The Kenmore brand is known for its wide variety of appliances, from washers and dryers to dishwashers — and refrigerators.
If you’ve ever purchased a Kenmore appliance, you know that its model numbers are not easy to decode.
It’s not just a series of numbers but letters and numbers strung together in an odd order.
Understanding each part’s meaning is challenging, which is why we’ve compiled this useful guide for decoding a Kenmore model number. Read on to learn more.
What Does the Kenmore Model Number Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. The model number is a unique identifier that includes your appliance’s general model type and serial number.
Model numbers are essential when ordering parts so a service technician can order the correct part for your specific appliance.
In the case of Kenmore appliances, the model number is a combination of letters and numbers.
The letters indicate the country where the product was manufactured (U for the U.S., A for Asia), and the numbers indicate the product’s order.
For example, an appliance model 917.74321151 might indicate that it was manufactured in the United States in the 91st week of 2003 (the “917”).
The remaining digits are unique identifiers used to track the specific appliance.
Finding the Meaning of Each Part of the Model Number
Let’s decode each model number part to understand its meaning better.
#1. Manufacturing Country Code
The letter “U” is used to indicate the U.S., and “A” is used to indicate Asia.
#2. Product Line and Series Code
The code that falls between the third and sixth position in the model number is known as the product line and series code.
This code may indicate the appliance’s product line, style, and model number.
For example, if the third digit is “4”, the fourth digit is “1”, and the sixth digit is “9”, the product line and series code would be “4119”. –
#3. Product Type Code
The code that falls between the sixth and eighth position in the model number is the product type code.
The letter “F” indicates a free-standing, “U” is used for an under-the-counter appliance, “H” is for a hood, “S” is for a built-in appliance, and “C” is used for commercial appliances.
#4. Serial or Production Number
The code that falls between the ninth and 11th position in the model number is the serial or production number.
The first digit indicates the year; the remaining digits are unique identifiers used to track the specific appliance.
For example, if the ninth digit is “1”, the tenth digit is “2”, and the 11th digit is “1”, the serial number is “1211”.
Where to Find the Model and Manufacturing Date on Kenmore Appliance
You can find the Kenmore appliance’s model and manufacturing date on the back of the cabinet. The model number is usually printed on the appliance door.
You can also find the model and manufacturing date printed on the cabinet inside the back of the appliance.
The manufacturing date can be found in one of two places. If the appliance is newer, the manufacturing date is printed on a white label on the back of the appliance.
If the appliance is older, you’ll need to remove the back cover to find the model and manufacturing date.
Which Part of the Code is Most Important?
A few parts of the code are more important than others. The first digit of the serial number indicates the year the appliance was manufactured.
The second digit indicates the decade, so the second digit “1” would indicate that the appliance was manufactured in the 21st century.
The next group of digits is used to identify the specific appliance, so the first digit in this group indicates the model number.
The product type code is also an important piece of the code. The product type code indicates the type of appliance, such as whether it is a freestanding or built-in appliance.
It’s also important to note that the manufacturing country code doesn’t tell us much, as appliances are often manufactured outside of the U.S.
Decoding the Alphabet in a Kenmore Product Code
The first two letters in the product code indicate the manufacturing country, and the remaining letters indicate the product line and series code.
For example, a Kenmore washer that begins with “917” was manufactured in the United States and has a product line of “50” and a series of “310”.
A Kenmore dryer that begins with “913” was manufactured in Asia and has a product line of “99” and a series of “310”.
Decoding the Numbers in a Kenmore Model
A lot goes into decoding the numbers in a Kenmore model. The first thing you need to do is identify the model number.
This can usually be found on a sticker or tag somewhere on the appliance. Once you have the model number, you need to find the decoding chart for that particular model.
The decoding chart will list the numbers and letters that make up the model number and what each signifies.
For example, the first letter might indicate the year the appliance was manufactured, while the second letter might indicate the month.
The remaining numbers would then give more specific information about the appliance, such as the type, size, or features.
With the decoding chart in hand, you should be able to determine most of the important information about your Kenmore appliance just by looking at the model number.
How do you determine the age of the Kenmore appliances?
There are a few different ways to determine a Kenmore appliance’s age. One way is to look at the serial number on the appliance.
The first two digits of the serial number can frequently tell you what year the appliance was made. For example, if the first two digits are “17”, the appliance was likely made in 2017.
Another way to determine the age of a Kenmore appliance is to look at the model number. The model number can often tell you when the appliance was first introduced.
For example, if the model number starts with “106”, the appliance was likely introduced in 2006.
Conclusion
These decoding tips should help decipher the model numbers on your Kenmore appliance. Remember that these tips apply to most models manufactured from the 1980s to the present day.
If you’re still unsure about the model number of your appliance, check for the model and manufacturing date on the back of the cabinet or on the white label.
