Maytag Dependable Care

[gadgetgary]

A while back, someone stated that the Maytag Dependable Care top loading washer could still be ordered.

Is this that particular model?

http://www.maytag.com/mths/products...00AWW&show_features=1&cs=0&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

 

[toggleswitch]

This would be it, methinks.

 

[peterh770]

Yes, it is.

 

[polkanut]

That is the washer we have, except ours has the suds-saver.

 

[appnut]

Gary, this is the same washer lightedcontrols got the other night when the Norge motor gave up the ghost.

 

[gyrafoam]

I first became aware of this model about two years ago when in Virginia with Mark and Gary. We went for a visit to Vinton Appliance and I was surprised when I saw it, as I thought nothing was left but Norgetags!

Now, word has it that the Whirlpool folks are going to continue this model.
Word also has it that Whirlpool wants to bring out a "retro" looking cabinet to go with it.

I watch with interest,and guarded optimism to see what happens.

 

[partscounterman]

I just hope that Whirlpool can return the quality to these machines-I've seen just too many of the so called "Dependable Care" machine die very early deaths due to failure of the tub seal at the drive shaft. The funny thing is that once they started calling them "Dependable care" is just about when the quality seemed to be going down the tubes. They should have called them dependable crap.

Whirlpool would be smart to just re-introduce the '06 line if they want a retro look! I would like an A806 please!

 

[frigilux]

I'd like to think Whirlpool would keep the TL Maytags 'unique', but if I were a betting man, I'd say we're going to see the introduction of the Shredtag. I put forth the Ensemble-clone Maytag 'Epic' as evidence...

 

[gansky1]

The seal problem has been taken care of a while ago, I hope the quality is back, at least for now.

I should imagine the machine is still a popluar commercial/coin-op seller but many states are enacting laws that mandate high efficiency standards for washers in coin-op & OPL uses.

 

[gadgetgary]

So my question is......

Shall I order this to put next to my original Maytag Neptune?

Do you think this washer will no longer be available?

Is it worth the price?

 

[gyrafoam]

Well Gary,

I now know three people with these machines in service and they love them. They have not seen enough use to get a handle on their reliability, however my guess is they will be a far sight better than a 'Norgetag!

Whirlpool claims they will continue production. (But it is still early in the game as far as the takeover is concerned).

If you really want one I'd say it is worth the price.

 

[toggleswitch]

Get it! Too many "ifs" in waiting!

 

[peterh770]

I have 8 of them in 2 of my laundromats and so far they perform flawlessly. They were installed 18 months ago. If they can take the abuse of the overloading, oversudsing mamasitas, they will certain hold up in home use. Plus, they are extremely easy to service.

I imagine WP will keep these around because they are a proven performer in the coin laundry arena, very much unlike the DD WP machines which really suck and have an extremely small market share.

 

[toggleswitch]

Where does one get a coin-op version these days?
Or did you have to switch-out the lid, top, console timer & control panel with an older defunct machine?

 

[westytoploader]

Hi Gary, if you really want it, I highly suggest you get that machine before IT eventually disappears as well. Ours is still going strong with no problems, and it is definitely more well made than competing machines. Not to mention the suspension is probably the best out there; not even the slightest shaking or vibration on spin, and we've had some pretty out-of-balance loads as well!

Hi Steve, you can get brand-new coin-op 'Tags here, and probably other places as well.

--Austin

 

[peterh770]

Mac Gray is the largest distributor of Maytag coin-op products...

http://www.macgray.com/

 

[toggleswitch]

Thanks Austin.

Which leads to the next question......

• ENERGY STAR®-qualified top-load washer - reduces water usage by 25%* (* Compared to previous Maytag® Commercial Dependable Care top-load washer.

HOW? Eliminate spray rinse? Doesn't seem plausible. Please don't tell me the deep rinse has been eliminated....I mean it was literally only one minute long to sart with.

 

[peterh770]

I think Maytag got the ES rating by eliminating the Woolens cycle selection and putting in a "Small Load" selection and a water temp regulating valve.

SQ is worse: their ES toploader does a -- hold on to your seats -- partial drain after the wash. Yes, you heard me right, a partial drain after the wash before refilling for the so-called rinse.

In my book, any top loading, traditional agitator washer that has an ES sticker on it is to be avoided at all cost.

 

[gadgetgary]

Spray rinse or not????

Can someone with this machine please tell me if it does the 'spray rinses'? If so, after the wash and after the rinse too?

 

[toggleswitch]

IIRC Maytag only had a spray rinse between the wash and deep-rinse, in its center-dial hey-day (sp?).

 

[partscounterman]

I'm still laughing...

about the name for the yet to be seen whirlpool built maytags

The "Shredtag"

Hee-hee!

 

[maytagbear]

I have a Maytag Dependable Care

from 1997, and have been very happy with it.

Mine has two spray rinses, one before the deep rinse, and one after it.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[surgilator]

My Maytag Dependable Care is not 100 percent dependable!

Gary:

I hate to be a sour apple in the group, but I'm not thrilled with my dependable care (1997). Mine is a supercapacity, but it doesn't do a very good job of washing jeans. The pair of jeans on the top stays on top -- poor turnover for heavy items like jeans. You can overload them, but they won't clean.

Also don't get too excited about the spray rinses. Mine has two 8 second spray rinses. One before the deep rinse, one after. But if you have large load, don't plan on the spray rinse covering all the items. Water only covers about the bottom third items in the machine.

I'm not trying to be a "downer," but I wouldn't buy another one if it were me.

 

[gansky1]

Speed Queen only does a partial drain before rinse? Now that deserves a slap. Let me guess, the theory is that it removes the heavier than water soils that have settled to the bottom of the outer tub during wash, so that makes the clothes clean. I can only imagine what a load would smell like when fabric softener is added, or g-d forbid, a dryer sheet is used - blech!

I always thought the Dependable cares I've had - a '98 model I used exclusively for 3 years - did a great job. I almost never wash jeans by themselves, mixing different weights of fabrics usually gave/gives better results for me - in most any washer.

 

[westytoploader]

Partial drain/refill

Wait, isn't that called a cooldown? ;-)

 

[westytoploader]

Otherwise, that is just REPULSIVE. One thing if it does it on Permanent Press, that I can understand, but for your whites as well? I don't think so...can you imagine partially rinsing, ummm, *heavily soiled* items in 1/2 the s**twater they were washed in? Ewwwwww!

 

[DADoES]

Partial drain, no spin, then one deep rinse rinse and final spin??? That's ... ______________.

 

[cehalstead]

I have a Dependable Care from '97, too

and was very happy with it. Great capacity, and unless overloaded, it had great turnover. I solved the jeans problem by washing no more than 6 pairs on super water level. However, last winter, I bought an '87 Power Fin. I was amazed to find that the capacity was the same and it had far superior rinsing ability (90 seconds of spray after the wash and before the deep rinse while spinning and a 90 second deep rinse). After watching many loads wash in both machines, I determined the turnover was just as good in the PowerFin, maybe better. But I do think the '97 Dependable Care (and it is just like the one still sold mentioned earlier in this thread) is one of the best modern toploaders on the market.

 

[48bencix]

What other choice?

This is my "Dependable Care" with matching dryer. When I got this set, I think in 1998 or maybe 2000, it was branded Performa. I questioned the dealer, and he assured me that it was made in Newton. The other models available at the time were "Atlantis" and were more expensive. The dealer said this was a better machine. My only question was "Does it spin full of water?". He said it did. I wanted that feature having owned a 1980 Maytag and also many years ago, a Maytag AMP, both of which did a spin drain. I wanted this feature because it's fun to watch, although not as fun as a Unimatic going into a spin, that really has no equal, it's almost a physical rush to me!!

Yes, this has the notorious short spray rinse after the wash and rinse. I think they did that to save energy on the "energy guide". Not like the Kenmore I had that had about 8 spray rinses. That's one reason I always use the second rinse feature. This has one less knob, because the speed selection is handled with the timer know, slow for delicate.

But, how many other choices are there for a more or less traditional TL machine?

Martin

 

[gmmcnair]

My mother still has the same Maytag that I bought in 1993...the same dependable care design. 13 years later, only one repair...they didn't get a wire firmly connected to the timer from the factory, and it was a warranty fix.

Turnover is not teriffic, but it's better than with my Fridgemore T/L laundry center. It has two spray rinses before going into the deep rinse. It cleans clothing well if not overloaded. However, overloading was never much of an issue because it has a decent tub capacity.

I love the machine, and I miss it. When I get the kitchen rearranged with room for a side by side, I will buy one in just about half a heartbeat. The best thing this side of the old Frigidaires or a Fedders Norge.