Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater WP12729128 — Fixes Frost Buildup & No Cooling
Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater WP12729128 – OEM Replacement (Replaces 12729128)

Whirlpool Refrigerator Evaporator Defrost Heater Assembly WP12729128, Replaces 12729128

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FREEZER FAILS TO DEFROST AND DEVELOPS HEAVY FROST BUILDUP

Whirlpool Refrigerator Evaporator Defrost Heater Assembly WP12729128, Fixes Freezer fails to defrost and develops heavy frost buildup

Genuine Whirlpool refrigerator defrost heater assembly (also cataloged as “HEATER-EVAP 33BM”). It melts frost from the evaporator fins/coils during the automatic defrost cycle.

Part WP12729128Replaces 12729128Whirlpool
Guaranteed to Fit — or your money back.
Confirm your full appliance model number before ordering.

Is This the Right Part?

Part NumberWP12729128
Replaces12729128
ManufacturerWhirlpool
Appliance TypeRefrigerator
Part TypeEvaporator Defrost Heater Assembly

✅ Cross Reference Information

Current Part NumberWP12729128
Replaces12729128

Common Symptoms

  • Frost or ice accumulation on the evaporator cover or freezer interior
  • Freezer not defrosting normally
  • Refrigerator compartment becoming too warm because frost restricts evaporator airflow
  • Evaporator fan interference caused by ice buildup

Check Before Replacing

  • Unplug the refrigerator before inspection or testing, and protect perishable food while power is off.
  • Visually inspect for heavy frost or ice covering the evaporator area; frost buildup can also result from the defrost thermostat, temperature sensor, control, or door seal, so it does not by itself prove heater failure.
  • With the refrigerator unplugged and the heater disconnected as required by the model’s service information, check heater resistance with a multimeter; one established reference gives an expected range of approximately 0–50 ohms for this part.
  • Use the appliance’s model-specific technical sheet or service mode for any defrost-circuit test; do not apply live voltage unless qualified to perform electrical appliance service.

Pro Tip

A failed defrost heater is only one possible cause of frost buildup. Check the defrost thermostat, sensor, control circuit, and door seal before replacing the heater; confirm heater continuity with power disconnected.

Part Details

Part NumberWP12729128
Part TypeEvaporator Defrost Heater Assembly
ManufacturerWhirlpool
Appliance TypeRefrigerator
Primary FunctionHeats the refrigerator evaporator during the automatic defrost cycle to melt accumulated frost from the evaporator fins.

Installation Notes

  • Unplug the refrigerator and safely store food before beginning service.
  • Wear protective gloves and remove the freezer components necessary to access the evaporator cover and heater.
  • The heater is located beneath or alongside the evaporator assembly; follow the model-specific service instructions for panel removal and electrical connections.
  • Disconnect the old heater wiring before removal, install the replacement in the original mounting position, reconnect the wiring, and reinstall all removed panels and components.
  • Verify the exact part number and heater shape against the appliance model before installation; similar refrigerator heaters may not interchange.

Verified Compatible Models

596.68259801, 596.69282012, 596.69284000, 596.72382413, 596.75239405, 596.79343510, 596.79423411, ABB2224WEB2, ABL2222FES4, ABL2227VES2, AFB2234WES4, GB2FHDXWB00, GB2FHDXWB02, GB2SHTXTQ03, GX2SHBXVQ04, GX2SHBXVY04, JFX2897DRP02, KBFS22ECBL00, KBLS22EVMS2, KBRS22EVWH2, KRBR102ESS02, KRFF302ESS01, KRFF507HPS02, KRFF707EBS00, MBF2258DEM00, MBF2258FEH00, MBF2258WES0, MBF2258XEW0, MBF2258XEW6, MBL2258XES0, MBR2256KES6, MBR2258XES1, MFF2258VEM7, MFF2258VEM10, MFF2258VEW6, MFF2558VEM10, MFT2673BEM12, MFT2772HEZ00, MFT2976AEB00, WRB322DMBW02, WRF532SMHZ01, WRF532SNHW02, WRF736SDAB13, WRF757SDEM00, WRF767SDEM01, WRF989SDAF03, WRF989SDAM01, WRV996FDEE01, WRV996FDEM01, WRX986SIHV02, WRB322DMBM00, WRF736SDAM11, WRF736SDAM12, WRF736SDAM13, WRF736SDAM14, GB2SHDXTQ03, EB2SHKXVD02, GB2FHDXWQ01, GB2SHDXTB03, GX2FHDXVB03, EB2SHKXVD03, EB2SHKXVQ03, GB2SHDXTS04, GX2FHDXVA02, GX2FHDXVA03, GX2FHDXVQ02, GX2FHDXVT02, GX2FHDXVT03, GX2FHDXVY03, EB2SHKXVQ02, GX2SHBXVB03, GX2SHBXVB04, GX2SHBXVY05

Fitment reminder: Match the complete appliance model number, including suffix or revision where applicable, before ordering.

✅Compatibility & Cross Reference

Defrost Heater, Defrost Element, Evaporator Heater, Heater Assembly

12729128

596.68259801, 596.69282012, 596.69284000, 596.72382413, 596.75239405, 596.79343510, 596.79423411, ABB2224WEB2, ABL2222FES4, ABL2227VES2, AFB2234WES4, GB2FHDXWB00, GB2FHDXWB02, GB2SHTXTQ03, GX2SHBXVQ04, GX2SHBXVY04, JFX2897DRP02, KBFS22ECBL00, KBLS22EVMS2, KBRS22EVWH2, KRBR102ESS02, KRFF302ESS01, KRFF507HPS02, KRFF707EBS00, MBF2258DEM00, MBF2258FEH00, MBF2258WES0, MBF2258XEW0, MBF2258XEW6, MBL2258XES0, MBR2256KES6, MBR2258XES1, MFF2258VEM7, MFF2258VEM10, MFF2258VEW6, MFF2558VEM10, MFT2673BEM12, MFT2772HEZ00, MFT2976AEB00, WRB322DMBW02, WRF532SMHZ01, WRF532SNHW02, WRF736SDAB13, WRF757SDEM00, WRF767SDEM01, WRF989SDAF03, WRF989SDAM01, WRV996FDEE01, WRV996FDEM01, WRX986SIHV02, WRB322DMBM00, WRF736SDAM11, WRF736SDAM12, WRF736SDAM13, WRF736SDAM14, GB2SHDXTQ03, EB2SHKXVD02, GB2FHDXWQ01, GB2SHDXTB03, GX2FHDXVB03, EB2SHKXVD03, EB2SHKXVQ03, GB2SHDXTS04, GX2FHDXVA02, GX2FHDXVA03, GX2FHDXVQ02, GX2FHDXVT02, GX2FHDXVT03, GX2FHDXVY03, EB2SHKXVQ02, GX2SHBXVB03, GX2SHBXVY05, GX2SHBXVB04, GX2SHBXVY03, EB2SHKXVD01, GX2SHBXVQ03

WP12729128, Whirlpool, Evaporator Defrost Heater Assembly, Refrigerator, 12729128, 596.68259801, 596.69282012, 596.69284000, 596.72382413, 596.75239405, 596.79343510, 596.79423411, ABB2224WEB2, ABL2222FES4, ABL2227VES2, AFB2234WES4, GB2FHDXWB00, GB2FHDXWB02, GB2SHTXTQ03, GX2SHBXVQ04, GX2SHBXVY04, JFX2897DRP02, KBFS22ECBL00, KBLS22EVMS2, KBRS22EVWH2

Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Kenmore (verify by model)

Not sure about your model number? Call 1-877-899-7278 and we’ll help you confirm. All brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used for compatibility reference only.

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