 27 inches wide by 34 inches deep. It stands 39.6 inches tall. This standard width fits most dedicated laundry rooms or utility closets. You must ensure you have this clearance for proper ventilation and door opening.
Can the compact Kenmore washer fit in a closet?
The 2.2 cu. ft. compact model is designed for tight spaces. Its listed dimensions are 10 inches wide, 10 inches long, and 10 inches high. This cube-like shape allows it to fit in small apartments or under counters where a full-size unit would not fit.
Which Kenmore washer is better for washing comforters?
The 4.5 cu. ft. front load washer is the better choice for bulky items like comforters. Its larger drum volume accommodates large, heavy bedding that the compact model cannot handle. The 2.2 cu. ft. unit is intended for smaller loads and everyday clothing items.
What is the weight difference between the two models?
The 4.5 cu. ft. model weighs 216 pounds, while the 2.2 cu. ft. compact weighs 73.5 pounds. The heavier full-size unit requires a sturdy floor. The lighter compact unit is easier to move if you need to reposition it within your living space.
Do both models use front loading doors?
Yes, both the 4.5 cu. ft. and the 2.2 cu. ft. Kenmore washers feature front loading doors. This design typically offers better water efficiency and gentler fabric care compared to top loaders. You load laundry through the front door on both units.
What color options are available for these Kenmore washers?
The 4.5 cu. ft. model comes in Metallic Silver. The 2.2 cu. ft. compact model is available in White. You can choose the finish that best matches your existing laundry appliances or decor style. Both colors are standard for their respective sizes.