New Kenmore PRO Line Appliances Announced

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April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- "Emeril," "Rachael" and "Alton" ... America's first-name familiarity with its favorite celebrity chefs -- and their stylish yet functional on-air kitchens -- is helping to fuel an unprecedented interest among consumers in kitchens that look as good as they perform. In fact, the current professional cooking craze is helping to drive a bona fide kitchen design revolution, as evidenced by the latest offering from Kenmore, America's leading appliance brand. The Kenmore PRO line, a new affordable, professional-feature suite of kitchen appliances for the home, made its debut at the 2006 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference. It will be available at Sears stores nationwide beginning in September 2006.

"Today's home cooks are sophisticated and demanding from both a culinary taste and design perspective. They want it all -- and Kenmore PRO delivers," explains Tina Settecase, vice president and general manager of Home Appliances, Sears, Roebuck and Co. "The best news for consumers is that the while the PRO line is comparable to top price-point brands in terms of style and performance, it also is priced to be attainable for the home gourmet. It's a terrific value."

The Kenmore PRO line is a first-of-its-kind offering from Sears. With unparalleled roots in the home appliance category, Kenmore PRO marks the brand's first foray into high-end appliances and is positioned above the company's current Kenmore Elite line. "Who better than Kenmore -- America's leading appliance brand -- to deftly adapt the most desirable qualities of professional kitchen appliances to perfectly suit home cooks at a price that is right?" adds Settecase.

"Consumers tell us that the features in the Kenmore PRO line inspire them to extend their cooking menu, be more creative and try more challenging dishes." Taking inspiration from the professional kitchen, Kenmore PRO was designed with family-friendly function and ergonomic considerations in mind. Professional features like stainless steel construction, heavy duty knobs, premium cast handles and high-end analog gauges are balanced by consumer-friendly elements such as safety features, precision temperature controls, and full surface easy-clean grates.

"Kenmore PRO is about more than bringing the efficiency and look of professional kitchens into the home," explains Settecase. "It's about taking cues from their sleek style and adapting them for a dream kitchen that serves as the center of the home. More men are taking an interest in cooking and our consumer research shows that the PRO style appliances appeal to men as well as women. Ultimately, it's about the warmth, togetherness and memories that result from cooking with family and friends."

Initial Kenmore PRO offerings give home gourmets the ability to cook, store and clean like professionals, but with all the comforts of home.

The line includes:

  • 30" Wall Oven - Double (42003) Less than $3,000
  • 30" Wall Oven - Single (41003) Less than $2,000
  • 36" Slide-In Cooktop - Gas (30503) Less than $2,000
  • 36" Slide-In Cooktop - Electric (40503) Less than $1,800
  • 36" Drop-In Cooktop - Gas (31013) Less than $1,100
  • 30" Drop-In Cooktop - Gas (31003) Less than $1,000
  • 30" Dual Fuel Range (79523) Less than $4,000
  • 36" Range Hood (51063) Less than $1,200
  • 30" Range Hood (51003) Less than $1,100
  • 30" Warming Drawer (48003) Less than $1,000
  • Professional Size Refrigerator/Freezer Less than $4,300 & Trim Kit (refrigerator 44823; freezer 44833)
  • Side by Side/Counter Depth Less than $3,300 Refrigerator (44333)
  • Side by Side/Standard Depth Less than $2,900 Refrigerator (55333)
  • 24" Dishwasher (13873) Less than $1,400

For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at www.sears.com

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.