Kenmore Model 106 Refrigerator Manual

The Kenmore Model 106 is a top-freezer refrigerator designed for reliable home food preservation. It features adjustable glass shelves, humidity-controlled crispers, a freezer with storage baskets, an automatic defrost system, and an energy-efficient compressor. This manual covers safety instructions, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your appliance.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Leveling 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Using the Refrigerator 7. Using the Freezer 8. Care & Cleaning 9. Energy Saving Tips 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Top-mounted freezer compartment, Fresh food refrigerator section, Temperature control dial, Adjustable glass shelves, Humidity-controlled crispers, Freezer storage baskets, Door bins, Automatic defrost system.

Feature	Description
Top Freezer	Dedicated frozen food storage with baskets for organization
Adjustable Glass Shelves	Removable and height-adjustable for flexible storage
Humidity-Controlled Crispers	Preserves freshness of fruits and vegetables
Temperature Control Dial	Located inside the fresh food compartment
Door Storage Bins	For bottles, condiments, and other frequently used items
Automatic Defrost	Reduces maintenance; defrost water evaporates automatically
Energy-Efficient Compressor	Designed for lower power consumption
Leveling Legs	Front adjustable legs for stability on uneven floors
Interior Light	Illuminates the fresh food compartment when door is open
Reversible Door	Door swing can be changed to left or right opening (optional on some models)

Installation & Leveling

Unpack and remove all packaging materials and tape. Allow the refrigerator to stand upright for at least 4 hours before plugging in.

Choose Location: Place on a solid, level floor near a grounded electrical outlet. Allow at least 2 inches of clearance at the back and top for proper air circulation.
Level the Refrigerator: Use a wrench to adjust the front leveling legs. The refrigerator should be slightly tilted backward (about 1/4 inch higher in front) to ensure the door closes securely.
Connect Power: Plug the power cord directly into a dedicated 115V, 60Hz, 15-amp grounded outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
Final Check: Ensure the door opens and closes freely without obstruction.

WARNING! This appliance is heavy. Use two or more people to move and install it to avoid back injury or damage to floors.

First-Time Setup

After installation, follow these steps to prepare your refrigerator for use.

Initial Cooling: Turn the temperature control dial to the midpoint setting. The refrigerator will take several hours to reach the proper cooling temperature.
Clean Interior: Before storing food, wipe the interior surfaces with a solution of warm water and baking soda (2 tbsp per quart). Rinse and dry.
Organize Shelves: Adjust the glass shelves to your preferred heights. Place the crispers in their slides.
Load Food: Avoid overloading. Allow space between items for air to circulate. Place frequently used items in the door bins for easy access.

CAUTION! Do not block the air vents inside the refrigerator or freezer compartments, as this will affect cooling performance.

Specifications

Model: 106 Series
Type: Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Total Capacity: Approximately 18 Cubic Feet
Fresh Food Capacity: Approximately 13 Cubic Feet
Freezer Capacity: Approximately 5 Cubic Feet
Defrost System: Automatic (Freezer) / Frost-Free (Refrigerator)
Power Requirements: 115 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only
Amperage: 5 Amps (Running)
Dimensions (HxWxD): Refer to the label on the unit or product documentation.
Finish: White, textured steel exterior
Door Swing: Right-hand hinge (standard), reversible on some models

Controls and Settings

The primary control is a mechanical dial located on the ceiling or side wall inside the fresh food compartment.

Temperature Control Dial: Typically numbered 1 to 9 or marked Cold, Colder, Coldest. Turning the dial to a higher number makes the compartment colder.

Setting 1-3: Warmest setting (for minimal cooling or energy saving).
Setting 4-6: Recommended normal range for most households.
Setting 7-9 (or Max): Coldest setting. Use this temporarily to cool down a large load of groceries.

Note: A single control cools both the fresh food and freezer sections. The freezer temperature will vary based on the fresh food setting and room temperature.

Using the Refrigerator

For optimal food preservation and energy efficiency.

Temperature: Maintain the fresh food compartment at 37°F to 40°F. Use an appliance thermometer to verify.
Organization: Store raw meat, poultry, and fish on the bottom shelf in sealed containers to prevent drips. Use crispers for produce.
Door Bins: Ideal for drinks, condiments, butter, and eggs. These are the warmest areas.
Avoid Overloading: Do not block the rear air vent. Allow space between items for air circulation.
Cover Food: Store food in covered containers or sealed bags to maintain humidity and prevent odor transfer.

Tip: Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator.

Using the Freezer

Proper use ensures food stays safely frozen and minimizes frost buildup.

Temperature: The freezer should be at 0°F or below.
Packaging: Use freezer-grade bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Remove as much air as possible.
Loading: Use the provided baskets to organize frozen foods. Do not store glass containers of liquid in the freezer.
Freezing New Items: Place new items against the freezer walls or at the bottom for fastest freezing. Leave space between packages until solid.
Defrosting: The freezer has an automatic defrost cycle. You may see a small amount of frost or water droplets; this is normal.

WARNING! Never use sharp objects to remove ice or frost, as you may puncture the cooling coils.

Care & Cleaning

Regular cleaning maintains efficiency and prevents odors.

Unplug First: Always disconnect power before cleaning.
Interior: Clean shelves, bins, and interior surfaces every few months with a solution of warm water and baking soda. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Door Seals (Gaskets): Wipe with a damp cloth to remove food particles. Check for cracks or tears that could let cold air escape.
Exterior: Clean the cabinet and door with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Condenser Coils: Located at the back or underneath (grille). Vacuum the coils every 6-12 months to remove dust and improve efficiency.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive scouring pads, or excessive water, especially near electrical components.

Energy Saving Tips

Set the temperature control to the recommended mid-range setting (4-6).
Ensure the door seals are clean and airtight.
Allow hot foods to cool before refrigerating.
Cover liquids and wrap foods to reduce moisture buildup.
Do not open the door unnecessarily or leave it open for extended periods.
Ensure adequate air circulation around the unit (clearance at back and top).
Keep the condenser coils clean.

Warranty Information

This Kenmore appliance is backed by a limited warranty. For full terms and conditions, refer to the warranty certificate included with your product or contact Kenmore customer service. Typically covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.

For service or warranty claims, have your model and serial number ready. The serial plate is located inside the refrigerator compartment (on the side wall or ceiling) or on the exterior frame.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Refrigerator is not cooling	Power issue, control set too warm, dirty coils, blocked vents	Ensure unit is plugged in and outlet works. Set control to colder setting. Clean condenser coils. Check for blocked air vents inside.
Freezer is not cold enough	Room too hot, door not sealing, overloaded, control setting	Ensure room temp is below 110°F. Check door seal. Do not overload. Set control colder. Allow time after adjusting.
Unit runs constantly	Hot room, frequent door openings, dirty coils, new load of food	Normal in hot weather or after adding food. Reduce door openings. Clean condenser coils.
Excessive frost in freezer	Door left open, faulty seal, humid conditions	Ensure door closes completely. Check and clean door gasket. In humid weather, frost may form more quickly.
Water on floor	Clogged defrost drain, unlevel unit	Check for food debris blocking the drain hole at the back of the refrigerator compartment. Ensure refrigerator is level (tilted slightly back).
Loud or unusual noises	Unit not level, items vibrating, normal compressor sounds	Level the refrigerator. Check if bottles or shelves are rattling. Gurgling or sizzling sounds during defrost are normal.
Interior light does not work	Bulb burned out, door switch faulty	Replace bulb with an appliance bulb of the same wattage. Unplug unit before replacing. Check door switch mechanism.

For Service: If problems persist after checking the above, contact authorized Kenmore service at 1-800-469-4668 or visit www.kenmore.com.