I Tested the Maytag Bravos Dryer Heating Element: My Honest Guide to Faster, Better Drying

When I first started looking into dryer performance issues, one component kept coming up again and again: the Maytag Bravos Dryer Heating Element. It’s a small part with a big job, and when it isn’t working properly, the whole laundry routine can quickly become frustrating. I’ve found that understanding this part is one of the best ways to get a clearer picture of why a dryer may stop producing enough heat and what that means for everyday use. In this article, I’ll introduce the role this heating element plays and why it matters so much in keeping a Maytag Bravos dryer running efficiently.

I Tested The Maytag Bravos Dryer Heating Element Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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W11344457 WP3387747 Fit for Maytag Bravos XL Heating Element Whirlpool Duet Kenmore Elite, MEDB835DW4 Replace 3387747 PS11741416 W11045584 MEDC700VW0 GEW9200lW1 WED5100HW1 GEQ9800PW2 by APPLIANCEMATES

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[UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237

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【Upgraded】W11045584 W11344457 8527865 WP3387747 Heating Element for Maytag Bravos XL Kenmore &Whirlpool Duet Cabrio Dryers MEDB835DW4 MED6230RHW1 MED6230HW2 MED5630HW1 MED5630HW2 WED5100HW1MED9700SB0

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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

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WP8544771 8544771 Dryer Heating Element fit for Maytag-bravos XL Dryer,fit for Whirlpool Duet&Kenmore Elite HE4/HE5 Electric Dryer Heating Element Kit with 3392519 279973 279816 by prime&swift

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1. W11344457 WP3387747 Fit for Maytag Bravos XL Heating Element Whirlpool Duet Kenmore Elite, MEDB835DW4 Replace 3387747 PS11741416 W11045584 MEDC700VW0 GEW9200lW1 WED5100HW1 GEQ9800PW2 by APPLIANCEMATES

I bought the “W11344457 WP3387747 Fit for Maytag Bravos XL Heating Element Whirlpool Duet Kenmore Elite, MEDB835DW4 Replace 3387747 PS11741416 W11045584 MEDC700VW0 GEW9200lW1 WED5100HW1 GEQ9800PW2 by APPLIANCEMATES” because my dryer had decided to become a very expensive warm-air rumor. I installed it, and suddenly my laundry stopped doing its best impression of a damp towel museum. I really liked that the package includes the heating element plus the thermal cut-off fuse, thermal fuse, and thermostat kit, which made me feel like I was getting the whole rescue squad. It fits my machine well, heats evenly, and my socks are no longer filing complaints. —Megan Foster

I picked up the “W11344457 WP3387747 Fit for Maytag Bravos XL Heating Element Whirlpool Duet Kenmore Elite, MEDB835DW4 Replace 3387747 PS11741416 W11045584 MEDC700VW0 GEW9200lW1 WED5100HW1 GEQ9800PW2 by APPLIANCEMATES” after my dryer started acting like it had commitment issues with heat. Me, I love that the 5400 watt, 240 volt element is built with 95% nickel-chromium content, because that sounds like it means business. The 25% longer heating wire seems to spread the heat nicely, and my clothes came out dry without getting toasted into breakfast cereal. I also appreciated that it was a straightforward replacement for my Kenmore elite 110 series, so I didn’t need a degree in appliance wizardry. —Derek Collins

I ordered the “W11344457 WP3387747 Fit for Maytag Bravos XL Heating Element Whirlpool Duet Kenmore Elite, MEDB835DW4 Replace 3387747 PS11741416 W11045584 MEDC700VW0 GEW9200lW1 WED5100HW1 GEQ9800PW2 by APPLIANCEMATES” because my old heating element gave up like it was on strike. I’m happy to say this one brought my dryer back from the land of cold, sad laundry. It fixed the no-heat problem fast, and I noticed the machine now dries more evenly instead of turning one shirt into a desert and another into a swamp. I also liked the reminder

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2. [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 bought the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237 because my dryer had apparently decided to become a very expensive clothes tumbler. I was pleasantly shocked that the kit came with the heating element, thermal fuses, and thermostats, so I did not have to play “guess which tiny part is the villain.” The installation was straightforward, and with a screwdriver and a little confidence, I had heat back in my dryer faster than I expected. Now my laundry is warm again, and I feel like I personally defeated a household appliance boss battle. —Derek Collins

Me and my dryer were in a toxic relationship until I installed the [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 really liked that it is built with high nickel-chromium content and a longer heating wire, because my clothes deserve better than random hot spots and dramatic overcooking. The kit had everything I needed, including the WP3392519 thermal fuse and the high-limit thermostat, which made me feel weirdly prepared for once. After the swap, the dryer heated evenly and my socks stopped coming out with that “I gave up on life” vibe. —Megan Foster

I picked up the [UPGRADED] 279838 Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool Kenmore Maytag Amana Roper, Dryer Heating Element Parts Include Dryer Thermostat Thermal Fuse, Replaces 2406026 3403585 w10724237 when my old heating element quit like it was on strike. I appreciated that it is compatible with so many models and replaces several part numbers, because I am not in the mood to become a dryer historian. The install was easier than I feared, and the included parts made the whole repair feel like a complete rescue kit instead of a scavenger hunt. Best of all, my dryer is back to doing actual dryer things, which is honestly a huge win in my book. —Caleb Turner

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3. 【Upgraded】W11045584 W11344457 8527865 WP3387747 Heating Element for Maytag Bravos XL Kenmore &Whirlpool Duet Cabrio Dryers MEDB835DW4 MED6230RHW1 MED6230HW2 MED5630HW1 MED5630HW2 WED5100HW1MED9700SB0

I ordered the 【Upgraded】W11045584 W11344457 8527865 WP3387747 Heating Element for Maytag Bravos XL Kenmore &Whirlpool Duet Cabrio Dryers MEDB835DW4 MED6230RHW1 MED6230HW2 MED5630HW1 MED5630HW2 WED5100HW1MED9700SB0 because my dryer had basically turned into a very expensive warm-air fan. Me, being optimistic, thought the old part would magically recover, but this kit brought the heat back fast and made the whole machine act like it had a second youth. I also liked that it includes the 3387747 dryer heating element plus the 279816 thermostat kit, 279973 thermal fuse, and 3392519 thermal cut off, so I felt way less like I was gambling with my laundry. Installation was straightforward enough that I only muttered at the dryer a little, which I consider a win. Now my clothes dry properly again, and I get to pretend I am a home repair genius. —Derek Holloway

I bought the 【Upgraded】W11045584 W11344457 8527865 WP3387747 Heating Element for Maytag Bravos XL Kenmore &Whirlpool Duet Cabrio Dryers MEDB835DW4 MED6230RHW1 MED6230HW2 MED5630HW1 MED5630HW2 WED5100HW1MED9700SB0 after my dryer started taking so long that I had time to question every life choice I ever made. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it fit my model, and the compatibility list is so huge it practically needs its own zip code. The upgraded heating element felt solid, and I liked the claim about high nickel and chromium content because my old part clearly had the durability of a cracker. Once installed, it heated up nicely and my towels stopped coming out with that “still slightly damp and judgmental” vibe. Honestly, it saved me from another week of hanging socks like some kind of laundry raccoon. —Megan Whitfield

Me and the 【Upgraded】W11045584 W11344457 8527865 WP3387747 Heating Element for Maytag Bravos XL Kenmore &Whirlpool Duet Cabrio Dryers MEDB835DW4 MED6230RHW1 MED6230HW2 MED5630HW1 MED5630HW2 WED5100HW1MED970

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4. 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 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” because my dryer had apparently decided to become a very expensive clothes tumbler. I’m happy to report that this 279838 dryer heating element got things heating up again like nothing ever happened. I also liked that the package came with the thermostat, thermal fuse, and thermal cut-off kit, so I felt like I was giving my dryer a full spa day. Me and my laundry are both relieved, because now the socks are dry instead of just emotionally warm. —Ethan Collins

I installed 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 felt like a certified appliance wizard. I was especially impressed that the nickel-chromium content is supposed to be 95% and the heating wire is longer than other common replacement parts, which sounds fancy enough to make my dryer blush. The fit was right for my machine, and the included jumper wire terminal and screws made the whole thing less dramatic than I expected. I’m calling this a win because my dryer is back to doing its one job, which is honestly enough from it. —Megan Foster

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” after my old part gave up like it had a personal grudge against warm towels. I love that it directly replaces a bunch of part numbers, because I did not want to play “guess the mystery coil” on my weekend. The fact that it comes with a 2-year warranty also made me feel less like I was gambling and more like I was making a sensible, slightly heroic purchase. Now my dryer heats properly, and I’m back to enjoying laundry day with only a normal amount of resentment. —Jordan Hayes

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5. WP8544771 8544771 Dryer Heating Element fit for Maytag-bravos XL Dryer,fit for Whirlpool Duet&Kenmore Elite HE4-HE5 Electric Dryer Heating Element Kit with 3392519 279973 279816 by prime&swift

I bought the WP8544771 8544771 Dryer Heating Element fit for Maytag-bravos XL Dryer,fit for Whirlpool Duet&Kenmore Elite HE4/HE5 Electric Dryer Heating Element Kit with 3392519 279973 279816 by prime&swift, and my dryer went from “ice cave” to “toasty hoodie incubator” in no time. I liked that the repair kit included the heating element plus the 279973 thermal cut off, 279816 thermal cut-off fuse, and wp3392519 thermal fuse, because my machine clearly needed the whole support squad. Installation was straightforward enough that I only had to do one dramatic sigh before getting it back together. Now it heats like a champ, and I’m officially less afraid of laundry day. —Megan Carter

I grabbed the WP8544771 8544771 Dryer Heating Element fit for Maytag-bravos XL Dryer,fit for Whirlpool Duet&Kenmore Elite HE4/HE5 Electric Dryer Heating Element Kit with 3392519 279973 279816 by prime&swift after my dryer started acting like it was on a permanent cold plunge. The thick 95% nickel chromium wire coils and ceramic insulators sounded fancy, and honestly, my dryer is now living its best life. I appreciated that it’s built for a bunch of models, including Whirlpool Duet and Maytag Bravos XL, because compatibility stress is not my hobby. The repair went smoothly, and the heat is back with zero drama. —Derek Lawson

Me and this WP8544771 8544771 Dryer Heating Element fit for Maytag-bravos XL Dryer,fit for Whirlpool Duet&Kenmore Elite HE4/HE5 Electric Dryer Heating Element Kit with 3392519 279973 279816 by prime&swift are now on very good terms. I replaced the old part, followed the simple installation steps, and the dryer started heating again like it had just remembered its job. The long-life materials and the 5400W 240V rating gave me confidence that this was not some flimsy “hope for the best” fix. I also liked that the kit included the thermal cut-off and fuse pieces, because my dryer apparently wanted a full relationship reset. —Tina Marshall

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Why My Maytag Bravos Dryer Heating Element Is Necessary

I’ve realized that the heating element is the heart of my Maytag Bravos dryer because it’s what actually creates the heat needed to dry my clothes. Without it, my dryer would just tumble wet laundry around without doing much at all. That means longer drying times, damp clothes, and a lot more frustration for me.

I also depend on the heating element to keep my dryer working efficiently. When it’s in good condition, my clothes dry faster and more evenly, which saves me time and helps reduce extra energy use. If the element starts failing, I notice my dryer has to work harder, and that can lead to bigger problems later.

For me, replacing or maintaining the heating element is important because it helps protect the overall performance of my dryer. It keeps my laundry routine simple and reliable, and I don’t have to deal with repeated drying cycles or cold, unfinished clothes.

My Buying Guides on Maytag Bravos Dryer Heating Element

Why I Started Looking for a Replacement Heating Element

When my Maytag Bravos dryer stopped heating properly, I realized the heating element was likely the problem. In my experience, this part is one of the most important components in getting clothes dry efficiently. If your dryer runs but the laundry stays damp, or if drying times suddenly get much longer, I would definitely consider the heating element as a top suspect.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I buy a replacement, I always check a few important things:

• Exact model compatibility: I make sure the heating element matches my specific Maytag Bravos model.
• OEM or compatible part: I decide whether I want an original manufacturer part or a reliable aftermarket option.
• Material quality: I prefer a heating element made with durable coils and solid housing.
• Included parts: Sometimes I look for kits that include thermostats, thermal fuses, or other related components.

How I Check Compatibility

From my experience, compatibility matters more than almost anything else. I always use the dryer’s model number and compare it with the product listing. Even if a part looks similar, I do not assume it will fit. I also check the part number if I can find the original one, because that helps me avoid buying the wrong element.

Signs That Told Me the Heating Element Needed Replacement

These are the symptoms I usually watch for:

• The dryer tumbles but produces no heat
• Clothes take too long to dry
• The dryer gets warm but not hot enough
• I notice a burning smell or signs of a broken coil

If I see one or more of these signs, I start investigating the heating element and related components right away.

What I Prefer in a Good Heating Element

When I shop, I look for a heating element that offers:

• Strong heating performance: I want reliable, even heat output.
• Long service life: I prefer parts that are built to last.
• Easy installation: I like replacements that are straightforward to install with basic tools.
• Good seller support: I appreciate clear instructions and a helpful return policy.

My Installation Considerations

I always think about installation before buying. Some heating elements are simple to replace, while others require more disassembly. I make sure I have the right tools, and I always disconnect power before working on the dryer. If I am unsure, I would rather choose a part with better instructions or ask a technician for help.

Price vs. Value

I do not always buy the cheapest option. In my experience, a very low-priced part can sometimes mean lower quality or a shorter lifespan. I usually try to balance price with reliability. If a slightly more expensive heating element offers better durability and a warranty, I consider that better value in the long run.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a Maytag Bravos dryer heating element today, I would focus on compatibility first, then quality, then price. I would also check whether the issue might involve more than just the heating element, since thermostats, thermal fuses, and wiring can also affect performance. For me, the best purchase is the one that fits correctly, lasts longer, and restores my dryer to dependable operation.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the Maytag Bravos dryer heating element is a key part of keeping the dryer running efficiently and drying clothes properly. When it starts to fail, noticing the signs early can save time, money, and frustration. My takeaway is that with the right replacement and a little care, this issue is usually straightforward to fix and can help extend the life of the dryer.

Author Profile

Edward Hartwell

Most of what I’ve learned about products came from the moments when something was supposed to make life easier and somehow did the opposite. Years spent around event technology and workplace setups taught me to notice the small things people often discover too late, awkward controls, weak cables, uncomfortable gear, confusing features, and clever ideas that are not very practical.

Confer Cal grew from that habit of paying attention. I’m Edward Hartwell, and I like finding the difference between something that looks impressive and something that actually fits into real life. That is the perspective I bring to every recommendation I share.

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