How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator model 79551022012?
Kenmore model 79551022012 is a side-by-side refrigerator; its exact cubic-foot capacity is listed on the model’s rating label and in the 79551022012 owner's manual. If you need a quick planning number, most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators in this class are typically about 22 to 26 cu. ft. total capacity.
Where to find the exact cubic feet (fastest methods)
- Check the rating label inside the fresh food section (commonly on a side wall near the crisper area).
- Look for a line that says “Total capacity”, “Total volume”, or “cu. ft.”
- Confirm the spec in the 79551022012 owner's manual.
- If the label is worn, search the model’s spec section in the manual by keywords like capacity or volume.
- Avoid using capacity from a different 795-series model; similar model numbers can have different sizes.
Typical capacity ranges (for planning cabinets and food storage)
| Refrigerator type | Typical total capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side (standard width) | 22 to 26 cu. ft. | Most common range for family-size units |
| Compact / apartment | 10 to 18 cu. ft. | Smaller footprint, less freezer space |
| Large side-by-side | 26 to 30 cu. ft. | Often deeper or wider, may need more clearance |
Why it matters
Capacity affects how much food you can store, but it also helps when comparing replacement shelves/bins, planning kitchen clearances, and setting expectations for ice maker and airflow performance.
Related tip if you are troubleshooting cooling or airflow
If you are checking capacity because temperatures are inconsistent, confirm door sealing and airflow first. A worn gasket can make a refrigerator feel “too small” because usable space gets taken up by frost or warm spots.
- Inspect door closure and gasket contact all the way around.
- Keep vents clear behind drawers and bins.
- Set temperatures and allow 24 hours to stabilize.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore model numbers?
Kenmore model numbers are a quick way to identify who built the appliance and which design family it belongs to; that’s what helps us match the right parts to your exact unit. For Kenmore refrigerator model 79551022012, the first three digits (795) identify the manufacturer, and the remaining digits narrow down the series and specific variation.
What each section of a Kenmore model number usually means
Most Kenmore model numbers follow a predictable pattern:
- Prefix (first 3 digits): manufacturer identifier (for example, 795 is commonly associated with LG-built Kenmore refrigerators)
- Middle digits: the base design or series (helps group similar platforms)
- Ending digits: feature package, color, revision, or production variation
- Full model number: the only reliable way to ensure part compatibility
For model-specific labeling details (where to find the tag and how it’s formatted), use the 79551022012 manual.
Why the prefix matters when buying parts
The prefix helps point you toward the right parts diagrams and common component families (ice maker, water system, controls). On a side-by-side refrigerator like Kenmore 79551022012, that can affect which style of:
- Water inlet valve
- Ice maker assembly
- Dispenser components
- Electronic control board
Example: how this affects part matching
| What you’re doing | What to use | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering a replacement part | Full model number (all digits) | Prevents fit and wiring mismatches |
| Comparing similar Kenmore fridges | First 3 digits (prefix) | Groups likely manufacturer/platform |
| Troubleshooting dispenser issues | Model plus symptom | Narrows to the right diagrams and parts |
Where to find the model number on the refrigerator
On most Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators, the model/serial tag is typically found:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- Near the crisper drawer area
- On the ceiling of the fresh food section
- Sometimes behind a lower kickplate area (less common)
Why it matters
Using the complete model number (not just “Kenmore side-by-side”) is the difference between getting a correct-fit part the first time and ending up with a look-alike that won’t mount, plug in, or seal correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace water filter in Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
To replace the water filter in your Kenmore 79551022012 side-by-side refrigerator, open the filter cover, release the old filter, then install the new filter fully and lock it in place. Finish by flushing water through the dispenser to clear air and carbon fines.
Steps to replace the filter
- Turn the ice maker off (optional but helps prevent air in the line).
- Open the filter compartment cover (inside the fresh food section on most Kenmore side-by-side designs).
- Press the release tabs or push the filter inward (depending on the housing style) to unlock it.
- Pull the old filter straight out.
- Insert the new filter; push it in until it seats fully, then lock it by pushing until it clicks.
- Close the cover and dispense water for several minutes to purge air.
After-install checklist (what to do next)
- Reset the filter indicator light (if your control panel has one).
- Dispense and discard several gallons of water total over a few minutes.
- Check for leaks around the filter head and tubing connections.
- Turn the ice maker back on and discard the first bin of ice.
Common issues and quick fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water spurts or sputters | Air trapped after filter change | Keep dispensing until flow is steady |
| Slow water flow | Filter not fully seated or clogged | Reinstall firmly; replace if overdue |
| Leaking at filter | O-ring not seated or filter not locked | Remove and reinstall until it clicks |
| Bad taste/odor at first | Carbon fines after install | Flush longer until water runs clear |
Why it matters
A properly installed refrigerator water filter protects the water inlet valve and dispenser system from sediment, improves taste and odor, and helps your ice maker produce clearer ice.
For model-specific filter location, indicator reset steps, and flushing guidance, follow the 79551022012 owner's manual. For a visual walkthrough that matches many Kenmore filter housings, use how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Most Kenmore refrigerators, including model 79551022012, last 12 to 15 years with normal use. Consistent cleaning, good airflow around the cabinet, and quick repairs when symptoms start (warm temps, leaks, loud fan noise) help you reach the high end of that range.
What affects lifespan the most
- Condenser cleanliness: Dust buildup makes the compressor work harder.
- Ventilation space: Tight installs trap heat and shorten compressor life.
- Door seal condition: Air leaks force longer run times and create frost.
- Ice and water system health: Leaks and clogs strain valves, tubing, and the ice maker.
- Temperature settings and loading: Overpacking blocks airflow and causes uneven cooling.
Maintenance schedule we recommend
| Task | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean condenser area and confirm fan airflow | Every 6 to 12 months | Reduces heat load and compressor run time |
| Check door gaskets for gaps, tears, or sticking | Every 3 months | Prevents warm air intrusion and frost |
| Replace water filter (if equipped) | About every 6 months | Protects water flow and taste; reduces clogging |
| Level the refrigerator so doors self-close | As needed | Prevents door-left-open warming and moisture |
Signs your refrigerator is nearing end-of-life
- Refrigerator section cannot hold 37°F or freezer cannot hold 0°F
- Compressor runs almost constantly, even after cleaning and leveling
- Repeated water leaks or dispenser flow that keeps getting weaker
- Frequent temperature swings, thawing, or heavy frost return quickly after defrost
Parts that commonly extend service life
If performance issues are isolated (not a sealed-system failure), replacing a worn part often restores normal operation:
- Refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JA2006D (no water, weak dispenser flow, ice maker not filling)
- Refrigerator thermistor 6500JB2002T (erratic temperatures, short cycling)
- Refrigerator condenser fan 4681JB1029B (warm cabinet, noisy fan area, poor heat removal)
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is struggling to cool efficiently uses more energy and puts extra wear on high-cost components like the compressor. Basic upkeep and early part replacement typically cost far less than running the unit until a major failure.
For model-specific care and operating guidance, follow the 79551022012 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What model Kenmore refrigerator do I have?
If you are on this Kenmore refrigerator parts page, your refrigerator model is 79551022012. To confirm on the appliance itself, match that number to the model tag inside the fresh food section or on the cabinet frame; using the full model number ensures you get the right parts and diagrams.
Where to find the model number on the refrigerator
We most often see the model and serial tag in one of these spots:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment
- On the cabinet frame behind or beside the crisper drawers
- On the door frame (open the door and look around the perimeter)
- Behind the lower kick plate or toe grille
How to read the tag so you get the right parts
Use the entire model number exactly as printed (including any extra digits). Then compare it to what you are shopping for.
| What to check | What it should look like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | 79551022012 | Identifies the exact Kenmore refrigerator design |
| Serial number | Letters and numbers | Helps date the unit for service bulletins and revisions |
| Suffixes/extra digits | Included on the tag | Can change door parts, shelves, and electronics |
Quick tips to avoid common mix-ups
- Do not use a shortened model (for example, do not stop at “795”); use 79551022012.
- If the tag is hard to read, take a clear photo and zoom in.
- If you are comparing parts, match by model first, then confirm by part name and diagram location.
Why it matters
Kenmore model numbers are the key to correct fit and function. A side-by-side refrigerator can have multiple versions that look identical, but use different door gaskets, water inlet valves, or control boards.
For model-specific identification details and tag locations, use the 79551022012 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the Kenmore Coldspot model number?
On Kenmore Coldspot refrigerators, the model number is printed on the rating label, usually inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall or ceiling area. For your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 79551022012, we recommend checking the common label spots listed below and confirming the exact location in the 79551022012 owner's manual.
Most common places to look
Check these areas in this order (they are the most likely):
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on the left or right side wall (often near the top)
- On the inside wall behind the lower crisper drawers (remove drawers to see the label)
- On the inside edge of the refrigerator door (hinge side)
- Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall
- Behind the lower front kick plate or toe grille (near the floor)
What the label looks like
The model number is typically on a white or silver sticker or metal plate that also lists other details.
| Label detail | What it helps with |
|---|---|
| Model number | Matching parts and diagrams to your exact refrigerator |
| Serial number | Identifying production run and service history |
| Electrical ratings | Confirming voltage and amperage for safe service |
Why it matters
Kenmore model numbers can look very similar, and one digit can change the correct parts list. Using the exact model number helps us match the right Kenmore refrigerator parts (like a water inlet valve, door gasket, or control board) the first time.
Quick tips before you start
- Use a flashlight; labels are often in shadowed corners
- Wipe dust or condensation off the sticker so the numbers are readable
- Write the model and serial number down exactly as shown
- If the label is behind drawers, remove food first to avoid spills
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the water filter on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On the Kenmore 79551022012 side-by-side refrigerator, the water filter is typically located inside the refrigerator compartment (often in the upper-right area) or behind a small filter door in the base grille area. Use the 79551022012 owner's manual to confirm the exact location for your unit.
Quick ways to find it
- Look in the upper-right corner inside the fresh food section (common on many Kenmore side-by-side models)
- Check the lower front base grille area for a small flip-open filter door
- Look for a round twist-in cartridge or a push-button release next to the filter head
- Follow the water line path from the rear inlet area toward the filter housing
- Check for a “Filter” label near the housing or on the grille
How to access and remove the filter (typical)
- Open the filter cover (if your model has one).
- Turn the filter counterclockwise to unlock, or press the release button (design varies).
- Pull the filter straight out.
- Install the new filter, then lock it in place.
- Flush water through the dispenser for several minutes to clear air and carbon fines.
What you’ll see by location
| Filter location | What it looks like | Common access method |
|---|---|---|
| Inside refrigerator compartment | Cartridge in a plastic housing | Twist to remove or push-button release |
| Base grille (bottom front) | Filter behind a small door | Pull door open, then twist/pull filter |
Why it matters
Finding the correct filter location helps you replace it without damaging the filter head, O-rings, or water lines. It also makes it easier to reset the filter indicator and restore normal water flow.
If you’re troubleshooting low water flow after a filter change, checking the refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JA2006D and flushing the system are common next steps.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore side by side refrigerator leaking water?
Water leaking from a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator like model 79551022012 is usually caused by a blocked defrost drain, a leaking water supply connection, or a problem in the dispenser water circuit (tubing, tank, or inlet valve). We recommend checking the easiest, most common leak points first.
Quick checks (most common causes)
- Defrost drain clogged or frozen: Water backs up during defrost and spills into the fresh food section, then leaks to the floor.
- Water filter or filter housing not seated: A loose filter can drip inside the refrigerator.
- Water line connection leak: Check the household supply line and the connection at the back of the refrigerator.
- Cracked or loose internal tubing: Look for drips behind the crisper drawers or under the dispenser area.
- Inlet valve seeping: The valve can leak slowly even when not dispensing.
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Unplug the refrigerator and pull it out enough to inspect the rear lower area.
- Look for the leak source:
- Water only after defrost or a sheet of ice under drawers often points to the defrost drain.
- Water near the back bottom often points to the supply line or inlet valve.
- Water under the crisper area can point to the internal water tank or tubing.
- Inspect the dispenser water circuit:
- Check the water tank for cracks and sweating.
- Check tubing and fittings for looseness.
- Confirm door sealing (warm air can increase frost and drain icing): inspect gaskets for gaps.
Parts that commonly fix leaks on model 79551022012
If you find the leak is in the water supply or dispenser circuit, these model-matched parts are common fixes:
| Leak location | What you may see | Part to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Back of fridge, near supply line | Drips at valve body or fittings | Refrigerator water inlet valve 5221JA2006D |
| Under crisper area / inside fresh food section | Puddle inside, slow drip from reservoir | Refrigerator water tank MJM61904702 |
| Tubing connection point | Drip at a push-in connector | Refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3002C |
Why it matters
A small leak can turn into floor damage, ice buildup, and poor cooling. Fixing the source also helps prevent repeated icing in the drain area and reduces strain on the compressor and fans.
Model-specific reference
For your Kenmore 79551022012, use the 79551022012 owner's manual for the exact drain location, access panels, and any model-specific water line routing notes.
Last updated: February 2026





