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kjknit

Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2020
Messages
7
Location
ohio
Hi all! I am currently shopping for an older washer/dryer pair in my area, NE Ohio. My dryer broke beyond reasonable repair last month, and I have been hoping to find a matching set for awhile, so now seems to be the time. My washer is a Maytag a105, and I love everything about it except the tiny load size. A family of seven requires a lot of laundry!

I appreciate any input you all have on the options I am finding! Some recent candidates were these Kenmore pairs, but I fear they may have the dreaded "Shredmore" qualities.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/653742622138003/?surface=product_details
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/797503550759687/?surface=product_details

Also found this Maytag set. Not quite as old, but maybe good? Looks like the larger tub anyway!
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/app/d/cleveland-maytag-washer-electric-dryer/7100090942.html

Thanks! Kate

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I'm pretty sure both of those Kenmore fall into the model series that has been nicknamed, "Shredmore."

 

The Maytag's control panel has some similarities to the Kenmores, as both Maytag and Kenmore were manufactured by Whirlpool by this time.  Whether it also qualifies as a "Shredmore" we'll have to leave up to the experts.
 
the difference from a standard capacity and exlarge is two inches of depth...

the door opening is an illusion to a larger tub....

for better rollover and full use of capacity, a dual action agitator would be recommended for either one...

direct drive


orbital drive


in either one, if you want a better choice, select one of these types of machine with the separate wash/spin speed selector.....

for any machine when washing a small load on high speed agitation, yes, your going to shred something...not necessarily the machines fault...
 
Thanks for the tips and videos! I am leaning towards this Maytag set. Small loads are not really a thing in this house. Haha! I will consider switching out the agitator as you've suggested.

It does show four holes on the agitator, which I believe means a larger load than my current washer which only has three. I don't need anything giant, just bigger than what I have now.

As for speed options, this washer has a delicate setting. Is that a different agitation speed?
 
can't read the control panel....but if it says 2 speed, then yes, Delicate will give you a gentle wash and a slow spin....

if not....the Delicate cycle will give you intermittent agitation....high speed spin...just shorter time frame...
 
Turns out that Maytag set was already sold awhile ago. I'm still combing the craigslist and facebook for something good.

For reference, this would be my dream set. Not going to DC for appliances though.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/372921166690685/?surface=product_details

While we wait for the elusive perfect vintage set, what is the consensus on current Speed Queen offerings? Is there an issue with new models? Do I need to buy a commercial model for proper function? I could see buying a BOL set from them if the laundry situation get any more desperate around here.

Are there any other brands making new sets that are even worth considering?

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I'd probably look for a refurbished (by a servicer that sells used machines, such as Lorain Furniture in Cleveland OH) mid- to top-line Whirlpool, Kenmore, or KitchenAid direct-drive model circa late 1990s to approx 2010 before I'd buy either a new WP or Maytag or a SQ.

I have a 1999 Kenmore for sale and a 2003 Whirlpool that could be for sale but you'd have to come to TX to fetch.
 
I have sold about 15 of the Maytag Commercial top loads, model MVWP575GW and have not had any complaints, most of the ones that I sold were to replace old Whirlpool or Kitchen Aid direct drives which we all love. I have to say this Maytag is not built like the Whirlpool VMW like it is designed after. First it has a real dual action agitator not the agitator that Whirlpool or Maytag use on their other top loaders, it has a full tub of water, heavy duty motor pulley and drive belt, heavy duty actuator and lid switch. The base of the cabinet has a solid steel 5" border around the bottom to add to stability, when this machine spins there is virtually no body flex or vibration. I have to say, this is the first top load washer that I would consider owning since they discontinued the direct drive washer. And also it comes with a full 5 year warranty from Maytag,
 
I'm the biggest Maytag fan there is and will probably never own a front load washer in my lifetime, but with a 7 person household, you really need to look into a front loader with an on-board heater. Maybe purchase a Maytag toploader as an overflow or back-up washer to a front loader.

I'd stay away from Neptune front loading washers at this point. The last "true" Maytag based Neptune rolled off the assembly line in 2006, 14 years ago. At this point, it would cost far too much $$, time, and effort to keep one running.
 
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