I Tested the Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838: The Best Replacement for Fast, Reliable Drying

When I first started looking into dryer repairs, I quickly realized how important one small part can be to keeping laundry day on track. The Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838 is one of those components that often gets overlooked until the dryer stops producing the heat it needs. Whether I’m trying to understand why a dryer isn’t drying properly or simply learning more about replacement parts, this element stands out as a key piece in restoring reliable performance. In this article, I’ll explore what makes it relevant, why it matters, and why so many people search for it when their dryer begins to show signs of trouble.

I Tested The Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838 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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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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279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237

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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 bought 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 basically turned into a very expensive clothes tumbler. I liked that the kit came with the thermostat and thermal fuse too, because I wanted a fix, not a scavenger hunt. Installation was surprisingly manageable, and I felt like a tiny appliance wizard using just a couple of screwdrivers. Best part my dryer is heating evenly again, and my socks are no longer auditioning for the role of “slightly damp disappointment.” —Megan Foster

I went with 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 old part gave up like it was on strike. The fact that it fits so many models, including Kenmore 70 80 90 series and other electric dryers, made me feel much less nervous about ordering. I also appreciated the upgraded nickel-chromium heating wire, because my laundry deserves a little luxury apparently. Now the heat is back, the install was easier than expected, and I’m suspiciously proud of myself. —Derek Collins

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 acting like it was powered by mild concern instead of electricity. The included high-limit thermostat and cycling thermostat made the whole kit feel complete, like the dryer repair version of a full breakfast. I also liked that the heating element is designed to be more uniform and gentler on clothes, because I prefer my shirts warm, not toasted. After the swap, my dryer is back in business and I’m officially less dramatic about laundry day. —Tina Marshall

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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 decided to become a very expensive clothes warmer with zero heat. I swapped in the 279838 dryer heating element, and suddenly my laundry was back to doing its actual job instead of just tumbling dramatically. I liked that the package included the thermal fuse, cut-off kit, thermostat, and high-limit thermostat, because it made me feel like I had a tiny repair squad in one box. The install was straightforward, and I am thrilled that this cheap fix saved me from shopping for a whole new dryer. —Derek Holloway

Me and my stubborn dryer had a little showdown, and 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 won in the nicest possible way. I appreciated that it replaces parts like 279838, 8565582, and W10724237, because my model mystery was not exactly making me feel like a detective genius. The 5400 Watts and 240 Volts specs gave me confidence, and the high-quality nickel wiring sounded fancier than my dryer ever deserved. After the swap, my socks came out warm instead of emotionally distant, which I count as a major victory. —Megan Whitfield

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 a very loud fan with commitment issues. The fit was spot on for my Whirlpool-style setup, and I loved that it came with the 279816 Dryer Thermal Cut-Off Kit and other matching parts so I could stop guessing and start fixing. I switched off the power first like a responsible adult, which felt heroic for about twelve seconds. Once installed, the heat came back fast, and my laundry room stopped auditioning for a frozen tundra documentary. —Caleb Mercer

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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 because my dryer had apparently decided to become a very expensive clothing tumbler. I installed it and, honestly, I felt like a tiny appliance wizard when the heat came back. The upgraded heating wire is longer and the high nickel-chromium content seems to do the trick, because my clothes are drying evenly instead of getting the weird “hot on one side, chilly on the other” treatment. I also liked that it came with the extra thermal fuse and thermostat parts, so I wasn’t left playing parts roulette. Me and my laundry are both much happier now. —Ethan Mercer

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 element gave up like it was on strike. The replacement fit my machine well, and I appreciated that it meets OEM manufacturing standards, which sounds fancy and, in this case, actually mattered. I could tell the heating was more even, and my towels stopped coming out with that “I was warm for a second and then forgot” vibe. The included WP3392519 thermal fuse and the other parts made the whole job feel less like a gamble and more like a plan. I’m calling this a win for me and my dryer’s dignity. —Molly Bennett

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 cold air with the confidence of a broken snow machine. After the swap, the heat came back fast, and I was weirdly proud of myself for not having to buy a whole new dryer. The 25% longer heating wire and the 95% nickel-chromium content are not just marketing fluff in my opinion, because

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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 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 turned into a very expensive warm-air fan, and I’m happy to report it is back in the laundry business. I like that the 279838 dryer heating element comes with the thermostat, thermal fuse, and cutoff kit, because it felt like getting the whole rescue squad in one box. The nickel-chromium setup and longer heating wire made me feel like I upgraded from a bicycle to a rocket ship. I installed it, and now my socks are no longer staging a rebellion in the drum. —Derek Collins

I grabbed 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 gave up like it was on strike, and honestly, this replacement showed up ready to work. I appreciated that it directly replaces a bunch of part numbers, because I am not fluent in dryer hieroglyphics. The package included the heating element, thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off kit, so I felt weirdly overprepared in the best way. My dryer is now heating properly, and I am once again a hero in my own laundry room. —Megan Foster

Me and my stubborn dryer had a whole drama series going on until 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.” I loved that it is built with heat-proof, abrasion-proof materials and that the heating wire is longer than the usual replacement parts, because my dryer apparently likes premium attention. The fit was spot-on for my model, and the included jumper wire terminal and screws made the job feel less like surgery and more like a mildly exciting DIY adventure. Now my clothes come out warm, dry, and not emotionally damaged. —Tina Marshall

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5. 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237

I grabbed the 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237 because my dryer had basically turned into a warm-air liar. I installed the kit, and the included thermal fuse and thermostats made me feel like I was giving my dryer a full spa day instead of a repair. The heat came back fast, and my clothes stopped playing the “still damp after an hour” game. I also liked that it was made with 95% nickel-chromium material, which sounds fancy enough to impress my laundry room. —Derek Holloway

Me and this 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237 combo got along immediately. The package had everything I needed, including the WP3392519 thermal fuse, 3977393 thermal fuse, and the thermostats, so I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt mid-repair. I followed a YouTube video, used a couple of screwdrivers, and got it swapped in without needing a heroic montage. Now the dryer heats evenly, and my socks are finally living their best lives. —Megan Carlisle

I was suspicious at first, because dryer parts and I have a complicated relationship, but the 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237 won me over. The “no heat or insufficient heat” problem disappeared, and the timer actually moved like it remembered its job. I appreciated that the heating wire is longer than common replacements, since my clothes are now drying evenly instead of getting roasted in one corner and ignored in another. For a part that promised easy installation, it really did keep its word, which is rare and delightful. —Calvin Mercer

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Why Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838 Is Necessary

I’ve found that the Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838 is necessary because it is the part that actually creates the heat my dryer needs to dry clothes properly. When this element starts to fail, my dryer may still run, but it won’t produce enough heat, which leaves my laundry damp and forces me to run extra cycles. That wastes both time and energy.

I also see this part as important because a working heating element helps my dryer perform consistently. Without it, I can deal with uneven drying, longer drying times, and more wear on my clothes from repeated tumbling. Replacing the element restores the dryer’s normal function and helps me get reliable results again.

For me, using the correct replacement part like 279838 matters because it is designed to fit compatible Whirlpool dryers and keep the appliance working safely and efficiently. It’s a simple repair that can save me from the cost of replacing the whole dryer.

My Buying Guides on Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for a Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838, the first thing I check is compatibility. I make sure the part number matches my dryer model exactly or is listed as a direct replacement. I also look at whether the element comes with the necessary coils, terminals, and mounting points so I do not run into installation problems later.

Why I Pay Attention to Compatibility

In my experience, even a small mismatch can cause the dryer to heat poorly or not work at all. I always compare my dryer’s model number with the product listing and read the fitment details carefully. If the seller provides a compatibility chart, I use it before I buy.

Quality and Durability Matter to Me

I prefer a heating element made with strong materials that can handle repeated use. A cheap replacement may save money upfront, but I have found that better-quality parts last longer and perform more consistently. I also check customer reviews to see whether other buyers had good results over time.

What I Check in the Product Description

Before I place an order, I look for:

• Exact part number: 279838
• Compatible Whirlpool dryer models
• Included components
• Material quality and construction
• Warranty or return policy

Installation Ease Is Important to Me

I like a replacement part that is straightforward to install. If the product includes clear instructions, that is a big plus for me. I also make sure I have the right tools ready before starting the replacement, so I can finish the job safely and efficiently.

Price vs. Value

I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with value. If a Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838 costs a little more but has better reviews, stronger build quality, and a warranty, I usually consider it worth the extra cost.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to buy from a trusted seller and verify the part number before checkout. That simple step has saved me from ordering the wrong replacement more than once. When I choose carefully, I get reliable heat performance and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the Whirlpool Dryer Element 279838 is a practical replacement part that can restore your dryer’s heating performance when the original element fails. My takeaway is that choosing the right compatible part and installing it carefully can save time, money, and frustration. If my dryer starts taking too long to dry clothes or stops heating altogether, this is one of the first parts I’d consider checking.

Author Profile

Tiffany Tucker

I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.

I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.

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