Fridge ET1PHKXPQ01 thermostat price puzzler, can I use wrong part ?

[binovc]

Whirlpool fridge ET1PHKXPQ01 needs a new thermostat.

Best price I saw (Amazon) is $47 for the correct replacement part (2204605, AISN number B004XLE602).  A different t-stat (2198202, AISN number B075M4M3H6) is only $15.   

Would these not perform the same function, assuming the wrong one could be fit in?

Both have the cryptology of "10/5 FRA" and "60/30 LRA".  (which means what?)

Now granted, I can find the $14 part for $78 or $90 at a couple of the on-line repair parts vendors, and also the correct part is $71 or $63 at these vendors.

Large price discrepancies aside, are these 2 t-stats the same functionally?

Back to price discrepancies, is the $15 t-stat junk?  Sold by Bluestars, and they do have a website at least. 

What about the $47 one, junk? I notice the picture cleverly does not reveal any manufacturer, however the listing says "by Whirlpool" and links you to the Whirlpool website.  Being Amazon and all, guess I don't have 100% confidence in that link, but there it is...

Can a t-stat be repaired?  Like maybe points cleaning?  I "nudged" the dial, which brought the fridge to life immediately, but it's intermittent, and the fridge temp ranges from about 14F to 48F (in the "normal" range setting).

(By the way I recently replaced the defrost timer, purchased from Repairclinic).

Thanks to anyone who wants to delve into all these questions!  If you think I' just trying to cheap out, I agree.  Unfortunately it's tough these days to figure out if you're getting a decent part just based on price.

[Econo Appliance]

Same family of thermostats,   technically the 2198202 will work in your fridge,  but the mounts are different, the capillary is 2 feet longer and will have to be wound up and hidden, knob orientation will be different, etc

 

The price difference you are seeing is aftermarket vs OEM.      Both thermostats are $47 from whirlpool,   but one of them (2198202) is also manufactured on gray aftermarket so you see it for $15-20 online.       I would recommend the $47 OEM

[16345Ed]

Agree by whirlpool part. Way more reliable. 

[binovc]

Thanks for the comments.  Will go whirlpool.