Kenmore Refrigerator Model 111․730: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide details operation for Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerators‚ specifically models 111․7302 and 111․7304‚ referencing care guides and available manuals․
The Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator series‚ encompassing models 111․7302 and 111․7304‚ represents a popular choice for households seeking reliable refrigeration․ These bottom-freezer models‚ identified by color code 60139-0021700-00 and code F706 (variations 4 & 8)‚ offer a balance of capacity and efficiency․
Understanding the specifics of your model is crucial for optimal performance and longevity․ This guide‚ alongside the official Kenmore Use & Care Guide (available in English and Spanish)‚ provides essential information․ Resources like Kenmoresewingmanuals․com also offer access to related documentation․ Proper use and maintenance‚ detailed within these materials‚ will ensure years of dependable service from your Kenmore appliance․
Understanding Model Variations (111․7302‚ 111․7304)
While both the Kenmore 111․7302 and 111․7304 are bottom-freezer refrigerators sharing core functionalities‚ subtle differences may exist․ Both models utilize the same color code (60139-0021700-00) and fall under the F706 series‚ but are distinguished by their specific code – 4 for 111․7304 and 8 for 111․7302․
These variations might relate to internal component specifications or minor aesthetic details․ Referencing the dedicated Use & Care Guide for your specific model number is paramount․ Though broadly similar‚ consulting the correct manual ensures accurate troubleshooting‚ maintenance‚ and warranty information․ Always prioritize documentation matching your refrigerator’s exact model for optimal performance and safety․
Key Features and Specifications
This Kenmore refrigerator boasts a bottom freezer design‚ offering ample storage and convenient access‚ detailed within its accompanying Use & Care Guide․
Refrigerator Capacity and Dimensions
Determining the precise refrigerator capacity and dimensions for Kenmore model 111․730 requires referencing the specific model variation – 111․7302 or 111․7304 – as slight differences may exist․ The Use & Care Guide (color number 60139-0021700-00‚ Code F706-4 or F706-8) provides detailed specifications․
Generally‚ these bottom-freezer models offer substantial refrigerated space‚ designed for family-sized food storage․ While exact cubic footage isn’t immediately available without the guide‚ users can expect shelving configurations optimized for various items․ Accurate dimensions – height‚ width‚ and depth – are crucial for installation planning and ensuring proper fit within the kitchen space․ Always consult the official documentation for precise measurements before purchasing or installing․
Freezer Capacity and Organization
The Kenmore 111․730 bottom-freezer design prioritizes efficient food storage and organization․ While specific freezer capacity (in cubic feet) isn’t directly stated in the provided snippets‚ the configuration aims to maximize usable space․ Expect features like adjustable shelves and potentially door bins to accommodate various frozen items․
Effective organization is key to preventing freezer burn and maintaining food quality․ The Use & Care Guide (60139-0021700-00‚ F706-4/F706-8) likely illustrates optimal shelf placement for different food types․ Proper packaging and labeling are also recommended․ The bottom-freezer layout allows for easy access to frequently used frozen goods without bending excessively․
Temperature Control System
The Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator utilizes a temperature control system designed for consistent cooling in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments․ While the snippets don’t detail the specifics‚ a digital display and control panel (referenced in a separate section) likely manage temperature settings․
Users can adjust the temperature to suit their needs‚ ensuring optimal food preservation․ The Use & Care Guide (60139-0021700-00‚ F706-4/F706-8) provides detailed instructions on setting and monitoring temperatures․ Proper temperature maintenance is crucial for food safety and preventing spoilage․ Expect separate controls for the refrigerator and freezer sections for independent adjustments․
Energy Efficiency and Ratings
Information regarding the energy efficiency and ratings of the Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator is not directly provided in the available snippets․ However‚ modern refrigerators‚ including Kenmore models‚ are generally designed with energy conservation in mind․
The Use & Care Guide (60139-0021700-00‚ F706-4/F706-8) may contain details about the refrigerator’s energy consumption and Energy Star compliance‚ if applicable․ Efficient operation contributes to lower electricity bills and a reduced environmental impact․ Proper maintenance‚ such as keeping condenser coils clean‚ also supports optimal energy performance․
Operating Instructions
Refer to the Use & Care Guide (60139-0021700-00‚ F706-4/F706-8) for detailed instructions on setup‚ temperature adjustments‚ ice maker‚ and water dispenser use․
Initial Setup and Installation
Before operating your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator‚ carefully review the included Use & Care Guide․ Ensure the refrigerator is placed on a level surface‚ allowing adequate ventilation around the sides and back – typically a few inches․
Connect the water supply line if utilizing the ice maker and water dispenser‚ following the guide’s specific instructions to prevent leaks․ Allow the refrigerator to run for several hours to reach optimal cooling temperatures before loading with food․
Proper installation is crucial for performance and efficiency․ Verify the electrical outlet meets the refrigerator’s power requirements․ Consult a qualified technician if you encounter any difficulties during the setup process․
Adjusting Temperature Settings
The Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator’s temperature is controlled via the control panel․ Refer to your Use & Care Guide for specific instructions‚ as panel designs may vary slightly between model variations (111․7302‚ 111․7304)․
Typically‚ separate controls adjust the refrigerator and freezer temperatures․ Start with the recommended settings – often mid-range – and allow 24 hours for stabilization before making further adjustments․
Lower numbers indicate colder temperatures․ Monitor food and freezer contents to ensure proper preservation․ Avoid drastic temperature changes‚ as this can affect food quality and energy consumption․
Using the Ice Maker
The Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator’s ice maker automatically produces ice when connected to a water supply․ Ensure the water line is properly connected and the water supply valve is fully open․ Allow up to 24 hours for initial ice production‚ discarding the first few batches․
An “Ice On/Off” switch‚ usually located within the freezer compartment‚ controls ice production․ Verify it’s in the “On” position․
If ice production is slow or stops‚ check the water filter and ensure it isn’t clogged․ Refer to the Use & Care Guide for specific troubleshooting steps related to ice maker malfunctions․
Using the Water Dispenser
The Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator features a through-the-door water dispenser for convenient access to chilled water․ Ensure the refrigerator is connected to a potable water supply with adequate pressure․
To dispense water‚ firmly press a glass against the dispenser paddle․ Adjust pressure for desired fill level․
If water flow is weak or nonexistent‚ check the water supply valve and the water filter․ A clogged filter significantly reduces water flow․ Replace the filter according to the maintenance schedule outlined in the Use & Care Guide․
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning‚ air filter replacements‚ and defrosting are crucial for optimal performance and longevity of your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator․
Regular Cleaning Procedures
To maintain your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator’s hygiene and efficiency‚ consistent cleaning is essential․ Begin by disconnecting the appliance from the power source․ Remove all food items and shelving․ Wash interior surfaces with a mild detergent and warm water solution; avoid abrasive cleaners․
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely․ Clean door gaskets with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal․ For spills‚ immediate attention prevents staining and odor buildup․ Exterior surfaces can be wiped down with a stainless steel cleaner (if applicable) or a general-purpose cleaner․ Remember to clean the drip tray (if equipped) regularly to prevent mold growth and unpleasant smells․
Air Filter Replacement
Maintaining optimal air quality within your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator requires periodic air filter replacement․ Locate the air filter‚ typically found within the refrigerator compartment‚ often near the top or back․ Gently remove the old filter‚ noting its orientation for correct installation of the new one․
Insert the replacement filter‚ ensuring it clicks securely into place․ Replacement frequency depends on usage‚ but generally‚ every six months is recommended․ A clogged filter reduces airflow‚ impacting cooling performance and potentially increasing energy consumption․ Regularly checking and replacing the filter contributes to fresher food and a more efficient refrigerator․
Defrosting the Freezer
While many Kenmore 111․730 models feature frost-free operation‚ manual defrosting may occasionally be necessary if excessive frost buildup occurs․ Begin by emptying the freezer completely‚ transferring food to a cooler․ Disconnect the refrigerator from the power source to ensure safety․ Place towels around the freezer to absorb melting water․
Allow the frost to melt naturally; avoid using sharp objects to scrape it off‚ as this can damage the freezer lining․ Once melted‚ thoroughly dry the interior before reconnecting the refrigerator and returning the food․ Regular cleaning helps prevent excessive frost accumulation‚ maintaining optimal freezer performance․
Cleaning the Condenser Coils
Maintaining clean condenser coils is crucial for efficient refrigerator operation․ Located at the back or bottom of the unit‚ these coils dissipate heat․ Disconnect power before cleaning! Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust‚ dirt‚ and debris from the coils․
Avoid bending the coils during cleaning․ Regular cleaning – ideally every six months – improves energy efficiency and extends the refrigerator’s lifespan․ A buildup of dust forces the compressor to work harder‚ increasing energy consumption and potentially leading to overheating․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
This section addresses typical problems with the Kenmore 111․730‚ including cooling‚ freezing‚ water dispenser‚ and ice maker malfunctions for quick fixes․
Refrigerator Not Cooling
If your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator isn’t cooling‚ first verify the power supply and temperature settings․ Ensure the thermostat is set correctly and hasn’t been accidentally adjusted․ Check if the condenser coils are clean; dust buildup restricts airflow and reduces efficiency․ A blocked evaporator fan motor‚ located within the freezer‚ can also cause this issue – listen for its operation․
Inspect the door seals for gaps‚ allowing warm air to enter․ Confirm the air vents between the freezer and refrigerator aren’t obstructed‚ as they regulate temperature distribution; If these checks don’t resolve the problem‚ a potential refrigerant leak or compressor failure may require professional service․ Always disconnect power before inspecting internal components․
Freezer Not Freezing
When the freezer in your Kenmore 111․730 isn’t freezing‚ begin by checking the temperature settings and power connection․ Confirm the thermostat is set to a sufficiently low temperature․ A common cause is a blocked evaporator fan; listen for its operation within the freezer compartment․ Ice buildup can obstruct the fan blades‚ preventing proper airflow․
Inspect the door seal for any gaps that allow warm air to enter․ Ensure items aren’t blocking the vents connecting the freezer and refrigerator sections․ If the issue persists‚ a faulty defrost system – including the defrost heater‚ timer‚ or thermostat – might be the culprit‚ requiring professional diagnosis and repair․ Disconnect power before any inspection․
Water Dispenser Problems
If your Kenmore 111․730’s water dispenser isn’t working‚ first verify the water supply line is properly connected and the shut-off valve is fully open․ Check for kinks or freezing within the water line itself․ A clogged water filter is a frequent cause; replace it according to the maintenance schedule․
Low water pressure can also hinder dispenser function․ Examine the dispenser lock feature to ensure it isn’t accidentally engaged․ If problems continue‚ the water inlet valve might be defective‚ preventing water flow․ Disconnect the refrigerator from power before inspecting any water-related components․ Professional assistance may be needed for valve replacement․
Ice Maker Malfunctions
Should your Kenmore 111․730 ice maker cease production‚ initially confirm it’s switched ‘on’ within the control panel settings․ Verify the freezer temperature is sufficiently cold – ideally below 10°F (-12°C) – for optimal ice creation․ A frozen water supply line can obstruct ice production; inspect for ice buildup․
A full ice bin can sometimes trigger a shut-off mechanism․ Remove some ice to see if production resumes․ If issues persist‚ the ice maker’s water inlet valve or the ice maker module itself may be faulty‚ requiring professional diagnosis and potential replacement․ Always disconnect power before any internal inspection․
Safety Precautions
Always prioritize electrical safety; disconnect the refrigerator before cleaning or servicing․ Store food properly to prevent spoilage‚ and ensure child safety measures are in place․
Electrical Safety
Prioritize electrical safety when operating your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator․ Always ensure the appliance is properly grounded to prevent shock hazards․ Never use extension cords‚ as they can overheat and pose a fire risk․
Before performing any maintenance or cleaning‚ always disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply․ Avoid touching the power cord with wet hands․ If the power cord is damaged‚ it must be replaced by a qualified technician to prevent potential hazards․
Do not attempt to repair the refrigerator yourself if you are not qualified; improper repairs can lead to electrical shock or fire․ Regularly inspect the power cord for any signs of damage․
Proper Food Storage
Maintaining optimal food storage within your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator is crucial for safety and freshness․ Store raw meats on the lowest shelf to prevent cross-contamination․ Utilize airtight containers for leftovers and pre-cut fruits/vegetables to maintain humidity and prevent odor transfer․
Adjustable shelves allow for flexible organization․ Regularly check expiration dates and discard spoiled items promptly․ Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator‚ as this hinders proper air circulation․
The freezer is best suited for long-term storage; properly wrap foods to prevent freezer burn․ Consult food safety guidelines for recommended storage times for various items․
Child Safety Considerations
When operating your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator‚ prioritize child safety․ The water dispenser‚ if equipped‚ could pose a choking hazard for small children; supervise their use․ Discourage children from playing with or around the refrigerator‚ especially the doors‚ to prevent entrapment․
The control panel should be inaccessible to young children to avoid accidental setting changes․
Ensure the refrigerator is stable and cannot tip over‚ particularly if children are present․ Regularly inspect for any loose parts or potential hazards․ Educate children about the dangers of electrical appliances and proper refrigerator usage․
Warranty Information
Kenmore refrigerator model 111․730 comes with a warranty; details are found in the use and care guide‚ including claim filing procedures․
Warranty Coverage Details
The Kenmore refrigerator model 111․730 warranty‚ as outlined in the accompanying use and care guide‚ typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period․ This coverage generally includes parts and labor for repairs needed to restore the refrigerator to proper working condition․
However‚ the warranty may not cover issues arising from improper installation‚ misuse‚ abuse‚ or normal wear and tear․ It’s crucial to review the complete warranty documentation for specific exclusions and limitations․ The length of coverage can vary‚ often differing between components like the compressor and other parts․ Keep your proof of purchase readily available‚ as it’s essential for any warranty claim․
How to File a Warranty Claim
To initiate a warranty claim for your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator‚ first gather your original proof of purchase and the refrigerator’s model and serial number․ Contact Kenmore’s customer service department – details are typically found within the use and care guide or on their official website․
Be prepared to describe the issue in detail and potentially provide photos or videos․ A Kenmore representative will guide you through the claim process‚ which may involve troubleshooting steps or scheduling a service appointment with an authorized repair center․ Retain all communication records related to your claim for future reference․
Parts and Service
Replacement parts and authorized service for the Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator are available through Kenmore’s website and network of certified repair centers․
Finding Replacement Parts
Locating replacement parts for your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator can be achieved through several avenues․ Kenmore’s official website is a primary resource‚ often allowing searches by model number to pinpoint compatible components․
Alternatively‚ numerous online appliance parts retailers stock Kenmore parts‚ offering a wider selection and competitive pricing․ When ordering‚ always verify the part number matches your refrigerator’s specific configuration (111․7302 or 111․7304) to ensure compatibility․
Providing the refrigerator’s serial number can further refine the search․ Local appliance repair shops may also stock common parts or assist in ordering less readily available items․
Authorized Service Centers
For professional repairs of your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator‚ utilizing authorized service centers is highly recommended․ These centers employ technicians specifically trained on Kenmore appliances‚ ensuring accurate diagnosis and repair․
Sears Home Services is a primary provider of authorized Kenmore repair‚ offering both in-home service and potential drop-off options․ To locate a nearby authorized center‚ the Sears website provides a convenient service center locator tool‚ searchable by zip code․
Always confirm the service center is officially authorized to avoid unqualified repairs and potential warranty complications․
Online Support Resources
Numerous online resources offer support for your Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator․ Kenmoresewingmanuals․com provides access to a vast library of instruction and service manuals‚ available for instant download or printed copies․
The Sears PartsDirect website is invaluable for identifying and purchasing replacement parts‚ often including exploded diagrams to aid in locating the correct component․
Furthermore‚ online forums and communities dedicated to appliance repair can offer troubleshooting advice and shared experiences from other Kenmore refrigerator owners․
Understanding the Control Panel
The control panel features display indicators and functions for temperature settings‚ ice maker control‚ and potentially a control lock for added security․
Display Indicators and Functions
The Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator’s control panel utilizes a digital display to communicate refrigerator status and settings․ Indicators illuminate to show current temperature levels for both the refrigerator and freezer compartments‚ allowing for quick assessment of cooling performance․
Specific icons signal the activation of features like the ice maker and water dispenser‚ confirming their operational state․ A control lock indicator alerts users when the panel is secured‚ preventing accidental adjustments․ Diagnostic codes may also appear on the display‚ signaling potential issues requiring attention․
Understanding these indicators is crucial for efficient operation and troubleshooting‚ ensuring optimal food preservation and appliance functionality; Refer to the full manual for detailed explanations of each symbol․
Setting the Control Lock
The control lock feature on the Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator prevents unintended changes to temperature settings or feature activation․ To engage the lock‚ typically a dedicated “Lock” or “Control Lock” button on the display panel must be pressed and held for a specified duration – usually three to five seconds․
An indicator light will illuminate‚ confirming the lock is active․ This is particularly useful in households with children‚ preventing accidental adjustments․
To disable the lock‚ repeat the process: press and hold the same button for the same duration․ The indicator light will turn off‚ restoring control panel functionality․ Consult the complete user manual for precise instructions and potential variations․
Diagnostic Mode
The Kenmore 111․730 refrigerator may feature a diagnostic mode for self-testing and identifying potential issues․ Accessing this mode typically involves a specific sequence of button presses on the control panel‚ often requiring simultaneous holding of two or more buttons․
The display will then show error codes‚ if any are detected‚ which correspond to specific component failures or malfunctions․
These codes are crucial for technicians during service calls․ The user manual provides a detailed list of these codes and their meanings․ However‚ attempting repairs based solely on diagnostic codes is not recommended; professional service is advised․