End of an Era, "commercial" VMWs discontinued!

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maytagneptune

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FireAlarmTechGuy4444 on YouTube. Interlochen MI
All thanks to Consumer Report's crappy testing and lying about this. The Whirlpool CAE2795FQ, MVWP575GW,MVWP576KW and MAT20MNAWW have been DISCONTINUTED. Consumer Reports saying HE machines are better is a big fat lie! The only HE machine I think works better than a traditional Agitator washer is the Calypso and maybe the Maytag Neptune series (Both the TL and FL) and Maybe the Frigidaire Gallery front load washers from the 2000's I recently junked my LG WM0642HW to make room for a normal VMW. I have an unlimited supply of parts for the VMW series which is a good thing because of how cheap they are. Though the Earlier version of the VMW which is the world washer which I still have is pushing on 24 years old with the original gearbox from 1999 and it still works well! I heard the "commercial" VMW Gearboxes are not as good as the world washer gearboxes and the "commercial" VMW gearbox is the same cheap gearbox that the "normal" VMWs use. The only option for Speed Queen these days is the TC5. Speed Queen has improved the TR series by a bit but the TC5 will always be better. I think the "commercial" VMWs are overpriced for what they are but if they were in the $500-$950 range then I would consider them perfect. All that's left is the cheap o $299 Amana NTW4516FW which is now $599
 
There's probably another reasoning behind this. Consumer Reports has been on a decline, I doubt that was the main cause why Whirlpool decided to move on since CR has competition they're getting beat at which is people like Lorain Furniture that does testing on YouTube for viwers to look into free of charge. One reason could be that the next wave of EPA regulations kicked in where Whirlpool was forced to ditch those machines. Another reason could be the reliability issues those machines were running into, I've read online especially here on AW that they were having problems under the warranty. Or it could be that the sales were not exceeding up to Whirlpool's expectations because of advertising on the HE machines or employees/managers that would get consumers sold into with limited washer experience from Blow's (Lowe's), Home Creepo (Home Depot), or other major furnishing stores around. Not just from CR.
 
Also regarding HE machines. I love Kenmore, General Electric, and Speed Queen top loaders but honestly, I'd rather have a front loader where it can do better than either of those machines. So I'd rather pay more for a SQ front loader than a SQ top loader where it uses less water and electricity, fit more laundry in there, more quieter, and cleans just as well if not better than a SQ top loader.
 
EPA Bullcrap

Everything from the EPA/DOE Is nonsense. Electric Dryers are still made with 5400W Elements when they could be reduced to 3600W or 4500W and still work fine. The F&P Top load dryers are 3600W on Medium setting and the Frigidaire Gallery Bearing Hitch model is 4500W. The GE Dryers have a 5600W element that is too close to the drum. The Frigidaire element is also a little too close to the drum but because the wattage is lower, It's not as intense. Haven't had any issues with scorching with the Frigidaire. Whirlpool still makes the 29" Dryer design just like they have since 1966 with the 5400W Element. I don't see them stopping production anytime soon. As for the washers. I feel like we should be able to use as much water as we want. Manufactures should copy what Fisher&Paykel did with the EcoActive system. put in a small amount of hot water and dissolve the detergent, Recirculate that for 5 minutes then top-off to the selected water level with cool water. Unless F&P Patented that then That would work perfectly. If the EPA/DOE is all about energy then that's how to save energy while still filling the tub to the top with water.
 
There is one problem however when it comes to water usage, they can be controlled by the government. In Utah, we are the second most driest state in the country and we're also going through a severe drought. I know there are areas here where some of the lakes are being very strict for those that live nearby to them. Sooner or later those areas, maybe the whole entire state, are probably going to require us to use HE machines.
 
EPA and energy star programs

Hi Kelly, over 70% of Americans want energy star appliances.

I have friends that work with department of energy in Appliance engineering and regulation.

They haven’t done everything perfectly, but they’ve saved an incredible amount of energy in this country. All other nations are doing the same thing

Luckily you live in a country where you’ll be allowed to keep your old appliances as long as you can keep them going.

It doesn’t really save energy to have a smaller heating element in a dryer. Sometimes it actually uses more energy because it Has to run longer and pull more conditioned air out of the home because it Has to run longer .

With your interest in fire safety, I’m not sure why you would have a Frigidaire dryer with a heating element behind the drum it is miserable and dangerous design.

Hopefully you have a sprinkler system in your laundry room with your interest in fire safety.

Happy New Year’s, everyone John.
 
The only real way to make a lower wattage dryer hot is to make it a low air output dryer such as the Maytag dryers that had a perforated drum which used a 4500 watt heating element along with 18,000 btus of heat on the gas versions. It’s possible, BUT will have to design something from the ground up to make it safe and efficient along with being easy to repair and service etc.
 
Reply 6

I like the Frigidaire because it dries fast and matches the front load washer that I love so much. I just take it apart and clean the cabinet out every 3 months and I take care to never overload it. Have not had any issues with scorching. I also never leave it unattended. I stay active and My Simplex Fire Alarm system will trip if the lint ignites. I would just throw the door open and hit it with an ABC Fire Extinguisher and I keep one nearby just in case. I clean the lint filter after every load and My vent is a very short rigid duct. 1 45° elbow down. 1 45° Elbow left and then straight outside about 18" Only issue I have found is that mine doesn't get as hot as people are describing and the Load is always damp after the end of the cycle on the Automatic Settings. It dries towels all the way though but clothes I have to re-run it like 3 or 4 times. I can't figure out why it doesn't dry all the way the first time.
 
If not VWM then what comes next?

What does Whirlpool have in the production pipeline to replace these machines? Maybe a more energy efficient Belt or Direct drive? What was once old comes back as tomorrow's new!

But then again, the bean counters probably have the last word and will squash spending any more than what it costs them today to build the current machines.
 
MT mvwp575gw, SQ TC5, WP CAE2795FQ, and Amana w/ dual action

This is a long post that is basically a review. Please feel free to skip, but I think it's important for me to say this as someone who has experience using the Maytag mvwp575gw washer and now the SQ TC5.

I own and use the Maytag mvwp575gw since the summer of 2018 in a pet/kid-friendly home. No repair issues yet. I really think one just has to be more careful about not overloading, using the correct wash temp (all deepwater full tub wash cycles have tap hot, if needed!), and the proper amount of a quality detergent (I use Line 2 for half loads and between line 3 and 4 for full loads). I prefer Tide powder original and bleach. When I use liquid, I prefer Persil or Tide hygienic clean. I don't use fabric softener. It can gunk up the washer (Think about it. Rinses are cold). This and dryer fabric softener sheets can coat fabrics, and, in my opinion make it more difficult for the water and detergent to work as well next time when being washed. That said, people have to do what works well for their situation.

My kids range greatly in age. I have ran this washer from morning to night when my college-age kid brings home a car load of laundry. It's a champ. Short cycles are so nice!

The Maytag "commercial residential" mvwp575gw is better made than the"commercial technology" residential models. This video linked below does an excellent job explaining why. The only real area of concern for me is it appears they did use the same gear case as the less expensive vmw models--repair/replacement of this part will probably EOL this washer for me. There are some inexpensive and easy-to-replace parts that allow the agitator and tub to move in different directions that can be replaced by most consumers.

The biggest con of the washer is Normal is the ONLY half tub fill. It also has a spray rinse only (although, it works surprisingly well!). Need a quick wash or have a smaller and lightly soiled normal load, this works well! Literally, I have washed and dried items in less than ONE hour. (Note: I use a spin dryer to reduce dry time-overall prefer the Ninja vs. Panda). The wash action is too rough for delicates. Wash cycle is only 7 minutes long, so the wash action is too short for heavier soiled items--I find a manual 10-minute presoak helps! On this cycle ONLY, Hot water is luke warm (cold is mixed in), and warm is cool (more cold is mixed in). There are workarounds for this, but the consumer assumes ALL risks and liability. Mine involves a Y-hose and Dramm valve (I use the valve to shutoff on the cold line where the hot and cold would mix when using this for main cycles). It depends on your setup, what outlet faucets you have, etc. as to what works best for you. My faucets are newer ones that are turned OFF after I am done using the appliances.



After four years of seeing the situation get only worse, I managed to snag a TC5 and its matching dryer. I haven't changed my original opinion. I use both washers on a regular basis. Maytag is still my overall favorite for cleaning performance and still takes the spot for my second overall favorite. The TC5 is my overall favorite when everything is considered because of the build quality (real transmission, better suspension design, and reputation for better quality electronics), more choices for smaller cycles, and no a design that will require less frequent repairs. With that said, I got this before prices went up again. I estimate the MT will last me 8 to 10 years, and the SQ TC5 12 to 15 years (bearings will probably EOL this for me).

I believe the reviews you'll see on the Maytag mwwp575gw are genuine. As far as I know there are no incentives given to reviewers for a review unless you count the change to win in a low-dollar sweepstakes (I never won). Maytag has ruined their reputation by producing a lot of low quality inferior products, but their marketing is spot-on for getting people convinced. I am forever grateful to Lorain Furniture because I cancelled my order for another Maytag when I saw his review for this model. The old AWN432 were nowhere to be found. The TC5 was not released until 2019.

On the other hand, I think it's unethical that Speed Queen blacklists someone based on an honest and TRUE review instead of taking the time to learn from it. It also appears they give people real incentives (free product, for example) in exchange for a review. I won't link it here, but there are a few reviews where the person doesn't have a clue like the one trying to add the detergent to the fabric softener dispenser. Thanks to some unbiased reviews (Lorain Furniture, Kirk Rivas, and others), I was able to sort this out.

I am hoping these are the last washers I will buy as my kids are getting older and moving out, so I have less wash to do these days. With that said, I am considering purchasing a front load (probably LG or SQ) when the MT dies. Top load and front load each have their pros and cons.

For anyone wanting a top load, you should strongly consider buying one of these models listed in the subject while still available.

I have no idea why anyone thinks a top load with less water that doesn't even get some of the clothes wet, cooling down chosen temp, and more chemicals is a good idea? Also, these HE washers are yard ornaments in my rural part of the world. BTW, they are not the most attractive pot for plants either. They wind up in a landfill in 5 to 10 years now instead of 20 to 30. New math, I guess.

I kind of feel like the character in the movie, Jingle All The Way. I am glad I have the Maytag mvwp575gw and SQ TC5, but what a journey to get them.

Hope everyone is having a good start to the New Year!
 
VMW washers

Has it really been confirmed that they’ve stopped making these commercial models altogether?

That YouTube video referenced in reply number 15 is interesting but it’s riddled with mistakes. It would take me two hours to go over all the mistakes that guy made

He’s also not taking into account that current VMW machines have been upgraded a lot. He’s comparing this commercial model to what they made five years or so ago. His review of the 27 inch dryer is particularly filled with mistakes.

John
 
I guess Whirlpool family is announcing several new models. Kirk Rivas said the other day the Amana NTW4516 is being replaced with the NTW4519, which is already available in Canada.
 
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