Maytag Dependable Care vs Amana (Raytheon) Washers and Dryers

[SawaSun]

I have a mid to late 1990's Amana (built by Raytheon) washer and dryer set that looks like this:

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?45532

It's ok but takes a long time to do a load and is not a fast waster filler (and yes I have installed new hoses and cleaned the screen/filter with no improvement).

A lot of people in my neighborhood have mid to late 1990's Maytag Dependable Care washers and dryers that are sparingly used by second home users. They look identical to the ones in the link below, minus a few buttons.

http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?20303

I keep hearing how great these Maytag machines are and was wondering what you all think of asking a new owner when they move in if they are interested in selling their washer and dryer for under $100 each piece? A lot of people in my neck of the woods like to upgrade older houses and the might not care about keeping an older Maytag Dependable Care washer and dryer, instead wanting to upgrade a front load due to looks. How much better are these Maytags vs my Amana?

 

[combo52]

90s MT vs 90s Amana

They are about the same overall in terms of performance, if you are looking for the best performance in a 90s traditional TL washer I would look for a good lightly used WP-KM machine.

 

To improve the fill rate in your Amana, REPLACE the inlet valve, cleaning the screens NEVER does any good unless they are packed solid with crap [ never remove inlet valve screens when trying to clean them, if you don't get them back in perfectly you risk a flood later when a particle gets around the screen and causes the valve to stick open ].

 

[SawaSun]

Thanks for the info. If you knew that a Maytag Dependable Care Washer and Dryer Set was used only two months out of the year for 18 years, do you still think it would be worth $100 each piece to upgrade vs my Amana which has been used weekly for 18 years?

 

[brucelucenta]

Maytag set in the picture

If you can get the Maytag set pictured, GET THEM! Those are so far superior to the Amana set or anything else around that there is no comparison. The Maytag set will outlast anything else out there, hands down. That set is one of the very last made by Maytag with the Maytag mechanism.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

I will have to agree with John:

A DD WP/KM is the best bet.
WK78

 

[DigAPony]

$200 for a used Maytag DC pair would be on the very high end of what I would pay, unless they are something special, TOL and/or mint condition low mileage units with no dents, dings, chips, scratches, rust or excessive wear.

As always don't be afraid to low ball, you can always raise the offer.

 

[goatfarmer]

Those Maytag's pictured are mine, they have been pretty much bulletproof since we put them in about 6 years ago.

On the other hand, when I was selling used appliances, probably one out of 10 Amana's like yours were worth fixing. The rest leaked, and took out the transmission bearings.

 

[combo52]

90s MT vs 90s Amana

The Amana-Speed Queen design machines are slightly better performers than the Maytag's mostly due to the larger diameter tub in the Amana-SQ machines [ they are not as hard on clothing ] Amana-SQs also generally have a faster spin speed.

 

THAT SAID, the Maytag's are more durable and easier to do major repairs on, so it depends on what you want, but IMXO the WP built DDs are by far the best choise for a 90s TL washer, the WPs are far easier and cheaper to repair than a Maytag, to say nothing of their better performance.

 

[gmmcnair]

Maytag DC

My mother has had a Maytag Dependable Care since 1993, no repairs to date. Still looks and runs like new.

It has average performance and load capacity. On all fronts, except noise, my Whirlpool DD bests it. Still, I wouldn't mind a DC if one came along for cheap enough. They're a very good and very quiet machine.