Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter | Complete Cross-Reference Guide

Kenmore does not make its own refrigerators or water filters. Kenmore fridges are manufactured by Whirlpool (model prefix 110) or LG (model prefix 795). Kenmore 9081-9085 filters are identical to EveryDrop EDR1-5. Kenmore 9690 is identical to LG LT700P. 

Find your Kenmore fridge model number on the interior label, check the first three digits, and match to the correct filter below.Finding the right Kenmore refrigerator water filter confuses a lot of people, because Kenmore is a brand name, not a manufacturer.

 Kenmore appliances were sold exclusively through Sears and are built by Whirlpool, LG, and Electrolux. This means the filter in your Kenmore fridge is simply an EveryDrop, LG, or Frigidaire filter with a Kenmore part number on the packaging.

How to Find Your Kenmore Fridge Model Number

Your Kenmore refrigerator model number is the key to finding the right Kenmore refrigerator water filter. It tells you who manufactured the fridge and therefore which filter system it uses.

Where to find it

• Inside the fresh food compartment, left interior wall or ceiling label
•  On the door frame, visible when the door is open
• Behind the crisper drawers, some models
• On the back of the refrigerator, on a data plate

The model number typically starts with a 3-digit prefix followed by more digits. Those first three digits tell you who made your fridge

If your model number starts with 110, 106, or 665, your fridge was made by Whirlpool and uses an EveryDrop filter. If it starts with 795, LG made it and it uses an LG filter. This one check resolves most Kenmore filter confusion immediately.

Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter Cross-Reference Table

Use this table to match your Kenmore filter number to the correct OEM replacement. The Kenmore number is printed on your current installed filter and in your owner’s manual:

The EveryDrop EDR filters (9081-9085 equivalents) carry NSF 42, 53, and 401 certification, covering chlorine, lead, cysts, and pharmaceuticals. The LG-based Kenmore filters (9690, 9490) carry NSF 42 and 53, covering chlorine and lead but not pharmaceuticals.

Also check: Bosch Refrigerator Water Filter

Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Water Filter | What Makes It Different?

The Kenmore Elite line used LG-manufactured refrigerators almost exclusively. Most Kenmore Elite filters including the commonly searched 9690, 9490, and 9999 are direct equivalents of LG filters.

Kenmore Elite 9690 (46-9690): Equivalent to LG LT700P. Fits Kenmore Elite side-by-side models with model prefix 795. NSF 42 and 53 certified, 200 gallons or 6 months.

Kenmore Elite 9490 (46-9490): Equivalent to LG LT800P. Fits Kenmore Elite French door and bottom-freezer models with model prefix 795. NSF 42 and 53 certified, 200 gallons or 6 months.

Kenmore Elite 9999 (46-9999): Equivalent to LG LT120F, a combined air and water filter. NSF 42 certified. Fits select Kenmore Elite bottom-freezer models.

Do not mix up Kenmore Coldspot filters (older Whirlpool-made) with Kenmore Elite filters (LG-made). They use different filter systems and are not interchangeable. Always check your model number prefix before ordering.

Genuine OEM vs Generic Kenmore Water Filters | What You Should Know

Because Kenmore refrigerator water filter are simply rebadged EveryDrop or LG filters, you have two reliable options for replacement:

Option 1 Genuine EveryDrop OEM (for 9081-9085 models): NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified. Covers 24 contaminants including pharmaceuticals. Guarantees fridge warranty protection. Exactly the same filter that shipped with the fridge.

Option 2 Genuine LG OEM (for 9690, 9490 models): NSF 42 and 53 certified. Covers chlorine and lead. Correct fit guarantee.

Generic compatible filters: Typically NSF 42 or 42/53 certified, they handle chlorine and lead but usually lack NSF 401 pharmaceutical certification. Cheaper upfront but lower coverage. Always verify the specific certifications at nsf.org before purchasing a generic.

For the Whirlpool-made Kenmore models (9081-9085) the genuine EveryDrop filter is the most complete option, covering pharmaceuticals and 24 certified contaminants. For the LG-made Elite models the genuine LG filter covers the core contaminants at the correct gallon rating.

How to Replace a Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter

The replacement process of Kenmore refrigerator water filter depends on which manufacturer made your fridge. Here are the two most common:

Whirlpool-made Kenmore (filter 9081-9085 EveryDrop equivalent)

1. Locate the filter, inside the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment (most models) or at the base grille (Filter 3 / 9083 models).
2. Push in and turn counterclockwise to remove the old filter.
3. Remove the cap from the new filter.
4. Push in and turn clockwise until it locks. You will feel a click.
5. Hold the filter reset button for 3 seconds to reset the indicator.
6. Run 2-3 gallons of water and discard before drinking.

LG-made Kenmore Elite (filter 9690, 9490 LG equivalent)

1. Locate the filter, upper left corner behind a small door, or behind the lower door bin depending on model.
2. Press the release button and pull the filter straight down and out.
3. Insert the new filter, push straight up until it clicks.
4. Reset the filter indicator, hold the filter reset button 3 seconds.
5. Run 2-3 gallons and discard. Discard the first two batches of ice.

No water shutoff needed for either type. Both Whirlpool and LG-style filter housings have built-in shut-off valves that stop water flow automatically when the filter is removed.

How Often to Replace a Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter

All Kenmore refrigerator water filters, whether EveryDrop or LG equivalents should be replaced every 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first.

Usage guide by household size

• 1-2 people, light use, typically hits 6 months before 200 gallons replace every 6 months
•  Family of 4, moderate use approximately 1 gallon daily, hits 200 gallons in about 6-7 months, replace at 6 months
• Family of 5-6, heavy use 1.5-2+ gallons daily, hits 200 gallons in 3-4 months, replace at gallons, not time

The Kenmore refrigerator water filter indicator light is timer-based on most models, it counts 6 months from the last reset, not actual gallons used. Heavy-use households should track gallons or replace on a shorter schedule regardless of indicator color.

Also Read: Water Filter Cartridge

Conclusion

Choosing the correct Kenmore refrigerator water filter becomes much easier once you check the model-number prefix and identify the original manufacturer. Whirlpool-made Kenmore refrigerators typically use EveryDrop filters, while LG-made Kenmore Elite models use LG replacements such as the LT700P or LT800P.

Always confirm the filter number, model compatibility, certification level, and replacement interval before purchasing. Using the correct OEM or properly certified compatible filter helps ensure a secure fit, reliable water flow, and effective contaminant reduction.