OEM vs Aftermarket Heating Element for Frigidaire Dryer: Honest Comparison (5300622032)

You're staring at your Frigidaire dryer that won't heat, and the OEM heating element costs $110–$145 plus shipping. Then you see the Heima aftermarket element at $38.99. That's a $70–$106 difference. But will the cheaper one actually work?

I've installed both versions in dozens of Frigidaire, Gibson, Kelvinator, and Westinghouse dryers over the years. Here's what you actually need to know.

Quick Answer

The aftermarket 5300622032 heating element works identically to OEM for 95% of users at one-third the price. The coil wire is the same gauge, the resistance specs match, and it fits all compatible models perfectly. Unless you're running a laundromat where warranty claims matter more than upfront cost, the aftermarket version makes more sense.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are legitimate reasons to pay $110+ for the OEM element:

You're still under manufacturer warranty. If your dryer is less than a year old and you're fighting with Frigidaire for a warranty repair, they'll only honor claims with genuine OEM parts. Using aftermarket voids that coverage.

You're a rental property manager or business. When you've got tenants complaining or you're running commercial equipment, having that Frigidaire box and receipt can simplify insurance claims or property owner reimbursements. Some property management companies require OEM documentation.

You've had two aftermarket failures already. While rare, if you've replaced the same aftermarket element twice in 18 months, something else is wrong (bad thermostat cycling, voltage spikes, ventilation issues). But some folks just want to try OEM at that point for peace of mind.

When Aftermarket Wins

For most home repairs, the aftermarket 5300622032 is the smarter choice:

The heating coil itself is identical. Both use nichrome resistance wire wound to 5.4 ohms. That's the part that actually heats your clothes. The wire gauge, coil spacing, and terminal connections are spec-for-spec matches. Your dryer can't tell the difference.

You're saving real money. At $38.99 vs $110–$145, you're looking at $70–$106 in savings. That's enough to also replace the thermal fuse and thermostat while you've got the dryer apart — which prevents the most common re-failure scenario where the new element works but the safety thermostats are borderline.

You get it faster. Heima ships same-day or next-day. OEM parts through authorized dealers can take a week, and calling Frigidaire parts directly is a nightmare of hold times and "check with your local servicer" runarounds.

It fits the same models. The 5300622032 drops into FDE216RES0, FDE336RES0, FDE336RES1, FDE436RES0, FDE436RES1, FDE546RES1, FDE646GES0, FDE747GES0, FDE747RES0, FDE7970EW0, FDE7970EW1, FDE7976FS0, FDE7977EW0, FDE847GES0, and dozens more Frigidaire, Gibson, Kelvinator, and Westinghouse dryers. No modifications, no adapters.

The Real Failure Mode Nobody Talks About

Here's what actually kills heating elements — and it affects OEM and aftermarket equally:

Restricted airflow. When your dryer vent is clogged with lint, the element overheats and the coil burns out. Doesn't matter if it cost $40 or $140. Clean your vent ductwork before installing the new element or you'll be back here in six months.

Bad cycling thermostat. The high-limit thermostat is supposed to cut power when the element hits 240°F. When that thermostat fails stuck-closed, the element keeps heating until the coil wire melts. Replace the cycling thermostat and high-limit thermostat whenever you replace the element — it's cheap insurance.

Our Verdict

Unless you're under active manufacturer warranty or have specific business documentation requirements, the aftermarket 5300622032 heating element at $38.99 is the clear winner. You get identical performance, faster shipping, and enough savings to also replace the thermostats that commonly fail alongside the element. We've installed hundreds of these with the same longevity as OEM.

The heating coil wire is the same spec, the fit is exact, and the warranty coverage is equivalent. Paying an extra $70–$106 doesn't buy you anything except a Frigidaire logo on the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket element last as long as OEM?

Yes, with proper ventilation. Both OEM and aftermarket elements use nichrome wire wound to the same resistance. The typical lifespan is 8–12 years for both versions. What kills elements early is clogged vents forcing the coil to overheat, which affects OEM and aftermarket equally.

Does using an aftermarket part void my dryer warranty?

It depends. If your dryer is still under the original Frigidaire manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year), using aftermarket parts can void coverage for related components. But if you're outside that warranty period — which most repairs are — there's no warranty to void. Your homeowner's insurance doesn't care which brand element you installed.

Can I install this myself or do I need a technician?

Most DIYers can handle this repair. You'll need to pull the dryer away from the wall, remove the front or rear panel (depends on your model), disconnect two wire terminals, remove the mounting bracket screws, and reverse the process with the new element. Budget 45–90 minutes if it's your first time. The tricky part is usually getting the cabinet panels back on without pinching wires — take photos as you disassemble.