Kenmore 9081 vs 9083 vs 9690 Refrigerator Water Filters: Which Do You Need?
Quick answer
They're three different Kenmore filters. Kenmore's pages list 9081, 9083 and 9690 separately, with different fit notes and older part numbers. [S1] [S2] [S3] Buy the number on the filter you're taking out.
- 9081 and 9083 both claim NSF 42, 53 and 401. [S1] [S2] 9690 says it's tested and certified by NSF International, without naming those standards on the page we read. [S3]
- 9081 fits select Kenmore side-by-side, bottom-freezer and top-freezer fridges. 9083 fits select Kenmore side-by-side fridges. [S1] [S2]
- 9690 is rated for 200 gallons (757 liters) and should be replaced every six months. [S3]
- Waterdrop doesn't list a 9081, 9083 or 9690 replacement on its US store (checked 2026-10-27).
Find your fridge model in our model lookup table.
9081 vs 9083 vs 9690: what Kenmore says
| 9081 | 9083 | 9690 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore model number | 46-09081 [S1] | 46-09083 [S2] | 46-09690 [S3] |
| NSF claim on Kenmore's page | NSF 42, 53 and 401 [S1] | NSF 42, 53 and 401 [S2] | Tested and certified by NSF International (standards not named) [S3] |
| What Kenmore says it reduces | Lead and other metals; chlorine taste and odor; VOCs; some pesticides and pharmaceuticals [S1] | Lead and other metals; chlorine taste and odor; VOCs; some pesticides and pharmaceuticals [S2] | Lead, mercury, cysts, asbestos, atrazine and benzene [S3] |
| Fridge styles Kenmore names | Select Kenmore side-by-side, bottom-freezer and top-freezer [S1] | Select Kenmore side-by-side [S2] | Not stated on the page we read |
| Replace | Every 6 months, or sooner if flow slows [S1] | Every 6 months, or sooner if flow slows [S2] | Every six months; 200 gallons (757 liters) [S3] |
| Older numbers Kenmore says it replaces | 9930, W10394044, W10743248 [S1] | 9020, 9020B, 9030, 9030B [S2] | Not stated on the page we read |
| Brands Kenmore names on the page | Kenmore and Amana [S1] | Kenmore and Kenmore Elite [S2] | Kenmore [S3] |
Certified alternatives
We didn't find a Waterdrop replacement for 9081, 9083 or 9690. Kenmore's pages describe these as genuine OEM parts. [S1] [S2]
| Filter | What the seller claims | Our NSF check |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 9081 (genuine) | NSF 42, 53 and 401 [S1] | Pending: not yet confirmed in NSF's database 2026-10-27 |
| Kenmore 9083 (genuine) | NSF 42, 53 and 401 [S2] | Pending: not yet confirmed in NSF's database 2026-10-27 |
| Kenmore 9690 (genuine) | Tested and certified by NSF International; standards not named on Kenmore's page [S3] | Pending: which NSF/ANSI standards apply isn't stated on the product page we read. |
How to choose
- Read the old filter. If it says 9081, 9083, 9690, or one of the older numbers Kenmore lists for 9081 or 9083, match that number. [S1] [S2] [S3]
- Don't pick by fridge style alone. Both 9081 and 9083 can fit some side-by-side Kenmore fridges. [S1] [S2]
- Use Kenmore's filter finder on Kenmore.com or Sears PartsDirect if the old filter has no number, and compare the result with your owner's manual.
Have a Whirlpool-built everydrop filter instead? See Filter 1, Filter 3 vs Filter A or Filter 4.
Where to buy
We don't list prices because they change daily. Check the current price at the seller.
- Kenmore: 9081 Official: Manufacturer store. Check current price.
- Kenmore: 9083 Official: Manufacturer store. Check current price.
- Kenmore: 9690 Official: Manufacturer store. Model 46-09690. Check current price.
FAQ
Is Kenmore 9081 the same as 9083?
No. Kenmore lists them as separate filters. 9081 fits select side-by-side, bottom-freezer and top-freezer Kenmore fridges; 9083 fits select side-by-side Kenmore fridges. They also replace different older part numbers. [S1] [S2]
Is Kenmore 9690 the same as 9081 or 9083?
Kenmore sells 9690 as its own 200-gallon filter. [S3] Kenmore's pages don't say it replaces 9081 or 9083.
Does 9081 replace W10394044?
Yes. Kenmore says water filter 9081 replaces earlier filter part numbers 9930, W10394044 and W10743248. [S1]
Does 9083 replace 9020 or 9030?
Yes. Kenmore says water filter 9083 replaces earlier filter part numbers 9020, 9020B, 9030 and 9030B. [S2]
How often should I change a Kenmore 9081 or 9083?
Kenmore says every 6 months, or more often if water flow slows noticeably. [S1] [S2]
How often should I change a Kenmore 9690?
Kenmore says every six months. The filter is rated for 200 gallons (757 liters). [S3]
What we could not verify
- Which company manufactures each Kenmore filter. Kenmore's pages call them genuine OEM parts and name Kenmore, Amana or Kenmore Elite, but they don't name the OEM factory.
- Whether any of these is the same as an everydrop or LG filter. Retailer and third-party pages claim that; Kenmore's genuine product pages we read don't.
- A fridge model list. Kenmore's pages say "select" models without listing them, so no models are added yet.
- Which NSF/ANSI standards apply to 9690. Kenmore says NSF International certified it, without naming 42, 53 or 401 on that page.
- NSF database confirmation for any of the three.
- Flow rate, pressure and temperature for 9081 and 9083. Kenmore's pages we read don't list those specs.
Sources
- [S1] Kenmore 9081 Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter, Kenmore. Accessed 2026-10-27. Used for: NSF 42/53/401 claim, contaminants list, fridge styles, 6-month replacement, replaced part numbers 9930/W10394044/W10743248, Kenmore and Amana.
- [S2] Kenmore 9083 Genuine Refrigerator Water Filter, Kenmore. Accessed 2026-10-27. Used for: NSF 42/53/401 claim, contaminants list, side-by-side fit, 6-month replacement, replaced part numbers 9020/9020B/9030/9030B, Kenmore and Kenmore Elite.
- [S3] Kenmore 9690 200 gal. Water Filter (Model 46-09690), Kenmore. Accessed 2026-10-27. Used for: 200-gallon capacity, six-month replacement, NSF International claim, contaminant list.
Last checked 2026-10-27. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll recheck it against the source.