Can I run my Kenmore refrigerator without a water filter?
Yes. On Kenmore model 10673202300, you can use the water dispenser and ice maker without the water filter installed; the water will flow but it will not be filtered. The correct way is to remove the filter and install the filter cartridge cap as a bypass (steps are in the owner's manual).
Use the filter cap as the bypass plug so the housing seals and water can flow normally.
- Remove the base grille water filter cartridge.
- Slide the cartridge cap off the end of the filter cartridge (save the cap).
- Insert the cap into the base grille opening until it stops.
- Rotate the cap to the horizontal (locked) position.
- Flush the water system by dispensing and discarding 2 to 3 gallons of water.
Without a filter, the refrigerator still operates normally, but water quality and maintenance needs change.
| Item | With filter installed | With filter bypass (cap) |
|---|---|---|
| Water taste/odor | Reduced | Depends on household water |
| Sediment/chlorine reduction | Yes | No |
| Dispenser/ice maker water flow | Can be lower if filter is restricted | Often higher |
| Routine maintenance | Replace filter on schedule | Keep lines clean; consider a new filter if quality drops |
A missing filter cartridge without the cap installed can cause leaks or poor sealing at the filter housing. Using the cap as the bypass keeps the water path sealed and lets you troubleshoot low flow (a clogged filter is a common cause).
Install a new filter if any of these apply:
- Water tastes or smells off.
- Ice cubes look cloudy or have odor.
- Dispenser flow is weak and improves when the filter is removed.
- You want filtration for sediment and chlorine.
For the correct replacement, use the refrigerator water filter EDR6D1.
Last updated: February 2026
How to tell what model Kenmore refrigerator?
Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the model and serial number label inside the refrigerator (fresh food) compartment. For Kenmore model 10673202300, that label is typically on an inside wall; once you have the model number, you can match the correct parts and instructions in the owner's manual.
Check these common spots in the fresh food compartment:
- Left or right interior side wall (most common)
- Ceiling area near the temperature control housing
- Behind or beside the crisper drawers (you may need to slide a drawer out)
- Near the door opening on the cabinet frame (hinge side)
We recommend recording the full information from the label so you can identify the exact version of your refrigerator.
- Model number (example format in the manual: starts with 106.)
- Serial number (helps identify production run details)
- Purchase date (useful for maintenance records and warranty paperwork)
| Item on label | What it’s used for | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Correct parts lookup and diagrams | Ordering shelves, gaskets, ice maker parts |
| Serial number | Confirms exact unit identity | Service history, verifying unit details |
| Purchase date | Ownership records | Maintenance tracking, warranty paperwork |
Kenmore refrigerators can look similar across many series, but parts like a water filter, ice maker assembly, door gasket, or evaporator fan motor must match the exact model. Using the correct model number prevents ordering the wrong replacement part and speeds up troubleshooting.
Last updated: February 2026
What is a fridge with freezer on top called?
A fridge with the freezer on top is called a top-freezer refrigerator (also commonly called a top-mount refrigerator). Your Kenmore 10673202300 is this classic two-door style, with the freezer compartment above the fresh-food section.
These terms usually describe the same layout (freezer on top, refrigerator below):
- Top-freezer refrigerator
- Top-mount refrigerator
- Top-freezer, two-door refrigerator
- Freezer-over-fridge refrigerator
- Traditional (classic) top-freezer style
If you are matching parts, accessories, or instructions, we recommend confirming the configuration in the owner's manual.
- Freezer door is the upper door
- Fresh-food (refrigerator) door is the lower door
- Airflow moves between sections through vents (do not block them with food)
- Doors can often be reversed to swing the opposite direction (hinge and handle steps are in the manual)
| Refrigerator style | Freezer location | Typical door layout |
|---|---|---|
| Top-freezer (top-mount) | Top | Two side-swing doors |
| Bottom-freezer | Bottom | Upper fridge door(s), lower freezer drawer/door |
| Side-by-side | Left side | Two tall doors side-by-side |
| French door | Bottom | Two upper fridge doors, lower freezer drawer |
Knowing the correct style helps us guide you to the right repair steps and parts for airflow, door alignment, and ice maker or water system issues. For example, top-freezer models rely on clear freezer vents to keep both compartments at the right temperature.
Last updated: February 2026





