Maytag Center Dial Big Load dryer, circa 1977

[reo580]

Hey guys.
I have a question about a Big Load Dryer, center dial Maytag circa 1977.
I found this dryer, it looks to be in good shape.
I have a question, I am thinking of getting it because it would match my washer(a 1977 Maytag 802S). However, one of my relatives asked me if had lost my mind when I told her about it. She stated that a machine of its vintage would be hard to find parts and/or service for it. She also brought up that it might take a more electricity to run. My question is are they more expensive to run? And how are they for reliability? I know that they make a great washer from that vintage, but would I have trouble in finding a used appliance service person who would work on it if it needed service (No way on earth I would have the new dealer in my town service it, because they would probably try to twist my arm to talk me in to getting a new plastic wonder)
In all, How would this machine make as a daily driver?
Is it worth replacing my circa 2005 Maytag dryer w/ it?
As far as aesthetics I would take the Big Load any day.
Would it be wise as far as the functionality as well?
Thank you for your info, Derek

 

[nmassman44]

First of all methinks that the woman that told you all that doesnt know what they are talking about. This dryer is very energy wise and its fast. The only way it will use more electricity is if the wash load holds more water than normal. If your washer is spinning correctly then it shouldnt be an issue. Parts are still available for the machine..unless Whirlpool phases out the Maytag parts.
This dryer has a 6.2 cu ft drum. The Stream of Heat drying moves air at 180 cfms. The location of the air inlet into the drum and it pulling the air diagonally thru a washload is very effective.
If the dryer is in good shape then I would certainly get it. And it looks like it was taken care of. This would be a great daily driver.

 

[arbilab]

No worries about energy. Heat is what costs, much more than motor, and electric heat can't be made cheaply. True, a 3 phase inverter motor is more efficient than induction but whatever it saves goes out the window the first time you have to replace the ECM.

I know of no home laundry machinery more reliable than 70s Maytags. By then they really had the design down and weren't yet cutting corners.

 

[steve1-18]

Snap it up. These dryers are built like tanks! The only issue I've had with them is a lot of stuff gets past the filter (Coins, buttons, rings.........) I think parts will be around for a while, yet.

 

[rickr]

Maytag quality

We have a set of 1978 Maytags installed in a rental house, and they are doing great! The tenant loves the dryer, because it dries his clothes so fast. This set was never restored, just cleaned up, cleaned out, and put into service. That was a year and a half ago, and the only thing I have had to do was lubricate the dryer motor bushings.

If you get the dryer, do check it over, and clean the lint out of it.

 

[bajaespuma]

My two cents:

Looks exactly like the DE308 we had from 1978 till the day we sold my Mother's last house 4 years ago in 2007. A very unremarkable but reliable dryer that worked without a sneeze for almost 30 years and is probably still going strong if the princess that bought the house didn't just kick it to the curb to make room for her new stainless steel model. My only gripe with this dryer is Maytag hadn't yet widened the dryer door opening any bigger than the old HOH dryers, and without a drum light, the thing wasn't the most convenient dryer to unload, especially in a dark basement. At least the lint filter was up front. Other than that, it was fast and quiet.

 

[maytagbear]

Dryers (at least American ones)

Are exempt from the yellow stickers and the "Energy Star" program, because they all use pretty close to the same amount of energy. There is not the great variation in dryers as there is in say, water heaters.

As for that particular dryer...... GO FOR IT.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[combo52]

MT SOH DRYER

These do make good daily drivers and energy efficiency is not much of an issue. The only real way to save money drying clothes is to get a gas dryer and the 2nd best way is to spin more water out of the clothes. You will be able to keep a dryer like this going another 20 years without to much difficulty.

 

Even though every dryer has its weak points MT certainly cut a lot of corners building these dryers. They used a cheap plastic blower that slid directly on the motor shaft and was known for stripping lose [ we are still replacing at least a dozen per month ] and the cheap front drum slides, the cheap plastic timer knob was also prone to breaking [ get an extra timer and knob if you want to keep this as a daily driver for a long time ] also the plastic inner door panel would often break.

 

[mixfinder]

Rough Trade

I hadn't thought of the Maytag being fragile, but then I am a softy when it comes to appliance care.

 

[reo580]

Thank you for all of your responses and information.

Thank you very much for your responses.
Yeah, I will be picking it up shortly.
When I do, I will be posting pics of my Matching Maytags!
I have always wanted two things in my life:
One, a 1949 Packard custom, preferably a Victoria and Two: Matching Center dial Maytags.
Well,I will be crossing one thing off my list.
As far as the Elephant Packard, I think I will need to get my degree first, then do a whole lot of saving.