Best Evaporator Defrost Heater Options for Reliable Refrigerator Defrosting

Choosing the right evaporator defrost heater keeps a refrigerator running efficiently and prevents ice buildup that impedes cooling. The table below summarizes the selected replacement heater assemblies and kits chosen for compatibility with popular refrigerator makes and common repair needs.

Product	Brand	Primary Use
SH502 Drain Heater For Samsung & Most Refrigerators	DZQPPC	Drain pan/door and drain tube de-icing
WR51X10055 Defrost Heater Kit With Sensor & Thermostat	AMI PARTS	Complete defrost assembly for GE models
DA47-00244U Defrost Heater Assembly (Wadoy)	Wadoy	Samsung-compatible full heater assembly with clip drain
DA47-00244U Defrost Heater Assembly (remolean)	remolean	Replacement heater assembly for Samsung models
WR51X10055 Genuine GE Defrost Heater Assembly	GE	OEM glass tube defrost heater and bracket

SH502 Drain Heater For Samsung And Most Refrigerator Models

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The SH502 drain heater is designed for drain pan, drain tank and door defrosting on Samsung and many other refrigerators. It features a woven metal layer with silicone construction intended to resist freezing and high temperatures. The product spec lists a 7/16-inch heater tip, 32-inch lead length, operates at 120V and 15W, and common size options include a 13-inch heater with 18-inch leads.

Use cases include preventing a frozen drain tube, reducing standing water in the drain pan, and aiding general de-icing near evaporator drain areas. Installation typically involves routing the heater along the drain or mounting near the drain pan to maintain proper melt flow. The design focuses on durability and anti-freezing protection.

WR51X10055 Defrost Heater Kit With Sensor And Thermostat

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This AMI PARTS kit packages a defrost heater (WR51X10055) with a temperature sensor (WR55X10025) and a high limit thermostat (WR50X10068), providing a complete defrost control loop for compatible GE refrigerators. The heater melts frost on evaporator coils, the sensor reports temperature to the control board, and the thermostat cuts power at the target safety temperature.

The kit lists multiple interchangeable part numbers and is positioned as a complete replacement solution. Inclusion of both the sensor and the thermostat helps ensure the defrost cycle functions correctly while protecting against overheating. Applications are repair-focused where both heating and control elements require replacement.

DA47-00244U Defrost Heater Assembly With Clip Drain (Wadoy)

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The Wadoy DA47-00244U assembly replaces manufacturer numbers such as PS9603659 and includes the DA61-06796A clip drain evaporator. It lists broad Samsung compatibility across many RF23 and RF260/261 series models. The assembly includes a thermostat to limit defrost temperature and protect against overheating.

As a direct-fit replacement, this option aims to restore original defrost functionality and drain heating in models that used the DA47 series. The assembly approach reduces the need to source separate sensor or bracket components, which can streamline repairs on compatible Samsung units.

DA47-00244U Defrost Heater Assembly Compatible With Samsung

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Remolean’s version of the DA47-00244U defrost heater assembly is positioned similarly to other DA47 replacements, providing the heater plus the clip drain evaporator DA61-06796A. The manufacturer notes compatibility with numerous Samsung refrigerator model numbers and claims built-in thermostat protection to avoid overheating.

This replacement stresses longevity and safe operating temperature ranges. For technicians and DIYers working on Samsung units that originally used DA47-style assemblies, a remolean part can serve as a component-matched replacement, provided model compatibility is confirmed.

GE WR51X10055 Genuine OEM Defrost Heater And Bracket

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The genuine GE WR51X10055 is an OEM glass tube defrost heater and bracket assembly designed to melt frost from evaporator fins during automatic defrost cycles. As an OEM part, it’s manufactured to the original specifications for GE refrigerators that accept this part number.

Using an OEM heater assembly can provide part-number-level compatibility and assurance of fit where exact replacement is required. The included bracket simplifies mounting to the evaporator area and leverages the original attachment points used by GE models originally equipped with this tube-style heater.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An Evaporator Defrost Heater

Choosing the right defrost heater involves matching component type, compatibility, and safety features to the refrigerator model and the symptoms you observe. Below are the key considerations to evaluate before purchasing.

1. Confirm Model Compatibility

• Check Part Numbers: Use existing part numbers printed on the old heater or found in the appliance manual. Replacements such as DA47-00244U or WR51X10055 map to specific model families.
• Manufacturer Cross-Reference: Verify cross-reference lists and replacement part numbers to ensure a physical and electrical fit.

2. Determine Heater Type

• Tube/Glass Heaters: Common in many refrigerators; melt frost on coil fins with a mounted tube element and bracket.
• Sheathed/Metal Heaters: Enclosed metal sheath designs are often used with clip drains and for targeted drain heating.
• Drain/Pad Heaters: Flexible woven or silicone heaters are used to warm drain tubes, pans, or door areas to avoid freeze-ups.

3. Assess Included Control Components

• Sensors and Thermostats: Kits that include temperature sensors and high-limit thermostats provide a complete solution and reduce troubleshooting time.
• Wiring And Leads: Confirm lead lengths and connector types to avoid splicing or extensive routing during installation.

4. Safety And Thermal Protection

• High-Limit Thermostats: Prevent overheating if the heater runs longer than intended—look for assemblies with built-in thermostats where available.
• Material Quality: Insulation types, woven metal layers, and silicone coverings contribute to durability and heat resistance.

5. Installation Considerations

• Skill Level: Some replacements are plug-and-play, while others require control board access and sensor calibration. Ensure you have the correct tools and basic electrical safety knowledge.
• Mounting Hardware: Verify whether brackets, clips, or additional fasteners are included or must be reused from the old assembly.

6. Symptom-Based Selection

• Frozen Drain Or Water Leaks: Choose drain heaters or clip drain assemblies (e.g., DA61-06796A or SH502) to address blocked drains and ice in the drain tube.
• Ice On Evaporator Coils: Replace the evaporator defrost heater (e.g., WR51X10055 or DA47 assemblies) and check sensors/thermostats if frost persists.
• Intermittent Defrost Cycle Failures: Replace both heater and sensor/thermostat to rule out control-side faults.

7. Comparison Perspectives

• OEM vs. Aftermarket: OEM parts provide exact-fit replacements and original specification assurance. Aftermarket options may offer cost savings or broader compatibility but require careful verification of specs and quality.
• Complete Kits vs. Single Parts: Kits that include sensors and thermostats reduce the risk of mismatched components and are often the best choice when multiple defrost elements have failed.
• Specialized Drain Heaters: If the issue is limited to the drain tube or pan, a targeted drain heater like the SH502 typically resolves symptoms without replacing the entire evaporator heater assembly.

8. Practical Tips For Buyers

• Document The Old Part: Photograph the original assembly and wiring before removal to aid reinstallation.
• Check Electrical Ratings: Confirm voltage and wattage match the original to avoid under- or over-heating scenarios.
• Inspect Wiring Harnesses: Look for brittle insulation or corroded contacts which may require connector replacement.
• Test After Installation: Run a manual defrost cycle if available or monitor the next automatic cycle to confirm the heater and sensors operate correctly.

Using the guidance above will help match the right evaporator defrost heater or kit to the refrigerator model and repair needs. Selecting parts that include control elements or OEM-specified assemblies reduces the chance of repeated failures and ensures the defrost system operates safely and effectively.