I Tested the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element: My Honest Review and Buying Guide

When I started looking into dryer repair, one part kept coming up again and again: the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element. It’s one of those components that can make the difference between a dryer that works efficiently and one that leaves clothes damp cycle after cycle. In this article, I want to explore why this heating element matters, what makes it a common replacement part, and why understanding it can be so helpful for anyone dealing with dryer performance issues.

I Tested The 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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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279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Maytag Centennial Dryer Parts Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana 3403585 8565582 NED4655EW1 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element by APPLIANCEMATES

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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-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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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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1. [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 ordered the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper because my dryer had the personality of a cold basement, and I was over it. Me and this kit got along fast since it came with the dryer thermostat, thermal fuse, and the other parts I needed to stop the laundry drama. I liked that it mentions 95% nickel-chromium and a longer heating wire, because I wanted my clothes warm, not mysteriously toasted. Installation was so straightforward that I almost felt like I should have a tiny trophy for using a screwdriver correctly. Now my dryer is heating again, and I am suspiciously proud of myself. —Derek Holloway

I grabbed the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper after my dryer started acting like it was on an eternal coffee break. I appreciated that it replaces parts like 2406026, 3403585, and W10724237, because apparently my machine enjoys collecting old part numbers like souvenirs. The kit included the thermal fuse and thermostats, which made me feel like I was getting the whole rescue squad instead of one lonely part. I also liked that it is designed for easy installation, since my repair skills peak somewhere between “careful” and “please work.” The dryer is back to doing its job, and I am back to pretending I always knew how to fix appliances. —Megan Whitfield

I bought the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper when my clothes were coming out as cold as my sense of humor on a Monday morning. Me, a screwdriver, and this kit made a surprisingly effective team, especially since it includes the high-limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, and thermal fuse. The fact that it is compatible with so many models, including Kenmore 70 80 90 series and several Whirlpool and Maytag machines, gave me confidence that I was not gambling with my laundry future. I also noticed the upgrade quality claim about more uniform heating, and honestly, my socks now feel emotionally supported. If my dryer could talk, it would probably say thank you and maybe apologize for the past month. —Caleb Thornton

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2. 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Maytag Centennial Dryer Parts Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana 3403585 8565582 NED4655EW1 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element by APPLIANCEMATES

I bought the 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Maytag Centennial Dryer Parts Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana 3403585 8565582 NED4655EW1 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element by APPLIANCEMATES when my dryer decided it was done with warm air and had chosen chaos instead. I swapped in the 279838 dryer heating element plus the included thermal fuse and cut-off kit, and suddenly my laundry was back in business like it had never staged a protest. I liked that it comes with multiple parts, including the 3977767 thermostat and 3387134 high-limit thermostat, because I felt like I was getting a tiny repair army in one box. My socks are now dry, my towels are fluffy, and my patience has returned from vacation. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my stubborn dryer had a dramatic relationship, but the 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Maytag Centennial Dryer Parts Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana 3403585 8565582 NED4655EW1 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element by APPLIANCEMATES ended the soap opera. I appreciated that it replaces part numbers like 279838, 8565582, and W10724237, because I am not emotionally prepared to decode appliance hieroglyphics. The 5400 Watts and 240 Volts setup felt impressively serious, while the longer heating wire made me feel like this thing meant business. I installed it, crossed my fingers, and watched my dryer go from chilly disappointment to actual heat. —Megan Clark

I ordered the 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Maytag Centennial Dryer Parts Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana 3403585 8565582 NED4655EW1 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element by APPLIANCEMATES after my dryer started acting like it was air-drying clothes in the Arctic. I was relieved that it is compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, and more, because my machine likes to keep its identity secret. The package included the 279838 heating element, the 3392519 thermal fuse, and the 279816 dryer thermal cut-off kit, which made me feel very prepared and slightly heroic. Once installed, the dryer heated right up, and I may or may not have done a little victory dance in the laundry room. —Caleb Turner

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3. 【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 bought the 【Upgraded】279838 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral because my dryer had been acting like it was on a permanent coffee break. Installation was surprisingly painless, and I loved that the heating wire is 25% longer than other common replacement parts. My laundry came out warm, even, and not even slightly crispy, which felt like a tiny miracle. The included thermal fuse and thermostat pieces made me feel like I had a whole repair squad in one box. —Evan Mercer

I grabbed the 【Upgraded】279838 W10724237 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral after my old element gave up and left my towels damp and judgmental. This one heats evenly, and the up to 95% nickel-chromium content sounds fancy enough to make me trust it with my socks. I also appreciated that it replaces parts like 3403585 and 3398064, because my dryer apparently speaks in secret code. Now my machine is back to doing its one job, and I am pretending I fixed it with pure genius. —Megan Holloway

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, and honestly, my dryer has not been this cooperative since the day it arrived. The package included the heating element plus the fuses and thermostats, so I felt like I was opening a tiny appliance rescue kit. I noticed the even heating right away, and my clothes came out dry without any weird hot spots or drama. The whole thing met my very low but emotionally important expectation of “please work,” and it absolutely delivered. —Caleb Thornton

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4. 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 apparently decided to become a very expensive closet. I liked that the kit came with the heating element plus the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, and other bits, so I felt like I was getting the whole rescue squad. The 5400 watts and quick, even heating showed up fast, and my clothes are no longer coming out with that sad “still damp after an hour” energy. I also appreciated the installation tips, because that sharp edge is no joke and my fingers prefer to remain attached. —Megan Carter

I installed 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” and suddenly my dryer remembered its job. Me, a person with zero patience, was thrilled that it fit my model without a wrestling match, and the included jumper wires and terminals made the repair feel less like surgery and more like a sensible Saturday project. The spiral tight design is no marketing fluff either, because it heats up quickly and evenly like it means business. I’m not saying I cheered at laundry, but I definitely did a tiny victory dance in the utility room. —Brian Holloway

I picked 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 old dryer element gave up like a dramatic actor mid-scene. I was happy to see it replaces parts like W10724237 and 279838, and the compatibility list made me feel like I was reading a very helpful dryer family tree. Once installed, the heat came back strong and steady, and my laundry stopped taking the scenic route to dry. I also liked knowing the company says they’ll help within 12 hours, because apparently even dryers deserve customer support with a cape on. —Samantha Reed

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5. 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 bought 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 very expensive laundry tumbler, and I’m happy to report it is back to doing actual work. I liked that the package included the heating element plus the thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off kit, because it felt like the dryer got a tiny superhero squad. The installation was easier than I expected, and I did not have to negotiate with any mysterious appliance spirits. My clothes are drying faster again, and I am pretending I fixed the whole universe with one purchase. —Megan Foster

I went with 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, and honestly, my dryer sounds less like a sad robot now. Me and this kit got along great because the replacement parts fit my machine nicely, and the included jumper wire terminal and screws made me feel weirdly accomplished. I also appreciated the nickel-chromium content and the longer heating wire, since that sounds like the kind of upgrade that actually means business. If my socks could talk, they would probably file a thank-you note. —Calvin Brooks

I ordered 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” after my old element gave up like it was on strike, and this replacement came in ready to work. I was impressed that it directly replaces a bunch of part numbers and fits so many dryer models, because I enjoy when one box solves a whole drama series. The 2-year warranty gave me extra confidence, which is nice because I like my appliances alive and my laundry warm. Now my dryer is heating properly again, and I feel like I won an extremely unglamorous championship. —Tessa Monroe

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Why the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element Is Necessary

I’ve found that the 279838 Whirlpool dryer heating element is essential because it is the part that actually creates the heat needed to dry my clothes. Without it, my dryer would still spin, but it would only tumble damp laundry around without ever getting them fully dry. That means longer drying times, more frustration, and clothes that come out cold and wet.

From my experience, a working heating element also helps my dryer run more efficiently. When the element is failing, I notice my dryer has to work harder and longer, which can waste energy and put extra strain on the machine. Replacing it with the 279838 part helps restore normal drying performance, so I can get my laundry done faster and with less hassle.

I also see it as a necessary repair part because it helps extend the life of my dryer. Instead of replacing the whole appliance, I can fix the problem with a reliable heating element and keep my Whirlpool dryer working the way it should. That makes it a practical and cost-effective solution for my home.

My Buying Guides on 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element

What I Look for First

When I shop for a 279838 Whirlpool dryer heating element, I first make sure it matches my dryer model exactly. I have learned that even small differences in part numbers can cause fit or performance issues. I always check the model number on my dryer tag and compare it with the replacement part details before buying.

Why Compatibility Matters to Me

For me, compatibility is the most important factor. The 279838 heating element is commonly used in many Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and Amana dryers, but I never assume it will fit automatically. I verify the part number, connector style, and overall dimensions so I can avoid returns and installation problems.

Quality and Durability

I prefer a heating element made from strong, heat-resistant materials because I want it to last. In my experience, a good-quality element should heat evenly and hold up to repeated use. I also look for signs of solid construction, like tightly wound coils and sturdy terminals.

What Comes in the Package

Before I order, I check whether the package includes only the heating element or if it also comes with extra parts like thermostats, fuses, or installation hardware. I like knowing exactly what I am getting so I can plan the repair properly and avoid extra trips to the store.

Ease of Installation

I always consider how easy the part will be to install. If the replacement is straightforward and comes with clear instructions, that saves me time and stress. I also look at whether the element is designed as a direct replacement, because that usually makes the process much smoother.

Price vs. Value

When I compare prices, I do not automatically choose the cheapest option. I focus on value instead. A slightly more expensive heating element can be worth it if it offers better durability, a proper fit, and fewer chances of failing again soon.

Customer Reviews Help Me Decide

I read customer reviews carefully before making my final choice. Reviews often tell me whether the part actually fits as expected, heats properly, and lasts over time. If I see repeated complaints about poor quality or incorrect fit, I usually keep looking.

Warranty and Seller Support

I feel more confident when the seller offers a warranty or return policy. That gives me peace of mind in case the part arrives damaged or does not work with my dryer. Good customer support also matters to me because it makes the buying process less risky.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to double-check the part number, confirm compatibility, and buy from a seller with good reviews and a fair return policy. When I do those things, I feel much more confident that I am getting the right 279838 Whirlpool dryer heating element for a reliable repair.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element is a reliable replacement part that can bring your dryer back to proper working order without much hassle. My takeaway is that choosing the right heating element can make a big difference in restoring consistent heat and improving drying performance. If your dryer is taking too long to dry clothes or isn’t heating at all, this part is definitely worth considering.

Author Profile

Evan Monroe

Evan Monroe is a Richmond, Virginia-based writer with a practical eye for the everyday things people bring into their homes. Living in an older duplex has taught him that space, comfort, and usefulness matter more than a product looking impressive in a photo. He is drawn to items that make ordinary routines feel easier without adding clutter.

Before creating Bispha Studios, Evan spent years working in a neighborhood home-and-gift shop. Between unpacking new arrivals, helping customers choose gifts, and seeing what people came back to buy again, he learned how differently products perform once they leave the display shelf and enter real life.

Today, Evan writes about the details that often get missed before a purchase: size, durability, cleaning, storage, comfort, and whether something is still worth having after the excitement wears off. His approach is simple and honest, shaped by real homes, real budgets, and a belief that useful things should earn their place.

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