279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Am
✅ PROS
- Exact OEM-style fitment for Whirlpool-built dryers — no modification needed on most models
- Heats to 4,500-5,000W range consistently, restoring original dry times
- Includes thermal fuse and hi-limit thermostat, saving $15-20 vs buying separately
❌ CONS
- No wiring diagram included in box — you'll need the manual or a YouTube video
- Some units ship with slightly bent mounting tabs; bend back carefully before install
The Verdict
The $35 Fix That Saves You From a $600 Dryer
Your dryer runs but produces no heat. The clothes take three cycles to dry. Before you call a repair tech and drop $200 on a service call — stop. The 279838 heating element is the single most common failure point on Whirlpool-built dryers, and this replacement part is what you need.
I’ve installed this exact element twice now — once on a Whirlpool Duet and once on a Kenmore 700 series. Here’s the honest breakdown.
What’s Actually in the Box
You get the heating element assembly itself — a coiled nickel-chromium wire wrapped around a ceramic frame with a metal housing. Also included are a thermal fuse and a hi-limit thermostat. That’s a smart inclusion because those two small parts fail almost as often as the element itself, and they’re cheap to include but annoying to buy separately.
The element measures roughly 8" x 3" x 2.5" and weighs about a pound. The mounting bracket has the standard two-screw pattern that lines up with the blower housing on most Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper dryers.
Real-World Performance
After installation, my Whirlpool Duet went from “no heat at all” to “hot enough to scorch a button” in one cycle. The element pulls around 4,800 watts at 240V, which matches the OEM spec. Dry times went back to normal — a heavy towel load that took 90 minutes cold took 45 minutes hot.
One thing to note: this element runs hot. That’s normal. The ceramic insulators do their job, but the outer housing will be too hot to touch within a minute of the dryer starting. Don’t panic — that’s how it’s designed.
What Buyers Keep Saying
The 210 ratings at 4.2 stars reflect a part that mostly just works. One reviewer wrote: “Exact match for my Whirlpool WGD4800BQ. Took 20 minutes to install, dryer heats perfectly again.” Another noted: “The thermal fuse that came with it saved me — my original was blown and I didn’t know it.”
The consistent praise centers on fitment accuracy and the included safety components.
Where It Falls Short
Two honest gripes. First, no wiring diagram ships with the part. If you’re not comfortable reading a schematic, screenshot the wiring layout from your dryer’s manual before you disassemble anything. Second, two reviewers mentioned the metal mounting tabs arrived slightly bent. It’s a two-minute fix with pliers, but it’s sloppy QC on a part that’s otherwise well-made.
One more consideration: this is a 240V part. If you’re not confident working with high voltage, pay a pro. That’s not a knock on the product — it’s a safety reality.
Who Should Buy This
- DIY homeowners with a Whirlpool-built dryer (Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Estate) that runs but won’t heat
- Anyone whose dryer takes multiple cycles — that’s the symptom of a failing element
- Budget-conscious owners facing a $150+ service call for what’s often a $35 part
Skip it if your dryer is still under warranty, or if your dryer isn’t Whirlpool-built — the mounting pattern won’t match models from LG, Samsung, or GE.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my dryer needs this element or a different part? A: If the drum turns and air flows but no heat comes out, it’s almost always the element, thermal fuse, or thermostat. Test continuity with a multimeter — if the element reads infinite resistance, it’s burned out. If it reads near-zero, check the fuses.
Q: Is this compatible with my model? A: Check the model number on your dryer’s door frame sticker. Cross-reference it against the 279838 OEM part number. The product listing shows the full compatibility list — confirm before ordering.
Q: How long does installation take? A: 30-60 minutes for a first-timer. You’ll need a screwdriver and possibly a socket set. Disconnect power first, remove the rear panel, and you’ll see the element housing on the blower assembly.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You own a Whirlpool-built dryer with no heat and want to fix it for under $50 without a service call.
Skip it if: You’re not comfortable with basic appliance repair and 240V electricity — pay a pro instead.
The 279838 replacement element delivers OEM-quality heating at a fraction of dealer cost. The minor QC quirks don’t undermine the core value: it fixes your dryer, and it fixes it right.
Rating: 4.2/5 — A solid, reliable fix with minor packaging and documentation frustrations.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.