Kenmore 25361794104 top-mount refrigerator Parts

We identify the cubic-foot capacity of your Kenmore top-mount refrigerator (model 25361794104) by matching the model number to the model’s specification record; the most reliable place to confirm it on the appliance is the rating plate inside the fresh-food section or freezer.

Fast ways to find the capacity for model 25361794104

• Check the rating plate (usually on an inside wall of the refrigerator compartment). Capacity is often listed as “cu. ft.” or “total capacity.”
• Use the model number 25361794104 to look up specs and parts together on the model’s parts list; this keeps you aligned with the correct Kenmore configuration.
• If the label is hard to read, take a clear photo and zoom in; the capacity line is typically near electrical ratings and refrigerant info.

What the rating plate typically shows (and why it helps)

The rating plate is the best source because it ties the capacity to your exact build. It commonly includes:

• Total capacity (cubic feet)
• Electrical ratings (volts/amps)
• Refrigerant type
• Serial number and manufacturing code

Capacity terms you may see

Label term	What it means	Why it matters
Total capacity	Fresh food + freezer combined	Best single number for “how many cubic feet”
Fresh food capacity	Refrigerator section only	Helps compare usable fridge space
Freezer capacity	Freezer section only	Helps compare frozen storage space

Why it matters

Knowing cubic feet helps us choose correctly sized storage parts (like bins and drawer components) and troubleshoot performance complaints (overpacking can restrict airflow and cause warm spots).

If you’re repairing or refreshing storage space while you confirm capacity, common fit-related parts for this model include the refrigerator crisper drawer cover insert 240350608 and the refrigerator meat pan 240530811.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Kenmore refrigerators, including top-mount models like 25361794104, typically last 10 to 15 years with normal use and basic maintenance. Keeping airflow and seals in good shape and fixing small cooling issues early is what most often determines whether you land closer to 10 years or closer to 15.

Typical lifespan ranges (what to expect)

Here are practical, real-world ranges we see for household refrigerators:

• Average: 10 to 15 years
• Often achievable with good care: 15+ years
• Shortened lifespan is common when: condenser airflow is restricted, doors do not seal, or the unit runs hot

Condition	What you usually see	What it means for lifespan
Clean airflow, stable temps	Normal run times	Longer life, fewer compressor cycles
Dirty condenser area, warm kitchen	Longer run times	Faster wear on sealed system parts
Door gasket leaking	Frost, temp swings	Higher energy use, more stress on cooling system

Maintenance that most affects lifespan

These steps help a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator run fewer hours per day and reduce strain on the cooling system:

• Keep the condenser area clean and unobstructed (dust and pet hair are common problems).
• Make sure doors close fully and do not pop open after shutting.
• Check for air leaks and tears; replace the door seal when it no longer seals evenly (see how to fix a fridge door seal).
• Keep food from blocking air vents between the freezer and fresh food section.
• If you notice warming, unusual noise, or heavy frost, troubleshoot quickly to avoid secondary damage.

Parts that commonly extend useful life when replaced

On Kenmore 25361794104, these are examples of wear items that can restore normal operation when they fail:

• Refrigerator gasket 242193213 (helps prevent air leaks and frost)
• Refrigerator light bulb 316538904 (simple fix, improves usability)
• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 (helps prevent frost buildup when defrost control is failing)
• Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 (noise and airflow issues)

Why it matters

A refrigerator that runs warmer than normal or runs almost constantly can still “work,” but it ages faster. Good sealing, good airflow, and prompt repair reduce compressor run time, protect food temperatures, and typically add years to the appliance’s service life.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 25361794104 are cooling issues, water leaks, ice buildup from defrost trouble, ice maker or dispenser problems, and unusual noises. These usually trace back to airflow restrictions, frost blockage, worn door seals, or a failing fan or defrost component.

Most common symptoms and what they usually mean

• Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, blocked vents, weak condenser fan, or frost-packed evaporator
• Freezer cold but fridge warm: airflow problem (often evaporator fan or frost buildup)
• Water puddles inside or under the unit: clogged defrost drain or cracked drain tube
• Frost or ice buildup: defrost system issue (thermostat, heater, timer/control)
• Buzzing, rattling, or grinding noises: fan blade hitting ice, worn fan motor, or loose parts
• Door not sealing: torn or warped gasket causing temperature swings and excess frost

Quick checks we recommend first (no parts swapping)

1. Confirm airflow: make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
2. Clean the condenser area: dust buildup reduces heat removal and causes long run times.
3. Listen for fans: you should typically hear a steady fan sound when the compressor is running.
4. Inspect door sealing: look for gaps, wrinkles, or areas that do not grip the cabinet.
5. Check for frost patterns: heavy frost on the freezer back panel often points to a defrost problem.

Parts that commonly solve these problems

If your symptoms match, these are common repair directions for this model:

Symptom	Common cause	Example part to check
Warm fridge, freezer OK	Poor airflow in freezer	Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010
Frost buildup, warming	Defrost system not cycling	Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202
Door sweating, frost, temp swings	Air leak at door	Refrigerator gasket 242193213

Why it matters

Refrigerators depend on steady airflow and tight door sealing. When airflow is restricted or warm air leaks in, the unit runs longer, temperatures drift, frost builds faster, and components like the evaporator fan and defrost system wear out sooner.

For troubleshooting steps that match common Kenmore refrigerator designs, use our DIY guide: how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.

Last updated: February 2026

Kenmore model numbers are read as a full prefix plus a base model plus a suffix; the first 3 digits (the prefix) identify the manufacturer family, and the remaining digits narrow down the exact design and production variation. For your Kenmore top-mount refrigerator, the complete model number is 25361794104, and using the full number is the best way to match parts.

Where to find the model number on a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator

We look for the model and serial tag in the most common refrigerator locations:

• Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
• On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light
• Along the door frame (hinge side)
• Behind the toe grille or lower kickplate area

How Kenmore model numbers are typically structured

Kenmore model numbers are usually a continuous string of numbers (sometimes with letters on other product types). Here is the practical way we break them down for parts lookup.

Section	Example using 25361794104	What it tells us
Prefix (first 3 digits)	253	Manufacturer family used for many Kenmore refrigerators
Base model + variation	61794104	The exact configuration and revision used to match parts

Why using the full model number matters

Small digit changes can mean different door gaskets, shelves, wiring harnesses, or cooling components. When you search parts using the full 25361794104, you avoid ordering a look-alike part that does not fit.

Parts examples that can vary by model variation

Even within the Kenmore 253 prefix family, these parts commonly differ by revision:

• Door seal and fitment (example: refrigerator gasket 242193213)
• Interior lighting type (example: refrigerator light bulb 316538904)
• Door hardware and trim (example: refrigerator door handle (white) 218779901)
• Defrost system components (example: refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202)
• Air movement parts (example: refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010)

Helpful related troubleshooting info

If your refrigerator has a display and is showing an error, our error code references can speed up diagnosis before you replace parts. Use Kenmore 111 model top freezer refrigerator error codes as a starting point for top-freezer style troubleshooting.

Why it matters: Correctly reading and using the full model number helps us match the right Kenmore refrigerator parts the first time, especially for fit-critical items like a door gasket or defrost thermostat.

Last updated: February 2026