Re: Sears Kenmore 85000 is a Rebranded Winix

A Reader writes:

I recently bought a Sears 85000 air purifier.

With the exception of the font plastic and the controls it is a Winix 9000.

If you compare the the specs they match up, although sears might use a filter out of the 5000.

As far as I know sear no longer sell these air purifiers - you can find them occasionally. They still stock filters.

Sears 85000 = Winix 9000 (maybe with different filter). Sears 85001 = Winix 9000S (maybe with different filter).

Email me if you want or need pictures of the Sears 85500.

Thank you for your advice,

A Reader.

Ed's Reply

Hey Reader;

Thanks for the input.

You are right, the majority of current Sears air cleaners, including the 85000, are rebranded Winix models.

This in itself is no big deal, several brands selling successfully in the US are similar.

But Sears turns over models too frequently, tacks on a fat premium, and has mediocre support.

They have previously sold Whirlpools, Hunters, Sharps, and others with a brand slapped on and a price increase.

I badmouth Sears in this post;

"Kenmore 85500 Air Purifier," a review of a Sharp Plasmacluster rebrand from a couple years back.

The Winix line sells for $50-$100 less elsewhere.

Fortunately, the original manufacturers will sometimes stock filters for the discontinued "Kenmores" of the past.

Best Wishes,

Ed