How to find your appliance’s model number

If something is going wrong with one of your appliances, the first thing you should do is track down its model number. This series of letters and/or numbers identifies your specific appliance and is usually printed on a sticker or a plate. You’ll need to use the model number to find the exact replacement parts for your machine so you can get it working correctly again.

But sometimes model numbers can be hard to find, damaged or missing entirely. So what should you do?

Don’t sweat it! Check out this guide to find everything you need to know about model numbers and how you can track them down on several kinds of appliances.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, find and enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all kinds of DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, part replacements, etc. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the manufacturer documentation for your specific appliance model. You can also contact us with any questions.

Read more: How to Protect Your Appliances in a Power Outage

What does a model number look like?

Model numbers are very specific, so they vary from brand to brand. Some are combinations of letters and numbers, while others are just numbers. Occasionally, you might see model numbers with dashes or periods in them. There’s also no set length for an appliance model number, so the best way to find out which of the numbers in the manual or on the appliance sticker is the model number is to look at the small print on the sticker or plate. 

Model numbers are usually labeled with “MOD:”, “Mo.”, “Model No.”, “MODEL”, or “MODELE”. They are NOT the same as revision, serial or part numbers.

When you find the model number and write it down to search online, make sure you’re getting the whole number, including any characters following a dash or dot. This helps you find compatible replacement parts when you’re shopping around.

Here’s an example of a highlighted model number on a sticker inside the cabinet of a Frigidaire refrigerator:

What if my appliance’s model number tag is missing?

If your appliance’s model number tag is missing or damaged, don’t worry. There are still a few things you can do to track it down. Here’s what to try.

• Check the manual, which will likely have at least a partial model number either on the front cover or in the first few pages. The model number in the manual isn’t always complete, but it can at least get you started on the right path.
• Check the appliance packaging, if you still have it. The original box will almost always include a partial or full model number.
• If you bought the appliance online, you might be able to look up your purchase history and find the information that way.
• Check your appliance’s parts. Many individual parts like belts and door switches have part numbers printed on them. You can search those part numbers to find a list of compatible appliances and track down your appliance’s model number.
• Contact us at 1-877-477-7278! We have a customer service team that’s happy to help you find your model number. You can even take photos of the numbers on your appliance and submit them to us to make sure you have the right number before ordering a replacement part.

Pro tip: Store all your model numbers, technical sheets, owner manuals and other appliance documentation in an easily accessible place to make repairs easier. 

Where to find the model number on appliances

All appliances typically come with a sticker or plate that contains all the manufacturer information you need. If this label is intact, it will give you the most complete model number for your appliance – better than what’s available in the manual – so it’s always best to start by looking for the model number on your appliance. 

The tricky part is: where do you find it? Model number tags can be found in several different spots on appliances. There’s no hard and fast rule for where every sticker or plate will be stuck. But generally, there are a few places you can expect to find the model number label on virtually every appliance.

We’re taking some of the guesswork out of the repair process with this list of common areas where you can find the model number on different types of appliances. If you’re a visual learner, check here for diagrams.

If you’re still not able to find the model number after checking these locations, call us at 1-877-477-7278 or chat with us at AppliancePartsPros.com so we can help. 

IMPORTANT: Before you start searching for model numbers, always make sure your appliances are turned OFF and disconnected from the power source. This helps you stay safe, especially if you need to open doors or disassemble any parts to access the interior. 

Dishwasher

The model number may be found:

• On the inside or outside of the door, along the top or the sides
• On the door jam or inside walls of the tub
• On the back or bottom of the dishwasher
• On the control panel or console

The model number sticker inside the Whirlpool dishwasher pictured below can be seen on the frame after opening the door:

Dryer

The model number may be found:

• On the door frame or the door
• On one of the sides, near the front
• At the back, near the top or bottom
• On the control panel or console
• Behind the front access panel (on gas models)

Freezer (freestanding)

The model number may be found:

• On the back or sides of the unit (this is the most common spot)
• Under the lid, on the lid itself or along the frame
• On the interior walls, toward the top.

Garbage disposal

The model number may be found:

• On the side of the unit, toward the bottom
• On the very bottom of the unit

Microwave

The model number may be found:

• On the side or bottom of the door
• Around the door frame
• On the side of the control panel
• On one of the interior walls, usually toward the top front corner
• On the back panel of the machine

Mixer

The model number may be found:

• On the underside of the mixer’s base
• On the back of the mixer’s head or motor housing
• On the side of the mixer’s base

Range

The model number may be found:

• On the walls of the storage drawer at the bottom or on the drawer panel
• On the front of the control panel
• On the interior side walls
• On or inside the oven door
• Around the broiler frame
• Under the cooktop (most ranges have a top panel that can be lifted like the front hood of a car)
• On the bottom of the cooktop
• Under one of the front surface burners or knobs
• On the sides or back of the appliance (you may need to move your range away from the wall)
• On the back of the control panel or inside it

Wall oven

The model number may be found:

• On the door frame
• Behind a vent panel, usually above the door
• On the interior walls
• On the door
• On one of the exterior sides
• On the back of the unit

Refrigerator

The model number may be found:

• Inside the cabinet
• On the ceiling or walls of either the fresh food or freezer compartments
• At the bottom of either door or on the door frame
• On the walls behind the vegetable or meat drawers (you’ll have to pull them out to check)
• On the very top of the machine
• On or behind the kickplate (this may be held in place by screws or just snapped into place)

Trash compactor

The model number may be found:

• Inside the cabinet on the left or right side
• Behind the drawer or front panel
• On the frame with the drawer open

Front-loading washing machine

The model number may be found:

• On the front, usually toward the bottom
• On the inside of the door or the door frame
• On the back, on either the frame or the access panel
• On the control panel top or side
• Behind the front access panel for manual draining, if your model has one

Top-loading washing machine 

The model number may be found:

• Printed on the control panel
• Under the lid, around the frame or on the lid itself
• On the front, side, or rear exterior
• On the washer body’s interior (access this by disconnecting and removing the control panel or flipping it out of the way, then remove the washer’s body)

Washer-dryer combination 

The model number may be found:

• Behind either the washer or dryer door, on the frame or on the doors
• On the sides
• On the very top of the machine

The model number sticker on the Maytag washer shown below was found under the lid:

Search your specific appliance model number here to find the exact parts you need.

How do I use a model number to order appliance parts?

Congratulations! You found the model number. Now for the easy part.

Here’s how you can find the perfect OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement parts:

1. Type your model number into the search bar above.
2. Find your part on the easy-to-read diagram.
3. Match the part number to the numbered parts listed below.
4. Select the item for photos and a repair video if one is available.
5. Select “Add to Cart” and purchase the item.
6. Receive your new part within a few days!

Alternatively, you can go straight to the parts section for your appliance type to browse items. 

Simply use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options. 

All of our parts are designed to fit perfectly and work seamlessly with your specific appliance model. OEM parts are built to meet the high-quality standards set by the original manufacturer. 

While aftermarket parts may sometimes be offered at a lower cost, they don’t meet the same quality standards or compatibility as OEM parts. Buying these kinds of parts is more risky since there can be variations in fit, performance and reliability.

By using OEM replacements, you can trust that the parts are durable and made to last, which reduces the chance of premature failures, damage to appliances and frequent replacements. 

As a reminder, always make sure you get the complete model number from your appliance BEFORE ordering any replacement parts to save yourself time, hassle and money. 

Learn about our return policy here.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you have any appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. 

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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