OEM vs Aftermarket Broil Element for Frigidaire: Honest Comparison (316203301)

You're staring at a dark broiler in your Frigidaire GLEF378ASB, and the OEM replacement quote just came back at $180 installed. The aftermarket 316203301 sits in your cart for $32. Same mounting holes, same specs on paper. So what's the real difference?

I've replaced dozens of these elements across Frigidaire, Kenmore, and Electrolux ranges. Let me give you the unfiltered truth about both options.

Quick Answer

For most homeowners, the aftermarket 316203301 is the smarter buy. It'll last 5-8 years in normal use, costs 70% less than OEM, and installs identically. The OEM element might give you an extra 2-3 years of lifespan and slightly more even heating, but you're paying $150+ for that difference. Unless you're broiling steaks twice a week or need a warranty claim for a brand-new range, go aftermarket.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

Your range is under 2 years old. If the broil element failed prematurely on a newer unit, the OEM part preserves your manufacturer warranty coverage. Mixing aftermarket parts can give service techs an excuse to deny claims on related components.

You're a serious home chef who broils constantly. Running that element at 550°F for 20+ minutes daily? The OEM's slightly heavier coil construction handles thermal cycling better. The extra $120 buys you another 3-4 years before replacement.

You're selling the house soon. Home inspectors and picky buyers sometimes flag aftermarket parts during appliance checks. An OEM sticker can eliminate that negotiating point, even though it's functionally irrelevant.

The range is a high-end Gallery or Professional series. On premium Frigidaire models above $2,000, the OEM elements are sometimes built to tighter tolerances. I've seen aftermarket parts work fine, but the fit can be slightly looser on bracket mounts.

When Aftermarket Wins

Your range is 5+ years old. At this point, you're out of manufacturer warranty anyway. The 316203301 aftermarket element replaces the original 316200600, 316203300, and 2210851 — all functionally identical. It'll handle your Thanksgiving turkey and Friday pizza nights just fine.

You're handy enough to install it yourself. The $150 price gap on OEM often includes dealer markup and installation fees. The aftermarket part from Heima costs $32 and takes 15 minutes to swap with a screwdriver and nut driver. You pocket the difference.

You just want the broiler working again. Let's be honest — most people broil once a month, maybe. You're not preheating for 30 minutes or cooking restaurant volumes. The aftermarket element will outlast your interest in the range.

You're fixing a rental property or flip. Spend the $32, verify it works, move on. Tenants won't know the difference, and it's a legitimate repair that'll last years.

What You Won't Hear from Dealers

Here's the uncomfortable truth: the OEM element and quality aftermarket versions often come from the same overseas factories. Frigidaire doesn't manufacture these in-house anymore — they're contracted out with specific tolerances. The aftermarket 316203301 meets those same electrical specs (3,000W, 240V) and physical dimensions. The main difference? No Frigidaire logo stamped on the bracket.

The "uneven heating" concern is mostly theoretical. Yes, lab tests might show a 5-degree variance across the coil surface. But your oven's thermostat cycles the element on and off anyway. In real-world broiling, you won't notice the difference between a $35 and $180 element.

Installation Is Identical for Both

Whether you buy OEM or aftermarket, the job is the same:

1. Kill power at the breaker (not just the range switch)
2. Remove oven racks and let the broiler compartment cool completely
3. Unscrew the mounting brackets at the back wall (usually two screws)
4. Gently pull the element forward to access wire terminals
5. Disconnect the two spade connectors (note their positions — they're not interchangeable)
6. Install new element in reverse order, ensuring terminals are fully seated

The aftermarket 316203301 uses the same mounting holes and terminal spacing as the original. It's not a "close enough" fit — it's engineered to OEM specs. I've installed these in GLEF396CSD, GLEFS77CSB, FEF357BBA, and FEF376AQL models without modifications.

Our Verdict

Choose aftermarket unless your range is under warranty or you're a commercial-level home cook. The 316203301 from Heima delivers 90% of the OEM performance at 20% of the cost. It fits Frigidaire, Kenmore, Electrolux, and Crosley models perfectly, ships faster than dealer parts, and comes with the same 1-year guarantee. Save the $150 difference for something that actually matters — like the steaks you'll be broiling.

I've used both in my own repairs. The OEM element is beautifully made, no question. But when a customer calls me because their broiler died on a 7-year-old GLEF378CSA, I'm ordering the aftermarket part every time. It works, it's affordable, and it'll still be heating evenly when they replace the entire range in another decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket element void my Frigidaire warranty?

Only if your range is still under the original manufacturer warranty (typically 1 year from purchase). After that, you're free to use any compatible part. Technically, even during warranty, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents manufacturers from voiding coverage just because you used an aftermarket part — they'd have to prove the aftermarket element caused a specific failure. But service techs can make your life difficult, so stick with OEM during the warranty period if you want zero hassle.

How long does the 316203301 aftermarket element actually last?

In typical household use (broiling 2-4 times per month), expect 5-8 years. Heavy users who broil weekly might see 3-5 years. The OEM element lasts longer — 10-12 years in the same conditions — because it uses slightly thicker coil wire. But here's the math: even if you replace the aftermarket element twice in the lifespan of one OEM element, you've still spent less money ($64 vs. $180). And realistically, most people replace the entire range before hitting that 10-year mark anyway.

Are there any models where aftermarket broil elements don't work well?

The 316203301 is engineered for standard Frigidaire, Kenmore, Electrolux, and Crosley ranges with 3,000W broil elements. It works great on models like GLEF396CSD, GLEFS77CSA, FEF379ACG, and hundreds of others. The only caution: some very old Frigidaire ranges (pre-2000) used slightly different terminal spacing. And a few high-end commercial-style ranges have proprietary elements. Check your original part number — if it's 316200600, 316203300, 2210851, or 7316203301, the aftermarket 316203301 is a direct fit. If your original number doesn't match, contact Heima's support before ordering.