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How to Find Your Appliance's Model and Serial Number

Having your model number ready before you call cuts real time off a repair. It lets a technician look up common issues for that exact model, often bringing the right part on the first visit instead of a second trip.

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Getting Ready to Call · Written by our technicians · 2 min read

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Where the Tag Hides, by Appliance

The tag is usually a printed or metal sticker, and its location is fairly consistent by appliance type.

Refrigerator: inside the fridge on a side wall, or under the crisper drawers
Washer: inside the door frame, or on the back of the machine
Dryer: inside the door frame, around the opening
Dishwasher: on the edge of the tub, visible when the door is open
Range or wall oven: around the edge of the door, or inside a drawer beneath the oven
Microwave: inside the cavity, along an edge or the door frame

If the Label Is Worn or Missing

If the sticker has worn off or is hard to read, a photo of the label, even a partial one, is often enough for a technician to work from. The serial number can sometimes fill in gaps a damaged model number leaves behind, so send both if you can read either one.

Common Questions

What is the difference between the model number and serial number?

The model number identifies which version of the appliance you have, which is what tells a technician which parts and manuals apply. The serial number identifies your specific unit, mainly used for warranty and manufacture-date lookups.

Can you diagnose my problem without the model number?

Often, yes, based on the symptoms alone. But having the model number lets a technician check for known issues on that exact model and bring the correct part the first time, which usually means a faster, single-visit repair.

The sticker is too worn to read. Now what?

Take a photo of whatever is left, including any partial numbers or a barcode. Call us and describe the appliance, including the brand and roughly how old it is. We can often work from partial information.

Why do some appliances have the model number in more than one place?

Manufacturers sometimes place a secondary label inside a door, drawer, or access panel in case the main sticker becomes worn or hard to reach.

Does the model number tell you anything about the age of the appliance?

Often yes. Many model numbers include a code that corresponds to the manufacturing year or date range, which helps estimate the appliance's age.

Is the model number the same as what's printed on the box it came in?

It should match, though the box may also show a retailer SKU or UPC that is different from the manufacturer's model number.

Can I find the model number in the appliance's manual instead?

Yes, if you kept the manual, it usually lists the model number on the cover or first page, along with where to find the physical label.

Does every brand put the label in a similar spot?

Not exactly. Each brand has its own typical placement (inside the door frame, behind a kick plate, under a lid), which is why it can take a little looking.

What if the model number sticker has two different numbers listed?

That's usually the model number and the serial number together. The model number identifies the exact unit type; the serial number is unique to your specific appliance.

Can a phone flashlight and photo help read a worn sticker?

Yes, raking light across a worn sticker at an angle and photographing it up close often reveals characters that are hard to see with the naked eye.

Does knowing the model number help with buying the right replacement parts myself?

It helps significantly, since parts are matched to specific model numbers, not just the appliance type or brand.

Can you look up my model number for me if I give you the brand and type instead?

We can often work from the brand, appliance type, and symptoms alone, though having the model number on hand speeds up parts research.

Why does the model number matter more for some repairs than others?

Repairs involving ordering a specific part (like a control board or pump) depend heavily on the exact model, while general diagnostic work can often start without it.

Is there a universal format all model numbers follow?

No, each manufacturer uses its own format and length, which is part of why there is no single universal way to decode one without the brand's documentation.

Can a locksmith-style rubbing or etching method reveal a worn number?

Light pencil rubbings over the embossed areas of a worn metal tag can sometimes reveal a number that is too faint to read directly.