Many Whirlpool made Duet style dryers used thermal fuse and thermostat kit # 240148 and it was only available from Whirlpool because they threw the aftermarket industry off by using a 50 ohm thermistor on the thermostat. That is not true anymore, however, because Choice Manufacturing came to market with a replacement kit and Exact Replacement Parts soon followed suite.

This kit has a high temperature thermostat (8557403) that cuts power to the element at 295°F. In line with this thermostat is a safety fuse that blows at 352°F. The thermostat will reset when it cools down a bit but the thermal fuse is trash once it blows.

If the thermal fuse blows, it’s always advisable to replace the high limit thermostat that didn’t do its job. That’s why the fuse is only available as part of a kit. If the dryer won’t run at all, there’s another thermal fuse in the back of the dryer that may have blown (if the door switch is ok) and it’s part # W10909685. It looks just like Whirlpool’s more popular WP3392519 fuse except it has bent terminals. The W10909685 blows at 91°C or 196°F (whichever comes first lol).

However, in the middle of this runaway inflation, there is a bright spot. Our aftermarket parts suppliers have managed to keep price increases to a minimum so when there is a generic version available for Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag, LG or Samsung, we are able to stay close to 2019 prices. Companies like Choice Manufacturing, ERP, and Supco have absorbed increases to keep their pricing low and the gap between OEM and generic prices has grown.

If you are in sticker shock over an expensive Whirlpool part and need an alternative, put the part number in our appliance part website and see if there is an aftermarket version available. If you don’t find anything, you can also call us at 1-800-841-0312 to see if there are any other options.

Hopefully this crises will end soon but until it does A-1 Appliance Parts is doing all we can to help with generic solutions.

• Let the Stove Cool Down
• We know that you’re pretty sure you can just dab it away as soon as the stovetop starts smoking, but waiting has its positives. We promise, it doesn’t mean you’re lazy if you finish cooking and eating before you attempt the clean-up process. In fact, it allows the cooktop to completely cool down. This means that your chances of smearing the issue into a bigger problem, or of burning yourself, are nearly eradicated.
• Find Your Microfiber Cloth and Stainless Steel Cleaner
• For a stovetop, we recommend using the right materials so that you don’t worsen the issue. Paper towels can be used in a pinch, but the best option is a microfiber sponge or cleaning cloth. This material is non-abrasive, effective for stains and spots, and safe to use on a variety of appliance finishes without marring or scratching. Not to mention, it’s an environmentally friendly option that can be washed and reused. We don’t recommend using non-approved sponges or cloths on your appliances, as there is a risk of damage. For heavier stains try our non-abrasive Sterling sponges. They will allow you to really scrub hard without scratching.
• You’ll also need an appliance cleaner. We recommend any traditional stainless steel appliance cleaner, stainless steel polish, or our favorite–CeramaBryte Cooktop Cleaner. These stovetop-safe solutions are gentle on appliance finishes and add extra shine to the finished product.
• Rub the Residue Right Off
• For most stovetop burns, it won’t take much more than a few drops of CeramaBryte or other stainless steel cleaner and a little bit of friction to clean those spots. It’s as simple as that for normal accidents. For serious residue, large burns, or a really tough stain, a little more pressure and “elbow grease” might be needed (see our Sterling sponges!). In the worst cases, a stainless steel-safe scraper might be necessary to get that spotless finish back.
• After you’ve finished rubbing, scrubbing, and wiping off the stain, why stop there? CeramaBryte also provides a stainless steel polish to restore the “just-bought” shine to your stovetop.
• Why not buy all your necessary items in one bundle? Our Complete Cooktop Cleaning Kit combines some of our favorite, stovetop cleaning items.

It’s also important to have the right gasket for your model refrigerator. To find the correct gasket number, search under your model number at A-1 Appliance Parts.

How can you clean a cooktop without damaging it? How can you really put your weight into it and dig that burned on mess out without scratching it up? Oh, forget about microfiber wipes or razor blades! Let me introduce you to the most amazing sponges on the market: Sterling sponges! Now they aren’t made of silver but they are made of a durable, non-metal, anti-bacterial polyester and polyurethane. What this means is the sponge will actually clean something without scratching or rusting on your sink.

You can use this non-scratch scrubber on almost any surface (I can’t think of any surface that would be off-limits). They suggest trying it on: stainless steel, plasticware, teflon, golf clubs, windows, microwaves, vinyl siding, kitchen cabinets & counters, patio furniture, outdoor planters, glass cook tops, pet dishes (and the pets themselves!), tile floors, car tires & windows, bird baths & fountains, wood molding, china dishes, copper cookware, showers & shower doors, sinks and bathtubs, guns, wood paneling, etc…

Every once in a while we get a product in that we just can’t keep on the shelves. Sterling sponges are one of those products. Everyone who tries them comes back for more!

Try a 12 pack of these amazing sponges today! Order here: Sterling Sponge 12-pack

There are a lot of other things you can wash in your dishwasher (like flip-flops, frisbees, dog toys (and children’s toys), etc. Just use your best judgement when experimenting- at your own risk. And happy dishwashing!