How to Find Your Appliance Model and Serial Number

You've called for repair help. The first things they ask are: "What's the brand? What's the model number? What's the serial number?"

You stand there looking at a refrigerator or a washer, wondering where on earth that information hides.

You're not alone. Most people have never needed it until something breaks. But those two numbers are the fastest way to get the right parts, check your warranty, and avoid a wasted repair visit. This guide shows you where to find your appliance model and serial number on every major appliance, how to read the tag, and what to do if it's missing or worn.

The 30-Second Answer

Look for a small sticker or metal plate. It's usually white, silver, or gray, and it lists the brand, the model number, and the serial number. It's almost never on the front, where you can see it. Manufacturers tuck it away.

The most common hiding spots are:

• Inside the door frame (ovens, dryers, front-load washers, dishwashers)
• Inside the cabinet walls (refrigerators and freezers)
• On the back panel (most appliances)
• Under a lid, a drawer, or a grille

Grab a flashlight and your phone. Let's go appliance by appliance.

 Factory-Authorized vs. Independent Appliance Repair: What's the Difference?

Where to Look, Appliance by Appliance

Refrigerators and Freezers

Look here first: Inside the fridge compartment, on the upper left or right wall, or along the ceiling.

Also check:

• The side wall near the top shelf
• Behind the crisper drawers (pull them out)
• Along the door frame
• Inside the freezer, on the wall or ceiling
• Behind the bottom front grille (kickplate)
• On the back of the unit

Built-in and premium models: On brands like Sub-Zero, Jenn-Air, and Viking, the tag is often inside the refrigerator on an upper wall or panel. Check your owner's manual for the exact spot.

How Often Should You Service a Sub-Zero Refrigerator?

Washing Machines

Top-load: Look under the lid, on the inside rim of the opening, or on the back panel.

Front-load: Open the door and check the door frame, the area behind the door, or the edge of the opening. Also check the back panel and the lower front, behind the access panel.

Dryers

Look here first: Inside the door opening, on the edge of the frame.

Also check:

• The rim of the drum opening
• Under the top lid (on lift-top models)
• The back panel

Dishwashers

Look here first: Open the door, and check the inside edge. It's often on the left or right side, or along the top.

Also check:

• The side of the door, near the hinge
• The top edge of the tub
• The bottom of the door's inner panel
• Under the sink, where the dishwasher is installed, if you can reach it

Ovens and Ranges

Look here first: Open the oven door and check the frame around the opening. Look at the sides and the top.

Also check:

• The edge of the storage or broiler drawer opening (pull the drawer out)
• The lower front frame
• The back of the range
• Inside the warming drawer cavity, if there is one

Why Is My Viking Oven Cooking Unevenly?

Cooktops

Cooktops hide the tag on the underside. You may need to:

• Look in the cabinet directly below
• Lift the cooktop slightly (turn off power first)
• Check the side of the unit near the controls

Check your manual before you lift anything. Don't remove parts if you aren't sure how.

Microwaves

Look here first: The inside edge of the door frame, or the side wall inside the cavity.

Also check: The back, or the top panel for over-the-range models.

Ice Machines (Including Scotsman)

Look here first: The back or side of the unit, or behind the front panel. Commercial and undercounter ice machines usually have a data plate, sometimes called a nameplate.

If you're troubleshooting a commercial unit, see our commercial refrigeration repair page.

How to Read the Tag

You'll see several lines of text. Here's what to look for:

• Brand or manufacturer: The company name.
• Model number (often labeled "Model," "Mod.," "M/N," or "MOD NO"): This identifies the exact appliance. It's usually a mix of letters and numbers. It can be long.
• Serial number (labeled "Serial," "Ser.," "S/N," or "SER NO"): This is unique to your individual unit. It can show when the appliance was made, although every brand codes it differently.

Some tags also list a product number, a type, a revision, or a date. If you're unsure which line is which, copy everything. A technician can sort it out.

Common mix-ups:

• Don't confuse the model number with a part number or barcode (UPC).
• Don't mix up the serial number with the manufacturing code.
• Letters like O and 0, or I and 1, look alike. Zoom in on a photo to check.

Take a Photo, Not Just Notes

The easiest way to get it right is to take a clear photo of the tag, then zoom in to read it.

1. Turn on your phone's flashlight.
2. Hold the phone straight on, not at an angle.
3. Take two photos: one close-up of the tag, and one wider shot showing where it was.
4. Check that every number is readable.

If glare or a worn label makes it hard to read, tilt the light from the side. Soft angled light brings out faded print.

What If the Tag Is Missing or Unreadable?

It happens. Tags peel, fade, or get painted over. Try these in order.

1. Look in more places. Check every spot on the lists above, including the back and underneath.
2. Check your paperwork. The owner's manual, warranty card, and receipt often list the model number. The original box does too.
3. Search your email. If you registered the appliance or bought it online, the confirmation may include the model number.
4. Check the retailer. Many stores can look up your purchase and give you the model.
5. Look at the energy label or spec sheet that came with it, if you kept it.
6. Contact the manufacturer. With your purchase date, store, and brand, customer support may be able to help.
7. Tell the technician what you have. The brand, type, color, features, and approximate age can help narrow it down.

Don't guess. A wrong model number leads to the wrong part.

Why You Need These Numbers

You'll use them more often than you think.

• Getting the right parts. Many models look alike, but parts don't always fit.
• Faster repairs. A technician who knows the model can arrive prepared.
• Warranty checks. The serial number often helps confirm your coverage.
• Recall checks. Recall lists from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and manufacturers use model and serial numbers.
• Ordering filters and accessories. Water filters, door gaskets, and racks are model-specific.
• Finding manuals and instructions online.
• Troubleshooting guides. For example, error code lists, such as the ones we'll cover for Wolf ovens, are model-specific.
• Resale and insurance. Buyers and insurers often ask.

Make a 5-Minute Appliance Record (Do It Today)

Here's a habit that saves a lot of stress later. Spend five minutes, and you'll have everything in one place.

1. Make a photo album on your phone called "Appliances."
2. Take a photo of each tag, as described above.
3. Add a note for each: brand, model, serial, and purchase date.
4. Save the manual or a link to it.
5. Add your filter size and replacement dates for the fridge.
6. Back it up, or email it to yourself.

Next time something breaks, you won't need a flashlight and a ladder.

Getting a Reliable Diagnosis

Once you have your model and serial number, you're ready for a faster, more accurate repair visit.

Authorized Appliance is a referral service. We connect you with an appliance repair contractor in your area. Contractors operate independently. When you call, have your brand, model number, serial number, and a short description of the problem ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the model number on a refrigerator?
A: Usually inside the fridge compartment on an upper wall or ceiling, along the door frame, behind the crisper drawers, or on the back. Check your manual if you can't find it.

Q: Where is the model number on a washing machine?
A: On top-loaders, under the lid or on the back. On front-loaders, around the door frame or on the back panel.

Q: Where is the serial number on a dishwasher?
A: Open the door and check the inside edges, the top of the tub, and the side of the door.

Q: Is the model number the same as the serial number?
A: No. The model number identifies the type of appliance. The serial number identifies your individual unit.

Q: Can I find the model number without moving the appliance?
A: Often yes. Most tags are inside doors, drawers, or cabinets. For ones on the back, you may need help pulling it out.

Q: What if the sticker is worn off?
A: Check your manual, receipt, original box, or email confirmation. You can also contact the retailer or manufacturer with your purchase details.

Q: Why do technicians ask for the model number?
A: It tells them exactly which parts and procedures apply, so they can arrive prepared.

Q: Does the serial number tell me how old my appliance is?
A: On many brands, yes, but each brand uses its own code. Don't guess, and ask the manufacturer or a technician to decode it.

A Final Note

You don't need to hunt for these numbers in a panic. Take five minutes, snap the photos, and keep them somewhere safe. You'll be glad you did when a part goes bad or a technician asks. And if you can't find the tag, don't worry. There's usually another way to track it down. Start with your paperwork, then call for help.