A method for manufacturing a magnetocaloric element, characterized in that it includes the following steps: - at least one powder of a magnetocaloric alloy with composition: La 1-x (Ce, Pr) x ((Fe 1-z-v Mn z Co v) 1-y Si y) w X n is prepared, wherein: - X is one or several elements selected from H, C, N and B; - x = 0 to 0.5, preferably 0.25 to 0.5; - y = 0.05 to 0.2; - z = 0 to 0.15; - v = 0 to 0.15; - w = 12 to 16; - n = 0 to 3.5, preferably 1 to 3.5; the remainder being impurities resulting from the elaboration, with a maximum content of 4% by weight, preferably a maximum content of 2% by weight, of rare earths other than La, Ce and Pr, and a maximum content of 2% by weight, for the other impurities, the preparation of the powder itself including the following steps: - a liquid alloy is elaborated in a crucible; - said liquid alloy is solidified in the form of a powder of substantially spherical particles with an average diameter comprised between 10 and 100 μm by atomization of a jet of said liquid alloy by means of an inert gas; - optionally, said powder is heat-treated at a temperature comprised between 100 and 500°C for at least 1 min in a non-oxidizing atmosphere for removing the compounds adsorbed by the powder; - said powder is heat-treated in order to give it, at least at 70% by weight, a phase with a structure of the NaZn 13 type by heating under an inert or reducing atmosphere or in vacuo up to a temperature from 900 to 1,200°C, preferably from 1,000 to 1,200°C; - optionally, a hydridation and/or nitridation and/or carbidation and/or carbonitridation treatment is carried out for giving n its definitive value; - said powder is dispersed in a matrix formed by one or several organic binders for forming a mixture including 40 to 80% by volume of powder; - said mixture is shaped; - and optionally solidification of the matrix is achieved. - at least one powder of a magnetocaloric alloy with composition: La 1-x (Ce, Pr) x ((Fe 1-z-v Mn z Co v) 1-y Si y) w X n is prepared, wherein: - X is one or several elements selected from H, C, N and B; - x = 0 to 0.5, preferably 0.25 to 0.5; - y = 0.05 to 0.2; - z = 0 to 0.15; - v = 0 to 0.15; - w = 12 to 16; - n = 0 to 3.5, preferably 1 to 3.5; - X is one or several elements selected from H, C, N and B; - x = 0 to 0.5, preferably 0.25 to 0.5; - y = 0.05 to 0.2; - z = 0 to 0.15; - v = 0 to 0.15; - w = 12 to 16; - n = 0 to 3.5, preferably 1 to 3.5; - a liquid alloy is elaborated in a crucible; - said liquid alloy is solidified in the form of a powder of substantially spherical particles with an average diameter comprised between 10 and 100 μm by atomization of a jet of said liquid alloy by means of an inert gas; - optionally, said powder is heat-treated at a temperature comprised between 100 and 500°C for at least 1 min in a non-oxidizing atmosphere for removing the compounds adsorbed by the powder; - said powder is heat-treated in order to give it, at least at 70% by weight, a phase with a structure of the NaZn 13 type by heating under an inert or reducing atmosphere or in vacuo up to a temperature from 900 to 1,200°C, preferably from 1,000 to 1,200°C; - optionally, a hydridation and/or nitridation and/or carbidation and/or carbonitridation treatment is carried out for giving n its definitive value; - said powder is dispersed in a matrix formed by one or several organic binders for forming a mixture including 40 to 80% by volume of powder; - said mixture is shaped; - and optionally solidification of the matrix is achieved.