Where is the appliance model number?

The model number is usually on a sticker or metal plate inside the appliance door frame. For refrigerators, check the walls or ceiling inside. For dishwashers, look inside the door frame. For washers/dryers, check the tub frame or side panel. If not inside, check the back or bottom of the unit.

Is the serial number the same as model number?

No. Model numbers identify the appliance type and features. Serial numbers identify your specific unit. Both are on the label, but they look different. Model numbers typically contain letters and numbers, while serial numbers are longer and include manufacturing info.

Can I find model number from receipt?

The receipt may have a partial model number, but it's not reliable. Always use the model number from the sticker or metal plate on the appliance itself for accuracy.

What if the label is missing or faded?

Contact the manufacturer with your serial number or check any documentation you have. You can also search for the appliance brand and model name online if you remember when you bought it.

Where to Find Appliance Model Number: Every Appliance Guide

Your appliance breaks. The repair person asks for the model number. You have no idea where to find it. We'll show you exactly where to look — for every appliance.

Why you need your appliance model number right now

Your refrigerator is running. Or your washer won't drain. You call a repair company. First question: "What's your model number?"

You stare at the appliance. You have no idea. The repair person can still come, but they'll charge you more because they have to figure out what parts to bring. Or they'll come back a second time with the right part. You pay twice.

Alternatively: you need to order a replacement part online. No model number = wrong part. You pay for shipping on the wrong part. You wait for a refund. You order again. Your broken appliance sits there for 2 weeks.

The fix is simple: find your model number now, when everything works. Write it down. Keep it somewhere you'll actually remember.

Where to find your model number for every appliance

The model number is almost always on a sticker or metal label. Here's where to look:

Refrigerator

Check three locations in this order:

Inside the fridge: Top of walls, side walls, or ceiling inside the main section (not the freezer first)

Inside the freezer: Top, side, or back wall of freezer compartment

Back of the unit: If not inside, pull it away from the wall and check the rear wall or bottom

Pro tip: Use your phone flashlight. The label is small and sometimes hard to see without light.

Dishwasher

Two common locations:

Inside the door frame: Open the door and look along the top or sides of the frame

Inside the tub: Look on the right side of the interior, around the lower area near the spray arm

If you don't see it, try opening the control panel — some labels are underneath.

Washing Machine

Depends on type, but check:

Inside the door frame: Around the door opening or on the inside of the door itself

Inside the tub: Around the top of the tub, near the water inlet or agitator

Back or bottom panel: You may need to remove a panel or pull the machine out to see

Dryer

Check these spots:

Inside the door frame: Open the door and look at the frame around the opening

Inside the drum: Look around the lint trap area or drum opening

Back or side panel: Some dryers have it on the exterior back panel

Oven / Range

Ovens hide their labels well:

Inside the door frame: Open the oven door and look around the metal frame

Inside the oven cavity: Look around the top edges or sides, inside the cooking area

Bottom storage drawer: Pull out the drawer and check the frame

Back or bottom exterior: Some older models have it on the back

Microwave

Usually easy to find:

Inside, around door frame: Open the microwave door and look at the frame

Interior walls or ceiling: Look inside the cooking cavity at the sides or top

Back or bottom exterior: Check the back of the unit if not inside

Water Heater

Different location than indoor appliances:

Upper tank section: Usually on a label stuck to the upper third of the tank

Side of tank: Check the sides, especially facing away from walls

Control panel: Sometimes on or near the thermostat/control area

Air Conditioner / Furnace

Check the unit itself and near controls:

Inside furnace cabinet: Open the access panel and look inside

On the unit housing: Check the exterior of the main furnace or AC unit

Installation paperwork: If you have the install documentation, it's listed there

What the label actually looks like

The model number sticker usually looks like a white label with black text. It's small — usually 2-4 inches wide. It has the manufacturer name, a bunch of specs, and usually one line that says:

MODEL: ABC123XYZ

Or sometimes just "MOD:" or "Model No:". That's what you need.

Important: The serial number is different. Serial number is usually longer and shows when/where the unit was made. Don't confuse the two. You need the MODEL number.

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Add your appliances to [ kept ] with their model numbers. Next time something breaks or you need a replacement part, you'll have it in seconds — not hunting through your house with a flashlight.

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What if you can't find the label?

Check the manual or warranty paperwork: The model number is usually listed (though sometimes only a partial number)
Check your receipt or original purchase box: The box usually has the full model number printed on it
Contact the manufacturer: Call them with any information you have (brand, approximate size, when you bought it). They can sometimes look it up
Check parts: Individual replacement parts sometimes have the appliance model number printed on them
Take a photo of the manufacturer name and any numbers you see: Show it to a repair person — they can often identify the model

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Why this matters beyond just repairs

You need your appliance model numbers for more than just emergency repairs:

Ordering parts: Online part retailers need exact model numbers
Warranty claims: Manufacturers need the model number to verify warranty coverage
Replacement filters or accessories: Knowing your model means you buy the right filter, bulb, or part every time
Selling your home: Buyers want to know the specs of appliances included in the sale
Insurance claims: If an appliance is damaged, you may need to provide the model number

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Instead of writing them on sticky notes, keep them in [ kept ]. Add your washer, dryer, refrigerator, water heater, furnace, and every other appliance. With model numbers saved, you'll never spend 30 minutes hunting again.

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FAQ

Is the serial number the same as the model number?

No. The model number identifies what appliance you have (what features it has, what size, etc.). The serial number identifies your specific unit — when it was made, where it was made. Both are usually on the same label, but they're different numbers.

Where should I write down the model number?

The worst place is a sticky note on the appliance — it falls off. Better options: take a photo with your phone, write it in a note app, or store it in an app like kept that's specifically designed for this. That way you have it forever and can find it in seconds.

Do I need the model number for every appliance?

You don't need it for every appliance, but you should have it for any appliance that might break or need parts: refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, water heater, furnace, and HVAC systems.

Can I use a partial model number?

Sometimes. A partial number can help you narrow down the search, but for ordering the exact part you need, you want the full model number from the label on the appliance.