Kenmore 9990 Refrigerator Water Filter, 1 Pack

Reduce lead, cysts, and chlorine taste and odor from your refrigerator's water and ice with the Kenmore 9990 refrigerator water filter (model # 46-09990). This genuine Kenmore replacement is NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified and is built for select Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators using the 9990 filter housing.

Product Overview

The Kenmore 9990 is the genuine replacement filter for Kenmore refrigerators that originally shipped with the 9990/46-9990 filter cartridge. It uses an activated carbon block to reduce lead, cysts, and chlorine taste and odor, so your water and ice come out cleaner and better tasting. It installs without tools using a slide-and-twist design and is rated for up to 6 months or 200 gallons of use.

If your existing filter is labeled 9990, 46-9990, 469990, or one of the equivalent part numbers below, this is the correct replacement.

Compatibility

Kenmore's manufacturer listing specifies the 9990 (model 46-09990) for select Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators. Some retailers also list broader compatibility with select side-by-side and top-freezer models, so if your refrigerator falls outside the bottom-freezer category, we recommend confirming fit before ordering.

The most reliable way to confirm this is the correct filter:

1. Locate your current filter (usually inside the refrigerator compartment, base grille, or upper-right corner).

2. Check the part number printed on the filter housing or cap.

3. Match it against the equivalent part numbers listed below.

4. If you're unsure, check your Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filters collection or contact us before ordering — it's easier to confirm up front than to deal with a return.

Equivalent and cross-reference part numbers:

Product Specifications

Key Features and Benefits

• NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 certified — independently tested to reduce lead, cysts, and chlorine taste and odor.

• Genuine Kenmore replacement filter — matches OEM specifications for a secure, leak-free fit when installed in a compatible model.

• Tool-free installation — slide the filter into the housing and twist to lock; no wrenches or extra hardware needed.

• Consistent water flow — rated at 0.5 GPM to keep your dispenser and ice maker running at normal speed.

• Long service life — rated for 6 months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first.

What Does This Filter Reduce?

The Kenmore 9990 is certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 42 (aesthetic effects, such as chlorine taste and odor) and NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (health effects, including lead and cyst reduction). In practical terms, this means:

• Chlorine taste and odor are reduced, improving the flavor of drinking water and ice.

• Lead is reduced, addressing a common health-related contaminant in older plumbing systems.

• Cysts (such as cryptosporidium and giardia) are reduced.

This filter does not soften water or remove dissolved minerals — it's designed for taste, odor, and the specific contaminants covered by its NSF certifications.

How to Install the Filter

1. Locate the filter housing. On most compatible bottom-freezer Kenmore models, this is inside the refrigerator compartment or behind the base grille.

2. Remove the old filter. Turn it counterclockwise and pull it out (check your fridge's manual if the mechanism differs — some models use a push-button release).

3. Remove the protective cap from the new 9990 filter.

4. Slide the new filter in and twist clockwise until it locks into place.

5. Flush the system. Run 2.5 gallons of water through the dispenser before drinking, to clear out carbon fines and air pockets from the new filter.

6. Reset the filter indicator light, if your model has one, per your refrigerator's manual.

For a full walkthrough with photos, see our Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Guide.

When Should You Replace the Filter?

Replace the Kenmore 9990 every 6 months or after 200 gallons of use, whichever comes first. Replace it sooner if you notice:

• Reduced water flow from the dispenser

• A change in water taste or odor

• A blinking or lit filter-replacement indicator on your refrigerator

Curious whether refrigerator filtration is worth maintaining on schedule at all? Our guide on whether refrigerator water filters are actually good breaks down the real benefits and limitations.

What's Included

• 1 x Kenmore 9990 refrigerator water filter

• Protective cap (remove before installation)

No tools are required or included, since none are needed for installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Kenmore 9990 refrigerator water filter remove?

It's NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified to reduce lead, cysts, and chlorine taste and odor.

Is the Kenmore 9990 the same as the 46-9990 or 469990?

 Yes. These are all names for the same filter, model number 46-09990.

Will this filter fit my Kenmore refrigerator?

It's built for select Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators. Some retailers also list it for select side-by-side and top-freezer models, so the safest way to confirm fit is to match the part number on your current filter against the equivalent numbers listed above before ordering.

How often should I replace the Kenmore 9990 filter?

Every 6 months or after 200 gallons of use, whichever comes first.

Is this a genuine Kenmore product?

Yes, this is a genuine Kenmore-branded replacement filter manufactured to OEM specifications.

Do I need to flush the filter after installing it?

Yes. Run about 2.5 gallons of water through the dispenser before drinking to clear carbon fines and air from the new filter.

What if I order this filter and it doesn't fit?

Double-check the part number on your existing filter against the equivalent numbers listed above before purchase. If it still doesn't fit after installation, see our Return & Refund Policy for next steps.

What happens if I don't replace the filter on time? Filtration performance and water flow can both decline, and taste or odor may return. Replacing on schedule keeps performance consistent.