How to Replace the Water Filter on a Kenmore Refrigerator

Replacing the water filter on a Kenmore refrigerator is a straightforward task that takes about five minutes -- once you know which filter your fridge actually uses. That last part is where most homeowners run into trouble, because Kenmore does not manufacture its own refrigerators. Kenmore fridges are built by Whirlpool, LG, and other manufacturers depending on the model series. The filter you need, and the reset steps that follow, depend entirely on who built the unit inside the Kenmore name.

This guide walks through how to identify the right filter, replace it correctly for each installation style, and reset the indicator light -- covering interior twist-in and base grille push-button designs, including Kenmore Elite and side-by-side models.

Step 1 -- Find the Right Filter for Your Kenmore

The fastest way to identify your filter is to open the refrigerator and read the part number printed on the existing cartridge. If the filter is already removed or the label is unreadable, check your refrigerator's model number -- typically printed on a sticker inside the door frame or behind the crisper drawer -- and use the DFS Fridge Filter Finder to match it to the correct replacement.

As a general guide, the table below shows how Kenmore model numbers correspond to the manufacturer and filter type.

Kenmore Elite models with the 795. prefix -- which are LG-built -- commonly use the LT700P or LT800P cartridge. Kenmore Elite models with the 106. prefix use the Whirlpool EveryDrop series. Always confirm with the filter number on your current cartridge before ordering.

The Kenmore refrigerator filters collection at DFS includes compatible replacements across all major Kenmore model families, along with the DFS Kenmore filter installation guide for quick reference.

Step 2 -- Locate the Filter in Your Fridge

Kenmore refrigerators place the filter in one of two locations depending on the model.

Interior upper-right corner: Most Kenmore French door and bottom-freezer models install the filter inside the fresh food compartment at the top right. These use a twist-and-lock mechanism.

Base grille: Many Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators and older models house the filter in the grille at the bottom front of the appliance, behind a push-button release cover. This is the most common configuration for Kenmore models built by Whirlpool.

Step 3 -- Remove the Old Filter

The removal method depends on your filter location.

For interior twist-in filters, rotate the cartridge a quarter-turn counterclockwise and pull it straight out. The water supply shuts off automatically as the filter releases, so no spills or shutoffs are needed. Have a small towel ready to catch the few drops that release on removal.

For base grille push-button filters, press the button on the filter cover to open the grille panel, then press the button on the filter itself and pull the cartridge straight out. On some Kenmore side-by-side models the filter pulls downward; on others it pulls straight forward. The water shuts off automatically here as well.

Step 4 -- Install the New Filter

Remove the new cartridge from its packaging, peel off any protective caps, and inspect the O-rings. A misaligned O-ring is the most common cause of drips after a filter change.

For interior twist-in installation, push the new filter firmly into the housing and rotate it clockwise a quarter-turn until it locks. You should feel it seat with a firm stop. If it does not lock fully, water will not flow from the dispenser or ice maker.

For base grille installation, hold the new filter horizontally and push it firmly into the manifold slot until it stops. Push up firmly once more to confirm full seating, then snap the grille cover closed until it clicks.

After installation, run 2 to 3 gallons of water through the dispenser and discard it. This clears carbon fines and trapped air from the new cartridge. Cloudiness or sputtering in the first few glasses is normal and clears quickly. This applies whether your Kenmore has a water-only dispenser or a combined water-and-ice dispenser.

Step 5 -- Reset the Filter Indicator Light

Because Kenmore fridges are built by multiple manufacturers, the reset method varies by the underlying platform.

If you are unsure which platform your Kenmore uses, the fridge filter buying guide includes reset instructions for every major manufacturer. When in doubt, your refrigerator model number confirms the platform -- a 106. prefix means Whirlpool reset steps apply, while a 795. prefix means LG steps apply.

Finding Kenmore Replacement Filters at DFS

DFS stocks replacement filters for every common Kenmore configuration. For Kenmore models built on the LG platform -- including many Kenmore Elite side-by-side and French door units -- the Tier1 Plus LT600P replacement is certified to NSF 42, 53, and 401, covering chlorine reduction, lead and mercury removal, and emerging contaminants. For Kenmore models on the Whirlpool platform, the EveryDrop EDR series filters are available in the Kenmore refrigerator filters collection, along with the refrigerator filters collection for the full range across all brands.

Not sure which filter fits? The DFS Fridge Filter Finder identifies the right cartridge by walking through your fridge brand and configuration in a few clicks.

Questions about which Kenmore filter is right for your model? Call the DFS team at 1-800-277-3458.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the right water filter for my Kenmore refrigerator? Start by reading the filter part number printed on your existing cartridge -- it is the most reliable method. Alternatively, locate your refrigerator's model number on the sticker inside the door frame. Model numbers starting with 106. are Whirlpool-built and use the EveryDrop EDR series. Numbers starting with 795. are LG-built and use the LT600P, LT700P, or LT800P. The DFS Fridge Filter Finder can confirm the right match for your specific model.

How do I change the water filter on a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator? On most Kenmore side-by-side models, the filter is in the base grille at the bottom front of the appliance. Press the release button on the grille cover to access the filter, then press the filter button and pull the cartridge straight out. Push the new filter firmly into the manifold until it seats, snap the cover closed, and flush 2 to 3 gallons of water through the dispenser before drinking.

How do I change the water filter on a Kenmore Elite refrigerator? Kenmore Elite models built by LG -- those with 795. model prefixes -- typically have the filter inside the refrigerator in the upper right corner. Rotate the old filter a quarter-turn counterclockwise and pull it out. Push the new filter in and rotate clockwise until it locks. Kenmore Elite models built on the Whirlpool platform use a base grille push-button installation. Confirm your model prefix to determine which procedure applies.

How do I reset the water filter light on a Kenmore refrigerator? The reset method depends on which manufacturer built your Kenmore. Whirlpool-platform models: press and hold the Filter Reset or Water Filter button for 3 seconds. LG-platform models: press and hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds. Frigidaire-platform models: press and hold the Reset button until the green light flashes. Maytag-platform models: press and hold the Lock and Light buttons simultaneously for 4 seconds.

How do I reset the ice maker on a Kenmore refrigerator? Resetting the ice maker is a separate process from resetting the water filter indicator. On most Kenmore models, the ice maker reset button is located on the underside of the ice maker unit inside the freezer compartment. Press and hold it for 3 to 5 seconds until the ice maker cycles. For model-specific instructions, consult your refrigerator manual, since the location varies between Whirlpool-built and LG-built Kenmore units.

Do I need to turn off the water supply to replace a Kenmore refrigerator filter? No. Both the interior twist-in and base grille push-button designs shut off the water supply automatically when the filter is removed, so no additional shutoff is required. A small amount of water may drip on removal -- keeping a towel nearby is sufficient.

How often should I replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator? Every 6 months or approximately 300 gallons, whichever comes first. Homes with heavy usage, hard water, or high sediment may need to change the filter closer to the 4-month mark. A drop in dispenser flow rate, any change in taste or odor, or the filter indicator light turning on are all reliable signals it is time for a replacement.

Why is my Kenmore refrigerator water dispenser slow after a filter change? Slow flow immediately after installation is almost always caused by air trapped in the new cartridge. Flushing 2 to 3 gallons through the dispenser clears the air pockets and restores normal pressure. If flow remains slow after flushing, verify the filter is fully seated and locked -- a partially installed cartridge restricts flow even if no leak is visible.