Appliance Age Guide

How Old is My Appliance?

Find the serial number label on your kitchen or laundry appliance, then decode it to get the exact manufacture date and age.

Serial Number Location Guide → How Old is My Appliance?

Major Kitchen Appliances

S/N LABEL Label Location

Refrigerator

Common Spot:
Upper interior wall, fresh food compartment.

Check the interior sidewalls (left or right) or the ceiling. In some models, the sticker is behind the kickplate at the bottom or on the rear exterior panel.

S/N LABEL Label Location

Range & Oven

Common Spot:
Inside the storage drawer at the bottom.

Look on the frame behind the door, or under the cooktop (lift-up style). Some double ovens have them on the inner side of the door frame.

CYCLE S/N LABEL Label Location

Dishwasher

Common Spot:
Inside door, left or right interior edge.

Open the door and inspect the top or side of the inner door panel. If not there, look at the base behind the kickplate.

LABEL Label Location

Cooktop

Common Spot:
Underside of the unit or side trim panel.

For drop-in and slide-in cooktops, tilt the unit or look on the underside near the edge. Some induction models place the label on the side trim or beneath a removable panel along the front lip.

0:00 Label Location

Microwave

Common Spot:
Door frame or back/side exterior panel.

Countertop models usually place the label on the back panel or one side exterior. Over-the-range units often use the door frame near the hinge. Built-in drawer microwaves keep the plate on the left interior wall of the cavity.

Laundry Appliances

40°C Label Location

Washer

Common Spot:
Fixed inner rim of the door opening.

Open the door and inspect the inner rim of the door frame — not the moving door itself. Top-load washers typically place the label under the lid on the tub rim. Some Samsung and LG models put it on the rear panel.

Label Location

Dryer

Common Spot:
Inside door opening or door frame.

Check the door rim or the cabinet edge just behind the door opening. Some models place a secondary label inside the lint-trap slot. Older dryers and Whirlpool-family units may use the rear panel.

Once you've found the label, decode it to get the manufacture date and age.

Decode a Serial Number → Try Smart Lookup →

Brand-Specific Nuances

Samsung
QR codes & barcodes on lower right-side exterior.
LG
High-gloss silver labels on side frames.
Carrier
Year is often encoded in the first 4 serial digits.
Kenmore
Model prefix (e.g. 110.) indicates actual maker.
Whirlpool
Uses large white labels inside doors or lid bases.
Apple
Laser-etched in tiny print on the bottom case.

Tips for Hard-to-Read Labels

The label is faded or dirty. What now?

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Try using a bright flashlight from a side angle to create shadows in the embossed text. You can also carefully rub a graphite pencil over embossed lettering to make it stand out. For dirty labels, use a damp cloth but avoid harsh cleaners that might dissolve the ink.

Can I find the serial number in the software?

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Yes, for modern "smart" appliances and electronics. Check the settings menu under "About," "System Information," or "Network Status." On many smart fridges, it's also located in the 'Info' section of the external touchscreen display.

Why do I need the serial number vs just the model?

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Manufacturers often change internal parts midway through a production year. The serial number identifies the specific "run" or date your unit was made, ensuring you order the exact replacement part that fits your specific build version.