Installation guide
Owner’s manual
Error Codes
Who makes Kenmore refrigerator model 25360302612?
Kenmore model 25360302612 is a Kenmore-branded top-mount refrigerator built for Sears; the 253 model prefix identifies the manufacturing source used for this series. For the most reliable confirmation for your exact unit, match the model and serial information shown in the 25360302612 owner's manual.
How to confirm the maker using the model tag
Check the serial plate inside the fresh food compartment (typically on a side wall). We recommend verifying these details:
- Model number is 25360302612 (not just 253.60xx)
- Serial number is recorded exactly as shown
- The data plate format matches the Kenmore 253-series layout
- The unit style is a top-mount (freezer on top)
- Any service/parts paperwork matches the same model number
What the “253” prefix means
Kenmore uses model prefixes to identify the source manufacturer for a given product line. For refrigerators, the 253 prefix is the key identifier you use when cross-referencing maker codes and service literature.
| What you see | What it tells you | Where to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 25360302612 | Full model number for parts and documentation | Parts lookup, diagrams, manuals |
| 253 prefix | Manufacturer source code for the series | Maker identification, service references |
| Serial number | Production details for your specific unit | Service history, exact unit verification |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Knowing the correct model and prefix helps us point you to the right parts list and the right repair approach for common refrigerator issues (cooling problems, frost buildup, door sealing, lighting).
If you are ordering parts, use the full model number 25360302612 so you get the correct match. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you still get parts for Kenmore refrigerators?
Yes. You can still get replacement parts for Kenmore refrigerators, including the Kenmore 25360302612 top-mount refrigerator. We stock common wear items (like light bulbs and door gaskets) and repair parts (like fan motors and defrost components) so you can keep your refrigerator cooling properly.
Best way to find the right part for your Kenmore 25360302612
- Match the model number exactly: 25360302612
- Use the exploded-view parts list for your model to confirm fit
- Cross-check the part by part name and part ID (not just a description)
- Verify color-specific items (for example, black vs. white door parts)
- Use the troubleshooting and maintenance guidance in the owner's manual
Common Kenmore refrigerator parts you can still buy
Here are examples of parts available for this model that customers replace often:
| What you need | Example part for model 25360302612 | What it fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior light | Refrigerator light bulb 316538904 | Light out in fresh food section |
| Door seal | Freezer door gasket (black or white options listed) | Warm temps, frost, moisture around door |
| Defrost control | Defrost timer | Frost buildup, poor airflow |
| Air movement | Evaporator fan blade | Noisy fan, weak cooling circulation |
Why it matters
Using the correct model-specific part helps prevent repeat failures, air leaks, and cooling problems. For example, the wrong door gasket can cause frost buildup and longer compressor run times, which raises energy use and temperature swings.
Ordering options
We recommend ordering directly from the parts list for Kenmore 25360302612 so you get the correct fit. If you are searching for parts for a different Kenmore model, you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the upper part of a fridge called?
On a Kenmore 25360302612 top-mount refrigerator, the upper compartment is the freezer. It is the section designed to keep foods frozen, and it typically houses items like the ice maker, ice bucket, and freezer shelf shown in the 25360302612 owner's manual.
What you will usually find in the upper (freezer) section
In a top-mount design, the freezer is the coldest compartment and is built for long-term frozen storage.
- Ice maker (if equipped)
- Ice bucket and/or ice tray
- Freezer shelf (and sometimes an auxiliary freezer control)
- Door bins for smaller frozen items
- Airflow outlets that help circulate cold air
Freezer vs. refrigerator compartment (quick comparison)
| Compartment | Main purpose | Typical temperature target |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (upper) | Freeze and store food long-term | 0°F |
| Fresh food (lower) | Keep food cold without freezing | 34°F to 40°F (best around 37°F) |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct compartment name helps when you are troubleshooting cooling issues, checking airflow, or ordering the right replacement parts for your Kenmore 25360302612. For example, freezer airflow problems can affect both compartments.
Related parts you might see referenced during repairs
If you are diagnosing cooling or airflow issues, these parts are commonly involved on many refrigerators:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 242219302 (moves cold air through the freezer and into the fresh food section)
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634 (helps control defrost heating to prevent heavy frost)
- Refrigerator defrost timer 241705102 (controls defrost cycles on models that use a timer)
If you need additional parts for this model beyond the ones listed here, you can search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What model Kenmore fridge do I have?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the serial plate inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. On Kenmore top-mount models like 25360302612, you will typically find it on an interior wall; match that number exactly to identify your unit and get the right parts.
Where to find the model and serial number
Check these common locations first (use a flashlight and look for a sticker or metal plate):
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall (serial plate location is called out in the owner's manual)
- On the ceiling area inside the fresh food compartment
- Around the door frame area (open the refrigerator door and look along the liner)
- Behind the toe grille or kick plate at the bottom front (on some installations)
How to read the number correctly
Kenmore model numbers must be copied exactly; one missing digit can pull the wrong diagram or part.
- Write down the full model number and serial number
- Include all digits and punctuation if shown (some labels show a format like “253.” followed by more digits)
- Take a clear photo of the serial plate before ordering parts
Quick check table
| What you see on the label | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (example: 25360302612) | Identifies the exact refrigerator design | Use it to look up parts and diagrams for your Kenmore refrigerator |
| Serial number | Production identifier | Keep it for service history and age reference |
| Purchase date (your records) | Helps with maintenance planning | Record it in your paperwork and manual |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures you get compatible parts for your Kenmore refrigerator, such as a refrigerator light bulb 316538904 or door hardware. It also helps you follow the correct setup and temperature control instructions in the installation guide.
If you need to search beyond the parts list for model 25360302612, we recommend using your model number on Sears PartsDirect to locate additional diagrams and replacement parts.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator model 25360302612?
Your Kenmore top-mount refrigerator model 25360302612 is typically in the 18 to 20 cubic foot class for this 253.60xx platform. For the exact capacity for your specific configuration and color code, we recommend confirming it in the 25360302612 owner's manual.
How to confirm the exact cubic feet
Capacity is usually listed in the specifications section of the Use and Care Guide, and sometimes on the model and serial tag inside the fresh food compartment.
- Check the specifications or features pages in the manual
- Look for a line labeled “Total capacity”, “Total volume”, or “Capacity (cu. ft.)”
- Verify the full model string on the serial plate (it may include a color code after 253.)
- If you are comparing to another refrigerator, compare total capacity, not shelf space
Why the model number does not reliably equal cubic feet
Some Kenmore model families use numbering patterns that look like they indicate size, but the digits are not a dependable way to calculate true internal volume across all revisions.
Quick guide
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Model starts with 253.60 | Common Kenmore top-mount platform | Use the manual specs for exact capacity |
| Similar models show different shelf layouts | Interior parts can change usable space | Compare total capacity and shelf configuration |
| You need a precise number for a kitchen fit | Capacity is not the same as exterior dimensions | Confirm both capacity and cabinet dimensions |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct cubic feet helps when you are planning food storage, comparing energy use, or ordering interior parts like a shelf rail or crisper components that match your exact layout.
If you are shopping for replacement parts for 25360302612, you can order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
