What year did the Kenmore Elite come out?
Kenmore Elite launched as a premium Kenmore line in 1999. For your specific Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579789901, the exact year depends on the unit’s manufacture date (from the serial number), which you can confirm using the identification and specifications details in the 79579789901 owner's manual.
The “Kenmore Elite” name tells you the product line, not the exact build year. The most accurate way to date your refrigerator is by using the serial number on the rating label.
- Locate the model and serial label (commonly inside the fresh food compartment, on a side wall, or near a door opening)
- Write down the full serial number exactly as shown
- Use the serial format guidance in the manual to interpret the manufacture date
- If the label is damaged or missing, check for a secondary label on the rear exterior panel
- Keep the serial number handy when ordering parts like a door switch or water inlet valve
| Item | What it tells you | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| “Kenmore Elite” | The premium product line (introduced in 1999) | The exact year your refrigerator was built |
| Model number 79579789901 | The specific design family and configuration | The exact manufacture date |
| Serial number | The unit-specific manufacture date code | Nothing about feature packages on other models |
Knowing the manufacture year helps us match the correct Kenmore parts and revisions for your refrigerator, especially for electrical items (like a control board or door switch) and water system parts (like valves and tubing).
Last updated: January 2026
What is the average lifespan of a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
A Kenmore Elite refrigerator like model 79579789901 typically lasts 10 to 15 years with normal household use. Consistent cleaning, correct temperature settings, and quick repairs to airflow or water system issues help you reach the high end of that range; major sealed-system failures usually shorten lifespan.
Most bottom-mount refrigerators land in a predictable range, but real-world life depends on usage and care.
- Typical lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Heavy use factors: frequent door openings, warm kitchens, overpacked compartments
- Maintenance factors: condenser coil cleaning, door gasket care, keeping vents clear
- Repair timing: addressing small issues early prevents compressor overwork
Use these habits to reduce compressor run time and prevent common failures.
- Keep refrigerator at 37°F and freezer at 0°F (recommended presets for this model); confirm in the 79579789901 owner's manual.
- Clean condenser coils regularly (dust buildup increases run time and heat).
- Wipe and inspect door gaskets so doors seal tightly.
- Avoid blocking air vents with food containers.
- Replace the water filter when the filter reset indicator comes on.
| Symptom | Common cause | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor runs “too much” | Warm room, frequent openings, coils dirty | Coils, door habits, temperature settings |
| Warm fridge but freezer OK | Airflow restriction or fan issue | Evaporator area for frost, listen for fan |
| Lights do not turn on when door opens | Door switch not closing circuit | Test/replace refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A |
| Water dispenser/ice maker weak | Filter restriction or inlet valve issue | Filter status, water supply, valve |
A refrigerator that runs longer than normal uses more energy and puts extra wear on the compressor and fans. Keeping airflow clean and temperatures stable helps the sealed system last longer and reduces expensive breakdowns.
Last updated: January 2026
What size is Kenmore refrigerator model 79579789901?
Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579789901 is a bottom-freezer style refrigerator; the exact exterior width, depth, and height vary by the specific 795.7978** version (color number) and installation setup. For the most accurate cabinet dimensions and required clearances, we use the 79579789901 owner's manual.
When customers ask for “size,” we confirm these measurements before ordering parts or planning a move:
- Width: measure the cabinet (not the doors or handles)
- Height: floor to top of cabinet (include hinge cover if it sits higher)
- Depth: cabinet depth, then depth including doors and handles
- Door swing clearance: space needed to fully open doors and freezer drawer
- Ventilation clearance: space behind and above for airflow
- Measure the refrigerator at the widest and tallest points.
- Measure your opening in three places (top, middle, bottom) to catch out-of-square cabinets.
- If you have a water line, allow extra room so the tubing does not kink when you push the unit back.
These Kenmore Elite 795 bottom-mount refrigerators commonly fall into this general range (use this for planning, then confirm with the manual and a tape measure):
| Measurement | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Width | 32 to 34 inches |
| Height | 67 to 70 inches |
| Depth (cabinet) | 30 to 33 inches |
Correct dimensions prevent door interference, crushed water tubing, poor ventilation (warm temperatures), and installation headaches. It also helps when diagnosing cooling issues because restricted airflow can mimic a failing evaporator fan motor.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems we see on the Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79579789901 include weak or no cooling, frost buildup in the freezer, water leaks (puddles), dispenser or ice maker issues, and vibration or rattling. Many fixes start with cleaning, leveling, and checking airflow; then testing key parts.
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, failed evaporator fan, temperature sensor issues, or control problems
- Frost or ice crystals on frozen food: door not closing fully, frequent door openings, or a defrost system problem
- Vibration or rattling noise: refrigerator not level, weak/uneven floor, or cabinet not resting solidly
- Water leaking onto the floor: clogged/iced drain path or drain tube issues
- Ice maker or dispenser trouble: water supply restriction, inlet valve problems, or dispenser drive issues
- Confirm installation conditions: the manual calls for an ambient range of 55°F to 110°F and a solid floor to reduce noise and vibration.
- Clean condenser coils: the manual includes condenser coil cleaning in the care and cleaning section.
- Level the refrigerator: the front should be slightly higher than the rear to help doors close.
- Check door closing and gaskets: clean gaskets and the surfaces they touch; a thin coat of paraffin wax can help if gaskets stick.
If the quick checks do not fix it, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
| Symptom | Common part to inspect | Example from this model’s parts |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer, poor airflow | Evaporator fan motor | Lg refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C |
| Frost buildup, warm temps after defrost | Defrost heater | Lg refrigerator defrost heater 5300JK1005D |
| Water not dispensing, no ice | Water inlet valve | Refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908 |
| Lights or dispenser behavior changes when door moves | Door switch | Refrigerator door switch 6600JB1010A |
Cooling, frost, and leak symptoms often share the same root causes: restricted airflow, doors not sealing, or water not draining. Fixing the basics (coils, leveling, door seal) prevents food spoilage, reduces energy use, and avoids repeat icing and puddles.
For model-specific troubleshooting steps and the built-in troubleshooting guide, use the owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026





