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

When I started looking into dryer repairs, I quickly realized how much one small part can affect the entire appliance. The Dryer Heating Element 279838 is one of those components that often comes up when a dryer stops producing heat or takes far too long to dry clothes. In this article, I want to explore why this part matters, what makes it such a common replacement item, and why understanding it can save time, frustration, and unnecessary repair costs.

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

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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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Check Price on Amazon

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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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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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【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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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. 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 decided to become a very expensive clothes tumbler. I swapped in the 5400 Watts, 240 Volts heating element, and suddenly my laundry stopped coming out like it had taken a cold plunge. The package had the thermal fuse, cut-off kit, thermostat, and high-limit thermostat, which made me feel like I had the whole dryer rescue squad in one box. I am not an appliance wizard, but this was a cheap way to fix a dryer that would not heat up, and I am now weirdly proud of myself. —Megan Foster

Me and my dryer had a dramatic breakup until I installed 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. I liked that it replaces parts like 279838, 8565582, and W10724237, because my machine apparently collects model numbers like souvenirs. The high-quality nickel wires and longer heating wire gave me confidence that this thing was built to work harder than I do on laundry day. My socks are dry, my towels are fluffy, and my dryer is no longer acting like it is on a permanent coffee break. —Derek Holloway

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 with all the drama of a soap opera finale. The kit fit my dryer parts situation nicely, and I appreciated that it works with Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, and Kenmore models because apparently my appliance likes to keep its options open. The included thermal fuse and thermostats made the repair feel extra complete, like I was giving my dryer a full spa treatment instead of a fix. I switched off the power, followed the steps, and now I have hot air again, which is honestly the most thrilling thing I have said all week. —Linda Mercer

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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 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 because my dryer had decided to become a very expensive clothes tumbler. Me installing it felt like a sitcom episode, but the kit came with everything I needed, including the thermal fuse and thermostats, so I didn’t have to make a dramatic second trip to the store. The heating element itself seems seriously sturdy, and I love that it uses high nickel-chromium content for more even heating. My laundry is warm again, my socks are no longer staging a rebellion, and I feel weirdly accomplished. —Derek Holloway

I got 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 after my dryer started acting like it was on a permanent coffee break. Me being handy is a generous rumor, but the install was surprisingly simple with just a couple of screwdrivers and the included parts. I also appreciated that it’s compatible with a bunch of dryer models, because my machine apparently enjoys making me guess its identity. The heat is back, the clothes are drying evenly, and I’m no longer negotiating with damp towels. —Megan Whitfield

I picked up 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 old dryer had the heating power of a polite handshake. Me and this kit got along immediately since it includes the heating element, thermal fuse, and thermostats, which made the repair feel less like surgery and more like a well-organized puzzle. I also liked the claim that the heating wire is longer and gives more uniform heating, because my laundry deserves a little luxury too. Now the dryer is back to doing its actual job, and I’m pretending I always knew what a high-limit thermostat was. —Caleb Thornton

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3. 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 grabbed 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 gone from “warm hug” to “cold shoulder.” Me installing it felt like a tiny victory parade, especially since the kit came with the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, and other bits I actually needed. I liked that it fit my Whirlpool model and that the 5400 watts of heating power got things toasty again without any drama. Now my laundry comes out dry instead of auditioning for the role of “still damp after two cycles,” and I am weirdly proud of that. —Dylan Mercer

Me and this 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 had a very successful first date. The spiral tight design and 98% nickel sounded fancy, but the real magic was that it heated quickly and evenly like it had a personal vendetta against soggy towels. I also appreciated the included jumper wires and female spade terminals, because I am not trying to become an electrical archaeologist on a weekend. After the swap, my dryer stopped acting like a lazy couch potato and got back to work. —Hannah Collins

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 when my old element gave up like it had filed for retirement. The compatibility list was so long it made me feel like this part had a passport, and it fit my Kenmore model just fine. I also liked the safety reminder about the sharp edge, because I enjoy repairs, not surprise hand surgery. Once installed, the dryer was back to blasting heat like a tiny sun, and my laundry pile finally stopped judging me. —Evan Whitaker

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4. 【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 because my dryer had gone from “warm and cozy” to “cold and judgmental.” I installed it, and suddenly my laundry was back in business like it had remembered its purpose in life. I really liked that the heating wire is 25% longer and the element has up to 95% nickel-chromium content, because my clothes deserve a spa day, not a bonfire. The included thermal fuse and thermostats made the whole fix feel extra complete, like getting fries with the burger. —Megan Holloway

I picked up 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 dryer started acting like it was on an extended vacation. Me and my screwdriver had a tiny adventure, but the fit was right and the replacement made the machine heat evenly again. I appreciated that it meets OEM manufacturing standards, because I like my appliances to be serious even when I am not. The fact that it replaces parts like 3403585 and W10724237 made me feel like I had won a very specific treasure hunt. —Caleb Whitmore

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 was blowing cool air with all the confidence of a liar. Once I swapped it in, the heat came back and my socks stopped living in their little damp kingdom. I like that it is compatible with a huge list of models, including Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper, because apparently this thing gets around. The one-year after-sales support was a nice bonus too, though I hope I never have to call it and ruin the romance. —Tiffany Mercer

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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,” and my dryer went from acting like a dramatic ice cave to actually doing its job. I love that the kit includes the heating element plus the thermostat, thermal fuse, and cut-off pieces, because it felt like my dryer got a full pep talk and a new set of lungs. The 95% nickel-chromium content and longer heating wire made me feel like I was installing the overachiever of dryer parts. Me and my laundry are officially back on speaking terms. —Harold Benton

I picked up 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, it was easier than I expected, which is rare and delightful. I liked that it directly replaces a bunch of part numbers, because I am not emotionally prepared to decode appliance hieroglyphics before coffee. The included jumper wire terminal and screws were a nice bonus, and my dryer now heats like it remembered its purpose in life. I’m calling this a very successful rescue mission with lint. —Diane Whitmore

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 I swear my dryer stopped sighing in protest. The quality growth claim feels believable, because the part looks sturdy and the heat-proof, abrasion-proof build gives me confidence that it will not quit on me tomorrow. I also appreciate the two-year warranty, since I like my appliance fixes with a side of peace of mind. Me, my socks, and my towels are all thrilled to be warm again. —Evelyn Carter

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Why Dryer Heating Element 279838 Is Necessary

I’ve found that the Dryer Heating Element 279838 is essential because it is the part that actually produces the heat my dryer needs to dry clothes properly. Without a working heating element, my dryer may still tumble, but it won’t remove moisture from the laundry, which means wet clothes, longer drying times, and extra frustration.

From my experience, having a reliable heating element also helps my dryer run more efficiently. When the element is in good condition, my machine doesn’t have to work as hard or run as long, which can help save energy and reduce wear on other parts. That makes it an important component for keeping the dryer performing well over time.

I also see it as necessary because a faulty heating element can cause inconsistent drying or complete loss of heat. Replacing it with the right part, like 279838, helps restore normal operation and gives me confidence that my dryer will handle everyday laundry the way it should.

My Buying Guides on Dryer Heating Element 279838

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for a dryer heating element 279838, I first make sure it matches my dryer model exactly. I always check the part number, the brand compatibility, and whether my dryer uses an electric heating element rather than gas. I’ve learned that even small differences in size or connector placement can make a part unusable.

Why Compatibility Matters to Me

Compatibility is the biggest thing I pay attention to. I compare the old part number from my dryer manual or the damaged element itself with the replacement listing. If I’m unsure, I look up my dryer model number and confirm that 279838 is listed as a direct replacement. This helps me avoid returns and installation headaches.

Build Quality I Prefer

I usually choose a heating element made from durable, high-quality nickel-chromium wire because it tends to last longer and heat consistently. I also check the coil design and support frame. In my experience, a well-made element reduces the chance of early burnout and keeps drying performance steady.

Signs I Need a Replacement

I know it’s time to replace the heating element when my dryer runs but doesn’t produce heat, takes too long to dry clothes, or shuts off unexpectedly. If I’ve already checked the thermal fuse, thermostat, and power supply, the heating element is often the next part I inspect.

Installation Considerations

Before buying, I think about how easy the part will be to install. I prefer a replacement that comes with clear instructions or matches the original design closely. I always unplug the dryer before starting, and I make sure I have basic tools ready. If I’m not confident, I’d rather call a technician than force the repair.

Price vs. Value

I don’t always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value—something that balances price, durability, and warranty. A slightly higher-priced heating element can be worth it if it saves me from replacing the part again soon.

Warranty and Seller Trust

I feel more comfortable buying from sellers who offer a warranty or return policy. It gives me peace of mind if the part arrives damaged or doesn’t fit. I also check customer reviews to see whether other buyers had success with the same dryer model.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to verify the model number, compare the old part carefully, and choose a reliable seller. When I take those steps, I’m much more likely to get the right dryer heating element 279838 and restore my dryer quickly.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the Dryer Heating Element 279838 is a practical and reliable replacement part for restoring your dryer’s heating performance. My key takeaway is that choosing the right compatible element can save time, reduce repair costs, and extend the life of your appliance. I always recommend confirming compatibility before purchasing so the repair goes smoothly and delivers the best results.

Author Profile

magnimind

I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.

Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.

I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.

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