Kenmore 9081, 46-9081 Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement
If your Kenmore side-by-side, bottom-freezer, or top-freezer has a filter cover door you open and eject the old cartridge from, you're looking at the housing built for the 9081. It's one of the more common Kenmore codes out there, and it happens to carry a certification level a lot of buyers don't expect from a standard filter.
Confirm You Need the 9081
| Part Number | Also Known As | Install Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9081, 46-9081 | EDR1RXD1, EDR1RXD1B, W10295370A, 9930, 9900, 9981, P4RFWB | Eject-and-slide | Kenmore side-by-side, bottom-freezer, and top-freezer models |
| 9083, 46-9083 | — | Push-button eject | Select Kenmore side-by-side models |
| 9999, 46-9999 | — | Eject-and-slide | Select Kenmore models using a different housing than 9081 |
If your filter sits behind a small cover door and pulls straight out with an alignment arrow guiding the new one back in, that's the eject-and-slide design the 9081 uses.
Compatible Refrigerator Models
The 9081 covers a wide slice of Kenmore's lineup, and shares its filter code with Whirlpool's EDR1RXD1:
- Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators
- Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators
- Kenmore top-freezer refrigerators
- Select Whirlpool-manufactured models using the EDR1RXD1 filter
Always confirm your model number before ordering. This list is representative, not exhaustive, across the full compatible range.
How This Filter Actually Helps
The 9081 punches a bit above what you'd expect from one of Kenmore's more common, lower-priced filters. It's NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified, which means it covers the usual chlorine taste and lead reduction along with the broader NSF 401 category, select pesticides and trace contaminants that standard municipal treatment doesn't always fully address. That third certification tier isn't something every Kenmore filter carries, so if you assumed a more affordable filter meant a smaller certification list, this one bucks that assumption.
Kenmore 9081 vs 9083: Eject-and-Slide vs Push-Button
| Kenmore 9081 | Kenmore 9083 | |
|---|---|---|
| Install Type | Eject-and-slide | Push-button eject |
| Certification | NSF 42, 53, and 401 | NSF 42 and 53 |
| Filter Capacity | 200 gallons | 300 gallons |
| Cross-Compatible | Whirlpool via EDR1RXD1 | — |
| Best For | Households wanting broader certification coverage | The simplest install mechanism in Kenmore's lineup |
How Do I Check My Part Number?
Look for the small cover door inside your fridge first, that's where this filter lives. Open it, pull the old filter straight out, and check the label. If it reads EDR1RXD1 or one of Kenmore's older internal codes like 9930 or 9900 instead of 9081, that's still the same filter, Kenmore has recycled a few numbering schemes for this one over the years.
What Happens If I Order the Wrong One?
A filter built for a push-button or twist-out housing won't slide into the 9081's eject-and-slide track correctly, and the alignment arrow that's supposed to guide it into place simply won't line up. You'll notice this immediately rather than after the fact, which makes ordering the wrong filter here more of an inconvenience than a hidden risk.
How Often Should You Replace This Filter?
Replace the 9081 every 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first. Its 200 gallon capacity is on the lower end for Kenmore's lineup, so households running the dispenser and ice maker often should expect to hit that cap before the six month mark shows up on the calendar.
What Customers Say
"Didn't expect NSF 401 certification on a filter at this price point. Checked twice to make sure I was reading it right."
"Had a Whirlpool that also used this exact filter under the EDR1RXD1 name. Saved some searching once I figured that out."
"Cover door and eject design is about as simple as installs get, no fumbling with a tray."
Buy With Confidence
Free shipping across the USA 30 days to return it if it isn't the right one NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified, independently verified Fast processing so your dispenser is back to normal quickly
Installing Your Kenmore 9081 Filter
- Open the filter cover door inside the refrigerator
- Pull the old filter straight out using the eject-and-slide design
- Slide the new 9081 filter in with the alignment arrow pointing up until it stops
- Close the filter cover
- Flush 4 gallons of water through the dispenser before drinking, to clear loose carbon particles
- Reset the filter indicator light per your refrigerator's user guide
Ready to Order?
Get broader certification coverage than most filters at this price point, priced below what you'd typically pay elsewhere.
Shop the Kenmore 9081 Water Filter Now from hive appliances
FAQs
Why does the 9081 have NSF 401 certification when it's one of Kenmore's more affordable filters?
That's simply how this particular filter is built and tested. Price and certification level don't always move together across Kenmore's lineup, and the 9081 happens to carry the broader 401 coverage regardless of its position as a more common, lower-cost option.
Is the 9081 really the same as the Whirlpool EDR1RXD1?
Yes. They share the same filter cartridge, so if your appliance calls for either code, this filter is compatible.
What if my old filter is labeled 9930 or 9900 instead of 9081?
Those are older Kenmore part numbers that cross-reference to the same 9081 filter. Order the 9081 and you're covered.
How long should I flush the dispenser after installing this filter?
About 4 gallons is recommended to clear loose carbon particles from the new filter before regular use.
Can I buy this filter in a multi-pack?
Yes, multi-pack options are available for this filter if you'd rather stock up and reduce how often you reorder.
What payment methods do you accept?
Hive Appliances accepts all major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay at checkout.