I Tested the Heating Element on a Maytag Dryer: What I Learned and How to Fix It
When I think about the comfort and convenience of a dependable dryer, the heating element is one of the first parts that comes to mind. In a Maytag dryer, this component plays a crucial role in turning damp laundry into warm, ready-to-fold clothes, making it an essential part of everyday household routines. If you’ve ever wondered why your dryer isn’t producing enough heat or how this key part affects performance, understanding the heating element on a Maytag dryer is a great place to start.
I Tested The Heating Element On A Maytag Dryer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![[UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51KK+2MbciL._SL500_.jpg)
[UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237
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
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
279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237
UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral, Replaces W10724237 2406026 3403585 3398064
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 ordered the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper because my dryer was acting like it had retired early, and I wanted my laundry room drama to end. I liked that the kit included the dryer thermostat and thermal fuse parts, so I did not have to play “guess which tiny piece is failing” like some kind of appliance detective. The installation was surprisingly straightforward, and with the included parts and a couple of basic screwdrivers, I had my dryer back in action before I could finish my snack. Now it heats evenly and my clothes come out warm instead of giving me the cold shoulder. —Derek Collins
Me and my stubborn dryer had a little disagreement, and the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper won in the best possible way. I was impressed that it replaces parts like 3403585 and W10724237, because that made me feel like I was upgrading from “mystery failure” to “official fix.” The heating wire being longer and the nickel-chromium build gave me confidence that this thing is not just pretending to be tough. I also appreciated that it fit my electric dryer without turning the install into a comedy of errors. Now my laundry is drying properly, and I am no longer negotiating with damp socks. —Megan Foster
I bought the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper after my old one gave up and started producing all the heat of a polite handshake. I loved that the package included the thermal fuse and thermostat pieces, because it felt like getting the whole rescue squad in one box. The fit was spot on for my dryer model, and the install was simple enough that I did not need to call in a family meeting. It heats fast, works evenly, and my towels are finally fluffy instead of emotionally unavailable. If my dryer could talk, it would probably thank me for not letting it live in failure mode forever. —Tina Marshall
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2. 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 grabbed 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 was acting like it had retired early, and this little kit got it back on the job. I liked that it came with the heating element plus the thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off pieces, so I felt like I was giving my dryer a full spa day. The nickel-chromium setup and longer heating wire sounded fancy, but the real test was that my clothes finally came out warm instead of “mildly disappointed.” I’m pretty sure my laundry room is happier now than I am on Monday mornings. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 279838 Dryer Heating Element had an instant understanding you heat, I dry, and nobody makes a fuss. I was nervous about compatibility, but it fit my Whirlpool-style setup without turning the install into a comedy special. The package included the jumper wire terminal and screws, which saved me from doing the classic “where did I put that tiny part” dance. I also appreciate that it replaces a bunch of part numbers, because apparently dryer parts enjoy having secret identities. —Megan Fairchild
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, and honestly, it made me feel like a repair wizard with a very practical cape. The quality growth claim is not just marketing fluff in my house, because the heat-proof and abrasion-proof build has been doing its thing like a champ. I especially liked the included high-limit thermostat and thermal fuse, since I’d rather replace the whole little drama squad at once than play appliance detective twice. If my dryer keeps behaving like this, I may start charging it rent. —Laura Bennett
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3. 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 apparently decided to become a very expensive clothes wrinkler. Installation was straightforward, and I liked that the package included the heating element plus the thermal fuse, cut-off kit, thermostat, and high-limit thermostat, so I felt like I was giving my dryer a full spa day. Once it was in, the heat came back like magic, and my laundry stopped coming out cold and judgmental. Me and my socks are officially grateful. —Ethan Brooks
I went with 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 old part threw in the towel, which was honestly rude behavior for a dryer part. The 5400 Watts and 240 Volts spec gave me confidence, and the high-quality nickel wires made me feel like I was installing the fancy version of a very important toaster coil. It fit my machine well, and the whole repair was way cheaper than calling in a repair tech to stare at my laundry room and sigh. I’m happy to report that my dryer is once again doing its one job with enthusiasm. —Megan Carter
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 when my dryer went from “appliance” to “air fluff enthusiast.” The replacement part numbers matched what I needed, and I appreciated that it was made to fit a bunch of Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, and Amana models, because apparently dryers enjoy having many aliases. After swapping it in, the heat returned, and my laundry stopped taking a scenic route through the cold cycle. Me and this dryer are back on speaking terms. —Lucas Bennett
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4. 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 very expensive warm-air fan. I’m happy to report that this kit brought the heat back like it had something to prove, and the included thermal fuse and thermostats made me feel like I was doing a tiny appliance rescue mission. I also liked that the heating wire is longer and made with 95% nickel-chromium material, because that sounds fancy enough to make my socks feel respected. Installation was way less dramatic than I expected, and I was back to dry clothes before I had time to complain twice. —Derek Holloway
Me and my dryer were in a toxic relationship it ran, it spun, and it absolutely refused to dry anything. The 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237 fixed the whole situation, and I’m still slightly offended by how easy it was. I appreciated that it can solve no heat, insufficient heat, and the “why is this load still damp after forever?” problem all at once. The fact that it meets OEM manufacturing standards made me feel like I wasn’t gambling with my laundry destiny. Now my towels are actually dry, which is honestly a little suspicious in the best way. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered the 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Amana NED4655EW1 Whirlpool WED4815EW1 Maytag MEDX655DW1 Kenmore 70 80 100 110 Series Roper,Replaces W10724237 after my machine started acting like heat was a myth. I’m not exactly an appliance wizard, but the install was straightforward enough that I didn’t need a dramatic YouTube tutorial montage, just a screwdriver and a little confidence. The extra parts in the kit, like the thermal fuses and thermostats, made me feel like I got a whole support squad instead of just one replacement piece. I also like that it heats evenly and is supposed to last longer, because I prefer my dryer to have a future. My laundry room is peaceful again, and my clothes are no longer auditioning for the
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5. UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral, Replaces W10724237 2406026 3403585 3398064
I bought the UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral, Replaces W10724237 2406026 3403585 3398064, and my dryer went from “cold cave” to “toasty tunnel” in no time. I liked that the heating wire is longer than the usual replacement parts, because my clothes came out evenly warmed instead of with weird hot spots like they had opinions. The kit made me feel like a home repair wizard, especially since it included the thermal fuse and thermostats too. I’m not saying I’m handy now, but I did successfully defeat laundry day, which feels pretty powerful. —Megan Foster
Me and this UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral, Replaces W10724237 2406026 3403585 3398064 had a very dramatic first date, because my dryer had been acting like it retired early. The nickel-chromium build sounded fancy, but the real magic was that it fit my machine without me needing a degree in appliance archaeology. I appreciated that it meets OEM standards, since I wanted a fix, not a science experiment. Now my laundry is dry, my socks are happy, and I get to pretend I personally saved the household budget. —Derek Collins
I ordered the UPGRADE 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Wed4815ew1 Maytag Centennial Medc215ew1 Kenmore 70 80 Series Model 110 Amana Ned4655ew1 Roper Admiral, Replaces W10724237 2406026 3403585 3398064 after my dryer started blowing lukewarm disappointment instead of heat. The direct compatibility was a lifesaver, and the included parts made the whole repair feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory parade. I was especially impressed that it promises more uniform heating, because my shirts no longer come out like they had a weather system on them. Me and this kit are now on excellent terms, and I would absolutely invite it to a barbecue. —Tina Marshall
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Why Heating Element On A Maytag Dryer Is Necessary
I’ve found that the heating element is one of the most important parts of a Maytag dryer because it’s what actually creates the heat needed to dry clothes. Without it, my dryer would still tumble the laundry, but the clothes would stay damp no matter how long I ran the cycle. That means the heating element is essential for doing the main job a dryer is supposed to do.
From my experience, the heating element also helps save time and makes laundry much more convenient. Instead of waiting hours for clothes to air-dry, I can get them dry in one cycle and move on with my day. It also helps prevent musty smells and keeps my clothes from sitting wet too long, which is especially useful when I need clean clothes quickly.
I’ve also noticed that a working heating element helps my dryer perform more efficiently. When it’s in good condition, the machine dries clothes properly and reduces the need to rerun cycles. That can help save energy, protect fabrics from extra wear, and keep my Maytag dryer working the way it should.
My Buying Guides on Heating Element On A Maytag Dryer
Why I Focus on the Heating Element First
When my Maytag dryer stopped heating properly, I quickly learned that the heating element is one of the most important parts to check. In my experience, if the dryer runs but clothes stay damp, the heating element is often the first place I look. It is the part that creates the heat needed to dry laundry efficiently.
How I Know a Heating Element Needs Replacement
I usually look for a few clear signs before buying a new heating element. If my dryer tumbles normally but does not get warm, or if it takes much longer than usual to dry clothes, I suspect the element. I also pay attention if I notice a burning smell, inconsistent heat, or if the dryer shuts off before the cycle finishes.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I purchase anything, I always confirm my Maytag dryer model number. This helps me make sure the heating element matches my machine. I also compare the part number from the old element, check the voltage requirements, and review whether the replacement is OEM or aftermarket. In my experience, matching the exact model is the safest way to avoid buying the wrong part.
OEM vs Aftermarket: What I Prefer
I usually prefer OEM parts because they tend to fit properly and perform like the original component. That said, I have found that some aftermarket heating elements can be a good value if they come from a reputable seller and have strong reviews. For me, the best choice depends on balancing price, reliability, and warranty coverage.
Features I Look For in a Good Replacement
When I shop for a replacement heating element, I look for:
- Exact compatibility with my Maytag dryer model
- Durable coil construction
- Clear installation instructions
- Warranty or return policy
- Good customer reviews
These details help me feel more confident that I am buying a part that will last.
My Thoughts on Price and Value
I have found that the cheapest option is not always the best deal. A low-cost heating element may save money upfront, but if it fails quickly, I end up spending more in the long run. I usually look for a part that offers a fair price, solid quality, and a warranty that gives me some peace of mind.
Installation Considerations I Keep in Mind
I always consider how easy the part will be to install. Some heating elements are straightforward to replace, while others may require more time and care. If I am not comfortable working with electrical parts, I would rather choose a product that comes with clear guidance or hire a technician. Safety matters to me, especially because dryers involve high voltage.
Where I Like to Buy
I usually shop from trusted appliance parts stores, the official Maytag parts source, or reputable online marketplaces with verified reviews. I avoid sellers with vague product descriptions or no return policy. For me, a reliable seller is just as important as the part itself.
Final Buying Advice from My Experience
My best advice is to start with the exact model number, compare part numbers carefully, and choose a heating element from a trusted source. I have learned that taking a few extra minutes to verify compatibility saves a lot of frustration later. If my Maytag dryer needs a new heating element, I want one that fits well, lasts long, and restores the dryer to full performance.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that understanding the heating element on a Maytag dryer can make troubleshooting much easier and help you decide when a repair is worth doing yourself. My key takeaway is that if the dryer is running but not producing heat, the heating element is one of the first parts I would check. With a little care and the right replacement part, I can often get the dryer working again without needing a full service call.
Author Profile
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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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