Kenmore Smart 4+

Working Well (again) “UPDATE”

I upgraded my two star review to five stars, because the app, once it is setup— and working appropriately— is simple to use and works well. The NEW app is even better. The Sears ACs we bought— purchase based upon the ability to set a schedule via the app— work great; quiet, efficient, simple controls (thank you, engineers in China).

OK, back to the app. It requires an account. The app and the AC unit can ONLY be setup to run and works only on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks— not 5GHz Wi-Fi (many Wi-Fi routers can run both). Once set up, the app works via 5GHz and 4G LTE, but the AC unit itself must be on 2.4 GHz WiFi.

Other than simplicity, the original app was problematic; buggy. The new app is much better. Over 5GHz or 2.4GHz WiFi, or 4G LTE, the app gives device status, and can be turned on or off remotely. On the AC, the app can raise and lower temperatures, change status from Cool to Eco, for example, change fan speeds, and, again turn on and off— remotely.

The Scheduler was broken and did not work at all, but over the course of a few weeks, Ajay in support tracked down the problem and got it fixed. Twice. Scheduler works. I can change settings according to date and time and it works as expected, so review updated accordingly.

Ajay in support was persistent— a good trait— so it pays not to give up too quickly. Ajay would make a good Sears CEO. Sears still has issues.

I recommend that you download the new app and start over. Much improved.

Developer Response ,

Hi, thanks so much for the review! We hope you are enjoying the new Kenmore app!

The app works well, just not so easy to set up

I was able to get the washer working with the app with little aggravation, but the dryer was difficult. Just wouldn’t work. Was great when both worked on the app, then the dryer portion went again. I believe the app update fixed it as both are working well now. Knock on wood....so, now it seems to be working a lot better with fewer glitches.
Seems the new update has made everything better and clearer. Seems like a more interesting format.

Kenmore Stupid

I tried this app with my new Kenmore Elite refrigerator. The app is poorly designed, does not work properly, and wouldn't be very useful if it did.

It was very tedious to create and configure my account. There are many layers of security. So many, that I suspect the app isn't very secure (like a cheap door with 15 deadbolts). I had to wait hours for the confirm email. After finally getting things connected, the fridge won't stay online longer than a few minutes.
The primarly function of the app seems to be automatically selling you over-priced filters. I'm pretty sure this feature is the only one that works.
Biggest gripe? You can't see what the actual fridge/freezer temps are! The app should show current and historical temps and notify you if the current temps go out of range. Duh!
I almost never change temp settings manually. Why would I need to do it remotely? If your account was compromised, think of the havoc a hacker (or ex-spouse) could wreak.
Energy usage history would be useful if it worked. The numbers are way too erratic to be accurate.
Who cares how many times the door was opened over the last day or week? I care if the door has been open longer than a few mins.
The app offers features that my fridge doesn't have (ex. Accela Ice)
Access to the user manual is nice. The FAQs aren't very useful.
In summary, a complete waste of time for my refrigerator. It may work better for other appliances.