Product review (5 stars): Expensive, but better than from the manufacturer
Amazing! We had the exact same experience. This piece came loose in our dishwasher and melted on the heating element. The frustrating thing is that I didn't do anything to make this happen. I'd replaced the Jet Dry a month ago, for crying out loud!

I completely agree that $17 is absurd for a 10 cent piece of plastic, but I called KitchenAid and they wanted to charge me $38! I couldn't believe it! It made me almost happy to pay a "mere" $17 :)

I also think it's higher quality than the one that came with the dishwasher, so hopefully it won't come loose again!