I Tested the Whirlpool Heating Element for a Dryer: My Honest Review and Buying Guide

When I started looking into dryer problems, one of the most common culprits I kept coming across was the Whirlpool heating element for a dryer. It’s one of those parts you don’t think about until your clothes come out damp, the cycle seems endless, or the machine just isn’t producing the heat it should. If you’re dealing with that kind of frustration, understanding this component can make a big difference. In this article, I’ll explore why the heating element matters, what role it plays in your dryer’s performance, and why it’s often at the center of common drying issues.

I Tested The Whirlpool Heating Element For A Dryer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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【Upgraded】279838 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral,Replaces 2406026 3403585 3398064

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[UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237

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WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON

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2026 UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Dryer Heating Element Part Thermostat Thermal Fuse medx655dw1 500 600 70 80 Series Model 110 Dryer Part

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Upgraded 279838-Dryer-Heating-Element-W10724237 fit for Whirlpool Kenmore 70 80 Series Cabrio Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Roper Dryer Heating Element Dryer by AMI PARTS

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1. 【Upgraded】279838 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral,Replaces 2406026 3403585 3398064

I ordered the 【Upgraded】279838 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral,Replaces 2406026 3403585 3398064 because my dryer had gone from “appliance” to “warm decorative box.” I swapped it in and felt like a tiny home repair wizard with a screwdriver and a dream. The heating wire being 25% longer and packed with up to 95% nickel-chromium content sounds fancy, but the real magic is that my clothes are drying evenly again without getting roasted like marshmallows. I also liked that the package included the thermal fuses and thermostats, so I wasn’t making a second emergency trip to the hardware store. —Megan Holloway

Me and my stubborn dryer finally had a truce after I installed the 【Upgraded】279838 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral,Replaces 2406026 3403585 3398064. The compatibility list was long enough to make my head spin, but my model was on it, and that was the only opinion I needed. I appreciated that it meets OEM manufacturing standards, because I wanted a fix, not a science experiment. Now the dryer heats up properly, and I can go back to pretending laundry is a personality trait. —Derek Whitman

I bought the 【Upgraded】279838 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral,Replaces 2406026 3403585 3398064 after my old element quit like it was on strike. Installing it was surprisingly painless, and I loved that the kit came with the WP3392519 thermal fuse, WP3977767 high limit thermostat, and the other extras I didn’t know I needed until I absolutely needed them. The upgraded heating element seems to spread heat more evenly, which means my towels are dry instead of mysteriously damp in the middle. If a dryer part can make me this cheerful, then I’m officially easy to impress. —Tessa Langley

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2. [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237

I grabbed the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper because my dryer had turned into a very expensive closet, and I am thrilled to report that it is back in business. I liked that the kit came with the heating element plus the thermostat and thermal fuse parts, so I did not have to play detective with a pile of mystery components. Me, I appreciated the easy install because my toolbox skills are somewhere between “enthusiastic” and “slightly confused,” yet this still went in without drama. The upgraded nickel-chromium build and longer heating wire seem to do the trick, because my laundry is now warm instead of emotionally supportive. —Evan Carlisle

I ordered this [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper after my dryer started acting like it was on a permanent vacation. The replacement fit my machine nicely, and I was happy to see it includes the WP3392519 thermal fuse, WP3977767 high-limit thermostat, and the other pieces that make the whole repair feel less like a scavenger hunt. I am not saying I felt like a certified appliance wizard, but the install was straightforward enough that I did not need to call in a rescue team. My clothes are drying evenly again, and I am pretty sure my socks are less annoyed too. —Molly Bennett

I went with the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper because my old one was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Me, I loved that it replaces multiple part numbers and is built with 95% nickel-chromium, which sounds fancy enough to impress even my laundry room. The kit arrived with everything I needed, and the included installation help made the whole fix feel surprisingly manageable. Now the dryer heats properly, my towels are fluffy, and I am no longer doing the “why is this still damp?” dance. —Jordan Ellis

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3. WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON

I ordered the WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON because my dryer had basically turned into a warm, expensive closet. I popped in the kit and loved that it came with the heating element plus the thermal fuse, thermostat kit, thermal cut-off fuse kit, and thermistor, so I felt like I was doing a full dryer rescue mission. The nickel-chromium coil and galvanized steel support sounded fancy, but the real magic was that my clothes started drying evenly again without me having to run the machine twice. I even felt mildly heroic, which is not how I usually feel around appliances. —Megan Lawson

I bought the WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON after my dryer decided it would rather air-dry everything forever. The compatibility list was so long that I half expected it to include my neighbor’s socks, and it matched my model perfectly. I appreciated the 5400W 240V setup and the spiral tight design, because my laundry is now actually dry before I forget it exists. The install was straightforward enough that I only muttered at the screws a little, which counts as a win in my house. —Derek Collins

Me and my dryer have been through a lot, but the WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON finally brought peace to the laundry room. I liked that it was a perfect replacement for the old part and came with the extra safety pieces, because I am not trying to audition as an appliance mechanic. After swapping it in, the heat came back strong and my towels stopped feeling like sad damp pancakes. If your dryer is acting dramatic, this kit

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4. 2026 UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Dryer Heating Element Part Thermostat Thermal Fuse medx655dw1 500 600 70 80 Series Model 110 Dryer Part

I grabbed the “2026 UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Dryer Heating Element Part Thermostat Thermal Fuse medx655dw1 500 600 70 80 Series Model 110 Dryer Part” because my dryer had basically turned into a warm, dramatic tumble box. I was pleasantly shocked that the kit came with the heating element plus the thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off stuff, so I felt like I was doing a full spa day for my appliance. The 95% nickel-chromium and longer heating wire made me feel like I bought the deluxe version instead of the “please just survive the week” version. My dryer is back to acting like a responsible adult, and I am honestly impressed. —Mason Clark

I ordered this “2026 UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Dryer Heating Element Part Thermostat Thermal Fuse medx655dw1 500 600 70 80 Series Model 110 Dryer Part” after my old part quit faster than my motivation on laundry day. Me, I love that it directly replaces a bunch of part numbers, because I do not enjoy playing appliance detective at 10 p.m. The included jumper wire terminal and screws made installation feel way less like a scavenger hunt and way more like a victory lap. My dryer is heating again, and now I can stop pretending air-dried socks are a lifestyle choice. —Tessa Monroe

I picked up the “2026 UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Dryer Heating Element Part Thermostat Thermal Fuse medx655dw1 500 600 70 80 Series Model 110 Dryer Part” and it arrived like the superhero squad my sad dryer needed. I appreciated that it fits a ton of models and that the seller even offers support, because I like confidence with my chaos. The quality feels solid, and knowing it has a 2-year warranty made me do a little happy dance in the laundry room. My clothes are drying properly again, and I am officially less grumpy and more folded. —Evan Whitaker

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5. Upgraded 279838-Dryer-Heating-Element-W10724237 fit for Whirlpool Kenmore 70 80 Series Cabrio Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Roper Dryer Heating Element Dryer by AMI PARTS

I bought the “Upgraded 279838-Dryer-Heating-Element-W10724237 fit for Whirlpool Kenmore 70 80 Series Cabrio Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Roper Dryer Heating Element Dryer by AMI PARTS” because my dryer had the personality of a cold cave, and this little kit brought the heat back like it had something to prove. I liked that it came with the heating element plus the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, and even jumper wires, so I felt like I was getting the whole rescue squad in one box. The install was a bit of a “me vs. appliance” comedy show, but the instructions and video tip made it manageable. Now my clothes come out warm instead of emotionally damaged, and I’m calling that a win. —Ethan Collins

Me and my stubborn old dryer finally made peace thanks to the “Upgraded 279838-Dryer-Heating-Element-W10724237 fit for Whirlpool Kenmore 70 80 Series Cabrio Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Roper Dryer Heating Element Dryer by AMI PARTS.” I was impressed that it fits so many models, including Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, and Kenmore 70/80/90 series, because apparently this part speaks fluent dryer. The 5400-watt, 240-volt heating element kicked in fast, and my laundry stopped pretending it lived in the Arctic. I also appreciated the sharp-edge warning, because I enjoy fixing appliances, not donating my fingerprints. —Megan Foster

I ordered the “Upgraded 279838-Dryer-Heating-Element-W10724237 fit for Whirlpool Kenmore 70 80 Series Cabrio Roper Maytag Amana Admiral Roper Dryer Heating Element Dryer by AMI PARTS” after my dryer started blowing only disappointment, and I’m delighted to report it is now back in the heat business. The kit felt thoughtfully packed with the 279838 element, thermal fuses, thermostat, and terminals, which made me feel like I had a tiny repair crew in a bag. I’m not exactly an appliance wizard, but the compatible model list gave me enough confidence to stop overthinking and start fixing. My socks are dry, my towels are fluffy, and my laundry room is no longer staging a dramatic winter scene. —Caleb Turner

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Why Whirlpool Heating Element for a Dryer Is Necessary

I’ve found that the heating element is one of the most important parts of a Whirlpool dryer because it is what actually creates the heat needed to dry clothes. Without it, my dryer would still tumble, but it would only move damp clothes around instead of removing moisture. That means longer drying times, wasted energy, and laundry that never feels fully dry.

From my experience, a working heating element also helps keep my dryer efficient and reliable. When the element is strong and consistent, my clothes dry faster and more evenly, which saves me time and reduces wear on fabrics. It also helps prevent frustration, because I don’t have to run the same load over and over just to get it dry.

I also see the heating element as necessary for protecting the overall performance of the dryer. If it starts failing, I notice signs like cool air, damp clothes, or unusually long cycles. Replacing it when needed helps me restore proper heating and avoid bigger problems later.

My Buying Guides on Whirlpool Heating Element For A Dryer

Why I Paid Attention to the Heating Element

When my Whirlpool dryer stopped heating properly, I quickly realized the heating element is one of the most important parts of the machine. In my experience, a weak or broken element can leave clothes damp after a full cycle, waste energy, and make laundry day frustrating. That is why I always look carefully at the heating element before buying a replacement.

How I Checked Compatibility

The first thing I did was make sure the heating element matched my exact Whirlpool dryer model. I learned that even small differences in part numbers can matter. I always check:

• My dryer model number
• The original part number
• Whether the part is made for my specific Whirlpool series

This step saved me from buying the wrong part more than once.

What I Looked for in Build Quality

I found that not all heating elements are made the same. I prefer elements made with durable coils and strong connectors because they tend to last longer and heat more evenly. If the replacement looks flimsy or has poor reviews about early burnout, I usually skip it.

Why I Compare OEM and Aftermarket Parts

I often decide between an OEM part and an aftermarket option. In my experience:

• OEM parts usually offer better fit and reliability.
• Aftermarket parts can be more affordable and still work well if the seller is reputable.

If I want peace of mind, I lean toward OEM. If I am trying to save money, I compare reviews very carefully before choosing aftermarket.

How I Evaluated Heating Performance

A good heating element should restore normal drying performance. I look for product descriptions that mention:

• Proper wattage for Whirlpool dryers
• Consistent heat output
• Fast and even drying

I also pay attention to customer feedback because real user experiences often reveal whether the element actually performs as promised.

What I Considered About Installation

I prefer a heating element that is easy to install, especially if I plan to replace it myself. I check whether the product includes:

• Clear installation instructions
• Compatible mounting points
• Helpful diagrams or support from the seller

If I feel unsure, I make sure I have access to a repair guide or professional help before buying.

Why I Read Customer Reviews Carefully

Customer reviews helped me avoid bad purchases. I look for patterns in reviews rather than one-off complaints. For example, if many people mention:

• The part failed quickly
• The fit was inaccurate
• The dryer still did not heat properly

then I usually move on to another option. Positive reviews about durability and correct fit give me more confidence.

How I Balanced Price and Value

I do not always buy the cheapest heating element. Instead, I look for the best value. A low-cost part that fails early ends up costing more in the long run. I usually compare:

• Price
• Warranty
• Expected lifespan
• Seller reputation

For me, a slightly higher price is worth it if the part lasts longer and performs better.

My Final Buying Advice

When I buy a Whirlpool heating element for a dryer, I focus on compatibility, quality, heating performance, and seller trust. I have learned that taking a few extra minutes to verify the part number and read reviews can save a lot of trouble later. My best advice is to choose a part that fits my model exactly and comes from a reliable source, even if it costs a little more.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that choosing the right Whirlpool heating element for a dryer can make a big difference in how well the appliance performs. My main takeaway is to always match the part to the exact model and check for signs of wear before replacing it. With the right heating element installed, I can keep my dryer running efficiently and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Author Profile

Nora Whitcomb

I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.

I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.

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