{"product_id":"xpartco-wr51x10055-refrigerator-defrost-heater","title":"XPARTCO WR51X10055 Refrigerator Defrost Heater","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;600;700;900\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .pom { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; color: #1e293b; line-height: 1.75; }\n  .pom *, .pom *::before, .pom *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n  .pom h2 { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 21px; font-weight: 900; color: #0f172a; margin: 0 0 12px; letter-spacing: -0.01em; }\n  .pom h3 { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: 900; color: #0f172a; margin: 0 0 12px; letter-spacing: -0.01em; }\n  .pom-card { background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #e2e8f0; border-radius: 12px; padding: 20px 22px; margin-bottom: 16px; }\n  .pom-card-blue { background: #eff6ff; border-color: #bfdbfe; }\n  .pom-card-green { background: #f0fdf4; border-color: #bbf7d0; }\n  .pom-qa { background: #eff6ff; border-left: 4px solid #1e40af; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 16px 20px; margin-bottom: 16px; }\n  .pom-qa-label { font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 900; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: #1e40af; margin: 0 0 6px; }\n  .pom ul { margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }\n  .pom ul li { position: relative; padding-left: 20px; margin-bottom: 8px; font-size: 16px; }\n  .pom ul li::before { content: \"\"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 9px; width: 7px; height: 7px; border-radius: 50%; background: #1e40af; }\n  .pom-list-green li::before { background: #15803d; }\n  .pom-specs-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 15px; }\n  .pom-specs-table tr { border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9; }\n  .pom-specs-table tr:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .pom-specs-table td { padding: 9px 4px; }\n  .pom-specs-table td:first-child { color: #1e293b; width: 45%; font-style: italic; }\n  .pom-specs-table td:last-child { font-weight: 700; color: #0f172a; }\n  .pom-warning { background: #fffbeb; border-left: 4px solid #f59e0b; border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0; padding: 14px 18px; font-size: 15px; color: #92400e; line-height: 1.65; }\n  .pom-warning strong { display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 11px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.08em; }\n  .pom-faq-item { margin-bottom: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9; }\n  .pom-faq-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; margin-bottom: 0; padding-bottom: 0; }\n  .pom-faq-q { font-weight: 700; color: #0f172a; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 16px; }\n  .pom-faq-a { font-size: 15px; color: #334155; margin: 0; line-height: 1.65; }\n  .pom-badges { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px; margin-top: 14px; }\n  .pom-badge { background: #f0fdf4; border: 1px solid #bbf7d0; color: #15803d; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; padding: 6px 14px; border-radius: 999px; }\n  .pom p { margin: 0 0 12px; font-size: 16px; }\n  .pom p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Product Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eXPARTCO WR51X10055 Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe XPARTCO WR51X10055 is an aftermarket replacement refrigerator defrost heater and bracket assembly compatible with a wide range of GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore, Haier, Americana, Monogram, and Café refrigerators. The defrost heater is a glass quartz tube heater mounted on a bracket below the evaporator coils in the freezer compartment. During each automatic defrost cycle, the heater energizes and melts any frost that has accumulated on the evaporator coils — maintaining unobstructed airflow through the coils so the refrigerator can cool efficiently. When the heater fails, frost accumulates on the coils unchecked, blocking airflow and causing both the freezer and fresh food sections to gradually warm up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRated at 120V, 725W, this single quartz tube heater assembly measures 12-1\/8\" L x 3-3\/8\" W x 2-1\/8\" H and includes the heater element and mounting bracket. It directly replaces WR51X10030, AP3183311, 914088, AH303781, EA303781, PS303781, SH323, and EAP303781. Often replaced together with the defrost thermostat (WR50X10068) and temperature sensor (WR55X10025) for a complete defrost system repair. Installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Quick Answer --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-qa\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-qa-label\"\u003eQuick Answer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eXPARTCO WR51X10055 Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly\u003c\/strong\u003e fixes GE and Hotpoint refrigerators where frost is building up on the evaporator coils, the freezer is too warm, the fresh food section is warming up, or the refrigerator is running continuously without cooling properly. Single quartz tube heater, 120V \/ 725W. Assembly measures 12-1\/8\" L x 3-3\/8\" W x 2-1\/8\" H. Includes heater and bracket. Replaces WR51X10030, AP3183311, 914088, SH323, and more. Compatible with GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore, Haier, Americana, Monogram, and Café.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Common Problems This Part Fixes --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCommon Problems This Part Fixes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrost or ice buildup covering the evaporator coils in the freezer compartment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreezer section warming up or not maintaining set temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFresh food section warming up even though the freezer is running\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefrigerator running continuously but not cooling properly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisible frost accumulation on the freezer back wall behind the panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDefrost heater element visibly burned out, broken, or dark\/charred at the ends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoth compartments gradually warming up after working normally for years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Replaces Part Numbers --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReplaces Part Numbers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis defrost heater assembly directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-family: monospace; font-size: 15px; color: #0f172a; font-weight: bold; line-height: 2.2;\"\u003eWR51X10055, WR51X10030, 914088, AGE29323, AH303781, AP3183311, EA303781, EAP303781, PD00001004, PS303781.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 4px; font-size: 15px; color: #475569;\"\u003eIf your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Compatibility --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card pom-card-blue\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis defrost heater is compatible with select refrigerators from the following brands:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"pom-list-green\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGE refrigerators (side-by-side, French door, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHotpoint refrigerators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKenmore \/ Sears refrigerators (select GE-built models)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHaier refrigerators (select GE-platform models)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmericana refrigerators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonogram refrigerators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCafé refrigerators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 12px; font-size: 15px; color: #92400e; background: #fffbeb; border-left: 4px solid #f59e0b; padding: 10px 14px; border-radius: 0 6px 6px 0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTip:\u003c\/strong\u003e When replacing the defrost heater, it is highly recommended to also replace the defrost thermostat (WR50X10068) and temperature sensor (WR55X10025) at the same time. These three parts form the defrost system and are commonly replaced together — replacing all three prevents a second disassembly if another component fails soon after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Key Features --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle quartz tube glass heater — melts frost from the evaporator coils during each automatic defrost cycle, maintaining airflow and cooling efficiency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRated 120V \/ 725W — correct electrical specifications for compatible GE refrigerators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssembly dimensions: 12-1\/8\" L x 3-3\/8\" W x 2-1\/8\" H — direct fit into the evaporator coil bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes heater element and mounting bracket — complete assembly ready to install\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplaces WR51X10030 and WR51X10055 — both older and current part numbers covered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore, Haier, Americana, Monogram, and Café refrigerators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOften replaced together with WR50X10068 defrost thermostat and WR55X10025 temperature sensor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDIY repair — installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Specifications --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"pom-specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWR51X10055\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlso Replaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWR51X10030\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePart Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRefrigerator Defrost Heater and Bracket Assembly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAftermarket Replacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeater Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle quartz tube glass heater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVoltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120V AC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWattage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e725W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12-1\/8\" L x 3-3\/8\" W x 2-1\/8\" H\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncludes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeater element and mounting bracket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOften Replaced With\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/parts-o-matic.com\/products\/xpartco-wr50x10068-refrigerator-defrost-thermostat\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"XPARTCO WR50X10068 Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eWR50X10068\u003c\/a\u003e Defrost Thermostat, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/parts-o-matic.com\/products\/xpartco-wr55x10025-refrigerator-temperature-sensor\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"XPARTCO WR55X10025 Refrigerator Temperature Sensor\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eWR55X10025\u003c\/a\u003e Temperature Sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible Brands\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGE, Hotpoint, Kenmore, Haier, Americana, Monogram, Café\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Installation Notes --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-warning\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ Unplug Refrigerator Before Starting — Wear Work Gloves\u003c\/strong\u003e Unplug the refrigerator before beginning. Remove all food and shelving from the freezer compartment. Remove the freezer bottom drawer and the back panel screws (typically 2 hex-head screws). Slide out the back panel to expose the evaporator coils and defrost heater assembly. If the coils are covered in frost or ice, use a hair dryer to melt the ice before removing the heater — do not chip or force the heater free while iced over, as the glass element is fragile and will break. Disconnect the heater wires from the wiring harness — note the orientation before disconnecting. Remove the 2 Phillips screws securing the heater bracket and lift the heater assembly out. Install the new WR51X10055 heater assembly in the same position, reconnect the wires, and reinstall the bracket screws. Reinstall the back panel, shelving, and food. Restore power and verify the defrost cycle operates normally. Wear work gloves throughout — the evaporator area has sharp edges. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1\/4\" nut driver, hair dryer (if coils are iced over), work gloves.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- FAQ --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eWhat does the refrigerator defrost heater do?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eModern refrigerators use an automatic defrost system that periodically runs a defrost cycle — typically once or twice a day — to melt frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils during normal operation. The defrost heater is a glass quartz heating element that energizes during this cycle and melts the frost off the coils. This keeps the coils clear so air can flow freely through them to cool the refrigerator. When the heater fails, frost builds up unchecked on the coils over days or weeks — eventually blocking airflow completely and causing both compartments to warm up, even though the compressor is still running.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eHow do I know if my defrost heater has failed?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eRemove the freezer back panel to expose the evaporator coils. If the coils are heavily coated in frost or solid ice — especially if both the freezer and refrigerator sections have been warming up — a failed defrost heater is the most likely cause. You can confirm with a multimeter: disconnect the heater and probe both wire ends. A working heater shows continuity (resistance between approximately 10–200 ohms at room temperature depending on wattage). No continuity confirms the heater element has burned out. Also visually inspect the glass tube — a burned, blackened, or broken tube is a clear sign of failure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eShould I also replace the defrost thermostat and temperature sensor?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eYes — since the freezer must be fully emptied and the back panel removed to replace the heater, it is highly recommended to also replace the defrost thermostat (WR50X10068) and temperature sensor (WR55X10025) at the same time. All three components form the defrost system and wear at similar rates. A failed thermostat or sensor can cause the heater to run too long or not at all — replacing all three in a single repair eliminates that risk and saves you from another complete freezer teardown in the near future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eMy freezer is warming up but the compressor is running — is it the defrost heater?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eIt often is — but not always. A compressor that is running but not cooling can be caused by a failed defrost heater (frost blocking airflow), a faulty evaporator fan motor (air not circulating), a defrost thermostat or timer failure, or a sealed system problem (refrigerant leak or compressor issue). The easiest way to distinguish a defrost system failure from other causes is to open the freezer and check whether frost has built up on the back panel or coils. If yes, the defrost heater is the most likely culprit. If the coils are clear and the compressor is running, look at the evaporator fan or sealed system next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-q\"\u003eIs this an OEM or aftermarket part?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pom-faq-a\"\u003eThis is an aftermarket replacement part built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is not a genuine GE OEM part, but is manufactured as a single quartz tube glass heater rated at 120V\/725W to match the dimensions and performance of the original WR51X10055 defrost heater assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Shop With Confidence --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-card pom-card-green\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShop With Confidence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA U.S.-based appliance parts retailer specializing in genuine OEM and high-quality replacement parts. We stock components for all major appliance brands and offer fast shipping from our U.S. warehouse. Our team is available to help verify compatibility before you purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pom-badges\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Fast US Shipping\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Quality Aftermarket Parts\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Compatibility Support\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"pom-badge\"\u003e✓ Secure Checkout\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"XPARTCO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31334561349685,"sku":"EXPWR51X10055","price":19.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0285\/1107\/6405\/files\/WR51X10055_1.jpg?v=1778639013","url":"https:\/\/expresspartsdirect.com\/products\/xpartco-wr51x10055-refrigerator-defrost-heater","provider":"Express Parts Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}