Looking for high capacity Maytag or equivalent...

[ps91rick]

This is the first 80’s looking whirlpool I’ve seen being sold.. are these vintage machines anything to write home about compared to Maytag’s — capacity and ability to clean?

yes I would have done this as a single post but apparently my upgraded membership ran out.. doh!

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/app/d/chino-hills-reliable-whirlpool-washer/7278383354.html

 

[rp2813]

I would say that Whirlpool is a little bigger, but also a lot louder than a Maytag, if that matters to you.

 

I think of all machines you've mentioned, the Speed Queen has the largest tub.

 

[ps91rick]

The speed queens are higher capacity than the Maytag or whirlpools?

Hmm.. any particular model or era machines I should keep my eyes peeled for? There aren’t tons of SQ’s available here that didn’t live a former life in a laundromat..

I don’t know if those machines might be something to stay away from vs a home use SQ..? But what do I know..

 

[ps91rick]

I just saw this... I don’t know what model but suspect that you probably might..

Here’s another one... kinda spendy .. I don’t know what model this one is..
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/app/d/apple-valley-washer-and-dryer-set/7274797949.html

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/app/d/chatsworth-speed-queen-washer-and-dryer/7277852745.html

 

[stuftrock1]

That LA512 is definitely worth $150. I'm actually gonna be buying the white version of that washer as soon as all the ice and snow can bugger off.

Both the Speed Queen and extra large capacity Maytags are 3.2 cubic feet. The Whirlpool Cabrio has by far the largest capacity, but it is a steaming pile of garbage and not worth the plastic it's made of. The Whirlpool and KitchenAid direct drives are a larger capacity than the extra large capacity Maytags for sure, so if you need a large capacity, then that's what you should go with.

The Whirlpool has a very fast and aggressive agitation, but the base of the agitator is smaller than the KitchenAid. It is also quite loud. The KitchenAid has a slower and gentler agitation, but the base of it's agitator is larger. It is also much quieter than the Whirlpool.

These are all fantastic machines, except of course the worthless Cabrio. The Maytags are definitely the most reliable and dependable out of all of them. The Whirlpool would be the better direct drive choice if your clothes get heavily soiled. The KitchenAid would be better if you want a gentler wash and your clothes don't get very dirty. As for whether or not you should choose them over the Maytags? I couldn't tell you. The Maytags have the most gentle wash action while also being extremely effective at cleaning even the dirtiest of clothes. They also have a lint filter inside the agitator which is nice.

I am biased here because I love those old Pitman Maytags. My dream machine is actually a harvest gold center dial 806. Because of my bias, I'm not sure I can give you an objective recommendation. I have an extra large capacity Maytag from 1994, and that thing can easily handle my queen size quilt, but not a very thick twin size comforter mostly because the one I have get's full of air bubbles.

If I were you, I would keep what you have. If you need the larger capacity, then get the LA512. However, as I said before, that may just be my bias talking.

 

[ps91rick]

Anything to write home about with Kenmore’s —? This pair looks like early to mid 80’s.. but the capacity of the washer looks standard at best..
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/hsh/d/encino-kenmore-washer-dryer/7277860253.html

Here’s a Whirlpool pair from the 80’s.. the ad claims its super capacity...??
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/app/d/fullerton-whirlpool-washer-and-gas-dryer/7280336610.html

I think I’m out of questions...

 

[ps91rick]

Oh.. here’s one more .. on Facebook Marketplace..

A Whirlpool — Imperial Seventy with a broken belt — $20
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1147776008997060/?ref=search&referral_code=undefined

The pictures claim the unit is super capacity — better than my existing standard Maytag or about the same? I popped a message to the seller asking about whether it was leaking or anything..

 

[rp2813]

I'm pretty sure that Kenmore is the type that as earned the nickname "Shredmore." 

 

The lighting isn't the greatest, but that Whirlpool tub doesn't appear to be a lot larger than the LA512's is. 

 

I was surprised to read the claim that a modern Speed Queen tub is the same size as an LA512.  We switched to an Amana (SQ clone back then) from a mid '70s standard size Maytag, and the Amana's tub seemed downright cavernous in comparison. 

 

[qsd-dan]

The Whirlpool and Kenmore are older and specific parts for those are getting tricky, like timers. In my opinion, they're too low end to bother with. Find something closer to TOL.

The belt drive Whirlpool is too old for a daily driver. This design ended 35 years ago and you'll pretty much be on your own when it comes to repairs. Most parts are NLA so Ebay would be your main supplier. Replacing the belt is a huge undertaking on these machines and somebody who isn't familiar with that repair is almost guaranteed to screw it up. I can't even find one single Youtube clip on replacing the belt in these machines.

 

[ps91rick]

Good to know...

I heard a dissertation from a local parts place today when looking for a dryer part mentioned in another thread I’ve got.. specifically that Whirlpool hasn’t made any parts since last March when Covid started .. they’re to the point where they’re taking Chinese knockoffs and slapping whirlpool markings on them — in some cases the parts don’t even look the same.. so this supplier is having toe ferret these issues out.. and there’s a thought that they may not start making parts again for machines older than 10 years (if I recall)... uggg...

 

[yogitunes]

you can find just about any washer you want right in your back yard....even a matching dryer.....refurbished with a warranty.....

even cash off for a trade-in.....

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/ppd/d/westminster-high-quality-washer-dryer/7281848100.html

 

[rp2813]

I'm guessing you're bent on a top loader.  The reason I state this is because there are some nice looking Maytag Neptune front loaders in the 3rd picture that Martin posted above. 

 

I've been using a 2004 Neptune that was in the house when we bought it almost three years ago.  I like that it uses more water than current day front loaders and offers three rinses on the normal cycle, with an option for a fourth.   That's still a lot less water than a top loader requires.   I get a tap-hot wash when I want one, and although I have to cram it in there, it will handle a king size comforter.   The basket may be smaller than today's giant machines, but the Neptune's footprint isn't any larger than the average top loader's.

 

There's also no BS balancing with this machine, which was a complaint I had with both my Whirlpool Duet and Frigidaire Affinity front loaders.   This machine completes a cycle in much less time than front loaders currently on the market.   The other non-BS feature is plain old knobs and dials.  I have no patience for the membrane nonsense involved with cheap electronic panels. 

 

Martin swears by these machines and can answer any questions you might have.