Where is the model number on a Kenmore side by side refrigerator?
On Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator model 10652203100, the model number is printed on the model and serial number label located on the inside wall of the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. Use that label anytime you need parts, service, or manual-specific instructions; see the owner's manual.
- Open the refrigerator (not the freezer) door.
- Look along the inside side walls near the front edge.
- Check around the crisper area and shelf supports (labels are often placed there).
- Use a flashlight; the print can be small.
- Write down the full model number (10652203100) and the serial number exactly as shown.
The label typically includes both identifiers you need for parts lookup and troubleshooting.
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example for this unit |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures parts fit your exact refrigerator | 10652203100 |
| Serial number | Helps identify production details for service records | Varies by unit |
| Purchase date (you record it) | Helpful for your records and maintenance history | Your date |
Kenmore model numbers can look similar across different 106-series refrigerators, but parts like a door bin, water inlet valve, or defrost component can vary by exact model. Using the label’s model number helps us match the correct replacement parts the first time.
If you are ordering common fit-and-finish items for this model, we list options such as the refrigerator door bin WP2156022 and storage pans like the refrigerator crisper pan WP2188656. For broader model searches, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
For the Kenmore 10652203100 side-by-side refrigerator, the biggest disadvantage is usable space shape: the refrigerator and freezer compartments are tall and narrow, so wide items (pizza boxes, party platters, large sheet pans) fit poorly even when total capacity feels adequate.
- Narrow shelves limit storage of wide containers and large leftovers.
- More bending for produce and deli drawers that sit low in the fresh-food section.
- Door storage can crowd the interior; loading the door bins heavily can reduce room for main-shelf items.
- Ice and water dispenser systems add complexity; more moving parts can mean more maintenance over time.
- Airflow balance matters; blocking vents can create warm spots or uneven temperatures.
| Refrigerator style | Main tradeoff | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side | Narrow compartments | Easy access to freezer items at eye level |
| Top freezer | Less freezer convenience | Simple layout, good value |
| Bottom freezer | Freezer items lower | Fresh-food access at eye level |
| French door | Wide shelves, more door swing | Platters, wide trays, flexible storage |
We see these adjustments help most owners get better performance and usability:
- Keep frequently used items at mid-shelf height to reduce bending.
- Avoid overpacking near air vents so cold air can circulate.
- Use slimmer bins and stackable containers to fit the narrow footprint.
- If doors do not close smoothly or align well, follow the leveling and alignment steps in the owner's manual.
- If the dispenser area lighting is out, replacing the dispenser bulb WP22002263 restores visibility at the ice and water area.
Side-by-side refrigerators like the Kenmore 10652203100 can cool very well, but the split design changes how you store food. Planning around shelf width, drawer access, and dispenser maintenance prevents frustration and helps keep temperatures consistent.
Last updated: February 2026
What causes a side-by-side refrigerator to stop cooling?
A Kenmore 10652203100 side-by-side refrigerator usually stops cooling because power is interrupted, the controls are set to OFF or need a reset, airflow is blocked by items covering vents, or a defrost-related issue causes frost buildup that restricts cold-air circulation. See the 10652203100 owner's manual for control and airflow checks.
- Confirm the power cord is fully plugged into a grounded outlet.
- Check the house fuse or circuit breaker and reset if needed.
- Make sure the refrigerator and freezer controls are not set to OFF.
- If your model has digital controls, turn the unit OFF then ON to reset.
- Wait 30 minutes after a reset; the refrigerator may be in an automatic defrost cycle.
- Look for blocked air vents in either compartment and move food packages away from vent openings.
Blocked vents and frequent door openings are two of the most common reasons temperatures rise.
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer is cold but fresh food is warm | Air vents blocked | Clear space in front of vents; reorganize items |
| Both sections are warming | Controls OFF, power issue, or system not running | Verify power, settings, then reset controls |
| Temps rise after grocery load | Warm food load | Allow several hours to pull temps back down |
If the basics check out and cooling is still weak, these are common failure areas on side-by-side refrigerators:
- Frost buildup from a defrost problem (often tied to sensors or defrost components).
- Poor air movement from an evaporator fan issue.
- Sealed system or compressor-related problems.
For defrost-related troubleshooting and replacement planning, a commonly replaced component is the refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581.
A no-cool condition can quickly lead to unsafe food temperatures. Restoring airflow and confirming the refrigerator is actually running (not OFF or mid-defrost) prevents unnecessary part replacement and helps you pinpoint whether the issue is electrical, airflow, or defrost-related.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 10652203100 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most common problems with Kenmore refrigerators?
For Kenmore model 10652203100 side-by-side refrigerators, the most common problems we see are cooling issues, ice maker or water dispenser troubles, door sealing and alignment problems, and nuisance leaks. Many of these trace back to airflow restrictions, a clogged filter or water line, or worn door gaskets and dispenser components (see the 10652203100 owner's manual).
- Not cooling well (fresh food or freezer too warm): blocked vents, dirty condenser area, or an airflow problem.
- Frost buildup or temperature swings: defrost system trouble (often a thermostat or heater issue).
- Ice maker not making ice or dispensing poorly: frozen clumps in the bin, cubes stuck in the chute, or dispenser drive parts wearing.
- Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: kinked supply line, clogged filter, or a valve issue.
- Water leaking at the dispenser: wrong ice in the bin, ice clumping, or not holding the glass under the chute long enough.
- Doors hard to open: dirty or sticky door gaskets.
- Confirm the temperature settings and allow 24 hours after any adjustment.
- Make sure air vents are not blocked by food packages.
- If water flow is weak, check for a kinked water line and confirm the shutoff valve is fully open.
- If you have a filter, reseat it and replace it on schedule; a clogged filter can reduce water flow.
- If ice is spilling or leaking, empty and reload the bin with only cubes made by your current ice maker.
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these are examples of parts available for this model:
| Problem area | What you may notice | Example part on this page |
|---|---|---|
| Defrost system | Frost buildup, warm temps | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 |
| Water supply | No water, slow water, no ice | Refrigerator inlet valve W10822681 |
| Door sealing | Moisture, warm spots, hard-to-open doors | Refrigerator door gasket (black) 2159081 |
A small airflow, defrost, or water-supply problem can quickly turn into spoiled food, ice clumping, and recurring leaks. Catching the early symptoms helps protect the compressor and sealed system and keeps temperatures stable.
For model-specific diagrams, maintenance steps (cleaning, light bulb changes, and troubleshooting), and water supply guidance, use the 10652203100 owner's manual. For ordering replacement parts by model number, we also offer search tools on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 10652203100, the most accurate way to get cubic feet is to look up the capacity in the specifications section of the owner's manual or on the model and serial label inside the fresh food compartment. That gives you the exact factory-listed total capacity for your specific refrigerator.
- Check the model and serial number label on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment; it often lists key specs or points you to the spec information.
- Look in the specifications section of the owner's manual for “capacity” or “cubic feet.”
- If you have the installation paperwork, compare the listed clearance and ventilation requirements to confirm you are using the correct model documentation.
- If you are shopping for replacement bins, drawers, or door parts, match by model number first, then by part ID (for example, refrigerator crisper pan WP2188656).
Refrigerator capacity is the total interior volume (fresh food plus freezer). Some sources list total capacity, while others list usable capacity, which can be smaller because shelves, drawers, and the ice bin take up space.
| Refrigerator type | Typical total capacity range |
|---|---|
| Side-by-side refrigerator | About 20 to 28 cu. ft. |
| Compact refrigerator | About 2 to 6 cu. ft. |
| Top freezer refrigerator | About 14 to 22 cu. ft. |
Knowing the correct cubic feet helps when comparing storage space, choosing organization parts (crisper pan, meat pan, door bin), and confirming fit for airflow clearances during installation. For example, your manual calls out ventilation space around the cabinet, which supports proper cooling performance.
You can also order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for 10652203100, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





