Where to find the model number on a dishwasher

Dishwashers hide their label well: with the door closed, it's tucked inside against the cabinet. Pull the door all the way down and look along the door's left, right and top edges, then around the rim of the tub where the door seals. It's a small sticker or a metal plate, sometimes partly covered by the racks.

Where the label usually is

Most dishwashers: open the door and look along its edges (the sides and the top), then along the edge of the tub opening.

By brand

• BoschOpen the door; the sticker is on the right edge of the door.
• Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAidOpen the door; the label is on the left side of the tub frame.
• GE, Café, MonogramOpen the door and look on the inside front edge of the tub, left or right, or on the right side edge of the door.
• SamsungOpen the door and look on the top of the door's inner rim, on its left or right side, or on the inside edge of the tub.
• LGOpen the door; the tag is on the right side of the door.
• Frigidaire, ElectroluxOpen the door and look on the inside side of the door, or along the right side of the tub.
• MieleOpen the door; the data plate is on the upper edge of the door.
• ThermadorOpen the door; the label is on the edge of the door, along the top or on the right side.

Each brand's spot is from that maker's own "where is my model number" page or manual, linked under Sources. Models vary, so if it isn't there, check the other spots above.

How to find and record the numbers

1. 1. Make it safeOpen the door to read the label; no need to switch anything off. If you take off the kick plate, turn the dishwasher off at its switch or circuit first.
2. 2. Look in the usual spot firstOpen the door and look along its edges (the sides and the top), then along the edge of the tub opening.
3. 3. Find the two numbersLook for the words Model (or M/N, Mod.) and Serial (or S/N, Ser.). The model is the product; the serial is your one unit.
4. 4. Take a sharp photoUse the flashlight at an angle so the label doesn't glare, and get the whole label in the frame. A photo beats copying by hand: 0 and O, 1 and I, 5 and S are easy to mix up.
5. 5. Keep it where you'll find itSave the photo with the appliance's name, or write both numbers on the receipt or in your home records.

Model number or serial number?

The model number names the product: every unit of that model shares it, and it's what you need for the manual, replacement parts and recall searches. The serial number is your one unit. Makers use it for warranty claims, and many build the date it was made into it, which is how you can tell an appliance's age without the receipt. Each maker uses its own code for the date, so look up your brand's pattern or ask the maker before you trust a guess.

What you'll use it for

The model number tells you which filter and spray arms your dishwasher has, which matters because many newer dishwashers have a filter you twist out and rinse by hand, and the manual for your model says how often. It's also what you need for replacement racks, rack wheels and door seals, for the right detergent and rinse aid advice, and for checking recalls. If water is pooling in the bottom, the repair person will ask for it first.

If the label isn't there

Pull the bottom rack out and look at the tub's side walls near the front. Some models put the label behind the kick plate at the bottom of the front: take out its screws only with the dishwasher switched off at its circuit or switch. The installer's paperwork or the receipt may list the model.

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