What year did the Kenmore Elite come out?
Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s premium appliance line, and it was introduced in the late 1990s (commonly cited as 1999). For your specific Kenmore Elite range model 79099513302, the most accurate way to determine its “year” is to decode the serial number on the identification plate listed in the 79099513302 owner's manual.
How to find the manufacture date for model 79099513302
The manual explains where to locate the model and serial number label so you can date your exact range.
- Open the oven door and look on the oven front frame.
- Check the inside of the storage drawer along the side of the frame.
- Write down the full model number (79099513302) and the full serial number.
- Use the serial number format used by the manufacturer of your unit to determine the build date.
- Keep the information with your purchase records for future parts lookup.
“Introduced” year vs “manufactured” year (what customers usually mean)
Kenmore Elite is a product line, so it has an introduction timeframe; your range has its own build date.
| Term | What it means | Best place to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore Elite “came out” | When the Elite line first launched | General brand history |
| Your range’s year | When your specific 79099513302 was built | Serial number on the ID plate |
| Purchase year | When it was bought/installed | Receipt, home records |
Why it matters
When you’re ordering Range parts (like a bake element, oven temperature sensor, or terminal block), the serial number can affect which version of a part fits. Dating the unit also helps when troubleshooting heating accuracy, control issues, or wear items such as an oven light bulb.
Last updated: January 2026
How to read Kenmore model numbers?
Kenmore model numbers are structured so the first 3 digits identify the original manufacturer, and the remaining digits narrow down the base design and feature variations. For Kenmore Elite electric range model 79099513302, the “790” prefix is the key identifier to start with; confirm the full model and serial from the ID plate location shown in the 79099513302 owner's manual.
How the number breaks down
Most Kenmore model numbers follow this pattern:
- First 3 digits (prefix): manufacturer identifier (example: 790)
- Next digits: base model family and configuration
- Last digits: feature, color, or production variation
Quick example
| Section | What it usually means | Example from 79099513302 |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | Manufacturer code | 790 |
| Middle | Base model series | 99513 |
| Suffix | Variation/feature set | 302 |
Where to find the model number on this range
For Kenmore Elite ranges like model 79099513302, the identification plate is typically located on the oven front frame and is visible when the oven door is open (some versions may also list it inside the drawer area).
- Open the large oven door and look along the front frame
- Write down model number, serial number, and any lot number/letter
- Use the full number when ordering parts or checking compatibility
Why it matters
Kenmore uses many similar-looking ranges, and small digit changes can mean different parts (for example, a bake element, oven temperature sensor, or control panel). Using the complete model number helps us match the correct wiring, mounting style, and electrical ratings.
Last updated: January 2026
Does a Kenmore Elite have a reset button?
Kenmore Elite electric ranges such as model 79099513302 do not use a dedicated “reset button” like some other appliances; most “reset” situations are handled by turning the oven controls to OFF and, if needed, resetting power at the breaker to clear a temporary control glitch. For model-specific control and power instructions, use the 79099513302 owner's manual.
What to try first (safe, quick reset steps)
- Turn all surface burner knobs to OFF.
- Cancel any active oven function (Bake, Broil, Convection, Timer) and confirm the display is idle.
- Wait 1 minute, then try a simple Bake cycle to confirm operation.
- If the control is frozen or unresponsive, switch the range circuit OFF at the home breaker for 2 to 5 minutes, then turn it back ON.
- If the oven was running a timed program, reset all controls to OFF afterward (this is called out in the installation safety information).
When a “reset” will not fix it
A power reset helps with temporary electronic lockups. It will not correct a failed heating or sensing component.
Common symptoms and likely next checks:
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Oven heats unevenly or not at all | Failed bake element or wiring | Inspect the bake element 318255201 for blisters, cracks, or burn spots; check connections with power off |
| Oven temperature is inaccurate | Temperature sensor out of range | Test/replace the oven temperature sensor 316217002 |
| No power or intermittent power | Loose/burned power connection | Inspect the terminal block 5304409888 and cord connections for heat damage |
Why it matters
A range can appear “broken” when the control is simply stuck after a power fluctuation, but repeated resets usually point to an underlying issue such as a failing heating circuit, sensor, or power connection. Addressing the root cause helps prevent no-heat problems and overheating at electrical terminals.
Last updated: January 2026
Is Kenmore Elite high end?
Yes. Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s higher-end line, and the Kenmore Elite electric range model 79099513302 is built to deliver upgraded features and performance compared with standard Kenmore models, while typically costing less than many true luxury brands.
What “high end” means for Kenmore Elite
Kenmore Elite generally targets shoppers who want premium cooking results, a more refined design, and more advanced controls than entry-level ranges.
Common “Elite” expectations include:
- More precise oven temperature control for baking and roasting
- Enhanced cooking modes (often including convection on many Elite ranges)
- Higher-output surface elements and flexible burner sizes
- More robust fit and finish (handles, control panel layout, trim)
- More feature-rich electronic controls
How Kenmore Elite compares to other lines
Use this quick comparison to set expectations when shopping parts or planning a repair.
| Line | Typical positioning | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore | Standard | Core cooking functions, fewer premium features |
| Kenmore Elite | High end | More features, stronger performance, upgraded design |
| Kenmore PRO | Pro-style | Pro look and heavier-duty feature set (varies by model) |
Why it matters when buying parts or troubleshooting
Knowing you have an Elite model helps because feature sets can change the parts you need (for example, convection components, control styles, or sensor-driven temperature regulation). For model 79099513302, we recommend using the model-specific diagrams and procedures in the 79099513302 owner's manual to match parts and settings correctly.
Helpful tip for accurate part matching
- Confirm the full model number on the ID plate (often visible with the oven door open or inside the drawer area)
- Match the symptom to the system (bake, broil, convection, surface element)
- Use the wiring and control information in the 79099513302 owner's manual before ordering electrical parts
Last updated: January 2026




