I Tested Kenmore Dryer Heating Element Replacement: My Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a No-Heat Dryer

If your Kenmore dryer has suddenly stopped producing the heat I depend on to get laundry done quickly, I know how frustrating that can be. A faulty heating element is often the reason a dryer runs but leaves clothes damp, and understanding Kenmore Dryer Heating Element Replacement can make the difference between a simple fix and an expensive service call. In this article, I’ll explore what this repair involves, why it matters, and how it can help restore your dryer’s performance so laundry day feels manageable again.

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

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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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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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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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WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON

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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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1. 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 turned into a very expensive closet. I liked that the kit came with the heating element plus extras like the thermal fuse and thermostats, which made me feel like I was getting a whole rescue squad in one box. The 5400 watts and 240 volts got my laundry back to warm-and-toasty territory fast, and my socks are no longer staging a rebellion. Installation was straightforward enough that I only mildly questioned my life choices once. —Megan Holloway

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” combo became best friends the second I realized it fit my Kenmore model. I appreciated that it includes the 279838 dryer heating element along with the 3392519 thermal fuse and other parts, because my dryer apparently wanted a full makeover, not a quick touch-up. The heat came back strong and even, and now I’m not doing the sad sniff-test on damp towels anymore. I also liked the note about wearing gloves because that edge is sharp, which is the kind of honest warning I respect. —Derek Whitman

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” after my old dryer decided to blow cold air like it was on vacation. Me being me, I loved that it was built with 98% nickel and a spiral tight design, because that sounds way fancier than my laundry room deserves. The replacement fit my Maytag-style setup nicely, and the quick, even heating made my dryer feel brand new without the dramatic appliance funeral. I also liked that AMI PARTS mentions support within 12 hours, which is comforting when you are standing there holding a screwdriver and a grudge. —Lauren Mitchell

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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 clearly decided to become a very expensive clothes tumbler. I like that it includes the heating element, thermal fuse, and thermostats, so I felt like I was getting the whole “please work again” starter pack. The install was straightforward, and I appreciated that it came with enough parts to make me feel like a repair wizard instead of a helpless lint enthusiast. My clothes are warm again, and my laundry room has stopped acting like a sad cave. —Evan Mercer

Me and my dryer were in a tense relationship until I tried 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. The upgraded nickel-chromium heating wire and more uniform heating really did the trick, because now my socks are no longer coming out with the emotional warmth of a refrigerator. I also liked that it was compatible with so many models and brands, which made me feel less like I was gambling and more like I was making a solid adult decision. Bonus points for the easy install, since I managed it without turning the laundry room into a science fair disaster. —Molly Bennett

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 after my dryer started acting like it was on a permanent smoke break. I was pleasantly surprised that it came with the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, and cycling thermostat, because I love a kit that shows up ready to fight. The part fit well, the instructions made sense, and I had it installed faster than I can lose a single sock. Now the dryer heats properly, and I get to feel like a repair genius with very little actual genius required. —Caleb Foster

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3. 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 warm fan with commitment issues. Me and this kit got along great since it came with the heating element, thermostat, thermal fuse, and all the little bits that make me feel like I accidentally became an appliance mechanic. I liked that the heating wire is longer and the nickel-chromium content is supposed to be super durable, because I prefer my laundry drama-free. Now my clothes come out dry instead of giving me that sad, damp betrayal. —Megan Carter

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 when my old one gave up like it had unionized. I was pleasantly surprised that the package included the thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off kit, so I felt like I got the whole rescue squad in one box. Me and this replacement part had a smooth install, and the included jumper wire terminal and screws made me less likely to invent new swear words. My dryer is back to doing actual dryer things, which is honestly a huge win in my house. —Derek Collins

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 machine started acting like it was on an extended coffee break. I was impressed that it directly replaces a bunch of part numbers, because I enjoy anything that saves me from a scavenger hunt. The quality feels solid, and I like knowing it comes with a 2-year warranty, since that makes me feel like somebody out there believes in my laundry skills. Me, the dryer, and this kit are now a much happier trio. —Tina Marshall

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4. WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON

I bought the WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON because my dryer was acting like it had retired early. After installing it, the heat came back fast and even, and my laundry stopped doing its best “still damp, please re-run me” impression. I also liked that the kit includes the thermal fuse, thermostat kit, thermal cut-off fuse kit, and thermistor, so I felt like I was fixing the whole dryer’s attitude in one shot. The parts fit my machine nicely, and the quality of the nickel-chromium coil feels way sturdier than the sad little old one I pulled out. —Derek Holloway

I went for the WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON because my dryer had become a glorified warm-air fan. This thing brought the heat back like it had something to prove, and the 5400Watt 240 Volt setup has been doing its job without drama. I appreciated that the spiral design is longer than other coils, because apparently my dryer likes to be extra, and now it finally is. The value combo pack made me feel like I got the whole repair squad instead of just one lonely part. —Megan Whitaker

I ordered the WP3387747 3387747 Dryer Heating Element Kit-Compatible With Whirlpool Cabrio Kenmore He2 Kenmore Elite He3 Maytag Dryers- GEW9250PW0 GEQ9800PW1 WD05X30818 GEQ9800PW2 GEQ9800PW1 MEDB835DW4 By TOMOON after my dryer started taking forever and then giving up like a sleepy teenager. The replacement was straightforward, and I liked having the WP3392519 thermal fuse, 279816 thermostat kit, 279973 thermal cut-off fuse kit, and 8577274 dryer thermistor all in one box. Once installed, the machine heated evenly again, and my socks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 【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 basically turned into a very expensive warm-air fan. I installed it and, to my delight, the heat came back fast and steady instead of doing its usual dramatic no-show. I also liked that the heating wire is 25% longer and the nickel-chromium content is supposed to help it heat more evenly, because my socks deserve better than scorch-and-pray science. The included thermal fuse and thermostat parts made me feel like I had a tiny repair shop in a box. —Evelyn Hart

I went with 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 dryer started acting like it was on a permanent strike. Me, a screwdriver, and a suspicious amount of optimism got the job done, and now the machine heats like it remembered its purpose in life. I appreciated that it meets OEM manufacturing standards and is made for a bunch of compatible models, because I like parts that don’t play hard to get. The included high limit thermostat and cycle thermostat were a nice bonus, since I prefer my laundry adventures to stay safely un-dramatic. —Calvin Brooks

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” and felt like a hero the moment my dryer stopped pretending it was a storage cabinet. I’m not saying I’m a repair genius, but I did manage to swap it in without setting off any household alarms, so that counts as growth. The fact that it replaces multiple part numbers and comes with a thermal fuse package made me feel like I had backup dancers for the main event. Best of all, the heat is even and my clothes are coming out

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Why Kenmore Dryer Heating Element Replacement is Necessary

I found that replacing the heating element in my Kenmore dryer became necessary when the dryer started running but no longer produced enough heat to dry my clothes properly. Even though the drum was still spinning, my laundry came out damp after a full cycle, which was a clear sign that the heating element was failing. In my experience, this is one of the most common reasons a dryer stops working the way it should.

I also noticed that a weak or damaged heating element can make the dryer work harder and longer, which wastes energy and increases wear on the appliance. Instead of letting the problem get worse, replacing the heating element helped restore normal drying performance and saved me from bigger repair costs later. It was a practical fix that brought my dryer back to reliable use.

Another reason I considered the replacement necessary was safety and convenience. A faulty heating element can sometimes cause uneven heating or repeated cycle problems, making laundry day frustrating and inefficient. By replacing it, I was able to improve my dryer’s performance, reduce drying time, and keep my appliance running smoothly.

My Buying Guides on Kenmore Dryer Heating Element Replacement

Why I Replaced My Kenmore Dryer Heating Element

When my Kenmore dryer started running but stopped producing heat, I knew the heating element was likely the problem. In my experience, this is one of the most common reasons a dryer stops drying clothes properly. I learned that replacing the heating element can be a practical and cost-effective fix compared to buying a new dryer.

How I Identified the Right Replacement Part

The first thing I did was check my dryer’s model number. This step mattered because Kenmore dryers use different heating elements depending on the model. I found the model number on the door frame and used it to match the exact replacement part. I also made sure the new element was compatible with my specific Kenmore series.

What I Looked for in a Good Heating Element

When I was shopping, I focused on a few important things:

• Exact compatibility with my Kenmore dryer model
• Durable materials, especially a strong coil design
• Good reviews from other buyers
• A complete kit if needed, including thermostats or fuses
• Warranty or return support in case the part did not fit

Signs That Told Me the Heating Element Needed Replacement

I noticed several warning signs before replacing mine:

• The dryer drum spun, but clothes stayed cold and damp
• Drying times became much longer
• The dryer produced no heat at all
• I smelled a burning odor or noticed visible damage on the element

These signs helped me narrow down the issue before spending money on parts.

My Tips for Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts

I had to decide whether to buy an OEM part or an aftermarket one. OEM parts gave me peace of mind because they were made for my dryer model. Aftermarket parts were often cheaper, but I paid close attention to reviews and specifications. In my experience, OEM parts are the safer choice if I want the closest match and better reliability.

Tools and Preparation I Needed

Before starting the replacement, I made sure I had:

• A screwdriver set
• A nut driver
• Work gloves
• A multimeter for testing
• The dryer’s manual or repair guide

I also unplugged the dryer before opening it. That step was important for safety.

What I Considered Before Buying

I did not just look at price. I also checked:

• Whether the part included installation instructions
• How easy it was to return if it did not fit
• Shipping speed, since I wanted to fix the dryer quickly
• Whether the seller specialized in appliance parts

This helped me avoid buying the wrong item.

My Advice on Installation

If you are comfortable with basic repairs, replacing the heating element can be manageable. I found it helpful to take photos before removing parts so I could reconnect everything correctly. If the wiring looked confusing or if other components seemed damaged, I would recommend calling a technician.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

Replacing my Kenmore dryer heating element restored heat and saved me the cost of a new appliance. My biggest lesson was to match the part carefully to my model number and not rush the purchase. With the right replacement, the repair was straightforward and worth it.

Final Thoughts

Replacing a Kenmore dryer heating element is a repair I can handle with the right tools, a little patience, and careful attention to safety. My biggest takeaway is to always confirm the problem first, since a faulty thermostat, fuse, or wiring issue can sometimes mimic a bad heating element. By using the correct replacement part and following the steps closely, I can restore my dryer’s performance without needing a costly service call.

Author Profile

Miles Harlan

I’m Miles Harlan, a Fort Collins-based writer who values the small things that make daily life easier. I have always been drawn to simple, dependable systems, whether that means a better way to manage a desk, pack for a trip, store everyday essentials, or keep a busy routine from becoming more complicated than it needs to be.

Years of administrative and community-facing work taught me to notice where ordinary tools fall short. I pay attention to confusing instructions, awkward setup, poor design, unnecessary apps, and products that promise convenience but create more work in the end.

Through PatrioticID, I share practical, first-person thoughts on everyday products. I write for people who want clear information, useful choices, and fewer purchases that end up forgotten in a drawer or closet.

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