What year did the Kenmore Elite come out?
Kenmore Elite is Kenmore’s premium line, and it first appeared in the late 1990s (commonly cited around 1999). For your specific Kenmore Elite electric range model 79041013801, the most accurate way to determine its age is to use the model and serial number from the serial plate and match it to the manufacturing date information in the 79041013801 owner’s manual.
The “Kenmore Elite” name spans many years and multiple manufacturers, so the model’s serial number is what ties your range to a build timeframe.
- Locate the serial plate on the range (the manual shows the serial plate location).
- Write down the model number (79041013801) and the serial number exactly.
- Use the serial number format to determine the manufacturing date (many ranges encode week and year).
- If you are comparing parts or features, always match by model number first.
- Keep the serial number recorded for service and parts lookups.
| What you are dating | What it tells you | Best source |
|---|---|---|
| “Kenmore Elite” product line | When the premium line launched | General history (late 1990s) |
| Model 79041013801 | Which design family and parts fit | Model number |
| Your exact unit | When your range was built | Serial number on the serial plate |
Knowing the build timeframe helps us match the right wiring, controls, and oven components for your Kenmore Elite range, especially when parts changed mid-series.
If you are already servicing the oven (for example, a no-light issue), the range oven light bulb 316538904 is a common replacement part for this model family.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I reset my Kenmore Elite electric oven?
To reset your Kenmore Elite electric range model 79041013801, we clear the control’s stored settings by holding the designated keypad until it beeps, then confirming the reset. This returns common control adjustments (time format, tones, temperature display, and offsets) back to factory defaults; see the steps in the 79041013801 owner's manual.
- Make sure the oven is not running Bake, Broil, or Self-Clean.
- Press and hold the “7” keypad until you hear the first single beep (about 6 seconds).
- After the beep, press Start once to confirm.
- Re-set the clock and any preferences you use (tones, °F/°C, etc.).
Clearing stored recipes also resets other control adjustments back to factory settings.
| Setting type | What you may notice after reset |
|---|---|
| Time format | 12-hour or 24-hour preference may revert |
| Control tones | Silent control operation may revert |
| Temperature display | °F/°C preference may revert |
| Oven calibration | Any temperature offset may revert |
These quick checks solve most “won’t start” complaints after a reset.
- Check for Oven Lockout; if enabled, press and hold the lockout pad for about 3 seconds to toggle it.
- Verify the range has power (clock/display on); if not, check the breaker.
- If the display is on but heating is off, inspect for a failed sensor or overheat protection.
- If the oven overheated recently, a high-limit thermostat can open and stop heating.
A true factory reset is the fastest way to clear control logic issues and restore normal operation on the 79041013801, especially after power interruptions or accidental programming changes.
Last updated: January 2026
Where to find model number on Kenmore Elite oven?
On the Kenmore Elite electric range model 79041013801, the model and serial number plate is typically on the oven front frame behind the oven door; on some versions it’s behind the drawer. Use the exact model number when ordering parts or requesting service.
Check these common label locations first:
- Open the oven door and look along the front frame (around the door opening)
- Look behind the oven door on the front frame near the lower area
- Pull out the bottom drawer and look on the frame behind the drawer opening (some models)
- Use a flashlight; the plate can be small and easy to miss
We recommend recording these details from the serial plate so you can match parts correctly:
- Model number (example: 79041013801)
- Serial number
- Lot number or letter (if shown)
- Brand (Kenmore Elite)
| Item on label | What it’s used for |
|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures you get the correct parts list and diagrams |
| Serial number | Helps confirm production version and compatibility |
| Lot number/letter | Helps narrow down running changes in components |
Kenmore Elite ranges can have multiple production versions that look similar. Using the model and serial information from the plate helps us match the correct wiring, controls, and oven components for your exact range.
For a diagram-style view of the label location and other identification tips, use the 79041013801 owner’s manual.
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 79041013801 is built to deliver more premium features and performance than standard Kenmore models, with a focus on cooking results, convenience, and a more upgraded look.
Kenmore Elite typically sits above standard Kenmore models in features and finish. For a slide-in electric range like 79041013801, that usually shows up as better control features, stronger cooking performance, and more refined design details.
Common “Elite” upgrades include:
- More precise oven temperature control and cooking modes
- Enhanced surface cooking options and control settings
- Convection-style baking features on many Elite models
- More premium trim, glass, and control panel styling
- More serviceable, replaceable components for long-term ownership
The fastest way to verify the exact features and operating modes for your specific range is to check the feature list and control descriptions in the 79041013801 owner’s manual.
Use these sections as your checklist:
- Range features: identifies what your model is equipped with
- Control pad features: shows which cooking modes are available
- Setting oven controls: explains how to use bake, broil, convection, and timers (if equipped)
| Kenmore line | Typical positioning | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore | Standard | Core cooking functions, basic styling |
| Kenmore Elite | High end | More features, upgraded design, stronger performance |
| Kenmore PRO | Pro-style | Pro look and heavier-duty feature set |
Knowing where Kenmore Elite sits in the lineup helps set expectations for features, parts, and repairs. When you maintain an Elite range and replace wear items as needed (for example, an oven light), you keep performance consistent over the life of the appliance.
If your oven light is out, match the correct replacement using the range oven light bulb 316538904.
Last updated: January 2026




