A refrigerator door gasket, washer drain pump, or range spark module can look correct in a product photo and still be the wrong part for your appliance.  Using a model number is the best way to confirm the part fits - knowing how to find an appliance model number before ordering is the first step. The model number identifies the exact appliance so we can help you find the right part the first time.

For parts selection, the model number is the starting point. It connects your appliance to the correct factory parts, including revisions that may not be visible from the outside. A Whirlpool washer and a Maytag washer can share components, for example, but a small one digit or character model-number difference may change the control board, lid lock, belt, or water inlet valve needed.

What an appliance model number looks like

The model number is printed on a manufacturer data plate, rating plate, or identification tag. It is typically a combination of letters and numbers, such as WRS325SDHZ08, GDF510PSR5SS, or WM3400CW.ABWEUUS. It may be labeled “Model,” “Model No.,” “Mod,” “M/N,” or “Product Number.”

Model number tags will have both the model and serial number printed on them.  Most "informational" tags placed on the appliance by the manufacturer will also have a part number printed on them.  This number is often confused with a model number - so look for a sticker with both a model and serial number.

Do not rely on the number printed on a part. A number on an electronic control board, motor, compressor, or heating element is often a component number, not the appliance model number. That number can be useful when confirming a replacement, but it does not always identify every compatible appliance.

Do not confuse the serial number with the model number. Serial numbers are often longer and may include a date code or manufacturing sequence. Serial numbers don't cross reference to parts - model numbers do, so you provide only the serial number when searching for parts, you won't get valid results (or any results).

However providing the serial number WITH the model number will help in many circumstances, so write the serial number down too.  Take a photo and send it to us - is almost 100% guaranteed to find the correct part.

How to find an appliance model number by appliance type

Manufacturers place identification labels where they are protected from heat, moisture, and everyday wear. The location varies by appliance, so start with the areas that are accessible without disassembly. Use a flashlight and take a clear photo of the entire label before ordering.

Refrigerators and freezers

On most refrigerators, open the fresh-food compartment and look along the interior side wall, ceiling, or frame near the top shelf. The tag is commonly located on the upper side wall or ceiling. Be careful as some manufacturers usually put marketing materials or energy efficiency tags in the same location.  On side-by-side models, check the refrigerator section rather than the freezer door.

For chest freezers, look on an interior wall or beneath the lid. Upright freezers will most often have the label on the inside cabinet wall. If the appliance has been pulled away from the wall for a compressor, condenser fan motor, or water valve repair, inspect the rear cabinet as well.

Top-load and front-load washers

Top-load washer model tags are frequently found under the lid, on the rear of the control console, or on the cabinet frame beneath the lid opening. On some models, the label is visible only when the lid is raised.

For front-load washers, open the door and inspect the door opening, inner frame, and area around the detergent dispenser. Some manufacturers place the tag on the rear panel. Do not use the washer’s cosmetic color name or control-panel wording as identification. A washer with the same finish and similar cycle options may use different suspension rods, door boots, drain pumps, or motor controls.

Dryers

Open the dryer door and check the door jamb, door opening, or the cabinet face behind the door. The model tag may also be on the rear panel or inside the lower front panel area. Gas and electric versions of the same dryer series can use different heating, ignition, and wiring components, so the complete model number matters.

If you are replacing a thermal fuse, heating element, igniter, gas valve coil, or dryer control board, verify whether the dryer is gas or electric in addition to recording the model number. This extra detail helps prevent an incorrect part selection when a model family includes multiple fuel configurations.

Ranges, ovens, and cooktops

For freestanding ranges, pull open the storage drawer or warming drawer and look on the frame behind it. The label may also be on the oven door frame, lower front panel, or rear of the appliance. Slide-in ranges often have the tag on the side of the oven frame, visible when the door is open.

Double oven ranges often have the model and serial number sticker on a flip up plate behind the rear console.  Simply reach behind with your finger tips and flip it up.

JennAir downdraft ranges (not cooktops) have the model number sticker on the frame of the range behind the kickplate.  The kickplate often pops off with light outward pressure.

Wall ovens commonly have a rating plate on the side trim, door frame, or lower front area. For cooktops, check beneath the unit or inside the cabinet below it. If access requires removing the cooktop, turn off power at the breaker first. Model identification is especially important for surface elements, infinite switches, spark modules, oven control boards, and door hinges because similar-looking components may use different terminals or mounting points.

Dishwashers, microwaves, and ventilation hoods

Dishwasher labels are usually on the left or right side of the door frame. Open the door fully and look along the tub edge. On some models, the tag sits near the top of the door opening rather than the sides.

Over-the-range and countertop microwave model labels are generally inside the door opening, or inside along the side wall.  You should not have to remove or disassemble the microwave.  For parts identification, record the model number, then use qualified service help when the repair involves high-voltage circuitry.

Range hoods may have the label inside the hood, behind the grease filter, or on the blower housing.

Record the number exactly as shown

One misplaced character can lead to a different appliance version. Write down the full model number, including letters, hyphens, periods, and any digits after a revision suffix. A suffix such as “00,” “01,” or “08” can be critical because manufacturers revise wiring, control boards, shelves, gaskets, and other parts during a production run.

Photographs are more reliable than handwritten notes. Take one close-up image that makes the text readable and one wider image that shows where the label was located. If the print is faded, use your phone camera zoom, adjust lighting from the side, or clean the surrounding area gently with a dry cloth. Avoid cleaners that could remove the remaining text.

Some brands use more than one identifier. Frigidaire and Electrolux appliances may list a product number or PNC in addition to the model number. Samsung and LG models may include a suffix that identifies finish, market, or revision. Bosch labels can include an E-Nr number that functions as the model identifier for parts lookup. Record every number on the data plate when possible.

What to do if the model number label is missing

A missing or unreadable label makes parts research harder, but not always impossible. Start by checking the locations above, including rear panels, door frames, and concealed areas behind drawers or filters. Labels can be covered by dirt, painted over, or hidden after an installation.

Your original owner’s manual, installation instructions, purchase receipt, warranty registration, or retailer order confirmation may include the full model number. Property managers and technicians may also find it in maintenance records. Owners manuals are often the same on multiple models, so this is usually not a good way to id the model number.  Exhaust all other avenues first. 

Without a model number, we're likely unable to help.   For example, we get lots of pictures of knobs....and unfortunately even if we recognize the knob, recalling the exact part number (of 10+ nearly identical but different knobs) is virtually impossible.  We do have some part autists on staff....but even then.....  In this circumstance, we suggest taking the old part to a local supplier to see if they can physically match it. 

Why model number lookup matters before ordering

Appliance manufacturers make running changes. A dishwasher pump assembly may change after a certain serial range. A refrigerator icemaker may be replaced by an updated kit with a new wire harness. A dryer control board may require a programming procedure or a different overlay. Searching by the full model number identifies these changes before the part arrives at your door.

This is also why universal substitutes are not always the best repair choice. They can work for limited applications, but genuine OEM components are designed around the original appliance’s mounting, and operating specifications. 

Before you place an order, compare the model number on the appliance label with the number entered in the parts search. Then confirm the part description, diagram position, and any notes about serial ranges or required installation hardware.  You can also send us a picture of the model number sticker. That small check is often what turns a repair from a frustrating guess into a straightforward fix.