Every appliance part is model-specific. A door gasket that fits one fridge will not fit another, even from the same brand. The model number is how you find the exact part, and it is printed on a sticker somewhere on the fridge. The problem is that every manufacturer puts it in a different place.

This guide tells you exactly where to look, and how to read the number correctly.

Quick answer
  1. Most common spot: inside the fridge, on a side wall or the ceiling.
  2. Second spot: behind the kick plate at the bottom front.
  3. Third spot: on the back of the fridge.
  4. Also check: inside the door, on the frame.
  5. Model vs serial: you need the model number, not the serial.

Where to look

LocationHow to accessCommon on
Inside, side wallOpen the door and look left or rightMost fridges
Inside, ceilingLook up inside the fridgeTop-freezer models
Behind kick plateRemove the grille at the bottom frontBottom-freezer models
Back of fridgePull it out and look at the back panelOlder models
Inside door frameOn the frame, not the doorSome models
Under the crisperLift out the drawerRare
The sticker may be hidden

On some fridges the sticker is behind the crisper drawer or under the kick plate. If you cannot find it inside, remove the bottom grille and check the frame behind it. It is almost always somewhere on the fridge itself.

Reading the number

The sticker usually shows both a model number and a serial number. The model number identifies the design; the serial number identifies your specific unit. You need the model number to buy parts. It is usually labelled 'Model' or 'Mod' and is shorter than the serial number.

LabelWhat it isUse it for
Model / ModThe design identifierBuying parts
Serial / SerYour specific unitWarranty claims
TypeA variant codeSome parts
P/NPart number of a fitted partReplacing that part

Using it to buy parts

  1. Photograph the sticker so you have the number on your phone.
  2. Write it down exactly, including any letters and dashes.
  3. Search the model number plus the part name.
  4. Check the part fits your model before buying.
  5. Keep the number for future repairs.
  6. Register the appliance so you can find the number later.

Common mistakes

  • Using the serial number instead of the model number.
  • Missing a letter or dash — the part will not fit.
  • Assuming the brand is enough — parts are model-specific.
  • Buying a 'universal' part without checking the fit list.
  • Not photographing the sticker before it fades.
  • Ordering from a photo without reading the number.
Bottom line

Find your refrigerator model number on a sticker inside the fridge, behind the kick plate, or on the back. Photograph it, write it down exactly, and search that number plus the part name. The model number, not the serial number, is what you need to buy parts.

Frequently asked questions

Replacement parts

Search your model number to find the exact part that fits.

Where is the model number on a refrigerator?
Usually on a sticker inside the fridge, on a side wall or the ceiling. It may also be behind the kick plate at the bottom front or on the back.
What is the difference between a model and serial number?
The model number identifies the design and is what you need to buy parts. The serial number identifies your specific unit and is used for warranty claims.
Can I buy a part without the model number?
Not reliably. Appliance parts are model-specific, so you need the exact model number to be sure the part fits.
Why can't I find my fridge model number?
It may be behind the crisper drawer, under the kick plate, or on the back. Check all the common locations before giving up.
Do all fridges have a model number sticker?
Yes. Every refrigerator has a rating plate with the model and serial number somewhere on the unit.