Whirlpool Dryer Ignitors

Whirlpool has an extensive line of clothes dryers including both electric and gas models. Gas dryers are available in most of the Whirlpool washer and dryer lines including the Duet® Steam line, the Duet® Sport line, and the Cabrio® line. Most Whirlpool gas dryers use flat, glowbar ignitors.

Whirlpool's History

Whirlpool began when Lou Upton invested in a manufacturing venture focused on household items in 1908. When the venture failed, he received the patents on a handheld washing machine as the return on his investment. Upton took that patent and joined with other family members to create the Upton Machine Company in 1911. The company grew and merged with other companies over the years, finally taking the name Whirlpool Corporation in 1949. Whirlpool continued growing and combining with other companies in the household appliance industry. Today Whirlpool Corporation includes Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and several other major brands.

Potential Safety Issues

Dryer ignitors are extremely fragile and should be handled with great care. The actual heating element that glows when the ignition system is started -- usually a gray or black flat bar with several coil-like turns -- is particularly prone to breakage and should not be touched if at all possible.

Both the power and the gas connections to any dryer should be turned off before any attempts to touch or remove an installed dryer ignitor. This prevents gas leaks, electrocution, and other potential dangers.

Whirlpool's Warranty

Most Whirlpool appliances including clothes dryers come with a limited one-year warranty. This warranty does not include consumable parts or problems caused by incorrect installation. Replacement dryer igniters are not generally under warranty.

Contacting Whirlpool