Quick Answer
On a Kenmore washer, the model number is typically on a sticker under the lid for top-loaders or inside the door frame for front-loaders. Look for a number starting with a 3-digit prefix like 110 or 796, which identifies the actual manufacturer.
Here's the thing about Kenmore, they don't actually make washers. Never have. So when yours breaks down, that model number isn't just a label, it tells you whether you've got Whirlpool guts, an LG machine, or a Frigidaire in disguise. Order the wrong water valve and it just won't fit, or worse, it'll kinda fit and leak all over your floor. I've seen that happen. Get the number first, every single time.
KenmoreWasherSeverity: low
Where to Find the Model Number on a Kenmore Washer
OK so Kenmore is basically a brand that Sears slapped on machines built by other manufacturers. I've worked on probably 500 Kenmores and the 110 series, which is Whirlpool-built, is by far the most common one I see. But here's what trips people up, a 110 and a 796 can look almost identical from the outside. Same control panel style, similar drum size. The parts won't interchange at all though. That model number is the only thing that tells them apart.
What if the model number sticker on my Kenmore washer is missing?
If the sticker's gone, check your original sales receipt or the owner's manual first. Those are usually the fastest options. If those are gone too, I look for a tech sheet tucked inside the washer cabinet, often behind the front panel or folded up inside the console. This sheet is meant for service techs and almost always has the full model number printed on it. You can also call Sears Parts Direct with your serial number and they can sometimes pull the model info from their purchase records. Worth a shot before you give up.
Does the model number on the manual work for ordering parts?
Nope, usually not. The manual's typically printed for an entire series, so the cover might say 'Kenmore 700 Series' but that covers dozens of specific machines with completely different components. You need the exact string from the sticker on your actual machine. I've seen people order parts based on the manual number and end up with something that's close but doesn't quite fit or has a different connector. Don't risk it. The sticker number is the only one that counts when you're ordering.
Why does my Kenmore model number start with 110?
A 110 prefix means your Kenmore was manufactured by Whirlpool. It's honestly the most common Kenmore line I see out in the field. Good news is that Whirlpool-branded parts are everywhere and usually pretty affordable. You can find them at local appliance parts stores instead of waiting on online shipping, which I love. When I'm looking up parts for a 110 series, I'll search both the Kenmore 110 number and the equivalent Whirlpool model number to find the best price. You'll sometimes save 20-30% just by searching both.
Is the serial number the same as the model number?
No, they're two totally different things and you need to know which is which. The model number identifies the design and the parts list for that machine. The serial number is unique to your specific unit and usually encodes the manufacture date. You need the model number to order parts. The serial number is what you'll need for warranty claims, recall checks, or figuring out how old the machine actually is. They're both on the same sticker though, so write them both down while you're standing there. You'll be glad you did.
Can I use my Kenmore model number to find Whirlpool or LG parts directly?
Yes, and honestly this is one of my favorite tricks for saving customers money. Once you know your prefix, you can cross-reference the Kenmore model to its OEM equivalent. For a 110 series Kenmore, there's usually a matching Whirlpool model number, and Whirlpool parts are sold at way more stores and sometimes cheaper. A good parts site will let you enter either number and cross-reference them automatically. For 796 series machines, LG parts work just the same. I do this all the time to find better pricing or faster shipping, especially for common stuff like pump filters and door seals.
Models Known to Experience MODEL-KENMORE-LOOKUP Errors
This repair applies to most Kenmore washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:
110.45862400, 110.28002010, 110.20232710, 796.41413210, 796.29002900, 417.44142400, 587.20441100
Last verified for technical accuracy on May 10, 2025