279838 Dryer Heating Element Replacement - Longer Life Upgrade

Our review of the 279838 Dryer Heating Element Replacement focuses on DIYers and repair technicians who need a direct-fit heating assembly for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag and related top brands. The bottom line: this kit delivers a noticeably sturdier heating element and a full set of safety thermostats and thermal fuse so most home dryers get working heat again without a long parts hunt. For anyone comfortable with basic appliance disassembly, this replacement offers an easy route to restore dryer function at a fraction of dealer cost.

Key Features

• Upgraded heating wire: The heating element uses nickel-chromium wire with 95% content and a longer filament for improved durability compared with common replacement parts.
• Complete kit: The package includes the 279838 element plus a thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal fuse and a thermal cut-off kit so you get the safety parts needed for a full heating repair.
• Direct fit parts list: This element replaces several OEM numbers so it fits a wide range of models from Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag and other brands without modification.
• Durability focus: Heat-proof and abrasion-proof construction aims to reduce premature failure and extend service life compared with cheaper alternatives.
• Installation hardware included: Jumper wire, terminal and screws are provided so installers have the small parts needed to complete the job in one visit.

Who It's For

This replacement is best for homeowners doing a DIY dryer repair, independent appliance technicians, or anyone who needs a direct-replacement heating element and accompanying safety parts for Whirlpool, Kenmore 80 series and similar model dryers. It is particularly useful when the symptom is no heat or intermittent heating and the owner wants a comprehensive parts kit in a single purchase.

Those who should look elsewhere include buyers who need factory service or certified OEM-only components backed by a dealer, or customers who are uncomfortable working with electrical components inside appliances; professional installation may be safer in those cases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High nickel-chromium content and longer filament promise improved longevity over many generic elements.
• Comes with thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal fuse and cut-off kit for a complete heating repair.
• Includes jumper wire and screws so the kit is ready for installation without extra parts.
• Fits a broad list of part numbers and many popular dryer models for straightforward compatibility.

Cons

• Customer reports on heating results are mixed; some users still experienced no heat after installation, indicating diagnostic care is needed before replacing parts.
• The normal service life is stated as 12 months, which is modest though a 2-year warranty is provided.

Specifications

Part Number	279838
Included Parts	Heating element, thermostat (3977767), high-limit thermostat (3387134), thermal fuse (3392519), thermal cut-off kit (3977393)
Compatible Brands	Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Roper, Amana, Admiral and more
Replaces Part #'s	2438, 279837, 279838A, 279838VP, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, AP3094254, W10724237
Material Highlight	95% nickel-chromium heating wire
Hardware Included	Jumper wire, terminal and screws
Warranty	2-year warranty (normal service life stated as 12 months)

Our Verdict

The 279838 Dryer Heating Element Replacement is a practical, value-minded option for homeowners and technicians who need a direct-fit heating solution and the associated safety parts. It stands out for its upgraded nickel-chromium filament and the convenience of a full kit, making it a sensible buy when diagnostics point to a heating element or thermal component failure. While results depend on correct diagnosis, the package typically restores dryer heat at a lower cost than dealer repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my Whirlpool or Kenmore dryer?
It fits many Whirlpool and Kenmore models and replaces the listed part numbers; check your dryer model against the compatibility list included with the product.

Are all required safety parts included?
Yes, the kit includes a thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal fuse and a thermal cut-off kit along with mounting hardware.

How long will the element last?
The normal service life is noted as 12 months but the part carries a 2-year warranty for coverage against defects.