How do I tell what model Kenmore fridge I have?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the serial plate inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. On model 25362922012, the owner's manual directs you to record the model and serial numbers from that plate for future reference.
Check these common locations on Kenmore top-mount refrigerators:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a serial plate (most common)
- On an inside side wall near the top shelf area
- On the wall behind or near the crisper drawers
- On the inside frame area near the door opening
For this Kenmore family, the model number typically starts with 253 and may appear with punctuation on the label.
| What you see on the label | What it means |
|---|---|
253.62922012 |
Same model as 25362922012 (the dot is formatting) |
Serial Number |
Unique ID for your exact refrigerator |
Purchase Date |
Helpful for warranty and service records |
- Write the model number exactly as shown (including any dots or dashes on the label).
- Use only mild soap and water to clean the serial plate so it stays readable.
- Take a clear photo of the label before ordering parts or scheduling service.
The model number is how we match the correct refrigerator parts list, diagrams, and instructions for your exact Kenmore refrigerator. Even small differences in model numbers can change which door gasket, light bulb, or evaporator fan motor fits.
Last updated: February 2026
How to read Kenmore model numbers?
For Kenmore model 25362922012, the most important part is the 253 prefix; it identifies the manufacturer family used for parts and service information. On this refrigerator, the model and serial information is recorded from the serial plate inside the refrigerator compartment (see the 25362922012 owner's manual).
We use the model number exactly as shown on the serial plate to match the correct Kenmore refrigerator parts.
- Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door
- Look along the inside walls of the refrigerator compartment for the serial plate
- Copy the full model number (all digits) exactly
- Record the serial number too (helpful for production variations)
- Use only soap and water to clean the serial plate if it is dirty
Kenmore model numbers usually have a prefix plus a base model plus variation digits. For many Kenmore refrigerators, the prefix is the key to identifying the manufacturing source used to select compatible parts.
| Model number section | Example from 25362922012 | What it tells us |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | 253 | Manufacturer family used for parts lookup |
| Base/series digits | 629220 | Design series and configuration |
| Variation digits | 12 | Feature or production variation |
Using the full model number prevents mismatches in common replacement items such as a light bulb, door gasket, or evaporator fan components.
- Parts can look identical but mount differently
- Wiring harnesses and fan blades can vary by series
- Door shelves, bins, and gaskets are model-specific fits
- Correct model matching reduces returns and downtime
When you see 253 at the start of the model number, always enter the entire number (25362922012) when selecting parts or checking diagrams; that ensures we match the correct Kenmore top-mount refrigerator configuration.
Last updated: February 2026
Can you still get parts for Kenmore refrigerators?
Yes. We still carry replacement parts for Kenmore refrigerators, including your Kenmore model 25362922012. Use the parts list for your model to match the exact component you need (by part name and part ID), then order the correct replacement with confidence.
- Confirm the full model number (25362922012) from the model and serial tag.
- Use the exploded views and parts list to identify the exact part.
- Cross-check the part description, part ID, and where it installs.
- Review safety and access steps in the 25362922012 owner's manual before starting.
- If you are installing or moving the refrigerator, follow the clearance and electrical guidance in the 25362922012 installation guide.
Here are examples of parts available for Kenmore 25362922012 that customers often replace:
| What it affects | Example part on this model | When you typically replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Interior lighting | Refrigerator light bulb 316538904 | Light out or flickering |
| Door storage | Frigidaire refrigerator door shelf rail 240535101 | Rail cracked, bin won’t stay in place |
| Cooling airflow | Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5308000010 | Fan noisy, damaged blade |
| Defrost system | Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918202 | Frost buildup, defrost issues |
| Door sealing | Refrigerator door gasket (black) 241872510 | Warm spots, moisture, poor seal |
Kenmore refrigerators often have multiple versions within a series, and parts can look similar but fit differently. Matching the part ID to model 25362922012 helps prevent ordering a door gasket, fan part, or defrost component that does not seal or mount correctly.
Last updated: February 2026
How many cubic feet is my Kenmore refrigerator by model number?
For Kenmore model 25362922012, the most accurate way to confirm cubic-foot capacity is to use the model and serial information from the rating plate inside the fresh food compartment, then match it to the specifications listed in the 25362922012 owner's manual.
On Kenmore 253-series top-mount refrigerators, the capacity is tied to the exact model configuration, so we recommend checking these spots:
- Rating plate inside the refrigerator compartment (best source for model and serial details)
- Specifications section in the Use and Care Guide
- Product information label area near the crisper or side wall (varies by build)
- If you are comparing similar 253-series models, use the full model number (all digits) to avoid mixing capacities
Your model number 25362922012 identifies the platform and configuration, but it does not reliably translate into a simple “XX cubic feet” value the way some other brands or series do.
| Method | What you get | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Rating plate + manual specs | Exact capacity for your build | Highest |
| Comparing similar 253-series models | Approximate range | Medium |
| Measuring interior space yourself | Usable space estimate | Medium |
Cubic-foot capacity affects how we choose compatible accessories and parts (for example, shelf and bin layouts), and it also helps when you are troubleshooting cooling complaints or deciding how much airflow clearance you need during installation (see the installation guide).
If you are looking up capacity because you are replacing interior storage parts, match by model first, then by part:
- Door storage pieces such as the frigidaire refrigerator door shelf rail 240535101
- Food storage covers such as the refrigerator dairy bin cover 240337712
- Shelving such as the refrigerator glass shelf 240350619
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Kenmore refrigerator?
Kenmore refrigerators typically last 10 to 15 years on average. For your Kenmore 25362922012 top-mount refrigerator, lifespan depends most on heat management, door sealing, and timely repairs; following the care and operating guidance in the owner's manual helps you get the full service life.
Most Kenmore top-mount refrigerators land in this range:
| Usage and care level | Typical lifespan | What you usually see |
|---|---|---|
| Basic care, average conditions | 10 to 15 years | Normal wear items, occasional cooling issues |
| Strong preventive maintenance | 15+ years | Fewer breakdowns, steadier temperatures |
| Hot location or poor airflow | Shorter | Longer run times, warmer temps, higher wear |
We see these steps make the biggest difference over time:
- Keep the refrigerator in a stable room temperature range; extreme heat or cold makes the compressor work harder.
- Maintain proper installation clearances for airflow (especially behind the cabinet).
- Keep doors closing tightly; fix a loose or leaking gasket early.
- Replace worn “expendable” items promptly (for example, a failed light bulb).
- Address cooling symptoms quickly (warm fridge, frost buildup, unusual fan noise) before they strain the sealed system.
When a refrigerator starts aging, these part categories often drive performance and reliability:
- Door sealing and alignment: air leaks cause longer run times and temperature swings.
- Air movement: evaporator fan issues can lead to warm sections or frost patterns.
- Defrost system: failures can cause heavy frost and reduced airflow.
- Basic electrical items: bulbs, connectors, and small hardware can create nuisance problems.
If you are troubleshooting airflow or noise, the refrigerator evaporator fan motor 241854301 is one of the common components involved on this model.
A refrigerator that runs longer to hold temperature uses more energy and puts extra wear on the compressor and fans. Good airflow, a solid door seal, and quick fixes help your Kenmore 25362922012 reach the normal 10 to 15 year lifespan.
Last updated: February 2026





