279838 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element
The 279838 is a Genuine OEM Whirlpool replacement dryer heating element assembly compatible with a wide range of Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Roper, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Admiral, and Magic Chef electric dryers. The heating element is the primary heat source in an electric dryer — a nickel-chromium resistance coil wound around a series of ceramic insulators inside a steel housing. When electricity passes through the coil during the drying cycle, it generates the heat needed to evaporate moisture from clothes. When the element coil burns through at a weak point, the circuit is broken and the dryer produces no heat.
This Genuine OEM part is manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications and is rated at 5400W / 240V with two 5/16" male terminals. It includes the heating element coil with partial housing and ceramic insulators already mounted — the remaining outer housing from your old assembly is reused. Note: the heating element does not include the thermostat or thermal fuse — those are separate parts. It directly replaces WP279837, 279837, 279838A, 279838VP, 3398063, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, W10724237, 2438, AP3094254, and several additional cross-reference numbers. Installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The 279838 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element fixes electric dryers that produce no heat, heat weakly, or take much longer than usual to dry clothes. 5400W / 240V, nickel-chromium coil, two 5/16" male terminals. Includes element coil with partial housing — reuses remaining outer housing from old assembly. Thermostat and thermal fuse not included. Replaces WP279837, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, W10724237, 2438, AP3094254. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Roper, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Admiral, and Magic Chef electric dryers.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dryer produces no heat at all — heating element coil has burned through
- Dryer takes much longer than normal to dry clothes
- Dryer tumbles normally but generates no heat during the cycle
- Visible break, burn spot, or separation in the heating coil inside the housing
- No continuity across the heating element terminals when tested with a multimeter
- Burning smell from the dryer — arcing at a weak spot in the coil
- Dryer trips the circuit breaker when the heat cycle is selected — shorted element
Replaces Part Numbers
This heating element directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
279838, 279837, WP279837, 2438, 279838A, 279838VP, 3398063, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, 4531017, 4617547, 4675511, 5324919, 5329098, 5895597, W10724237, AH334313, AWP39215, EA334313, EAP334313, FIX334313, AP3094254, PD00002351, PS334313.
Contact our support team with your model number if you need confirmation before ordering.
Compatibility
This heating element is compatible with select electric dryers only from the following brands:
- Whirlpool electric dryers (WED, MEDC, MEDX, Duet, Cabrio series and more)
- Kenmore / Sears electric dryers — 110 series and Whirlpool-built models
- Maytag electric dryers (MEDC, MEDX, MED series)
- Amana electric dryers (NED series)
- KitchenAid electric dryers
- Roper electric dryers
- Crosley electric dryers
- Estate electric dryers
- Inglis electric dryers
- Admiral electric dryers
- Magic Chef electric dryers
Note: This is for electric dryers only. Gas dryers use a gas burner assembly and do not have an electric heating element. Always verify your dryer type and model number before ordering. When replacing the heating element, it is strongly recommended to also replace the high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse (279973 kit) — a failed element is almost always associated with an overheating event that also stresses the thermal components.
Key Features
- Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit and performance
- Primary heat source for electric dryers — nickel-chromium resistance coil generates heat during every drying cycle
- Rated 5400W / 240V — correct wattage for compatible Whirlpool-family electric dryers
- Two 5/16" male terminals — matches the original terminal configuration for direct wire connection
- Includes heating element coil with partial housing and ceramic insulators pre-installed
- Reuses remaining outer housing from old assembly — partial housing replacement only
- Thermostat and thermal fuse not included — order 279973 kit separately if those also need replacement
- Replaces WP279837, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, W10724237, 2438, and over 15 additional cross-reference numbers
- Compatible with 11 major appliance brands on the Whirlpool platform
- DIY repair — installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
279838 |
| Part Type |
Dryer Heating Element Assembly (Electric) |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Application |
Electric Dryers Only |
| Wattage |
5400W |
| Voltage |
240V AC |
| Coil Material |
Nickel-chromium resistance wire |
| Terminals |
Two 5/16" male terminals |
| Includes |
Element coil with partial housing and ceramic insulators — reuses remaining outer housing |
| Does Not Include |
Thermostat, thermal fuse — order 279973 kit separately |
| Often Replaced With |
279973 High-Limit Thermostat and Thermal Cut-Off Kit |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Roper, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Admiral, Magic Chef |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — Electric Dryers Only Disconnect power before beginning. Remove the back panel of the dryer by unscrewing the perimeter screws to access the heating element housing at the lower rear of the dryer. Photograph the wiring connections before disconnecting anything. Remove the two wire connections from the element terminals and the thermostat/thermal fuse wire connections from the housing. Unscrew the heating element housing from the dryer cabinet and slide the old assembly out. Remove the inner element frame from the outer housing — the outer housing is reused. Transfer the new 279838 element (which comes with a partial housing) into the existing outer housing. Reinstall the housing into the dryer, reconnect all wiring in the same positions as photographed, reinstall the back panel, restore power, and run a test heat cycle. Tip: while the element housing is removed, inspect the thermal fuse (3392519) and high-limit thermostat/cut-off kit (279973) and replace if needed. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test if the heating element has failed?
Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel to access the heating element housing. Disconnect the two wire terminals from the element and set your multimeter to continuity or resistance mode. Probe both terminals. A working heating element will show a resistance reading — typically between 8 and 15 ohms for a 5400W/240V element. An open circuit (no continuity / infinite resistance) confirms the element coil has burned through at a break point. You can also visually inspect the coil inside the housing for a visible gap, burn spot, or sag in the wire — any break in the coil indicates a failed element.
Does this element include the thermostat and thermal fuse?
No — the 279838 includes the heating element coil and partial housing only. The high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse are separate parts that mount on the element housing and are not included. When replacing the heating element, it is strongly recommended to also replace these thermal components using the 279973 thermostat kit, as a burned-out element is almost always the result of an overheating condition that also stresses the thermostat and thermal cut-off. Replacing them together ensures the heating system is fully restored and reduces the chance of a repeat failure.
Why does the 279838 only come with partial housing?
The 279838 heating element is designed as a replacement for the inner coil and frame assembly only — it installs inside the existing outer housing from your old assembly. The outer housing is a steel shell that does not wear out and does not need to be replaced under normal circumstances. By including only the partial housing (inner frame and coil), Whirlpool reduces part cost and simplifies installation — you simply swap the new element into your existing outer housing rather than replacing the entire assembly.
Will replacing the heating element fix my dryer if the thermal fuse is also blown?
Not by itself. If the thermal fuse (3392519) has also blown — which is common when the heating element fails — replacing only the element will not restore heat because the blown fuse permanently interrupts the circuit. You will need to replace both the heating element and the thermal fuse to restore normal operation. Since a thermal fuse blows due to overheating, also replacing the high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off kit (279973) at the same time is recommended to ensure complete thermal protection is in place.
Is this a Genuine OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications. It is the exact same heating element assembly installed in compatible Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and related brand electric dryers from the factory — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
Shop With Confidence
A U.S.-based appliance parts retailer specializing in genuine OEM and high-quality replacement parts. We stock components for all major appliance brands and offer fast shipping from our U.S. warehouse. Our team is available to help verify compatibility before you purchase.
✓ Genuine OEM Parts ✓ Fast US Shipping ✓ Compatibility Support ✓ Secure Checkout
