How old is my Kenmore low end Dryer?

That is a 1973 model dryer. Probably stock number 73621 ? If electric it would be 63621. Model number should be something like 110.7307621 (or 622, 623, etc. depeding on how late it was built).

This is actually a 60-series machine, and was well up the ladder of models. Having an auto-dry cycle was a big feature back then. Better dryers added wrinkle guard, cycle signal adjustment switches, drum lights and lighted consoles, but nothing major that I can think of that really did a lot for the usefulness of the machine.

This family of washers and dryers were some of Kenmore's first units with easy-access consoles, that could be opened for servicing and repair without moving the entire machine to access the rear panel and screws. This was a great time saving design, though I know many thought the plastic panel was cheap.

There was a 1975 version of this dryer, in fact the only way to tell them apart externally is to look at the woodgrain pattern - the 73's is vertical, the 75's is horizontal. Don't ask me why Sears made a new model with just that as a difference, but they did.

Neat dryer. Other models in this 'plastic top' family back then lacked the woodgrain, and had only timed settings but a heat adjustment selector. Another model had white knobs but did have the auto-dry. There was a large capacity version in 1974. Some of these were huge sellers for Sears until 1976 or so.

Gordon


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Post# 530524 7/13/2011 at 23:23 (4,662 days old) by 76SpeedQueen (Orleans County Ny)
Checkrate/Likes Age?This is my Kenmore economy model (I assume) gas Dryer which dries well but is not the prettiest chick at the dance since her lint cover door is missing and her door latch is busted.Someone put a 'wingnut type' closure on it that I have to wedge tight with a piece of dryer sheet box.I intend to fix her issues as soon as I locate stuff to do so and patch and touch up the screw hole left by the 'rigged' closure.

Post# 530529 , Reply# 1 7/13/2011 at 23:54 (4,662 days old) by 70series ( Connecticut.)
Checkrate/Likes This is perhaps about 37/38 years old.

Post# 530538 , Reply# 2 7/14/2011 at 00:44 (4,662 days old) by 76SpeedQueen (Orleans County Ny)
Checkrate/Likes *another view* timer closeup...

Post# 530539 , Reply# 3 7/14/2011 at 00:46 (4,662 days old) by 76SpeedQueen (Orleans County Ny)
Checkrate/Likes *front view* needs work...

Post# 530540 , Reply# 4 7/14/2011 at 00:49 (4,662 days old) by 76SpeedQueen (Orleans County Ny)
Checkrate/Likes *name plate* Another key to it's age.....By the way the door cable snapped too!

Post# 530547 , Reply# 5 7/14/2011 at 02:00 (4,662 days old) by arbilab (Ft Worth TX (Ridglea))
Checkrate/Likes Sorry to say, but really, look at the photos. Nothing is lit or in focus. If we could see the serial number we could tell you the exact age.

Post# 530554 , Reply# 6 7/14/2011 at 06:13 (4,662 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)
Checkrate/Likes *My Guess* I would throw out a guess that is a 74/75 model. I could be wrong. Malcolm

Post# 530576 , Reply# 7 7/14/2011 at 08:17 (4,661 days old) by Volvoguy87 (Cincinnati, OH)
Checkrate/Likes *Parts.* Believe it or not, it's my favorite console! The machine is a Whirlpool-built 29" dryer. Whirlpool still makes the dryer today (with a different console and front). The door catch, and cables are still available. Did the filter have a door, or did the top of the filter come off? Filters are still commonly available too. Dave

Post# 530585 , Reply# 8 7/14/2011 at 09:04 (4,661 days old) by DADoES (TX,�U.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes If the serial is the upper-right numbers, it appears to be A407. The leading character identifies the manufacturing facility, and dryers are typically produced out of Marion, OH, which would be M. Don't know what's A. Or maybe it is M, just not clear enough in the picture. 4 should be 1974. 07 is 7th week of the year. This model had filter door separate from the handle, the hinges are still in place on it. Could be a spring broke instead of a cable. Latches, cables, & springs are not expensive. Look up the part numbers via the model at SearsPartsDirect.com, then check other sources for the best price. I recently refurbished a unit a few years newer but with the same style door. Needed a latch but the cables & spring were OK.

Post# 530726 , Reply# 9 7/14/2011 at 22:05 (4,661 days old) by KenmoreGuy64 (Charlotte, NC)
Checkrate/Likes That is a 1973 model dryer. Probably stock number 73621 ? If electric it would be 63621. Model number should be something like 110.7307621 (or 622, 623, etc. depeding on how late it was built). This is actually a 60-series machine, and was well up the ladder of models. Having an auto-dry cycle was a big feature back then. Better dryers added wrinkle guard, cycle signal adjustment switches, drum lights and lighted consoles, but nothing major that I can think of that really did a lot for the usefulness of the machine. This family of washers and dryers were some of Kenmore's first units with easy-access consoles, that could be opened for servicing and repair without moving the entire machine to access the rear panel and screws. This was a great time saving design, though I know many thought the plastic panel was cheap. There was a 1975 version of this dryer, in fact the only way to tell them apart externally is to look at the woodgrain pattern - the 73's is vertical, the 75's is horizontal. Don't ask me why Sears made a new model with just that as a difference, but they did. Neat dryer. Other models in this 'plastic top' family back then lacked the woodgrain, and had only timed settings but a heat adjustment selector. Another model had white knobs but did have the auto-dry. There was a large capacity version in 1974. Some of these were huge sellers for Sears until 1976 or so. Gordon

Post# 530803 , Reply# 10 7/15/2011 at 10:50 (4,660 days old) by 76SpeedQueen (Orleans County Ny)
Checkrate/Likes *Thanx, KenmoreGuy64!* You hit the nail right on the head with the stock and model numbers and the woodgrain direction. A '73 Kenmore not- so- low- end gas dryer it is! Appreciate the information!