OEM vs Aftermarket Dryer Door Handle for Whirlpool & Kenmore: Honest Comparison (8559751)

Your Whirlpool or Kenmore dryer door won't latch anymore. The handle cracked clean through after one too many pulls over the years — happens to nearly every model from 110.82822100 to 3RAWZ481ETH0 eventually. You've found the OEM part number (WP8559751) quoted at $85–$120 depending on the dealer, and an aftermarket replacement at $40.99. That's a significant price gap for what looks like the same black plastic handle.

So which one should you actually buy?

Quick Answer

The aftermarket 8559751 delivers identical fit and function at less than half the OEM price. Unless you're flipping the dryer for resale and need factory documentation, the aftermarket version makes more financial sense — it's the same repair for $45–$80 less.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are legitimate reasons to pay double for the factory part:

You're selling the dryer soon. If you're fixing it to flip or pass along, OEM documentation can justify a higher asking price. Some buyers specifically ask if repairs used factory parts.

It's still under warranty. If your dryer's covered by Whirlpool's warranty (rare for a door handle, but possible), using aftermarket parts could void remaining coverage on other components.

You want guaranteed color match. The OEM black plastic will match your dryer's original finish perfectly. Aftermarket handles use the same black ABS plastic, but batch variations mean a 5% chance of slightly different sheen under direct sunlight.

When Aftermarket Wins

For most DIY repairs, the aftermarket handle is the smarter buy. Here's why:

Installation is identical. One user noted: "Phillips head screwdriver. Unscrewed the door hinge from dryer. Removed/Unscrewed back of door panel and removed panel. Keep track of screws removed as there are two different types specific for reassembly." That 15-30 minute process works exactly the same whether you spent $41 or $115 on the handle.

The failure rate is the same. Dryer door handles crack from repeated stress — it's mechanical fatigue, not material quality. Both OEM and aftermarket handles use injection-molded ABS plastic. Neither is immune to cracking after 8–12 years of daily use. The aftermarket version replaces AP6013245, 8519332, and other cross-references just as reliably.

You save enough for other repairs. That $45–$80 difference covers a new drum roller kit or belt if you discover additional issues once you've got the door apart. As one DIYer put it: "Relatively easy fix with a little reading from this site. I taped each screw to the corresponding hole since all of them have different dimensions and lengths." Spending less on the handle leaves budget for those other wear items.

Better warranty. The aftermarket part includes a full year of coverage versus 90 days typical for OEM through appliance dealers. If it fails, you're covered longer.

Installation Reality Check

Regardless of which handle you choose, the repair process involves multiple screw types. Here's what actually matters:

"Remove the phillips head screws from back of door. (No need to remove Torx head screws). There are several different size screws so tape screws to door as you remove them so you can easily install them back into the correct holes."

This tape-and-label approach prevents the #1 reassembly mistake — mixing up screws. The hex-head screws hold the window glass and don't need removal. Focus on the Phillips screws securing the door panel. Whether your replacement handle cost $41 or $115 won't change this process.

Our Verdict

Buy the aftermarket handle. For models like 110.82822100 through 110.82826103 and dozens of other compatible Whirlpool/Kenmore dryers, the $40.99 aftermarket replacement delivers the same 15-30 minute repair as the $85–$120 OEM part. The handle works identically, fits identically, and lasts just as long. Unless you need factory documentation for resale or warranty reasons, spending double doesn't get you a better repair.

The money you save covers your time, tools, and leaves budget for preventive maintenance on other dryer components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket handle fit my specific Kenmore model?

Yes, if your model number starts with 110.828 (like 110.82822100, 110.82824101, 110.82826102), this handle is a direct replacement. It also fits Whirlpool models like 3RAWZ481ETH0. Cross-reference your model against the compatibility list — over 100 models confirmed compatible with both OEM WP8559751 and this aftermarket version.

Do I need special tools beyond a Phillips screwdriver?

No. The installation notes confirm: "Phillips head screwdriver" handles the job. Some doors have Torx screws holding the window glass, but you don't remove those for handle replacement. Optional: Torx driver if you want to fully disassemble the door, but it's not required for this specific repair.

How long will the aftermarket handle last compared to OEM?

Expect 8–12 years from either version under normal use — same as your original handle. Both crack from mechanical stress (repeated pulling), not material defects. The aftermarket handle uses the same ABS plastic construction as OEM. The common failure mode is identical: the handle cracks near the mounting points after thousands of open/close cycles.