I Finally did it!!!

[iheartmaytag]

After almost two years of shopping and comparing I finally ordered my new Front Load Washer and Dryer last night.

What did I buy you ask? Look at my screen name--I ordered the Maytag Performance Series MHWE500VW washer and MED500VW Dryer.

This was not an easy purchase as I was teetering towards the E-Lux, but my checkbook kept kicking me and I just couldn't turn lose of the money.

I may kick myself for buying a May-pool, but. I had decided to just wait until tax time when I had a little more money in the bank, I would just pray my old machine would keep plugging away. I figured that since I had the money in the bank, and things always happen when you are the most broke, that using this logic my old machine would never break down.

Then in Sunday's paper I saw the add where one of the local Maytag dealers (in fact the oldest Maytag dealer in town) would give you the matching dryer when you purchase the washer, a savings of $1,499.99. I went to look and wrote the check. I bought the pedistals as I decided when I say my prayers I didn't want to be in front of a basket of wet laundry. So I paid the $249.99 each for the pedistals. If this was a gimick, it was a good one, because I have been pricing and shopping and the price I paid for the washer is what is posted as the MSRP on the Maytag website, and compairable to Sear's, Lowe's, Lytton's and Ultimate Electronics.

They should be in next Wednesday, then we will make arrangements for delivery. I already gave my old pair to my Niece, so they will stay in the family until their ultimate death occurs.

 

[norfolksouthern]

When a $2,800.00 set loses 90% of its value six months after installation, then perhaps the price should be half of the original markup. I cannot for the life of me, justify $3,000.00 for a set of Chinese-made goods. Especially when I am able to get a modern machine off the curb for next to nothing that would have been sent to the crusher anyway. I would keep the old top loader as a backup should something go wrong after the warranty runs out. Here's to wishing you the best!

NorfolkSouthern

 

[zipdang]

Congratulations!

I hope you really love your new Maytag pair. I have the KitchenAid Ensemble pair, the very models that were later rebadged as Maytag Epic. They've been going for three years without a single issue. The washer outcleans every TL machine I've used, including the Amana I had that was very similar to the current Speed Queen TL'ers. Take that, TL crowd!

 

[toggleswitch2]

Congrats!

May they be everything you expect and more! It does take ttime to get used to doing laundry "without" water!

 

[jeffg]

David, how long are the cycle times on your KA?

 

[zipdang]

Jeff-

Hey there. Cycle times aren't bad. The Normal/Casual cycle runs in about 40 minutes when set to medium soil. Adding a third rinse extends the time to about 49 minutes. Whitest Whites runs about one hour, which includes the default third rinse that can be eliminated if desired. The heater is used on the Whitest Whites, Heavy Duty, and Sanitary cycles, so they take longer than the cycles which do not use the heater. A small load on Rapid Wash can take as little as 35 minutes.

 

[appnut]

I cannot for the life of me, justify $3,000.00 for a set of

Well Mr. Norfolk, FYI these are NOT Chineese made the last time I checked into Whirlpool. These are made in Germany at the Baukenacht (pardon the spelling Euro friends).

 

[appnut]

IHEARTMAYTAG!!

Congratulations. Sometimes delayed execution sce3narios are the best (I keep telling myself that regarding a husbear). I know you'll be very pleased with them. I have forgotten what your old washer was.

 

[appnut]

The washer outcleans every TL machine I've used

David, well said. Even my humble first-generation Fridgemore outcleans my 1986 Lady Kenmore Shredmore--especially my whites. and my clothes are lasting longer too!!

 

[norfolksouthern]

"Well Mr. Norfolk, FYI these are NOT Chineese made the last time I checked into Whirlpool. These are made in Germany at the Baukenacht (pardon the spelling Euro friends)."

That's good to know. On a more serious note, I did venture off to Lowes to look at one of their Maytag Epics. They are priced slightly less than a Cabrio, and the colors do look tempting. I apologize if my first post sounded a little too harsh. Unfortunately I can't edit it.

NorfolkSouthern

 

[appnut]

It's ok. And thanks. Personally, I still prefer a front loader over an HE top loader, just seems more "natural" in comparing the two ways of executing HE washing. Everything kinda pnackaed on a Cabrio type of machine.

 

[frigilux]

I was at my local Frigidaire/Maytag dealership a couple of days ago about a recall notice for my range, and the Performance Series 900(0) was there on pedestals. They are gorgeous machines, and it took all my willpower not to say "How soon can you install them!?"

I am trying to pay down debt, and have made using charge cards strictly verboten. In the meantime, I will be saving my dimes and nickels for the set.

Congratulations---I bet you'll love 'em. Be sure to post pictures and give us a thorough review!

 

[norfolksouthern]

Appnut: I can't agree with you more concerning the Cabrio, and other HE top loaders. My main concern with them would be rollover, given the small amount of water used. At least there would be a better chance of adequate coverage with a front loader.

What I especially don't' like about the Cabrio is the weird action, which just seems to turn my stomach somehow. It seems like GE is headed this direction with all their top loaders, except for the very bottom of the line model which still has an agitator. I am wondering which direction Whirlpool is taking on this, as I saw only ONE Cabrio at Lowes, yet plenty of the GE "clones".

NorfolkSouthern

 

[iheartmaytag]

These are not Chinese made. These are not the Epics, they are the Performance series, supposed to be commercial construction. It appears that Whirlpool is trying to position Maytag back in the quality and reliability arena.

My old set are Maytag Dependable Care Plus machines. I have been most happy with my Maytags, but the repair man (who didn't seem that lonley by the way) told me after the last expensive repair that it was on it's last leg. Exact words were "It may last another year, maybe three; but you won't get another 15 out of it." It's been two years with no problems, but I wanted to be able to do the shopping and look for bargans before the "time of need" came along.

I really didn't need a new dryer, but since the new one was free I will have a matching set still. I will try to post pics once they arrive. The old set is not going to the crusher, my niece will have them until the ultimate demise.

http://www.maytag.com/catalog/category.jsp?cat=18

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Let me help you out with some pics...

BTW, that was a FANTASTIC DEAL! Good job!

The pair we have on our floor...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Doors open... The washer door is NOT reversable...

 

[redcarpetdrew]

The washer console: MHWE500VW

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Did you get the matching dryer or did you get a more conventional model?

Anyway, here's the set matcher dryer: ME/GDE500VW

 

[redcarpetdrew]

We've sold quite a few and I haven't had to really work on any, so that's a good thing! Congrats!

RCD

 

[appnut]

Andrwe you're cruel--those pictures may just push Eugene over the edge. He'll show up at his local dealers and ready to buy!!!

 

[toploader1984]

tisk tisk tisk, should of bought the speed queen (sigh) my aunt has the duet, same machine basically, also a friend has the duet, both have had nothing but trouble, my friend kevin actually sold his after a year cuz he couldnt stand the machine anymore. i really do hope u have good luck with yours. it really ticks me off that whirlpool is slapping the maytag name on all thier products! its not a REAL maytag! just like the shredmore, all the versions including whirlpool, kenmore, kitchen aid, crosley, estate, roper, amana, maytag, ahh yes and even some have the GE name on them. its like a monopoly almost. some of the duets are made in germany and some are made in mexico, i LOVE that speed queen makes ALL of their washers and dryers in ripon wisconsin!!!! as far as i am concerned the top loader speed queen is the BEST machine on the market!

 

[spankomatic]

Save the receipt! Don't be afraid to take them back if you do not like them. I had the Kenmore (HEt3)version of these in 2004 with the matching dryer. Hated them both! The washer "looked" neat but just did not have enough water for my taste. The clothes were wet but no standing water in the machine. The washer shook the entire house on high speed spin (yes,level). Needs a cement floor. The dryer took too long to dry. I did not like it's cool down feature. The lint filter was also a pain to get in and out. I use my friends Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer in Ukiah and have the same complaints. Pretty much the same machine. I ended up taking mine back to sears 6 months later because I just did not like them. I got Maytag Neptunes (they dont make these any more) and am much much happier. You may want to have a plan "B" in mind.
Jim

 

[iheartmaytag]

Drew

Those are the ones. I did order the matching dryer. I really wanted the Hunger green, but was too cheep to let go of another $200 for the color. The Crimson Red was in the 3000 series.

Spankomatic:
I hope I don't regret it either. It took me a long time to make a decision. Maybe Drew can help us on this one too, but two places I visited said the Maytag versions are built with "Commercial" quality parts and that it was endurance tested for a lifecycle of 22 years. This could be hype. I looked at Speed Queen. They only have a 3.2cu ft drum. A set water fill regardless of the size of load. No on board heater, No steam function. And a price twice what I paid for the Maytag pair.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I might add

I am hoping for less problems with vibration due to the fact that they will be in the basement on a concrete floor.

If I hate them within the first 30 days, they will take them back for a 20% restock fee due to this being a special purchase. I would also have to give back the rebate. I did buy from a local and not a big box, don't I get points for that?

 

[toggleswitch2]

Ding Ding Ding Ding!

20 extra points.

 

[maytagmightyjj]

I had a Whirlpool Duet I bought in 2004 and it sat on a concrete floor and I had no problems with excessive vibration. You should be fine there. I gave the Duet to a friend last year and he has had no problems with it, so its going on six years old with no issues. I gave it away because it would not fit in the closet where I live now. I had a "Real" Maytag Dependable Care I bought in 1996, which I gave to a neighbor when I bought the Duet-- it's still going strong with no problems-- wish I stil had it, but I would hate to ask for it back.

I too wish that "real" Maytag machines could be made again. However, those days are over. I don't understand people's frusration with Whirlpool when it comes to Maytag-- Whirlpool's products are a lot better than the crap Maytag was manufacturing from about 1998 on-- It's Maytag's fault they are gone, not Whirlpools-- and they paid for the Maytag name and all the rights that go along with it. Actually it was a smart business move since a lot of consumers don't have a clue its not the Maytag of years ago. They'll buy based on the name.

I called Whirlpool and asked them if their Maytag machines were built with better parts than their Whirlpool counterparts-- I never could get a straight answer from them, but they are marketing maytag saying it has "commercial grade parts" - perhaps an appliance expert here could tell us if they are indeed stronger than whirpools. I bought a Maytag Centennial top loader last year and have been pleased with it. I just wish whirlpool had made it like the kitchenaid line they dropped that that the larger agitator fins and a bit slower agitation.

I hope you like your new machines and that they will last a long time. After having a front loader, I just don't think the high price is justified-- mine got my clothes clean, but I could not tell they were any cleaner than with a top loader- but that's my personal preference.

 

[spankomatic]

Iheartmaytag, To clarify... My complaints about the Kenmore/Whirlpool Duet were NOT that they broke down. Sara still has her 2000 Duet in Ukiah and has been trouble free. My complaint is MY preferences about the machines. Lack of water,pull out degergent drawer,shaking house when spinning,dryer lint filter,cool down cycle,long drying times,damp clothes at end of dryer cycle. When I traded them in for the Maytag Neptunes all my issues were resolved. I did loose the window Sears was great about taking them back. After 6 months of use they gave me a full refund and exchanged the extended warranty. I actually got money back! Sounds like you will not have the shaking house issue since the washer will be put on a cement floor. The others you will decide for yourself if you like or do not like. If they turn out not to be your "dream machines" take them back while you can.
Jim

 

[steve1-18]

Maytag Coin op washers

I thought Maytag was still making the coin-op Neptune but just went to the commercial site and it is no more.

http://www.maytagcommerciallaundry.com/

 

[favorit]

BAUKNECHT

Hi Bob, for your sake you live in TX. If you were in CA Herr Govern(at)or would give you a fine for bad German *LOL*

Anyway Bauknecht is not the best (maybe is the worst) example of german, dependable technology .....

 

[iheartmaytag]

Delays

They were suposed to be in on Wednesday, but because of the holiday things were delayed so they are expected in this morning. However, the delivery guys are booked until Tuesday. Dad-burn, I was hoping to have them for this weekend when I do all the bedding. I guess I could save the bedding--like yuck.