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The best Kenmore refrigerator water filter is tricky to choose because Kenmore fridges were built by different manufacturers over the years, so Kenmore filters share designs with Whirlpool, LG and GE cartridges. A Kenmore 9083, for example, matches everydrop Filter 3, while a Kenmore 9890 shares a part number with an LG filter.
We compared genuine Kenmore filters and popular replacements on Amazon on part numbers, listed NSF certifications and reviews, so you can match your fridge quickly.
Quick Answer: The Best Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter
- Best OverallKenmore 9085 (Genuine)
- Best for 9083 HousingsKenmore 9083 (Genuine)
- Best for Kenmore EliteKenmore Elite 9490 (Genuine)
- Best for 9890 HousingsKenmore 9890 (Genuine)
- Best Budget 9083Waterdrop Filter 3
- Best Budget 9081TEEHAY Kenmore 9081 2-Pack
The genuine Kenmore 9085 is the best Kenmore refrigerator water filter for models that use it, certified to NSF 42, 53 and 401 with lead reduction. The Kenmore 9083 is the best for its housing, and TEEHAY is the best budget option for the common 9081.
Best Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 9085 (Genuine) | Best Overall | OEM Kenmore filter, NSF 42/53/401 | NSF 42, 53, 401 | Check Price |
| Kenmore 9083 (Genuine) | Best for 9083 Housings | OEM Kenmore filter, NSF 42/53/401 | NSF 42, 53, 401 | Check Price |
| Kenmore Elite 9490 (Genuine) | Best for Kenmore Elite | OEM Kenmore Elite filter | OEM 2-pack | Check Price |
| Kenmore 9890 (Genuine) | Best for 9890 Housings | OEM Kenmore filter | NSF 42 | Check Price |
| Waterdrop Filter 3 | Best Budget 9083 | Generic for Whirlpool/Kenmore Filter 3 | NSF 42/372 | Check Price |
| TEEHAY Kenmore 9081 2-Pack | Best Budget 9081 | NSF 42 generic for Kenmore | NSF 42 | Check Price |
The 6 Filters We Recommend
Find the four-digit Kenmore filter number on your old filter or in your manual; Kenmore lists cross-references on many listings.
1. Kenmore 9085 Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter (469085)
1. Kenmore’s genuine 9085 reduces lead and other metals, VOCs and some pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reduces lead
- NSF 401 emerging contaminants
- Genuine fit
- Replaces several old numbers
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited models
- 6-month life
📄 Detailed Review
- Part number: 9085, 46-9085
- Certifications: NSF 42, 53 and 401
- Reduces: Lead and other metals, chlorine, VOCs, some pesticides and pharmaceuticals (Kenmore)
- Fits: Select Kenmore side-by-side models
- Replaces: 9902, 9908 and older part numbers
- Life: 6 months
Kenmore’s 9085 is certified to NSF 42, 53 and 401, reducing lead and other metals, VOCs and some pesticides and pharmaceuticals, per Kenmore.
It is certified to NSF 42, 53 and 401 and replaces older numbers such as 9902 and 9908, making it a strong choice for select Kenmore side-by-sides.
2. Kenmore 9083 Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter (469083)
2. Kenmore’s genuine 9083 shares a housing with everydrop Filter 3.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Three NSF standards
- Genuine fit
- Covers health and emerging contaminants
- Widely used part
Cons
- Pricier than generics
- Fewer reviews
- 6-month life
📄 Detailed Review
- Part number: 9083, 46-9083, 4396841
- Certifications: NSF 42, 53 and 401
- Fits: Select Kenmore side-by-side models
- Life: 6 months
- Cross reference: Same housing as everydrop Filter 3
- Type: Genuine Kenmore
Kenmore’s genuine 9083 filter is certified to NSF 42, 53 and 401 and fits select Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators.
Three NSF certifications.
3. Kenmore Elite 9490 Original OEM Refrigerator Water Filter, 2 Pack
3. The Kenmore Elite 9490 two-pack fits Elite models with that housing.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuine Elite part
- Two-pack
- Guaranteed fit
- Reliable
Cons
- Few details in listing
- Pricey
- Limited models
📄 Detailed Review
- Part number: 9490
- Certification listed: NSF
- Count: 2 filters
- Fits: Kenmore Elite models with 9490 housing
- Life: About 6 months each
- Type: Original OEM
The 9490 is the original filter for Kenmore Elite refrigerators that use this housing, sold here as a two-pack.
Original OEM part.
4. Kenmore 9890 Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter
4. Kenmore’s 9890 suits select side-by-sides and matches LG part ADQ72910902.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuine Kenmore part
- Guaranteed fit
- Simple
- Shares LG part number
Cons
- NSF 42 only
- Pricey for aesthetic filtration
- Limited models
📄 Detailed Review
- Part number: 9890 (equivalent ADQ72910902)
- Certification: NSF 42
- Reduces: Chlorine taste and odor
- Fits: Select Kenmore side-by-side models
- Life: 6 months
- Reviews: 1,500+ ratings
Kenmore’s 9890 is the genuine filter for select Kenmore side-by-side models and is NSF 42 certified for chlorine taste and odor.
Taste and odor certification.
5. Waterdrop WD-F08 Replacement for everydrop Filter 3 (EDR3RXD1)
5. Waterdrop WD-F08 replaces Kenmore 9083 and 9030.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Covers Whirlpool and Kenmore part numbers
- Low cost
- NSF 42/372
- Well reviewed
Cons
- Aesthetic certification only
- Generic fit
- Not for lead
📄 Detailed Review
- Replaces: EDR3RXD1, 4396841, Kenmore 9083/9030
- Certification: NSF 42 and 372
- Media: Carbon block
- Life: About 6 months
- Fits: Filter 3 and Kenmore 9083 housings
- Reviews: 5,000+ ratings
Waterdrop’s WD-F08 replaces everydrop Filter 3 and several Kenmore part numbers such as 9083 and 9030. It is certified to NSF 42 and 372.
Lower cost than genuine.
6. TEEHAY TH-05 Replacement for Kenmore 9081 / 9930, 2 Pack
6. TEEHAY TH-05 replaces Kenmore 9081 and 9930.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- NSF certified
- Low cost
- Covers common Kenmore numbers
- Coconut carbon
Cons
- Aesthetic only
- Generic
- Two filters
📄 Detailed Review
- Replaces: Kenmore 9081, 9930, P5WB2L, P4RFWB
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Chlorine: 99% taste and odor reduction
- Media: Coconut shell carbon block
- Count: 2 filters
- Materials: Lead-free, BPA-free
TEEHAY’s TH-05 replaces Kenmore 9081 and 9930 filters and is certified to NSF/ANSI 42.
Two-pack value.
How We Chose the Best Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter
To choose the best kenmore refrigerator water filter, we compared filters sold on Amazon in the U.S. on exact part-number fit, NSF/ANSI certifications listed by each brand (42 for taste and odor, 53 for health contaminants such as lead, 401 for emerging contaminants), rated capacity and replacement interval, and owner reviews for leaks, poor fit and slow flow. We separate certified claims from a brand’s own lab testing, and we note that most refrigerator filters do not remove fluoride.
We checked certification claims against the standards published by NSF International and the EPA’s guidance on lead in drinking water, and we encourage readers to look up a filter’s model number in NSF’s or IAPMO’s online listings. Our full process is explained on our How We Test page. We do not list prices or star ratings because they change daily.
How to Choose the Best Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter
Find the Kenmore number
Look for a four-digit number like 9081, 9083, 9085, 9490 or 9890.
Cross-references
Kenmore filters often match Whirlpool, LG or GE parts; listings show equivalents.
Prefer NSF 53 for lead
Genuine 9083 and 9085 list NSF 53 and 401.
Budget options
Generics such as TEEHAY or Waterdrop list NSF 42 for taste and odor.
Elite models
Kenmore Elite fridges may use different filters, such as the 9490.
Replace on schedule
Kenmore recommends about every six months, or sooner if flow slows.
Install and flush
Flush a few gallons after installing to clear air.
Why Kenmore filters vary
Kenmore is a Sears brand whose refrigerators have been built by Whirlpool, LG, Electrolux and others over the years. That is why one Kenmore fridge may take a Whirlpool-style filter and another an LG-style filter, and why the four-digit Kenmore number is the safest way to shop.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Filter
- Match the four digits. Kenmore number.
- Check cross-references. Whirlpool, LG, GE.
- Flush after install. A few gallons.
- Replace every six months. Mark the date.
Below are common questions readers ask about choosing the best kenmore refrigerator water filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Kenmore refrigerator water filter?
The genuine Kenmore 9085 or 9083, depending on your housing.
Is Kenmore 9083 the same as everydrop Filter 3?
They share the same housing and part cross-references.
Do generic Kenmore filters remove lead?
Most list NSF 42 only; genuine 9083 and 9085 list NSF 53.
Where do I find my filter number?
On the old filter, in the manual or on Kenmore’s parts site.
How often should I change it?
About every six months.
Final Verdict
The best Kenmore refrigerator water filter is the genuine 9085 or 9083 for their housings, with TEEHAY and Waterdrop for budget 9081 and 9083 replacements. Match the four-digit number to buy the best Kenmore refrigerator water filter.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the retailer listing for the current price, warranty and exact dimensions before you buy.
