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.

Typical lifespan and what affects it

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

Maintenance that extends life (high impact)

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

Repair vs. replace: a quick decision guide

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

If your fridge is...	Usually makes sense to...	Why
Under 8 years old	Repair	Parts replacement often restores full performance
8 to 12 years old	Compare cost	Balance repair cost vs. remaining life
Over 12 to 15 years old	Replace if major failure	Big repairs can exceed the value of the unit

Why it matters

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.

Most common drawbacks (what owners notice day to day)

• 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.

Quick comparison: side-by-side vs other popular styles

Feature	Side-by-side	French door	Top freezer
Fits wide items	Fair	Best	Good
Freezer access	Best (eye level)	Good (lower)	Fair
Fresh-food space feel	Fair	Best	Good
Organization	Good (vertical zones)	Good (wide shelves)	Simple

What you can do to reduce the downsides

• 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.

Why it matters

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.

How to get the exact dimensions for model 79551374011

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

Quick fit checklist (what to measure at home)

• 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

Typical size ranges (for planning only)

Measurement	Typical range for this style	Why it matters
Width	~33 in	Cabinet opening fit
Depth	~30 to 34 in	Counter protrusion and door swing
Height	~66 to 70 in	Overhead cabinet clearance

Why it matters

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.

Where to look for the model and serial label

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

What to write down (and why)

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)

Why it matters

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.

Quick reference: model vs. serial

Item on label	What it’s used for	Example for this page
Model number	Finding correct parts list and diagrams	79551374011
Serial number	Identifying unit-specific production info	Varies by unit

Ordering parts once you have the model number

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.

Most common symptoms and what they usually point to

• 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

Quick checks we recommend first (safe, no tools)

• 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.

Parts that commonly relate to these problems (for this model)

Symptom	Common area	Example part for 79551374011
Water leaking inside or under unit	Defrost drain path	Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D
Ice not dispensing or dispenser issues	Dispenser drive/motor	Refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204
Bad taste or odor in water/ice	Filtration	Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9990 5231JA2006E
Warm temps, poor airflow	Evaporator fan	Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1029S

Why it matters

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.

Ordering the right parts

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