Kenmore Refrigerator Air Filters: Location and Replacement Basics
Kenmore refrigerators often get a bad rap for being rebranded versions of big names like Whirlpool or Frigidaire, but their air filters do a decent job keeping things fresh inside. These small cartridges absorb odors from food like leftover pizza or ripening bananas. From what I've picked up from manuals and user forums, they use activated carbon to trap gases without much fanfare. In 2026, with more people stocking up on fresh produce, these filters help cut down on spoilage smells. Humid kitchens might saturate them quicker, but regular changes make a difference. Hard water doesn't affect air filters directly, but overall fridge upkeep does.
The common part 9917 or W10311524 fits many models. This article covers typical locations, basic features, and swap steps. Not all Kenmore units have air filter slots,older ones might skip them,but for odor-prone fridges, adding one could freshen up your routine.
Common Locations for Air Filters
Kenmore air filters hide in spots that vary by model type. Side-by-side or French-door designs place them differently. Always check your manual or the fridge label for exact fit.
Most sit in the fresh food section, easy to reach without tools.
- Top Right Corner (Internal) Common in French-door models like the 795.72053. Twist or slide out from a vent cover. Users say it's quick,less than a minute.
- Behind Produce Drawer In bottom-freezer units such as the 596.73503200, pull the drawer and find the slot. This spot appears to circulate air better near veggies.
- Rear Wall Vent Side-by-side like the 106.51173 have it behind a panel on the back wall. Pop the cover; filter snaps in. A bit trickier if the fridge is packed.
- Base Grille (External for Some) Older top-freezer models might have it at the bottom front. Kick plate removes for access. Rare now, but handy for quick checks.
If your model lacks a slot, aftermarket clip-on versions work, though compatibility varies.
Basic Features of Kenmore Air Filters
Kenmore air filters use carbon media to adsorb odors. This bonds gases to the surface without chemicals. The 9917 part, for example, fits many and costs $10-15.
They focus on ethylene gas from fruit, which speeds ripening. Users notice less mold on cheese or wilted lettuce.
- Odor absorption: Targets volatiles from onions, fish, or dairy; carbon pores hold molecules.
- Compact size: About 3x1.5x5 inches; lightweight for easy handling.
- Air circulation: Works with fridge fan; refreshes every few hours.
- Indicator strips: Some packs include them to test freshness.
- Antimicrobial add: Certain versions coat to cut bacteria growth.
Nuance: Strong on smells, but not a full purifier. Clean spills to avoid deep issues.
Replacement Basics Step by Step
Swaps take 5 minutes. Kenmore recommends every 6 months. Busy fridges see 4-5 months.
Find the filter first,manual or app helps.
- Turn off the fridge or unplug for safety.
- Locate the slot (top right or drawer area).
- Twist or pull out old filter; note direction.
- Insert new one; push until it clicks.
- Run the fan or wait a day for full effect.
No flush needed like water filters. Cost $10-20 per filter.
Users say "odors gone in days," but a few note no big change if the fridge stays clean. For more details on different fridge air filters, lifespan, and performance, see The Ultimate Guide to Refrigerator Air Filters.
Quick Compatibility Table
|
Model Type |
Common Part |
Location Example |
|
French-Door |
9917 |
Top right vent |
|
Side-by-Side |
W10311524 |
Rear wall panel |
|
Bottom-Freezer |
9917 |
Behind produce drawer |
|
Top-Freezer |
W10311524 |
Base grille |
For guidance on replacement frequency by brand and usage, check out Refrigerator air filter replacement frequency by brand and usage.
A Few Closing Thoughts
Kenmore air filters like 9917 use carbon to absorb odors reliably, lasting about 6 months in average use. Locations vary by type - top right for French-door, rear for side-by-side. Basics keep it simple: twist out old, push in new. User tests show it handles food smells like garlic or fish, though busy fridges wear it quicker. If your fridge gets funky, it might slow spoilage too.
Gentle critique: Not a bacteria killer, so clean regularly. Change when needed, test with strong foods, and enjoy less stink. For value-conscious shoppers looking for deals on discontinued or current Kenmore filters, see Kenmore filter deals for discontinued and current models.
