UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew

The Verdict

A dryer that stops heating is one of the most frustrating appliance failures — your clothes come out damp, the drum spins, and you’re left wondering if the fix is $20 or $200. The UPGRADE 279838 heating element is squarely in the “cheap and fixable” camp, and with 215 ratings sitting at 4.3 stars, it’s clearly solving a lot of problems. But is it actually a quality part, or just a cheap knockoff that’ll fail in six months? Here’s the real story.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get the complete heating element assembly — the coiled nichrome wire element mounted on the ceramic insulator frame, plus the high-limit thermostat and thermal cutoff fuse pre-installed. That second part matters more than most shoppers realize. When a heating element burns out, it often takes the thermal fuse with it, and having both components in one kit means you’re not waiting another week for a second shipment.

The kit is listed for the Whirlpool WED4815EW specifically, but it also covers the Maytag Centennial MEDC215EW1, Kenmore 110 series, and several Amana models — all of which use the same 279838 OEM part. If you’re unsure about compatibility, check the model number sticker inside the dryer door frame before ordering.

Performance and Real-World Use

Replacement took a straightforward 30–45 minutes with a 5/16" nut driver and a Phillips head. The element mounts in the rear of the dryer housing, and the wiring harness plugs in exactly as the OEM part does — no soldering, no crimping, no adapters.

The heat output matches the original. That’s not a given with aftermarket elements; some cheap ones run hot and trigger the thermal cutoff repeatedly, or run cool and extend drying times. The UPGRADE element holds steady at the expected coil glow during operation, and dry cycles complete in the same time as before the failure.

What buyers consistently report: The phrase “exact fit” shows up repeatedly in reviews. One buyer noted, “Replaced the original in my Whirlpool and it fired up immediately. Same part number, same mounting holes, no issues.” Another praised the included fuses: “My thermal fuse was blown too — this kit saved me from ordering a second part.”

Where It Falls Short

The most common complaint isn’t about the element itself — it’s the mounting bracket. The steel is thin, and if you overtighten the screws, you can strip or bend it. Hand-tighten plus a quarter turn is the right approach. Several reviewers mentioned this, and it’s a minor annoyance, not a dealbreaker.

There’s also no printed wiring diagram, which can trip up first-time DIYers. The existing wires are color-coded and the connectors are keyed differently, so it’s hard to miswire — but if you’re nervous about electrical work, have a YouTube video ready before you start.

Who Should Buy This

If your Whirlpool, Maytag, or Kenmore dryer is blowing cold air but spinning fine, this is a solid, low-risk repair — you’ll spend under $40 instead of $200+ for a service call. It’s ideal for:

• Budget-conscious homeowners who can handle basic appliance repair
• DIYers with mid-2000s to 2010s Whirlpool-built dryers — the most common models this fits
• Landlords or property managers with a fleet of these dryers; buy two and keep one in the parts drawer

Skip it if you’re not comfortable opening up the back panel of a dryer — the electrical connections are low-voltage-ish (240V, actually), and you should pull the plug before touching anything.

FAQ

Q: Will this work if my dryer runs but won’t heat? Most likely yes. A dead heating element is the #1 cause of no-heat in Whirlpool-built dryers. But check the thermal fuse first with a multimeter — if it’s blown, the element kit includes a replacement.

Q: How do I confirm compatibility with my model? Open the dryer door and read the model number on the sticker inside the frame. Cross-reference it with the Amazon listing’s compatibility list. The WED4815EW, MEDC215EW1, and Kenmore 110.XXXXXXXX all work.

Q: How long will it last? The OEM element typically lasts 8–12 years. This aftermarket unit is newer to market, but the core coil construction is identical. Expect comparable lifespan under normal household use.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You have a Whirlpool-built dryer with no heat, you’re comfortable with a basic DIY repair, and you want the fuses included in one box.

Skip it if: Your dryer is still under warranty (call a pro), or you’re not confident working with 240V electrical components.

Rating: 4.2/5 — It’s a genuine OEM-equivalent replacement at a fraction of the cost, with the only real downsides being thin bracket metal and a missing wiring diagram. For the price, it’s the right call for most homeowners facing this repair.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.