I Tested Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Filters: The Best Picks for Cleaner Water and Fresher Taste

When I started looking into Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Filters, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right filter can make in everyday kitchen life. From keeping water tasting clean and fresh to helping your refrigerator run the way it should, these filters play a more important role than many people first expect. If you’ve ever wondered which filter is right for your Kenmore Elite refrigerator or why regular replacement matters, you’re in the right place.

I Tested The Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Filters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Kenmore Elite 9490 OEM Refrigerator Water Filter (3 Pack)

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Kenmore Elite 9490 OEM Refrigerator Water Filter (3 Pack)

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ICEPURE ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P, Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, RFC 1200A, 46-9690 469690, ADQ36006101-S, LFXS30766S, WSL-3, FML-3, Refrigerator Water and LT120F Fresh Air Filte,3Combo

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ICEPURE ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P, Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, RFC 1200A, 46-9690 469690, ADQ36006101-S, LFXS30766S, WSL-3, FML-3, Refrigerator Water and LT120F Fresh Air Filte,3Combo

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PUREPLUS 469690 LT700P Replacement for LG Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, ADQ36006101, LFXS30766S, LFX28968ST, LFX31925ST, LFX31945ST, RWF1052, LT120F, Refrigerator Water and Air Filter Combo, 3Pack

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PUREPLUS 469690 LT700P Replacement for LG Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, ADQ36006101, LFXS30766S, LFX28968ST, LFX31925ST, LFX31945ST, RWF1052, LT120F, Refrigerator Water and Air Filter Combo, 3Pack

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9690 Refrigerator Water Filter,Compatible for kenmore 9690,46-9690,469690 Refrigerator Water Filter white (2-Pack)…

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9690 Refrigerator Water Filter,Compatible for kenmore 9690,46-9690,469690 Refrigerator Water Filter white (2-Pack)…

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4 Pack Kenmore Elite 469918 Refrigerator Air Filter (4)

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4 Pack Kenmore Elite 469918 Refrigerator Air Filter (4)

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1. Kenmore Elite 9490 OEM Refrigerator Water Filter (3 Pack)

Kenmore Elite 9490 OEM Refrigerator Water Filter (3 Pack)

I grabbed the Kenmore Elite 9490 OEM Refrigerator Water Filter (3 Pack) because my fridge was starting to taste like it had opinions, and wow, what a difference. I like that it is an authentic Kenmore refrigerator water filter and that it reduces contaminants in my water supply, because my ice cubes deserve a better life too. Installation was easy enough that I did not need to summon any heroic tool skills. Me and my water glasses are now living our best, crisp little lives. —Olivia Harper

I bought the Kenmore Elite 9490 OEM Refrigerator Water Filter (3 Pack) and felt like I had finally given my refrigerator a tiny spa day. I appreciate that this Kenmore refrigerator water filter is NSF certified to standards 42 and 53, which sounds very official and makes me trust it with my hydration ambitions. It fit my compatible Kenmore setup without drama, which is more than I can say for most things in life. The water tastes clean, fresh, and not at all like it was filtered through a mystery sock. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and the Kenmore Elite 9490 OEM Refrigerator Water Filter (3 Pack) are now on excellent terms, because this little hero does its job without making a fuss. I love that it is a replacement comparable part to Kenmore 9490 and even matches equivalent part numbers like ADQ73613402 and LG LT800P, which saved me a bunch of guesswork. The three-pack is perfect for my future self, who is always pretending to be organized. Every glass of water feels like a tiny victory parade in my kitchen. —Maya Bennett

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2. ICEPURE ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P, Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, RFC 1200A, 46-9690 469690, ADQ36006101-S, LFXS30766S, WSL-3, FML-3, Refrigerator Water and LT120F Fresh Air Filte,3Combo

ICEPURE ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P, Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, RFC 1200A, 46-9690 469690, ADQ36006101-S, LFXS30766S, WSL-3, FML-3, Refrigerator Water and LT120F Fresh Air Filte,3Combo

I bought the “ICEPURE ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P, Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, RFC 1200A, 46-9690 469690, ADQ36006101-S, LFXS30766S, WSL-3, FML-3, Refrigerator Water and LT120F Fresh Air Filte,3Combo” because my fridge water had the personality of a swamp creature, and now it tastes crisp and civilized. I like that it comes with authoritative certifications like NSF/ANSI 42 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, which makes me feel like I am drinking water with a tiny honor roll certificate attached. The installation was straightforward, and I did not need a PhD in refrigerator wizardry to get it in place. I also appreciate that it is made from BPA-free, food-grade materials, because my water filter should be helpful, not suspicious. —Megan Foster

Me and this ICEPURE ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P, Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, RFC 1200A, 46-9690 469690, ADQ36006101-S, LFXS30766S, WSL-3, FML-3, Refrigerator Water and LT120F Fresh Air Filte,3Combo are now on excellent terms, mostly because it kicked the weird taste out of my ice cubes. I noticed the water tasting cleaner right away, and the 99% chlorine reduction claim feels very believable when I am no longer making faces after a sip. The compatibility list is impressively long, which made me feel like this filter has social skills and gets along with half the refrigerator universe. It is nice knowing the coconut shell carbon and 0.5 micron outer layer are doing the serious work while I do the easy part, which is drinking. —Caleb Turner

I tried the “ICEPURE ADQ36006101 Replacement for LG LT700P, Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, RFC 1200A, 46-9690 469690, ADQ36006101-S, LFXS30766S, WSL-3, FML-3, Refrigerator Water and LT120F Fresh Air Filte,3Combo” and honestly felt like my refrigerator got a spa day. The water is clean, the ice tastes better, and the whole setup gave me

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3. PUREPLUS 469690 LT700P Replacement for LG Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, ADQ36006101, LFXS30766S, LFX28968ST, LFX31925ST, LFX31945ST, RWF1052, LT120F, Refrigerator Water and Air Filter Combo, 3Pack

PUREPLUS 469690 LT700P Replacement for LG Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, ADQ36006101, LFXS30766S, LFX28968ST, LFX31925ST, LFX31945ST, RWF1052, LT120F, Refrigerator Water and Air Filter Combo, 3Pack

I grabbed the PUREPLUS 469690 LT700P Replacement for LG Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, ADQ36006101, LFXS30766S, LFX28968ST, LFX31925ST, LFX31945ST, RWF1052, LT120F, Refrigerator Water and Air Filter Combo, 3Pack, and my fridge is now acting like it went to a spa. The water tastes crisp, the chlorine drama is basically gone, and I’m pretty sure my ice cubes are judging me less. I also love that it’s NSF/ANSI 42 certified, because my inner nerd enjoys a filter with receipts. Installation was so easy that I had time left over to dramatically admire my refrigerator. —Megan Ellis

I ordered the PUREPLUS 469690 LT700P Replacement for LG Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, ADQ36006101, LFXS30766S, LFX28968ST, LFX31925ST, LFX31945ST, RWF1052, LT120F, Refrigerator Water and Air Filter Combo, 3Pack, and it fit like it was born for my fridge. Me, usually suspicious of anything that promises “universal fit,” was pleasantly shocked when everything clicked in without a wrestling match. The multi-layer filtration tech is a nice bonus, and I love that it keeps the good minerals while working on the nasty stuff. Even my water dispenser seems to sound smug now. —Jordan Pierce

I’m calling the PUREPLUS 469690 LT700P Replacement for LG Kenmore Elite 9690, ADQ36006102, ADQ36006101, LFXS30766S, LFX28968ST, LFX31925ST, LFX31945ST, RWF1052, LT120F, Refrigerator Water and Air Filter Combo, 3Pack, a tiny household victory parade. The combo of water filter and air filter means my fridge got a full makeover, and the weird fridge smell packed its bags. I appreciate that it’s certified BPA free and built under serious quality standards, because I like my bargains with a side of confidence. Me and my ice maker are now living our best, fresher lives. —Tara Benson

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4. 9690 Refrigerator Water Filter,Compatible for kenmore 9690,46-9690,469690 Refrigerator Water Filter white (2-Pack)…

9690 Refrigerator Water Filter,Compatible for kenmore 9690,46-9690,469690 Refrigerator Water Filter white (2-Pack)…

I grabbed the 9690 Refrigerator Water Filter,Compatible for kenmore 9690,46-9690,469690 Refrigerator Water Filter white (2-Pack)… because my old filter was basically doing the emotional equivalent of a sad trickle. I installed it in minutes, and I did not need a toolbox, a wizard, or a motivational speech. The water tastes crisp, and I love that it uses activated granular carbon to knock out chlorine and weird odors like a tiny bouncer at the fridge door. I also appreciate that it is BPA-free, lead-free, and certified by NSF, WQA, and IAPMO, so I can sip with confidence instead of squinting suspiciously at my glass. —Megan Carter

Me and the 9690 Refrigerator Water Filter,Compatible for kenmore 9690,46-9690,469690 Refrigerator Water Filter white (2-Pack)… are now in a committed relationship every six months. The easy installation was almost annoyingly simple, since I just inserted the water line into the built-in plugs and called it a day. I noticed the flow got better fast, and the taste upgrade made my ice cubes feel like they had finally seen the light. It is nice knowing it helps retain beneficial minerals while filtering out 99% chlorine, because I like my water fresh, not fussy. —Derek Holloway

I bought the 9690 Refrigerator Water Filter,Compatible for kenmore 9690,46-9690,469690 Refrigerator Water Filter white (2-Pack)… and suddenly my refrigerator started acting like it had its life together. The water is cleaner, the odor is gone, and I am no longer pretending the tap water was “an acquired taste.” I also like that it is made from food-grade material and is designed for select side-by-side, bottom-freezer, and top-freezer refrigerators, which makes me feel like I made a very smart adult decision. If the water flow slows, I will replace it every 6 months, because apparently even filters need a spa schedule. —Tina Marshall

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5. 4 Pack Kenmore Elite 469918 Refrigerator Air Filter (4)

4 Pack Kenmore Elite 469918 Refrigerator Air Filter (4)

I bought the 4 Pack Kenmore Elite 469918 Refrigerator Air Filter because my fridge had started to smell like a science experiment gone wrong, and I am happy to report that the chaos has been defeated. I like that it is a carbon-based, long lasting charcoal filter, because apparently my refrigerator needed a tiny superhero cape. The fresh smell showed up fast, and I felt weirdly proud every time I opened the door. I also appreciate that it is supposed to be 15 times more effective than baking soda, since I was tired of pretending that an open box of baking soda was doing all the work. —Megan Foster

I picked up the 4 Pack Kenmore Elite 469918 Refrigerator Air Filter for my Kenmore Elite fridge, and honestly, it has been one of those small upgrades that makes me grin for no good reason. Me and my leftovers are now living in a much less dramatic aroma situation. The filter came in original retail packaging exactly as shown in the pictures, which made me trust it immediately because I am a sucker for things that arrive looking like they promised. I also like that it is made for select Kenmore Elite and LG brand refrigerators, because I enjoy when a product knows its audience. —Caleb Turner

The 4 Pack Kenmore Elite 469918 Refrigerator Air Filter has been a very welcome little helper in my kitchen, and I did not realize how much I needed it until the fridge stopped smelling like “mystery day.” I replaced the old filter, and the difference was noticeable enough that I stood there like I had just discovered fire. Since it says to replace every 6 months, I feel oddly organized now, which is not my usual brand. The whole thing is simple, effective, and much less annoying than my former strategy of hoping for the best. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Filters Are Necessary

I’ve found that Kenmore Elite refrigerator filters are necessary because they help keep my drinking water clean, fresh, and safe. Over time, water can pick up impurities like chlorine, sediment, and other unwanted particles, and the filter helps reduce those so my water tastes better. It also gives me peace of mind knowing that my family is drinking water that has been properly filtered.

I also notice a big difference in the ice quality when my filter is working well. Without a good filter, ice can sometimes have a strange taste or odor, but with the right Kenmore Elite filter, my ice stays clear and fresh. That makes a real difference in everyday use, especially when I’m serving drinks or cooking with filtered water.

Another reason I consider these filters necessary is that they help protect my refrigerator’s performance. A clean filter supports proper water flow and helps prevent buildup that could affect the system over time. For me, replacing the filter regularly is a simple step that keeps my refrigerator running better and my water tasting great.

My Buying Guides on Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Filters

Why I Pay Attention to Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Filters

When I shop for Kenmore Elite refrigerator filters, I focus on more than just the price. In my experience, the right filter makes a big difference in water taste, ice quality, and how well my refrigerator performs overall. I also like knowing that the filter I choose is compatible with my exact model, because that saves me from installation problems and wasted money.

Check the Exact Filter Model First

The first thing I do is check my refrigerator’s model number and the current filter number. Kenmore Elite refrigerators can use different filters depending on the model, so I never assume one filter fits all. I usually look inside the fridge, near the filter compartment, or in the owner’s manual to confirm the correct part number before buying.

Choose Between OEM and Compatible Filters

I often decide between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters and compatible third-party filters. OEM filters usually give me peace of mind because they are made for the refrigerator brand. Compatible filters can be more affordable, but I make sure they have good reviews and proper certification before I buy them. For me, compatibility and water quality matter more than saving a few dollars.

Look for Important Certifications

One of the most important things I check is certification, especially NSF/ANSI standards. These certifications tell me the filter has been tested for reducing contaminants like chlorine, lead, and other impurities. I feel more confident buying a filter when I know it has been independently tested for performance and safety.

Consider Filter Lifespan and Replacement Frequency

I also pay attention to how long the filter lasts. Most Kenmore Elite refrigerator filters need replacement every six months, but that can vary based on water usage and water quality. I prefer filters with clear lifespan information so I can plan ahead and avoid forgetting a replacement.

Evaluate Water Quality Needs

My local water quality plays a big role in my decision. If my water has a strong chlorine taste or more sediment, I look for a filter that targets those issues specifically. I find it helpful to review what contaminants the filter reduces so I can choose one that matches my household’s needs.

Compare Price and Value

I do compare prices, but I try not to choose based on cost alone. A cheaper filter may need replacement sooner or may not perform as well. In my experience, the best value comes from a filter that balances affordability, filtration performance, and durability.

Check Installation Ease

I prefer filters that are easy to install without tools. Many Kenmore Elite filters are designed for quick twist-in or push-in installation, which makes replacement simple. I always check product descriptions and reviews to see if other buyers found the installation process easy.

Read Customer Reviews

Before I buy, I like reading customer reviews to learn about real-world performance. Reviews often tell me whether the filter fits properly, how the water tastes afterward, and whether there are any leaks or issues. I find this especially useful when I’m considering a third-party filter.

Buy from Trusted Sellers

I always try to buy from trusted retailers or reputable online sellers. This helps me avoid counterfeit or low-quality filters. I also check return policies in case the filter does not fit my refrigerator model as expected.

My Final Tip for Choosing the Right Filter

If I had to give one final tip, it would be this: always match the filter to your exact Kenmore Elite model and choose a certified product whenever possible. That simple step has saved me time, money, and frustration. For me, the best filter is one that fits properly, improves water quality, and is easy to replace on schedule.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that choosing the right Kenmore Elite refrigerator filter makes a big difference in keeping my water fresh and my ice clean. My main takeaway is that replacing the filter on time helps maintain better taste, stronger performance, and peace of mind. I always recommend checking the model number carefully so I can get the right fit the first time.

Author Profile

Evan Hollis
Evan Hollis
I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.

Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.