Kenmore Elite 9980, 46-9980 Refrigerator Water Filter

The Kenmore Elite 9980 is a premium replacement water filter designed for select Kenmore Elite refrigerator models requiring the 46-9980 filter code. NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified to reduce chlorine taste and odor, lead, select trace compounds, and other contaminants through activated carbon block filtration. The push-in installation design is specific to the 9980 housing and is not interchangeable with twist-and-lock or open-tray Kenmore Elite filter styles. 

One detail worth confirming before ordering: always verify the current filter code on your refrigerator or existing filter label, as the 9980 is a distinct code specific to Kenmore Elite models and should not be confused with other Kenmore Elite filter numbers.

Why Choose the Kenmore Elite 9980 Water Filter

The Kenmore Elite 9980 is tested and certified to NSF 42, 53, and 401 standards, covering aesthetic, health, and emerging contaminant reduction across three independent certification levels. Here is what the 46-9980 specifically addresses:

• Lead and heavy metals
• Chlorine taste and odor
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Select trace compounds and emerging contaminants
• Cysts
• Sediment and particulates
• Asbestos fibers

Kenmore Elite 9980 Filter Specifications

• Product Name: Kenmore Elite 9980, 46-9980 Refrigerator Water Filter
• Certification: NSF 42, 53, and 401
• Filter Capacity: 200 gallons
• Filter Life: Up to 6 months
• Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
• Operating Temperature: 33 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Working Pressure: 30 to 120 PSI
• Filter Media: Activated carbon block
• Installation Type: Push-in, tool-free
• Compatible Fridge Types: Select Kenmore Elite refrigerators using the 46-9980 filter code
• Brand: Kenmore

Easy Installation for the Kenmore Elite 46-9980 Water Filter

The 9980 uses a push-in design that requires no tools and takes under a minute to complete. Here is how the swap works:

1. Locate the filter housing inside the Kenmore Elite refrigerator compartment
2. Press the release button on the filter housing to eject the old filter
3. Pull the old Kenmore Elite 9980 filter straight out of the housing
4. Align the new filter with the housing inlet and push it firmly into place until it clicks
5. Confirm the filter is seated securely with no gaps at the housing connection
6. Run 2 to 3 gallons of water through the dispenser before drinking for the best filtration result
7. Reset the filter indicator light per the Kenmore Elite refrigerator user guide

When to Replace the Kenmore Elite 46-9980 Filter

Replace the Kenmore Elite 9980 refrigerator water filter when any of the following occur:

• Every 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first
• Water develops a flat taste or noticeable chemical odor
• Dispenser flow drops below normal levels
• The filter indicator light activates on the Kenmore Elite refrigerator control panel

Key Benefits

• NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified covering aesthetic, health, and emerging contaminant reduction across three independent certification levels
• Activated carbon block filtration for consistent lead, VOC, and trace compound reduction throughout the full filter life
• Push-in installation specific to the 9980 housing for a secure, leak-free fit
• Tool-free replacement completed in under a minute
• 200 gallon or 6 month service life with a 2 to 3 gallon flush cycle after installation for optimal first-use performance
• Indicator light compatible with the filter reset function on select Kenmore Elite refrigerator panels

FAQs

What does NSF 401 certification actually mean for drinking water quality?

NSF 401 is an independent certification that confirms a filter has been tested and verified to reduce select emerging contaminants including trace compounds, personal care product residues, and other substances increasingly found in municipal water supplies. It goes beyond what NSF 42 and 53 cover and represents an additional layer of verified contaminant reduction for households that want broader coverage from their refrigerator filter.

Is the Kenmore Elite 9980 the same filter as the Kenmore Elite 9490?

No. The 9980 and 9490 are distinct filter codes with different housing designs and separate compatibility ranges. While both carry NSF 42, 53, and 401 certification, they are not interchangeable. Always verify the filter code printed on the existing filter or inside the refrigerator compartment before ordering to confirm the correct replacement.

Can the Kenmore Elite 9980 be installed without turning off the water supply?

Yes. The push-in housing on the 9980 is designed for a dry swap, meaning the water supply to the refrigerator does not need to be shut off before replacing the filter. The housing seals automatically when the old filter is ejected and re-seals when the new filter clicks into place. Some dripping at the housing during the swap is normal.

How do I know if the 9980 filter is properly seated after installation?

A correctly installed Kenmore Elite 9980 filter will sit flush with the housing with no visible gap at the connection point. Attempting to pull the filter out gently after installation should meet resistance. If the filter pulls out easily or water drips from the housing after flushing, remove and reinsert the filter, making sure it clicks firmly into place before running water through the dispenser.

Does replacing the Kenmore Elite 9980 on schedule actually improve water taste?

A carbon block filter approaching or past its 200 gallon or six month service limit loses adsorption capacity, meaning chlorine taste and odor reduction becomes less effective over time. Water that tastes flat, faintly chemical, or noticeably different from a freshly installed filter is a reliable sign the carbon block is saturated. Replacing on schedule maintains consistent taste improvement rather than waiting until the drop in quality becomes obvious.

Where can I find the model number to confirm the 9980 is the right filter for my refrigerator?

The refrigerator model number is typically printed on a label inside the fresh food compartment, either on the side wall or along the top edge near the door frame. Cross-referencing that model number against the 46-9980 compatibility list confirms whether the 9980 is the correct replacement before ordering.