What's the size of a side-by-side refrigerator?
Most side-by-side refrigerators, including Kenmore model 10656982601, are built in a fairly standard footprint: about 30 to 36 inches wide, 67 to 70 inches tall, and 29 to 35 inches deep. For the exact cabinet dimensions and required clearances for your unit, use the 10656982601 owner's manual.
Typical size ranges (what to plan for)
When you are measuring a space for a side-by-side refrigerator, these are the common ranges we see:
- Width: 30 to 36 inches
- Height: 67 to 70 inches
- Depth: 29 to 35 inches (not including extra room for hoses and airflow)
- Door swing clearance: plan extra space on the hinge side so doors can open fully
| Measurement | Typical range | What can change it most |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 30 to 36 in. | cabinet style, capacity |
| Height | 67 to 70 in. | hinge design, leveling feet |
| Depth | 29 to 35 in. | handles, door thickness, rear clearance |
Clearances we recommend for installation
Even if the refrigerator fits the opening, it still needs breathing room and door-swing space. The Kenmore documentation calls out these common clearances:
- Leave about 1/2 inch on each side and at the top for ventilation
- Leave about 2 inches minimum on each side next to a fixed wall (model-dependent) so doors can swing open
- Leave extra space behind the refrigerator if it has an ice maker, so the water line can connect without kinking
Why it matters
Correct sizing prevents hot-running compressors, poor cooling, and doors that cannot open far enough to remove bins and shelves. It also helps avoid pinched water lines that can cause dispenser or ice maker issues.
Last updated: January 2026
How long does a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator last?
A Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator like model 10656982601 typically lasts 13 years. Regular maintenance (cleaning condenser coils, keeping door seals tight, and changing the water filter on schedule) helps you reach that lifespan and avoid early compressor or cooling-fan wear.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
Most side-by-side refrigerators land in a similar range, but real-world life depends on usage and upkeep.
- Heat and ventilation: Hot kitchens and tight clearances make the compressor run longer.
- Door openings: Frequent openings add warm air and increase run time.
- Condenser coil condition: Dust buildup raises operating temperatures.
- Door gasket condition: Leaks cause longer run cycles and moisture issues.
- Water system maintenance: A clogged filter can reduce flow and strain the inlet valve.
Quick maintenance checklist (high impact)
Use this as a simple routine for model 10656982601.
- Vacuum condenser coils and the grille area every 6 to 12 months.
- Keep doors fully closed and avoid holding them open while loading groceries.
- Confirm temperatures stay near 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
- Replace the water filter on schedule; use the owner's manual for the correct interval and reset steps.
- Inspect and clean door gaskets; wipe with mild soap and water, then dry.
Common “aging” symptoms and likely areas to check
| Symptom | What it often points to | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm refrigerator or freezer | Airflow or defrost issue | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat WPW10225581 |
| Ice maker slow or no ice | Water supply or valve issue | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 |
| Water tastes off or flow is weak | Filter restriction | Genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1 |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that runs “too much” uses more energy and wears key components faster. The manual notes that run time increases with warm rooms, large food loads, and frequent door openings, so reducing those stressors is one of the easiest ways to extend service life.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the water filter on a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator?
On Kenmore model 10656982601, the water filter is located in the base grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator. You access it by opening the small filter door in the grille area, then pulling the filter straight out.
How to find it on model 10656982601
- Open both refrigerator doors so you can see the full base grille area.
- Look along the bottom front for a small filter access door (often labeled or outlined).
- Open the filter door.
- Pull the filter out (some versions release by turning slightly, then pulling).
- Install the new filter fully seated, then close the filter door.
For the exact filter location and the correct removal method for your configuration, follow the steps in the 10656982601 owner's manual.
Which filter this model uses
The Use and Care information for this model calls out a base grille water filter replacement as Part #9030. If you are ordering by part ID, the matching filter listed for this model is:
| What you need | Where it goes | Sears PartsDirect part ID |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement water filter (Part #9030) | Base grille (bottom front) | EDR3RXD1 |
Why it matters
A correctly installed, unclogged water filter helps maintain normal water flow at the dispenser and supports consistent ice maker fill. A clogged or misinstalled filter can reduce dispenser flow and contribute to water and ice issues.
Quick tips after replacing the filter
- Dispense water for a few minutes to flush air and carbon fines.
- If flow is still weak, confirm the filter is fully seated and the home water supply valve is fully open.
- If you use reverse osmosis, low pressure can be more noticeable with a filter installed.
For step-by-step filter replacement guidance, use how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore side-by-side ice maker not working?
If your Kenmore 10656982601 side-by-side refrigerator ice maker isn’t making ice, the most common causes are the ice maker being switched off (wire shutoff arm up), the bin not fully seated, or a water supply problem such as a clogged filter or a weak inlet valve. See the 10656982601 owner's manual for the exact on/off and bin reinstall steps.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Make sure the wire shutoff arm is down (ON). If it is up, the ice maker is off.
- Confirm the freezer door closes tightly; warm air can stop ice production.
- Push the ice storage bin in all the way; if it is not fully seated, the dispenser and ice system can misbehave.
- Allow 24 hours for the first batch after turning the ice maker on or after a long outage.
- If you recently installed a new filter, discard the first few batches of ice for best quality.
Water supply and filtration issues
A restricted water supply is a top reason an ice maker stops filling.
- Replace an overdue water filter; a clogged filter can reduce flow to the ice maker.
- Check the household shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
- If water flow is still weak, test the inlet valve for proper operation.
Helpful parts for this model:
What the symptoms usually mean
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all | Ice maker turned off, bin not seated, door not closing | Set arm to ON, reseat bin, check door seal |
| Small or hollow cubes | Low water flow | Replace filter, check supply line |
| Ice maker cycles but won’t fill | Inlet valve not opening or frozen fill path | Check valve, inspect for icing |
| Loud buzzing during fill attempt | Water valve energizing but water restricted | Replace filter, verify supply pressure |
Why it matters
When the ice maker can’t get steady water flow, it may stop producing ice, make poor-quality cubes, or strain the water inlet valve over time. Keeping the filter fresh and the bin properly installed prevents many repeat problems.
For step-by-step filter guidance, use how to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator.
Last updated: January 2026





