Maytag Commercial - my thoughts as an owner...
My Maytag Residential Commercial will be 5 years old this summer. True they are not built like they used to be. I wouldn't call this commercial quality, but it is a little better built than any new top load washer (with the exception of the Speed Queen TC series) that can be bought today. The belt is thicker, has a higher watt capacitor, 1/2 hp motor, supposedly premium bearings, thicker panels, etc. The biggest con with the '575 model was the ONLY half load option was the "eco" cycle. This is a 7 minute wash (not long enough for heavier soiled loads), rough wash action (too rough for delicates), luke warm or cool wash, with a spray rinse. The Normal eco was useful for quick washes or everyday wear that wasn't heavily soiled. Lack of hot water and shorter wash action really isn't adequate for a small load of white, but you there are ways around the hot water restriction and you can run the load twice if you want.
They have now added a water level switch on the 875 model, which fixes that. The transmission or control board is probably what will cause most people to replace rather than repair--the control board is easy enough to replace, but the cost might be a deterrent. I might even be able to replace the transmission on this myself whereas I would never attempt that repair with the Speed Queen TC. There are a few inexpensive parts that you may have to replace along the way. These parts are why the tub and agitator can move independently of each other. Also the top and the bottom of the dual action agitator can move in different directions resulting in clothes being moved down, in, and through the water. So for those folks who can't repair the older washers themselves, get the parts at cost, etc. this may be the way to go. The Speed Queen TC5 may have a waiting list in some areas. Some "authorized" retailers are selling it above MSRP.
I expect to get 10 instead of 30 years out of the Maytag. With that said, mine has tap hot for all the deep water cycles, uses plenty of water, and has a great wash action and now the newer model has smaller load options! The only other washer that has that AND will last longer is the Speed Queen TC5, and I expect to get 15 to 20 years out of it as I do less loads now. I have this too LOL. The Maytag Commercial 585 and the Speed Queen TC5 are the ONLY two top loads that even come close to the wash action of the older ones. That's just my opinion. Other than the Speed Queen TC5, I don't think any other top load made today will last more than ten years either. I wish they made them like the Maytags I grew up with, but they don't. Even as a young adult, I had what would now be a sought after machine. Sigh. I think I paid $600 for the washer/dryer whole set! This won't even get you half a washer that will last half as long now. The bottom line is while these won't last as long at least you can still get a washer that will clean your clothes!
This video goes into a little more detail on why the Maytag is a little better made. Also, it only has the bare basics for electronics--less that can go wrong in my opinion.
