OEM vs Aftermarket

[JGunn]

Just replaced my dryer's heating element and went with the OEM part this time. Paid about $65 as oppposed to the $35 for aftermarket. Figured since I'm already tearing the thing apart, might as well do it once and be done with it. But anyone else find the aftermarket parts just don't last as long? I had a generic door latch fail on me after 8 months last year and I'm not trying to repeat that experience

 

[cardiff.121]

I totally understand your frustration with that latch. OEM vs aftermarket is usually a gamble.
I think for non-critical parts like shelves or knobs, saving the money is often fine. But for anything under high stress or heat, like a heating element, motor, or control board, quality matters!
Aftermarket parts hit that lower price by using thinner resistance wire or cheaper materials, which translates directly to a shorter lifespan.
Your $30 premium now is essentially paying for the peace of mind that you won't have to tear the dryer apart again in a year.
You pay once for the OEM and you're done.

 

[APman]

OEM heating elements usually last 2-3x longer in my experience and you'll see the $30 savings isn't worth it when you factor in your time tearing into it again. door latches especially, the cheap ones use plastic where OEM uses metal, they just snap

 

[LA.coste]

OEM is usually worth it on heating elements and anything with moving parts, the cheap stuff might use thinner wire or different alloys that just can't handle the heat cycles and actually some aftermarket suppliers are decent but others are straight garbage

 

[carl_repair]

yeah, if it's about electronics, I recommend not going cheap, I prefer OEM because it has better quality