Kenmore Elite 79551374011 side-by-side refrigerator Parts

Most Kenmore Elite refrigerators, including model 79551374011, typically last 10 to 15 years under normal household use. Regular maintenance (cleaning coils, keeping doors sealed, and replacing the water filter on schedule) helps you reach the high end of that range.

A refrigerator’s life is mostly driven by compressor run time, airflow, and how hard the sealed system has to work.

• 10 to 15 years is the normal lifespan range for modern refrigerators
• Heavy use (frequent door openings, warm kitchens, overpacking) can shorten life
• Good airflow and clean condenser areas reduce strain on the compressor
• A tight door seal prevents long run times and frost issues
• Staying current on water and ice system maintenance helps prevent leaks and clogs

We recommend these practical steps for Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators:

• Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections unblocked for proper air circulation
• Clean dust from the condenser area periodically (frequency depends on pets and dust)
• Confirm the refrigerator is level so doors close fully
• Replace the water filter on schedule; use the correct filter for this model, such as Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 5231JA2006E
• If cooling is disabled by accident, turn off Demo Mode using the control-panel button sequence shown in the owner's manual

Use this as a practical rule-of-thumb once your refrigerator is past the midpoint of its life.

A Kenmore Elite refrigerator that runs longer than normal can still be operating as designed, especially in warm conditions or after loading groceries. The manual notes that modern refrigerators may run 40% to 80% of the time at normal room temperatures, and more in warmer conditions; that extra run time increases wear over the years.

For model-specific care, operating tips, and troubleshooting, use the owner's manual. For replacement parts by model number, we also support search and ordering through Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

A common disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator like Kenmore Elite 79551374011 is reduced usable shelf width; wide items (pizza boxes, party platters) often do not fit well. You also split total space evenly between fresh food and freezer, which can feel tight if you store more refrigerated groceries.

• Narrow compartments and shelves: tall, wide, or bulky containers are harder to place.
• Less flexible fresh-food storage: the vertical divider limits large bins and wide shelves.
• More door-opening time: finding items can take longer, letting warm, humid air in.
• Ice and water dispenser complexity: more moving parts can mean more maintenance over time.
• Door clearance needs: doors still need room to swing open for drawers and bins to pull out.

• Use slimmer, stackable food containers to match the shelf width.
• Keep high-use items at eye level to reduce door-open time.
• Avoid blocking air vents with large packages; blocked airflow can cause uneven temperatures.
• If you rely on filtered water and ice, replace the filter on schedule; for this model, see Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 5231JA2006E.

Shelf width and airflow affect convenience and temperature stability. The manual also notes that frequent door opening lets warm, humid air into the freezer, which can contribute to frost and ice crystals on frozen food; good organization helps minimize that. For operating tips and care guidance specific to Kenmore Elite 79551374011, use the owner's manual.

You can order replacement parts for Kenmore Elite 79551374011 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79551374011 is a side-by-side refrigerator; the exact exterior dimensions (width, depth, height) are listed in the specifications section of the owner's manual. For fit planning, most 33-inch class side-by-side refrigerators measure roughly 33 in W x 30 to 34 in D x 66 to 70 in H.

We recommend using the model-specific specs so you can confirm door swing, clearance, and whether the unit will pass through doorways.

• Open the owner's manual and look for “Refrigerator installation” or “Dimensions and clearances”
• Measure your opening and compare to the refrigerator’s width, depth (with handles), and height (with hinges)
• Add clearance for airflow and leveling (a refrigerator is typically leveled with a slight backward tilt so doors close properly)
• If you have tight doorways, plan for door and handle removal during moving

• Cabinet opening width and height
• Depth to the front edge of counters (and whether you need the doors to open past 90 degrees)
• Doorway and hallway widths on the delivery path
• Space behind the unit for the water line and power cord

Getting the exact size prevents delivery surprises and helps avoid airflow restrictions that can reduce cooling performance. It also helps you plan for water line routing and leveling so the doors seal and close correctly.

If you need replacement parts while you measure and plan, we list model-matched parts for 79551374011 on this page, and you can also search by model at Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model number is printed on the identification label inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment; on model 79551374011, it’s located on the right-hand side wall. Use the exact model number from that label when ordering parts or looking up specifications in the owner's manual.

Check these common spots on Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators like 79551374011:

• Right-hand side wall inside the refrigerator compartment (most common)
• Upper side wall near the front edge (inside the fresh food section)
• Behind or near the base grille area (less common)
• On an inside cabinet wall that’s visible when drawers are removed

Record both numbers exactly as shown on the label:

• Model number (used to match parts diagrams and compatible parts)
• Serial number (helps identify production details for service and some part variations)
• Date of purchase (useful for maintenance records and warranty paperwork)

Even small differences in a Kenmore Elite model number can change which water filter, door bin, hinge, or electronic control board fits. Using the label’s exact model number prevents ordering the wrong part.

After you confirm the model number, you can order parts from the list for 79551374011 on this page, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect. Common replacements for this model include the Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 5231JA2006E and door hardware like the refrigerator door hinge 4775JA2113A.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems we see on the Kenmore Elite 79551374011 side-by-side refrigerator include not cooling well (often tied to airflow, fan, or defrost issues), frost buildup from doors not sealing or frequent door openings, water leaks from a clogged defrost drain, and unusual noises that can be normal or fan-related. For model-specific operating and troubleshooting steps, use the owner's manual.

• Not cooling or weak cooling: unit in defrost cycle, blocked vents, door opened often, or a fan/defrost issue
• Frost or ice crystals on food: door not closing properly or frequent door openings
• Water on the floor: defrost drain restriction or drain system issue (a drain tube can be involved)
• Noisy operation: normal defrost and airflow sounds, vibration from leveling, or a fan motor issue
• Bad-tasting ice or odors: old ice, unwrapped food, dirty bin, or a filter that needs replacement

• Confirm the display is not showing OFF and the refrigerator is not in Demo Mode.
• Make sure air vents are not blocked by food packages.
• Check that doors close fully and gaskets seal all the way around.
• If the room is cold, avoid operating the refrigerator below 55°F (13°C) (food can freeze in the fresh-food section in cold locations).
• If ice tastes or smells off, discard old ice and replace the water filter if it is due.

Cooling, frost, and leak complaints are often connected: a defrost problem or blocked airflow can reduce cooling, create frost, and lead to water in the drain pan or leaks. Addressing door sealing, airflow, and the defrost drain early helps prevent food spoilage and repeat icing.

We recommend matching parts by the full model number 79551374011 and confirming the symptom in the troubleshooting section of the owner's manual. You can order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for this refrigerator, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026