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American Craftsman Windows vs Andersen
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50 Series | 70 Series
5900 Series | 8500 Series
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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co
American Craftsman Windows vs Andersen
At one time, Andersen Windows owned A-C, which is why that question comes up so much. However back in 2018, Andersen sold Silverline Windows and A-C to Ply Gem, which is now one of the bigger home building companies in the U.S.
What Do They Sell: Andersen is known for their wood clad window series such as the 200 and 400 series. They also sell a composite fibrex frame in the 100 series. A-C on the other hand sells the 50 and 70 vinyl windows - very different from what Andersen sells.
Where Do They Sell: Andersen sells most of their products through local companies and contractors. The one exception is the Anderson 100 series, which is mostly sold in stores like Home Depot. A-C sells almost exclusively through the big box stores like Lowes and HD. They do also sell through local contractors, but rarely through local window companies.
Quality Of Windows: Andersen sells high quality wood clad windows for the most part. A-C sells mostly a builder grade or economy priced vinyl window. That is the market they have gone after.
Dane - Site Editor - Updated in 2023
Get our list of recommended brands and options for your neck of the woods.
American Craftsman Windows Reviews :: 50 Series
The AC 50 Series comes in either a white or a beige interior and exterior. Consumers can choose from these same color options for the hardware, which is only available in a plastic. The window comes in three different glass options, their standard low-e, the low E3, and the upgraded low-e LS. The AC 50 series come in a beveled frame, and use a lower end weatherstripping, indicator lock and insect screen.
The 50 series is available as a double hung, single hung, glider, awning, hopper, or as a casement. In terms of the American Craftsman windows warranty, the comes with the limited lifetime warranty and that covers the vinyl, hardware and insulated glass units from any manufacturing defects for the life of the homeowner. There are a number of limitations and exclusions so consumer should always read the fine print in order to find out what is not covered in the warranty provisions. I would give the American Craftsman 50 Series Window a out of 5 stars rating.
Tim - Site Editor
-- 50 Series Cost: $370 to $525 installed --
(assumes medium sized opening and normal installation) *
American Craftsman Window Review
Hi, I’d appreciate a list of good options. I’m a senior who had decided on American Craftsman hopper windows for the cellar but the reviews seem to be terrible. I thought they’d be ok for the cellar but now I’m concerned. Thanks.
Diane - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Hi Diane, yes American Craftsman are not a quality brand as far as I'm concerned. We get the question quite a bit of who makes American Craftsman windows? Check out my "good" list for more price-friendly options and let me know if you have any additional questions...
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
AC Home Depot Reviews
I recently purchased the AC 50 series for my rental. I have to admit that the window quality wasn't all that great, but it turned out to be just fine because I'm planning to sell the 2 bedroom unit in two to three years. So I wasn't planning on going with the best anyway. A had my handyman do the install and he said they worked well. I think for this purpose, the AC 50 series is a really nice fit.
Brandon - Homeowner - from 2023
AC Complaints
Dane good morning. Have a problem and not getting very much help and was hoping maybe you have an answer or maybe came across a review with same problem. I have a 50 series window when closing the right side will not close all the way leaving about a 1/2 inch gap where the left side closes tight. not level. Frame is square, the rest of the window is square and level, Its just the bottom sash. I have replaced 5 windows so far this one is the only problem I have had.
Bill - Homeowner - from 2022
American Craftsman 50 Series Reviews
Hi Tim, I was reading your wonderful review, please send me your listing of brand recommendations. I purchased an AC 50 Series Nailing Fin Triple Gliding 96x47 but it was delivered broken twice which is alarming to say the least. Giving me bad vibes if it's broken before I can even get it installed. The pane/glass looked very thin so I'm thinking I need to go with another brand. The turn around time is 4-8 weeks but I want it sooner. Thinking I need to be smarter, better to wait then regret later.
Francisca - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Francisca, here is my list of good and great window options for your consideration.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2022
AC 50 Series Ratings
How would you rate the AC 50 series in general?
Sally - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Sally, to be honest, the Ac 50 series is one of the most cheaply made vinyl window on the market. I would put it on par with Silverline, which are equally as bad. The irony is that both brands are owned by Andersen Windows, which has such a great reputation in the space and makes a very good wood clad window. I wish they would go in and shore up their vinyl window offerings. (Read Silverline window reviews here.)
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
American Craftsman Windows vs Window World
Hi, Do you have a list of good to great sliding glass doors? I need to replace 8 of them and have gotten quotes for the A-C 50 Series and Window World SolarZone Elite. I don't have a lot of money to spend but if quality and longevity can be had for just a few thousand more I'd consider it.
Thank you.
Barb - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
My top pick for sliding patio doors include the Okna Elegante, Soft-Lite Kingroyal, Sunrise, Polaris Ultraweld, Kensington door, and the Ideal Victorian door.
My top picks for storm windows and doors (which go from best to good) include the Soft-Lite Barcelona Impact Series, Soft-Lite Armor Impact Series, Sunrise Coastal Series, PGT WinGuard Series, Stanek UltraExtreme Series, CWS Windpact Series, Wincore 8000 series, the Simonton Stormbreaker Series, and the Viwinco OceanView Series.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
American Craftsman Windows Reviews
Tim, we just had some of these windows installed. I did not do my homework on these and have read all of the bad window reviews. How do I tell which model that was installed in my house?
Jay - Homeowner - from 2020
[Website Editor Reply]
I'm not sure with AC. Call up Lowes and ask if they carry them. If so, they will know the answer. Am Craft only has two models, the 50 and the 70.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2020
American Craftsman 50 vs PGT
I have old single panes that need to go. I have a couple of quotes so far. One is on the PGT 5400 series and the quote is about the same amount as the AM Craft 50 series. Both are single hung.
I did get a quote on a Simonton VantagePoint 6500 series, but it was a double hung and quite a bit more expensive, $3500. My guy tells me to go with the PGT, but I thought I would throw it out to you guys to see what you thought.
Dan - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Response]
Dan, the PGT 5400 series is the easy winner over the AC 50 Series. The Vantage Point is decent, but I would probably say the 5400 PGT is the better of the two. Plus it's way less expensive. Go with the PGT and let me know how the project goes!
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
American Craftsman Windows Reviews :: 70 Series
The 70 series is the upgraded model from the 50 Series, although in truth there isn't all that much difference between these two series. Unlike the 50 series, the American Craftsman 70 window comes in a brick mould frame, and has upgraded weatherstripping, indicator lock, and locking insect screen. As well, the 70 comes in a tilt in on their single and double hung, which allows for easier cleaning.
The 70 series is available as a double hung, single hung, picture, awning, casement, and in several specialty options. In terms of warranty, the 70 comes with the same limited lifetime warranty that covers the vinyl, hardware and insulated glass units from any manufacturing defects for the life of the homeowner. There same limitations and exclusions apply as with the 50 series. I would give the American Craftsman 70 Series Window a out of 5 stars rating.
Tim - Site Editor
-- 70 Series Cost: $400 to $550 installed --
(assumes medium sized opening and normal installation) *
70 Series
What is you take on the Am Craft 70 Series? I need 18 replacements for a rental that I'm in the process of buying. Not sure if they are good enough to hold up over the next 25 years.
Roger - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Hey Roger, so I'd say that the 70 series is probably a nice fit with a rental. 25 years though -- you will probably have some issues with them in that second decade, but perhaps not. If this were my project and I was going to the big box stores to get replacement windows, I would probably pay an extra $100 each to get the "premium" offering -- an Atrium or Reliabilt over the Am Craft. I think in the long run, these might be a better investment, better bang for your buck.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
American Craftsman Windows vs Andersen
Some one told me that A-C were made by Andersen, but as read more and more on here I am thinking there not that good, I need 16 all double hungs and looking for something to cost me between 8k to 10k installed what would be your picks if could recommend for me? Thanks for your info…
Zee - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Zee, these are some of the worst vinyl windows money can buy.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
70 Series vs. Slocomb Series 177
Dane & Tim, I live in Ambler, PA and need to replace 10 windows, (5) window are DH 31” x 45” with (3) casements at the same size, and one large opening at 126” (2) casements and one fixed panel in the middle. Windows are all vinyl, Low-e + Argon, and insect screens. My buget is around $5,000. I would like a good quality replacement window but so many choices, please help. I need to order them asap.
Below are the quotes I received.
Slocomb Series 177 for $4,100.
Reliabilt by Atrium $3,200.
Jeld-Wen Windows Cost $3,700. (Note, the 126” is a Casement Anderson 100 series)
American Craftsman Series 70 $3,400. (Note, the 126” is a Casement Anderson 100 series)
Phillip - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Phillip, the 70 Series from AC is a poorly made window, I would throw out that bid. The Reliabilt by Atrium is a bit better, but basically also a poorly made window. Jeld Wen makes an okay window, but nothing great.
I think the Slocomb 177 Series is the best window of the bunch. I would say that's a nice mid range vinyl window.
Have you checked to see if Sunrise Windows has a dealer in your area?
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
[Phillip's Reply]
Dane, Thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate your feedback. Would the Reliabilt 3900 series be closer option to the Slocomb 177? I have been reading about getting the foam option within the frames (when available) as a good insulator. I contacted a Sunrise window dealer and I’m getting a price from them too.
Phillip - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Phillip, I believe Reliabilt's best option like the 3900 would be close to Slocomb 177 windows. I don't know a ton about Slocomb to be honest, but that is my understanding.
The foam insulation upgrade is well worth the money as far as I'm concerned.
Simonton is a good manufacturer and I would recommend their top end Reflections model or their Impressions model. They are better than any you have bids for so far. Sunrise is a step above Simonton and one of the best in the business.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
American Craftsman vs ProVia
I'm getting new replacements and may go new construction -- but haven't completely decided on this. I've narrowed it down to the 70 series and the ProVia Endure. The two quotes were not far off one another. Any advise?
Gerry - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Gerry, the A-C 70 Series is not generally considered a well made window. They are usually sold in the big box stores at a very low price. The ProVia Endure on the other hand is considered a very good vinyl window. (See all of our ProVia Endure window ratings here.) The comparison isn't even fair, the ProVia Endure is the way to go by a mile.
Tim - Site Editor - from 2017
AC 70 Series vs Ventura Windows
I have quotes for window replacement but am worried about quality. Between Am Craft 70 Pro and Ventura, which do you think is better? I've included the Ventura brochures in case you need some information on them. (Read Ventura Windows reviews here.)
Beth - Homeowner - from 2016
[Site Editor's Answer]
Beth, unfortunately, the Ventura brochure didn't include any performance data, which is really what I would need to compare them. I've never heard of them and when I did an online search for "Ventura Windows," nothing came up -- I don't understand how a company can expect to have absolutely nothing online for consumers to look at, but I couldn't find anything.
Having said that, the 70 Pro is a poorly made window. If the Ventura window is similar in price, I would have to assume it is a less than stellar window as well.
It's for a rental house so I understand your reticence to spend a lot of money. The AC is at least a known brand — ask the contractor which window he would choose if it were his house. If he doesn't have an opinion, then go with the AC.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2016
American Craftsman Windows Reviews :: 5900 Series
-- $400 to $550 installed --
(assumes medium sized opening and normal installation)
American Craftsman 5900 Series
A carpenter installed an AC 5900 Hopper basement windows in 2007. The inside pane broke and I need to replace it. Please give me specific instructions on how to remove just the frame with glass so I can get it repaired or can I get a new frame with the glass?
Ellen - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Ellen, my recommendation is to search yelp or craigslist for a local glass repair service. Call up a few and see if they can give you a quote over the phone based on a couple of pics you take with your phone and the dimensions of the glass. Or, often times, they will swing by and give you an in person price quote for the work.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2017
American Craftsman Windows Reviews :: 8500 Series
-- Estimated American Craftsman 8500 Cost: N/A
(assumes medium sized opening and normal installation)
AC 8500 vs Atrium Windows
I'm not a fan of either the AC 8500 or most Jeld-Wen vinyl windows. If you are going to buy from the big box stores, I'd recommend going for the best Atrium windows they sell. Simonton would also be my big box pick.
Tucker - Builder - from 2009
General Reviews
Am Craft Review
Hi, I read your reviews on Am Craft. Not good quality apparently. I thought the same when I looked at one of their samples at Home Depot.
They other one they gave me was from TM Windows, which apparently has no customer service if something goes wrong. So which company is good value for money with good customer service for replacing two sliding doors? I don't want to go to one of the big advertisers like Florida Window and Door because I don't want to pay for their advertisement and sales force.
Just order straight from manufacturer and have it installed by our contractor.
Best.
Valentin - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Valentin, here is my good and great recommended brands and options.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
AC vs Climatech Elite
Hello Dane, I came across your website when I was looking for reviews on Am Craft - Glad I did! Although I choked on the attached quote for Climatech Elite.
I own a couple day care center buildings,and need to replace 43 double hungs and some semi-cirles. I have a quote for Alside Mezzo windows for $42,475.
I filled out your form for contractors in my area (Philadelphia), and got some nice quotes. Thank you. Any additional suggestions? I have a maintenance man that can install these if the savings is large enough. Any suggestions on other brands replacement windows in my area?
Thanks!
Paul - Homeowner - from 2022
[Website Editor Reply]
Paul, I would say that the bid is fairly high for an Alside Mezzo, although not out of the spectrum of what I've seen lately. The Mezzo is not a bad window, but I do think there are better options out there.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2022
Am Craft vs ReliaBilt
Hi! You said to email you for your good and great window list. I'd love it! We're trying to build our house on as much of a budget as we can manage. Of course the low end windows like Am Craft and ReliaBilt have attractive prices but I've heard horrible reviews. I'm wanting to go slightly better so we don't end up needing to replace windows in 5 to 10 years but I still need a pretty budget conscious window. (More on Reliabilt window prices.)
Dayton - Homeowner - from 2021
[Site Editor's Answer]
Dayton, here is my list of good and great brands and options.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2021
American Craftsman Impact Windows Reviews
We have 10 windows that need to be replaced and I'm considering two options -- (PGT window series and Am Craft. It needs to be an impact window.
Frank - Homeowner - from 2017
[Site Editor's Answer]
Frank, AC doesn't make an impact window, nor do they make a window that is going to hold up over time. PGT makes a solid impact window in the WinGuard series. This is what you want to buy, although you may want to get a bid from CWS and a Simonton dealer on their StormBreaker Plus. All three of these manufacturers make a quality impact window at an affordable price.
Dane - Website Editor - from 2017
AC Window Complaints
These are total garbage, and I wouldn't trust anyone who says different. They use the cheapest materials that they can and engineer for minimum standards. The only reason to use this junk is for a rental property or if you're flipping a house. I heard that Consumer Reports said good things about them, but they don't know anything. I've never seen anything high quality reviewed by them, they just go to the hardware store and look at the bargain options there. The Simonton 6500 cost is a decent window.
It's way better than the Craftsman, but Home Depot always has lousy installers so I would hire your own installer. For similar prices, you can get something that's better made and looks nicer like a Gorell or Sunrise.
Frank - Contractror NJ - from 2012
American Craftsman Window Reviews
A-C is owned by Andersen. They're the lowest quality window that you can get. If you're looking for cheap, they might sound good, but they're not high quality, made for the homeowner who's looking for a deal and doesn't really care about the quality. A lousy design aimed at the bare minimum makes them leaky and drafty. The vinyl is cheap and it warps and cracks, which means it will leak air even worse after a few season changes. And even if you don't care about efficiency, it looks cheap and junky. (Exlore Anderson window prices here.)
Randy - Installer - from 2010
Am Craft Complaint
The Am Craft isn't a good window. It has its place - if you need a temporary window or something for a rental property, it isn't bad. I would get an outside contractor, though, because the big box stores go with the lowest bidders for their installers and you'll end up regretting it. A good installer can't make the window sturdier or better looking, but they can at least minimize the leaks and drafts. The installers sent out by thosee store are usually paid by the window, so they rush through the work and ignore potential problems. You might get lucky and get a decent installation, but who wants to gamble?
Bob - Builder - from 2009
American Craftsman & Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports gave AC the highest rating, so I looked at them when I needed new windows. The problem with CR is that they only pick cheap windows to test. Everything that they look at has to be something that anyone in the country can walk in to a store and buy. That already eliminates the really good windows. Just looking at the full size floor models at Home Depot, they were obviously junk. With the sashes locked, there was still way too much movement without even trying hard. I won't even go into how cheap they look.
Chace - Homeowner - from 2008
Bargain Options
I've been dealing with A-C for 15 years now. They are decent if you're looking for a bargain window. They have a good warranty and their customer service is even better. As long as you go with the 8500 series or above, they are a good low-price window. Their lower models aren't great, but they do fine for rental properties or a storage shed.
Jeremy - Installer - from 2005
Related Topics: Silverline Windows Cost