Best Kenmore Dryer Heating Element Replacements: 6 Real Picks for 2026
Six real, cross-referenced heating element kits that fit Kenmore's most common full-size and Elite HE3/HE4 dryer platforms.
In this article
- Who this guide is for
- Comparison table
- The picks, reviewed
- AMI PARTS 279838 Heating Element Kit (Whirlpool/Kenmore/Maytag/Amana/Roper)
- Heating Element for Whirlpool/Kenmore Dryers (279838, with Thermostat)
- 279838 Dryer Heating Element (Replaces W10724237, WP279837)
- 279838 Heating Element for Kenmore Dryer (110/70/80/500 Series)
- Beaquicy 3387747 Heating Element Assembly (Kenmore Elite HE3/HE4/90 Series)
- Beaquicy 279838 Dryer Heating Element Assembly
- How we chose these picks
- Buying guide: what to check before you order
- Final verdict
Who this guide is for
If your Kenmore dryer is running a full cycle but the clothes come out barely warm -- or not warm at all -- the heating coil (heating element) is one of the most common failure points, especially once a machine passes the 8-10 year mark. This guide is for homeowners doing their own repair rather than paying for a service call: it compares six real, currently listed replacement heating elements that fit the Kenmore 70/80/110/500 series and Kenmore Elite HE3/HE4/90 series dryers (most of which are built on shared Whirlpool platforms), so you can match the right part to your model and get the dryer heating again.
Before you buy anything, pull the model number off the sticker inside the dryer door frame or on the back panel and cross-check it against the compatibility list on the product page -- Kenmore model numbers map to several different underlying Whirlpool platforms, and the coil shape is not universal across all of them.
Comparison table
| Photo | Product | Price | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | AMI PARTS 279838 Heating Element Kit (Whirlpool/Kenmore/Maytag/Amana/Roper) | $36.99 | 4.2 (10,900+) | Check Price |
 | Heating Element for Whirlpool/Kenmore Dryers (279838, with Thermostat) | $36.59 | 4.3 (13,000+) | Check Price |
 | 279838 Dryer Heating Element (Replaces W10724237, WP279837) | $25.99 | 4.1 (1,100+) | Check Price |
 | 279838 Heating Element for Kenmore Dryer (110/70/80/500 Series) | $25.99 | 4.2 (401) | Check Price |
 | Beaquicy 3387747 Heating Element Assembly (Kenmore Elite HE3/HE4/90 Series) | $18.59 | 4.7 (778) | Check Price |
 | Beaquicy 279838 Dryer Heating Element Assembly | $18.39 | 4.3 (1,200+) | Check Price |
The picks, reviewed
AMI PARTS 279838 Heating Element Kit (Whirlpool/Kenmore/Maytag/Amana/Roper)
Pros
- Matches the widely used 279838 / W10724237 heating element family found across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper full-size electric dryers
- Bundles the heating element with a thermostat and thermal fuse, so one order covers the whole heat-circuit repair.
- Straightforward bolt-in swap for most DIYers with basic tools and the power disconnected
Cons
- You still need to confirm your exact model number against the listing's fitment chart before ordering
- Some buyers report the coil wire gauge feels lighter than a genuine OEM part, though function reports are largely positive
- Doesn't include the drum rollers, belt, or idler pulley -- if those are also worn, budget for a separate parts order
Who should skip it: if your dryer is a stackable, ventless, or heat-pump model rather than a standard vented full-size electric dryer, this style of open-coil element usually is not the correct part -- check your model's tech sheet or the wiring diagram inside the back panel first.
Heating Element for Whirlpool/Kenmore Dryers (279838, with Thermostat)
Pros
- Matches the widely used 279838 / W10724237 heating element family found across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper full-size electric dryers
- The highest review count of the group, with a coiled Calrod-style element that matches the factory shape closely.
- Straightforward bolt-in swap for most DIYers with basic tools and the power disconnected
Cons
- You still need to confirm your exact model number against the listing's fitment chart before ordering
- Some buyers report the coil wire gauge feels lighter than a genuine OEM part, though function reports are largely positive
- Doesn't include the drum rollers, belt, or idler pulley -- if those are also worn, budget for a separate parts order
Who should skip it: if your dryer is a stackable, ventless, or heat-pump model rather than a standard vented full-size electric dryer, this style of open-coil element usually is not the correct part -- check your model's tech sheet or the wiring diagram inside the back panel first.
279838 Dryer Heating Element (Replaces W10724237, WP279837)
Pros
- Matches the widely used 279838 / W10724237 heating element family found across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper full-size electric dryers
- A budget-friendly straight swap for the stock coil, cross-referenced to several common Whirlpool/Kenmore part numbers.
- Straightforward bolt-in swap for most DIYers with basic tools and the power disconnected
Cons
- You still need to confirm your exact model number against the listing's fitment chart before ordering
- Some buyers report the coil wire gauge feels lighter than a genuine OEM part, though function reports are largely positive
- Doesn't include the drum rollers, belt, or idler pulley -- if those are also worn, budget for a separate parts order
Who should skip it: if your dryer is a stackable, ventless, or heat-pump model rather than a standard vented full-size electric dryer, this style of open-coil element usually is not the correct part -- check your model's tech sheet or the wiring diagram inside the back panel first.
279838 Heating Element for Kenmore Dryer (110/70/80/500 Series)
Pros
- Matches the widely used 279838 / W10724237 heating element family found across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper full-size electric dryers
- Explicitly branded for Kenmore's 110/70/80/500 model series, useful when you want a listing that names your dryer directly.
- Straightforward bolt-in swap for most DIYers with basic tools and the power disconnected
Cons
- You still need to confirm your exact model number against the listing's fitment chart before ordering
- Some buyers report the coil wire gauge feels lighter than a genuine OEM part, though function reports are largely positive
- Doesn't include the drum rollers, belt, or idler pulley -- if those are also worn, budget for a separate parts order
Who should skip it: if your dryer is a stackable, ventless, or heat-pump model rather than a standard vented full-size electric dryer, this style of open-coil element usually is not the correct part -- check your model's tech sheet or the wiring diagram inside the back panel first.
Beaquicy 3387747 Heating Element Assembly (Kenmore Elite HE3/HE4/90 Series)
Pros
- Matches the widely used 279838 / W10724237 heating element family found across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper full-size electric dryers
- The best-rated pick here, built for the different heater design used in Kenmore Elite HE3/HE4/90-series machines.
- Straightforward bolt-in swap for most DIYers with basic tools and the power disconnected
Cons
- You still need to confirm your exact model number against the listing's fitment chart before ordering
- Some buyers report the coil wire gauge feels lighter than a genuine OEM part, though function reports are largely positive
- Doesn't include the drum rollers, belt, or idler pulley -- if those are also worn, budget for a separate parts order
Who should skip it: if your dryer is a stackable, ventless, or heat-pump model rather than a standard vented full-size electric dryer, this style of open-coil element usually is not the correct part -- check your model's tech sheet or the wiring diagram inside the back panel first.
Beaquicy 279838 Dryer Heating Element Assembly
Pros
- Matches the widely used 279838 / W10724237 heating element family found across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and Roper full-size electric dryers
- The lowest-priced option in the roundup and still cross-referenced to the same 279838/W10724237 part family.
- Straightforward bolt-in swap for most DIYers with basic tools and the power disconnected
Cons
- You still need to confirm your exact model number against the listing's fitment chart before ordering
- Some buyers report the coil wire gauge feels lighter than a genuine OEM part, though function reports are largely positive
- Doesn't include the drum rollers, belt, or idler pulley -- if those are also worn, budget for a separate parts order
Who should skip it: if your dryer is a stackable, ventless, or heat-pump model rather than a standard vented full-size electric dryer, this style of open-coil element usually is not the correct part -- check your model's tech sheet or the wiring diagram inside the back panel first.
How we chose these picks
We focused on heating elements that are explicitly cross-referenced to genuine Kenmore/Whirlpool part numbers (279838, W10724237, 3387747, and related superseded numbers), rather than generic-looking parts with no fitment data. We also weighted toward listings with a large volume of verified buyer ratings, since a heating element is a safety-relevant part where consistent real-world performance matters more than a flashy listing. Bundles that include the thermostat and thermal fuse were noted separately, since replacing all three at once is common practice when a dryer's heat circuit fails -- if one component overheated, the others in the same circuit have often been stressed too.
Buying guide: what to check before you order
- Model number, not just brand. "Kenmore" spans dozens of dryer platforms built by Whirlpool over the years; always match your specific model or the printed part number, not just the Kenmore name.
- Full kit vs. element only. Several listings bundle the coil with a thermostat and thermal fuse. If your dryer is already a few years old, replacing all three at once can save you from doing this job twice.
- Amperage and voltage rating. Standard full-size electric dryers use 240V elements; double-check the listing states the correct voltage for your unit rather than a compact or portable-dryer coil.
- Safety first. Always unplug the dryer (and shut off the breaker if it's hardwired) before removing the back panel, and let the unit cool down if it was just running.
Final verdict
For most standard Kenmore 70/80/110/500-series dryers, a bundled kit like the AMI PARTS or Whirlpool-branded element with thermostat and thermal fuse included offers the best value, since you're replacing the whole heat circuit in one job. If your dryer is a Kenmore Elite HE3/HE4/90-series model with the different heater assembly design, the Beaquicy 3387747 is the more accurate fit. Whichever you choose, confirm the exact model/part match before installing -- that single check prevents the vast majority of "wrong part" returns.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dryer's heating element is actually the problem?
If the drum still turns and the timer runs but the air coming out stays cool or barely warm, the heating element, thermostat, or thermal fuse in the heat circuit is the most likely cause. A multimeter continuity check on the coil (with the dryer unplugged) will confirm whether it has an open circuit.
Can I replace a dryer heating element myself?
Yes, on most full-size electric dryers it's a manageable DIY job with a nut driver or screwdriver set -- you remove the back panel, disconnect the wiring, and swap the element housing. Always unplug the dryer and let it cool first.
Do I need to replace the thermostat and thermal fuse at the same time?
Not strictly, but it's common practice. These parts share the same heat circuit, so if one failed from age or overheating, the others have often been under similar stress. Bundled kits make this a one-time job.
Will a generic heating element work as well as an OEM Whirlpool/Kenmore part?
Many well cross-referenced aftermarket elements (matching part numbers like 279838 or W10724237) perform reliably and are what most of the top-rated listings in this guide use. Stick to listings with clear part-number cross-references and strong verified ratings.
Why does my dryer take much longer to dry clothes even though it heats up?
That's more often a sign of lint buildup, a clogged exhaust vent, or a failing thermostat cycling the heat off too early -- it's worth checking the vent and lint trap before assuming the heating element itself is at fault.
