OEM vs Aftermarket Dryer Heating Element for Whirlpool: Honest Comparison (4391960)

Your Whirlpool dryer's running fine, making all the right noises — but your clothes come out damp after a full cycle. The heating element's gone, and now you're staring at a $180 OEM part versus a $33.99 aftermarket replacement. Same part number (4391960), same function, but that's a $146 difference. Here's what you actually need to know.

Quick Answer

For this heating element, aftermarket makes sense for 95% of DIY repairs. The OEM version offers no meaningful performance advantage — it's the same nichrome coil design. Save the $146 unless you're doing warranty work that specifically requires OEM parts.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are exactly three scenarios where spending the extra $146 on OEM is justified:

You're a professional repair tech doing warranty work. Some manufacturers require OEM parts for warranty claims. If you're billing a customer and they need warranty documentation, you don't have a choice.

Your dryer is still under manufacturer warranty. If Whirlpool's covering the repair, they'll only honor it with their branded parts. But honestly, if your heating element failed under warranty, Whirlpool should be sending the tech anyway.

You're flipping appliances for resale. Some buyers feel better seeing OEM parts on the receipt. It's perception, not performance, but it can affect resale value on higher-end units.

That's it. For a straightforward heating element replacement on your own dryer, OEM offers zero functional advantage.

When Aftermarket Wins

For home repairs, the aftermarket part is the smarter choice — and here's why that $146 savings is real money:

Identical construction where it counts. Both elements use the same gauge nichrome wire, same ceramic insulator spacing, same mounting bracket dimensions. The heating coil doesn't know whether it came in a Whirlpool box or an aftermarket one.

Better warranty coverage. The Heima aftermarket part includes a full 1-year warranty versus 90 days parts-only from Whirlpool. If something goes wrong, you're actually covered longer with the cheaper part.

You can buy the thermal fuse too. With the $146 you save, you can grab a backup thermal fuse ($8), a new thermostat ($12), and still pocket $126. Smart DIYers replace both while the dryer's apart anyway.

Important note: This element no longer includes the two terminals and two adapter leads that older versions shipped with. You'll need to order those separately if your existing ones are corroded — both OEM and aftermarket versions are sold this way now, so there's no advantage either direction.

The Real Cost Breakdown

Let's say you're fixing a Kenmore 11086872100 (one of the 240+ compatible models). Your dryer stopped heating mid-cycle, classic symptom:

• OEM route: $185 element + $15 shipping + 5-day wait = $200 total, dryer down for a week
• Aftermarket route: $33.99 element + $6.99 shipping + 2-day delivery = $40.98 total, back in business by Thursday

Same repair, same result, $159 difference. The only thing you're really paying for with OEM is the Whirlpool logo on the box.

Our Verdict

Unless you're doing warranty work or flipping appliances, save the $146 and go aftermarket. The heating element is one of the simplest electrical components in your dryer — there's no proprietary tech here, no special coatings, nothing that justifies 5X the price. Order the aftermarket part, spend 30 minutes on the install, and use the savings to take your family out to dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket element last as long as OEM?

Yes. Heating element failure is almost always caused by restricted airflow (clogged vent) or a bad thermal fuse, not the element quality itself. Clean your dryer vent annually and both elements will last 8-12 years. The nichrome wire is the same material either way.

Why doesn't this element come with terminals anymore?

Whirlpool changed the design around 2018. Now both OEM and aftermarket versions ship as just the element coil and housing — you reuse your existing terminals or order them separately (part 279318). It's not a cost-cutting move by aftermarket suppliers; OEM did it first.

Can I use this element in my Kenmore dryer?

Absolutely. Kenmore dryers in the 110-series (like 11086872100, 11076990100, and dozens more) are actually built by Whirlpool. The 4391960 element is identical across Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, and Estate brands — they're all the same dryer with different nameplates.