How do I know what model Kenmore refrigerator I have?
For a Kenmore Elite side-by-side refrigerator like model 10645422801, we identify the model by reading the model and serial number label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment; it’s typically on an inside wall. That exact model number is what we use to match the correct parts and instructions.
Check these common locations first:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (most common)
- Inside the refrigerator compartment near the top/ceiling area
- Inside the refrigerator compartment behind or near the crisper drawers
- On a label you can read without removing major panels
For the exact label location and what the numbers mean, use the owner's manual.
The label usually lists both a model number and a serial number. For parts lookup and diagrams, the model number is the key.
- Model number: identifies the exact design and parts used
- Serial number: helps identify production details (useful for service history)
- Full model: write it exactly as shown, including all digits
| What you see | What to do with it | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (example: 10645422801) | Use it to search parts by model | Ensures correct fit and compatibility |
| Serial number | Record it for your records | Helps track unit-specific details |
| Purchase/installation date | Record it if known | Useful for maintenance planning |
- Wipe the label gently with a damp cloth and dry it; grease and dust can hide digits.
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in to confirm each number.
- Copy the model number exactly; one wrong digit can pull the wrong Kenmore parts list.
Kenmore refrigerators can look similar across different series, but parts like a water filter, electronic control, or ice maker can vary by model. Using the correct model number helps you avoid ordering the wrong replacement part and speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
Your Kenmore Elite 10645422801 side-by-side refrigerator is typically a 25 cu. ft. class unit. We base that on the installation guide sizing table that lists a 25' (694 L) model size for this platform; check your exact configuration in the installation guide.
If you want to calculate an approximate capacity yourself, we use this approach:
- Measure interior width, height, and depth (in inches)
- Multiply:
width × height × depth = cubic inches - Divide by 1,728 to convert cubic inches to cubic feet
- Subtract a little for shelves, bins, and the ice maker housing (they reduce usable space)
| What you measure | Example value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior width | 24 in | Measure wall-to-wall inside |
| Interior height | 60 in | Exclude the floor hump if present |
| Interior depth | 28 in | Measure to the inside of the door gasket |
| Estimated capacity | 23.3 cu. ft. | 24×60×28 / 1728 |
“Cubic feet” is often a class rating and can differ from what you measure with a tape.
Common reasons include:
- The ice maker and air ducts take up interior volume
- Shelf supports and drawer housings reduce usable space
- Freezer and fresh food sections are rated together, but measured separately
- Door bins are sometimes counted differently depending on rating method
If you are also troubleshooting slow water flow or weak ice production, a clogged filter can affect performance. For this model, a common replacement is the Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9083.
Why it matters: Knowing the correct capacity helps when comparing replacement shelves and bins, planning food storage, and setting expectations for cooling recovery after door openings.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Kenmore Elite refrigerators (including model 10645422801) are made for the Kenmore brand by different major appliance manufacturers, depending on the model and production run. For 106-series refrigerators, the design and parts sourcing commonly align with Whirlpool-built platforms; confirm details for your exact unit in the owner's manual.
Kenmore is a brand name; it is not a single factory. That means the company behind a Kenmore Elite refrigerator can vary by:
- Model series (such as 106, 253, 795, 111)
- Year of manufacture
- Product type (side-by-side, top freezer, bottom freezer)
- Component sourcing (controls, ice maker, dispenser parts)
For the most reliable identification, we use the model and serial label and the model prefix.
- Check the model and serial label inside the fresh food compartment
- Match the model prefix (your model starts with 106)
- Use the parts list for your model to confirm compatible components
- Keep the model and serial number recorded for service and parts matching (the manual recommends recording this information)
| Kenmore model prefix | Common platform association | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| 106 | Whirlpool-built platform (common) | Parts matching for filters, ice maker, dispenser |
| 253 | Frigidaire/Electrolux-built platform (common) | Error code families and cooling system parts |
| 795 | LG-built platform (common) | Control and display style, error code families |
| 111 | Daewoo/Winia-built platform (common) | Error code families and layout |
The manufacturer behind the platform affects which replacement parts fit correctly, especially for water and ice components.
For example, if you are replacing filtration or dispenser items on this model, start with model-matched parts such as the Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9083 and follow the installation and flushing steps in the installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite side by side refrigerator leaking water?
Water leaking from your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 10645422801 is usually caused by a defrost drain problem (water cannot flow to the drain pan), a leak in the dispenser water line area, or a dispenser issue such as not flushing the system after a filter change. Use the checks below to pinpoint the source fast using the owner's manual.
- Puddle inside the fresh food section (often under crisper drawers): defrost drain likely clogged or frozen.
- Water on the floor at the front: drain pan overflow, door left ajar, or a slow leak from the dispenser line.
- Drips only when using the dispenser: glass not held long enough, air in the line, or system not flushed after filter install.
- Ice buildup then water later: defrost water not draining correctly.
- Water near the filter housing: filter not fully seated or cap/housing issue.
- Check the dispenser first
- Hold the cup under the dispenser a few seconds after the flow stops.
- If you recently changed the filter, flush the water system by dispensing several glasses of water.
- Inspect the defrost drain path
- Look for water collecting under drawers or on the freezer floor.
- Clear visible ice around the drain opening with warm water (do not use sharp tools).
- Check the filter and cap fit
- Reseat the filter and confirm the cap is installed correctly.
- If your cap is cracked or loose, replace it with the exact match: refrigerator water filter cap (black) WP2260518B.
- Confirm doors seal and close fully
- Clean sticky gaskets with mild soap and warm water.
- Make sure bins and shelves are fully pushed back so doors close completely.
| Leak location | Most likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Under crisper drawers | Clogged/frozen defrost drain | Clear drain opening; melt ice safely |
| At dispenser area | Air in line or not flushed after filter change | Flush system; hold cup longer |
| Near filter housing | Filter not seated or cap issue | Reseat filter; inspect/replace cap |
| Front floor | Drain pan overflow or slow line leak | Check for repeated dripping; inspect tubing area |
A small leak can turn into ice buildup, odor, and temperature swings if defrost water cannot drain properly. Fixing the source early also helps protect the evaporator area and keeps the ice maker and water dispenser working reliably.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite side by side fridge not cooling?
If your Kenmore Elite 10645422801 side-by-side refrigerator is not cooling, the most common causes are cooling accidentally turned off at the dispenser, blocked airflow, dirty condenser coils, or a failed fan/defrost component. Start with control settings and airflow checks before testing parts.
- Confirm the unit has power and the outlet works.
- Make sure cooling is ON; on this model you can toggle cooling by pressing and holding TEMP and FILTER together for 3 seconds.
- Verify the set points are near the factory recommendations: 0°F (freezer) and 37°F (fresh food).
- Wait a full 24 hours after any major setting change or new installation for temperatures to stabilize.
- Check that interior air vents are not blocked by food packages.
A no-cool or warm-fridge complaint is often an airflow problem.
- Listen for the evaporator fan; if it is not moving air, the refrigerator section warms up fast.
- If you hear fan noise but airflow is weak, look for heavy frost on the freezer back panel (a defrost issue).
If the evaporator coils ice over, cold air cannot circulate.
- A failed defrost thermostat can stop the defrost heater from running.
- For this model, a common related part is the refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581.
Dusty coils make it hard to remove heat.
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Vacuum and brush the condenser area and base grille.
- Restore power and monitor temperatures over the next day.
| What you notice | Most likely issue | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Display works but both sections warm | Cooling turned off or airflow blocked | Re-enable cooling; clear vents; verify set points |
| Freezer cold, fridge warm | Evaporator fan or airflow restriction | Check fan operation; look for frost pattern |
| Frost/ice on freezer back wall | Defrost system problem | Inspect defrost components; consider WPW10225581 |
| Runs a lot, still warm | Dirty coils or sealed system issue | Clean coils first; then evaluate further |
Running warm can spoil food quickly and forces the compressor and fans to run longer than normal. Fixing airflow, settings, or coil cleanliness early often prevents bigger cooling failures.
- Use the owner's manual for the exact control-button steps, recommended temperatures, and troubleshooting checks specific to model 10645422801.
- For dispenser-related access and trim removal, see how to disassemble a Kenmore refrigerator dispenser.
Last updated: February 2026





