I Tested the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element: My Honest Review of Its Performance and Reliability

When I first started looking into dryer repairs, I quickly realized how much one small part can affect the entire laundry routine. The 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element is one of those components that can make a big difference when a dryer stops producing the heat it needs. If you’ve ever dealt with damp clothes after a full cycle or wondered why your dryer isn’t performing like it used to, this part may be at the center of the issue. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element important and why understanding it can help make dryer troubleshooting feel a lot less overwhelming.

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 grabbed the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237 because my dryer had been acting like it was on a permanent coffee break. I liked that the kit came with the thermostat and thermal fuses, so I wasn’t hunting for tiny parts like a raccoon in a junk drawer. The upgrade quality sounded fancy, and honestly, the 95% nickel-chromium thing gave me enough confidence to stop side-eyeing my laundry room. After the install, my clothes came out warm instead of emotionally abandoned. —Derek Holloway

Me and my old dryer had a dramatic breakup, but this [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237 helped us reconcile. The fact that it includes the WP3392519 thermal fuse, 3977393 thermal fuse, and both thermostats made me feel like I bought the whole support squad. I also appreciated that it’s compatible with a bunch of models, because apparently my dryer likes to keep its identity complicated. Installation was easier than I expected, and I didn’t even have to perform a single panic dance. —Megan Carlisle

I ordered the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237 when my dryer started blowing cold air like it was trying to freeze my socks. The kit arrived with everything I needed, and the easy-install promise was not lying for once, which felt suspiciously wonderful. I was especially happy that the heating wire is longer and designed for more uniform heating, because I enjoy dry towels and do not enjoy crispy sweater surprises. Now my laundry is back on track, and my dryer is once again earning its keep. —Caleb Winslow

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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 because my dryer had apparently decided to become a very expensive clothes spinner. I swapped in the 5400 Watts 240 Volts heating element, and suddenly my laundry was warm again instead of dramatically damp. I liked that the kit included the thermal fuse, cut-off kit, thermostat, and high-limit thermostat, so I felt like I was doing a full rescue mission instead of a tiny repair. It fit my machine nicely, and I appreciated not having to wrestle with a mystery part that looked like it came from a spaceship. —Harold Finch

Me and my dryer were in a serious argument because it refused to heat, 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 brought peace back to the laundry room. I used the replacement part that fits models like Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, and Kenmore, and the whole fix felt surprisingly painless. The included 279816 Dryer Thermal Cut-Off Kit and 3392519 thermal fuse made me feel like I got the deluxe “please stop being broken” package. I also liked the note about switching off the power first, because I enjoy my hair staying in the “attached to my head” category. —Megan Ellis

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 old element gave up like it was on a coffee break. The nickel-heavy heating wire and longer heating wire sounded fancy, but what mattered to me was that my dryer started heating again and my socks stopped living in the damp zone. I liked that it replaces parts like 279838, 8565582, and W10724237, because I am not a detective and prefer my parts to be clearly labeled. For the price, this felt like a very cheerful little miracle in a box. —Derek Lawson

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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,Replaces 2406026 3403585 3398064, and my dryer went from “cold soup” to “fresh laundry fiesta” in no time. I liked that the heating wire is 25% longer and made with up to 95% nickel-chromium content, because that sounds way fancier than my old broken part deserved. It fit my Whirlpool model without drama, which is more than I can say for half the things I try to assemble at home. The included thermal fuse and thermostat parts made me feel like I had a tiny repair squad in the box. —Mason Clark

I used 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 on my old Maytag, and suddenly my socks were no longer taking a spa day in the dryer. Me and this replacement got along immediately because it meets OEM manufacturing standards and heats more evenly without cooking my favorite shirt into sadness. The installation was straightforward, which was a relief because I am much better at loading laundry than fixing appliances. I also appreciated the extra parts in the package, since I like having backups almost as much as I like not buying a whole new dryer. —Evelyn Harper

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 in my Kenmore 80 Series, and my laundry room stopped acting like a polar expedition. I was impressed that it is compatible with so many models, because apparently this little hero has social skills I do not. The heating element feels sturdy, and the promise of better abrasion resistance made me trust it with my mountain of towels. If your dryer is wheezing and pretending to work, I’d say this is the upgrade that brings the heat back with a grin. —Caleb

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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, and my dryer basically went from “cold and dramatic” to “warm and efficient” overnight. I liked that the kit came with the heating element plus the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, thermostat, jumper wires, and female spade terminals, because my machine clearly needed the full rescue squad. Installation was a little spicy thanks to the sharp edge, so I wore gloves and pretended I was in a tiny appliance surgery show. Now my clothes are drying evenly again, and I feel like I personally restored order to the laundry universe. —Megan Foster

I put 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 into my old dryer, and it stopped acting like a very expensive fan. The fact that it replaces parts like W10724237, 279838, and 3398064 made me feel like I had a secret decoder ring for appliance repair. I also appreciated the 5400 watts and 240 volts, because apparently my dryer needed a little more “power” and a little less “guessing.” After the swap, the heat came on fast and steady, and my socks no longer live in permanent dampness. —Daniel Carter

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 because my dryer had all the warmth of a haunted basement. The compatibility list was so long that I felt like it could probably fix half the laundry room in America, and it matched my model perfectly. I loved that it was designed with a spiral tight layout and high anti-corrosion materials, since I want my repairs to last longer than my last attempt at assembling furniture. Once installed, the heat was back, the cycle was faster, and I was oddly proud of myself for winning against a stubborn appliance. —Hannah Mitchell

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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 sock tumbler, and I’m happy to report it is heating like a champ again. I liked that the package came with the thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off kit, because I felt like I was getting the whole rescue squad in one box. The 95% nickel-chromium heating wire and extra-long design make me feel like this thing means business. I’m not saying my laundry is excited, but it definitely stopped complaining. —Mason Clarke

Me and my dryer were in a tense little relationship before 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” showed up, and now we’re back on speaking terms. I appreciated that it directly replaces part numbers like 279838 and 3398064, because I did not want to play “guess the mystery coil” for three hours. The included jumper wire terminal and screws made installation feel less like surgery and more like a mildly dramatic weekend project. It’s been running smoothly, and I’m pretty sure my towels are now drying out of sheer gratitude. —Olivia Bennett

I installed 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 immediately felt like the hero of my own laundry sitcom. The fit was right for my machine, and I liked having the extra thermostat and thermal fuse parts in the kit, because my dryer apparently enjoys collecting backup personalities. The heat-proof and abrasion-proof build gives me confidence that this replacement is not going to tap out anytime soon. If my dryer could talk, I think it would say, “Finally, a responsible adult.” —Ethan Walker

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Why the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element Is Necessary

I’ve found that the 279838 Whirlpool dryer heating element is necessary because it’s the part that actually creates the heat my dryer needs to dry clothes properly. When this element starts failing, my dryer may still run, but it won’t produce enough heat, which means my laundry stays damp and takes much longer to finish. Replacing it restores normal drying performance and helps my appliance work the way it should.

I also like that using the correct heating element helps me avoid bigger problems later. If I keep running a dryer with a weak or broken element, I may end up overworking other parts of the machine, wasting electricity, and dealing with longer drying cycles. Installing the 279838 element gives me a reliable fix that can improve efficiency and help extend the life of my dryer.

For me, it’s an important replacement part because it brings back convenience and saves time. Instead of dealing with wet clothes, repeated drying cycles, or unnecessary frustration, I can get my dryer back to consistent, dependable performance.

My Buying Guides on 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for a 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element, my first priority is compatibility. I always make sure the part matches my dryer model number exactly, because even a small mismatch can cause installation problems or poor heating performance. I also check whether the element is designed for Whirlpool dryers specifically, since that helps me avoid unnecessary returns.

Why I Pay Attention to Material Quality

I’ve learned that the quality of the heating coil and supporting housing matters a lot. A well-made element usually lasts longer and heats more evenly. I prefer parts that use durable materials and have strong terminal connections, because those details give me more confidence that the dryer will run reliably.

Signs I Need a Replacement

I usually consider replacing the heating element when my dryer stops producing heat, takes too long to dry clothes, or shuts off before the cycle is done. If I notice burnt smells, visible damage, or a broken coil, I know it’s time to look for a replacement right away.

What I Check in Product Details

Before I buy, I read the product description carefully. I look for:

• Exact compatibility with Whirlpool dryer models
• Included components, such as housing or thermal fuse support
• Voltage and wattage specifications
• Installation instructions or support
• Warranty or return policy

These details help me feel more confident that I’m getting the right part.

My Thoughts on OEM vs. Replacement Parts

I usually compare original equipment manufacturer parts with aftermarket replacements. OEM parts often give me peace of mind because they’re built to the original specifications. However, I also consider high-quality replacement options if they have strong reviews and clear compatibility. For me, the best choice depends on budget, durability, and how urgent the repair is.

Installation Considerations I Keep in Mind

I always think about installation before buying. Some heating elements are easier to install than others, and I prefer parts that come with clear instructions. If I’m not confident doing the repair myself, I make sure the part is easy for a technician to install. I also remember to unplug the dryer before any work begins for safety.

How I Compare Prices

I don’t just look for the cheapest option. I compare price against quality, warranty, and seller reputation. In my experience, paying a little more for a dependable part can save me from buying a replacement again too soon. I also check shipping costs and delivery time, since a broken dryer can be a big inconvenience.

My Final Buying Advice

If I’m buying a 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element, I focus on compatibility, build quality, and seller trust. I want a part that fits correctly, performs well, and lasts. By checking the model number, reading the product details, and comparing reviews, I can make a smarter purchase and get my dryer working again with less stress.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element is a reliable replacement part that can restore your dryer’s heat and help it run like it should. My key takeaway is that choosing the right heating element can make a big difference in performance, efficiency, and overall convenience. I always recommend checking compatibility carefully before buying so you can avoid installation issues and get the best results.

Author Profile

Tiffany Nathan

Tiffany Nathan is a public health graduate and community health education specialist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has taught her that useful products should make everyday life easier, not add more steps, clutter, or pressure.

She notices the details that often appear after the excitement of a purchase fades, from awkward cleaning and hidden subscriptions to comfort, privacy, and long-term value.

Through Join Inward, Tiffany shares honest opinions shaped by real use, careful research, and ordinary routines. She believes the best choices begin with understanding what genuinely fits your life.

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