How to Find Your Appliance Model Number (and the Right Part) – Complete Guide for Every Appliance Type

If you need to repair your appliance, the very first—and most important—step is to find the correct model number. Without it, you risk buying a part that simply won’t fit, even if it looks right.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to locate the model number for every type of appliance, from wall ovens and dishwashers to vacuum cleaners and heat pumps. We’ll also explain how you can use that number to find compatible parts instantly on our website, and how we can help if you’re stuck.

Why the Model Number is So Important

Model numbers are like fingerprints for appliances—they identify the exact specifications, size, design, and configuration of your unit. Even two appliances from the same brand and year can have subtle differences that require different parts.

For example:

A Fisher & Paykel dishwasher from 2020 may use a different seal or motor than a 2022 model.
A Samsung fridge may have the same door handles across several models—but different shelves, hinges, or control boards.

Having the correct model number means:

You’ll find the exact part that fits first time.
You’ll avoid wasted money on incorrect parts.
You can get faster help from our team.

Where to Find the Model Number – By Appliance Type

Every manufacturer places their model number labels differently. Below we’ve listed the most common appliances and every possible location you might find their stickers or metal plates.

1. Ovens & Stoves

Wall Ovens

Inside the door frame – Open the oven door and look around the edges.
Behind the oven door gasket – Sometimes the label is tucked under the rubber seal.
On the inside wall – Left or right interior panel, usually at the front.
Behind the control panel – Less common, but possible in older models.

Freestanding Ovens / Upright Cookers

Behind the oven door – On the frame near the hinges.
On the back panel – You may need to carefully pull the appliance forward.
On the side of the drawer – If your cooker has a pull-out drawer beneath, check the sides.

2. Cooktops (Gas, Electric, Induction)

Underside of the cooktop – You may need to lift it slightly.
Under the control knobs – Some models hide the label under a removable knob panel.
On the underside near burners – For gas models, check under the trivets.

3. Rangehoods

Inside the filter area – Remove the grease filter; the label is often on the frame.
Inside the canopy – On the inner wall, visible once filters are out.
Back of the unit – On wall-mounted rangehoods.

4. Dishwashers

On the side edge of the door – Open the door fully; look along the left or right inner edge.
Top edge of the door – Visible when the door is open.
On the inside tub – Usually stamped on stainless steel near the top.
Kickplate area – Behind a removable lower front panel.

5. Refrigerators & Freezers

Fridge-Freezers (Top/Bottom Mount)

Inside the fridge compartment – On a side wall, near the crisper drawers.
Ceiling of the fridge compartment – Common in some brands.
Inside the freezer compartment – On a side or rear wall.
Behind the kickplate – At floor level, front or back.

Side-by-Side Fridges

On the inside wall of the fresh food section – Often on the right-hand wall.
Inside the freezer door frame – Sometimes just inside the seal.

Chest Freezers

Under the lid – Check the underside of the lid panel.
On the outer side wall – Often near the front corner.

6. Washing Machines

Front-Loading Machines

Around the door frame – On the rim behind the door seal.
Inside the door – On the glass or plastic surround.
Rear panel – On the back of the machine.

Top-Loading Machines

Under the lid – On the underside of the top panel.
Control panel area – On the rear surface behind the controls.
Back panel – Near the base.

7. Clothes Dryers

Inside the door opening – Around the frame or lint filter area.
Rear panel – Back of the machine.
Control panel area – On the underside of the panel lip.

8. Heat Pumps & Air Conditioners

Indoor unit – Side panel, bottom edge, or behind the front cover.
Outdoor unit – Side or back of the casing, near the pipe connections.

9. Vacuum Cleaners

Underneath the base – Turn the vacuum over carefully.
Inside the dust compartment – Under the bag or bin.
On the rear panel – Near the cord storage.

10. Small Appliances (Microwaves, Coffee Machines, etc.)

Back panel – Most common location.
Underside – Check the bottom plate.
Inside door frame – Especially for microwaves.

How to Use Your Model Number on Our Website

Once you have your model number:

Go to our homepage.
Enter your model number into the search bar (exactly as it appears on the label—include hyphens, dots, and spaces if shown).
Hit search – you’ll see a list of every part we have for that exact model.
Select the part you need, add it to your cart, and checkout.
If your search doesn't return any results, make sure you have entered the right number and haven't made any typos. We have parts for almost every model sold in NZ, so if you can't find anything send us a photo of your label and we'll try find it for you.

Need Help? We’ll Do the Searching for You

If you can’t find your part, or aren’t sure which one is correct:

Send us your model number (a photo of the label works best).
Tell us which part you’re after (e.g., oven door seal, dishwasher pump).
We’ll find the exact part and let you know how to order.

You can contact us via our Enquiry Form or call our friendly team.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the serial number instead of the model number – They are different! The serial number is unique to your unit, while the model number applies to all units of the same design.
Guessing based on appearance – Many parts look identical but are slightly different sizes.
Forgetting to check both appliances – In fridge/freezer combos, the model label might be in only one section.

Final Word

Finding your appliance’s model number is the quickest way to get the right part, first time. Whether it’s a fridge shelf, oven element, dishwasher seal, or vacuum cleaner filter, the process starts with that small but important label.

Take a moment to locate it, use it in our website search, or send it to us directly—and we’ll make sure you get the exact part your appliance needs.

How To Find Your Appliance Model Number