Maytag Neptune MLG2000AWW Stacker -- Pros & Cons

[rp2813]

I have a bit of a dilemma concerning my existing Frigidaire Affinity set from 2008 and the subject Maytag stacked set, serial number 78536046EJ, mainly concerning the washers.

 

The Neptunes are at the house we're moving into, but I don't have the manuals for them.  One thing I'm pretty sure the Neptune washer lacks is an on-board heater.  I haven't been able to determine if it has auto-temp or if the "Hot" setting will indeed deliver water from the hot inlet only.   I also don't know how the amount of water used compares with the Affinity.  I find myself adding water to the Affinity for some loads, which is easily accomplished through the detergent drawer using the pull-out faucet on the adjacent laundry sink.  If I can't easily add water to the Neptune, that could be a deal-breaker.

 

The Neptune has a "quick" cycle, which is something the Affinity doesn't offer, and I like that the controls are entirely analog.  The wash basket is slightly smaller than the already smaller-than-average basket on the Affinity, which is 3.5cf.   I don't think it's enough to make a huge difference in load size.   I haven't found anything about the maximum spin speed on the Neptune, either.

 

What about rinsing?  I'm not thrilled with the Affinity, so it's almost always set on "Extra Rinse."

 

I'm trying to keep an open mind, and one thing that will be a true compromise is having to bend down lower to empty the Neptune.   Since the tub is tilted, it does make it easier to view the contents when removing them for placement in the dryer.

 

The lack of a window is disappointing, but if I can have confidence that the machine is doing its job with enough water, that's OK, although I don't like not knowing if there's an over-sudsing issue.  Is it possible to pause the machine, open the door and have a look?

 

Fire away with opinions on both makes.  I can't see any point in keeping both.  I'd rather have my '87 A712 for a second washer for the funky jobs I prefer not run through the front loader.

 

 

 

 

[yogitunes]

let see if I can decipher a few things for you...as some things I take for granted

Auto Temp is only for the Warm or Cold water temps, this DOES NOT dub down, in fact, it will increase temps......but your right, there is no internal heater, its what comes from your tap only...hot is only as hot as your water heater setting....

spin speed is 800rpm....more than enough for every load......

I always select 'MaxSpin' high speed.....but in reality, this is for the Delicate and Easy Care cycles as those spins under default setting would be slower...

you may want to select Extra Rinse if your using LCB....not usually something I select.....

the 'Signal' button is for both machines.....beep for the washer, chime for the dryer

you will not have to add more water to a Neptune....and depending on when you open the door, you may find a variable of levels based on where the cycle is at...

this machine is based on the 4000 series, which still uses a wax motor set up for the door lock....while you can pause the machine to open the door, you may have to wait up to a minute or 2 for the door to unlock...

this link is an operating manual you will want to print out....
as you know....I run the Normal cycle for everything....warm or hot wash

http://https//www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/mle2000azw-maytag-parts-manual

 

[yogitunes]

 

[yogitunes]

after all, why do you think I have so many?......

 

[rp2813]

Yeah, I know you don't have a row of Affinities like that Martin!  I guess you're happy with the results you get from your Neptunes!  That's a solid 1K+ word testimonial  right there.

 

I did notice in the clips above that the Neptune rotates in each direction for less than half as long as the Affinity does, and it might rotate a little more slowly.   How is it on stains?  The Affinity seems to really throw the items against the tub, and I can't complain about the results it renders. 

 

I checked out the Neptune use and care guide.  I like that the wash cycles range from a little to a lot shorter than the Affinity, and love the ability to wield analog control.  

 

Here are some things I'm wondering about:

 

1) How reliable would the washer be, considering its age?  The Affinities are 9.5 years old (and I've been bracing for washer failure since the day they were installed).  Is there any old-school Maytag durability designed into the Neptune compared to its FL contemporaries?

 

2) How are they at balancing before spin?

 

3) Are they relatively easy to repair?

 

4) What is parts availability like? 

 

5) Are bearings or spiders a concern?

 

6) Is it some sort of illusion or is the Neptune's washer tub higher off the floor than the average FL machine (without a pedestal)?  I know I'd have to stoop a lot lower and peer into the Affinity if not for the pedestal, but I don't feel that same way about the Neptune.   Part of it might be the tilt, but there's a good sized panel of front cabinet below the tub opening, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[yogitunes]

bearings and seals, if ever needed, are around 20.00 for a package.....

if it comes to that, rent the TonyTool....and replace them in about an hour yourself...

your machine born May 2004, probably the last of them, should last you a long time....

for a stacked set, that tilted tub is a lifesaver from stopping so far.....I prefer both doors to open the same way....

for heavy stains, use the pre-wash and double the detergent, extra rinse wouldn't hurt.....

as noted for best stain removal, it only starts out with minimal water to really concentrate the detergent lather, as the wash portion progresses, more water will be added to suspend the soils before draining.....

I have one quilt that gives every machine a hassle when it come to spin, as it balls up, for what ever reason.....but all I have to do is pull it out, fluff it up, and put back in for a final spin....

for best wrinkle free results from the dryer, dry most of your loads on LOW.....I use HIGH mainly for towels...

the dryer comes off the top if needed for transport.....most repairs can be done while still in place....

note: there is no 'clean washer' cycle.....if used properly, its never needed....

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Neptune

These really are some of my favorite machines ever. You will never need to worry about the amount of water that they are using as they use plenty. Capacity isn't huge, but is sufficient. I have found that they clean quite well, but again use the prewash setting for best results. Some of the fluffiest towels I have used came out of a Neptune. I'm not sure why! Yogi, when I get my own place, I might just have to offer you some money for a Neptune pair! Thats if you are willing to part with one! LOL.

 

[rp2813]

I'm going to do the recommended "clean washer" process first thing.  The washer door was closed while the house was being prepped for sale (it was only on the market for less than a day because we snagged it), but it's a little musty smelling.  Not mildewy, just musty.  I've had the door open since getting access to the house this week.

 

I'll bring over a load of stuff to run through it and see how it does.  Today the termite tent goes on, so I may not have access again until Monday.

 

Thanks again for the excellent information.  One thing is for sure:  You don't see this same level of enthusiasm for Affinities.

 

[moparwash]

Welcome to the Neptune Stack Club!. They have a good size tub and can hold a king-size afghan with ease. Another thing I like is washing car floor mats in it..no sand residue in the bottom of the tub and they come out great! The dryer is the tried-and-true SOH design, which is very reliable and easy to fix. The stack I got was refurbished, but needed later on a new washer motor and motor board, struts and springs. Since those fixes, it's been very reliable...and if you need more advice, we got it right here for you!

 

[rp2813]

How Analog Is It?

So let's say I wanted to interrupt a cycle and send it into final spin.  On my Affinity, I'd have to cancel the cycle and then select the "spin only" cycle, select with or without rinse and length of spin time before hitting the "start" button.

 

With the Neptune, would I be able to simply stop the action, then advance the timer knob to the "spin" zone and have the machine perform the requested operation?

 

I'm sort of thinking I can have almost as much flexibility with this Neptune washer as I do with my A712.

 

[retro-man]

Yes. It will take a few moments before it starts spinning. It will go through a drain period and then the balancing into spin.

Jon

 

[yogitunes]

yeah, you can press Pause/Start...and then reselect to a new position....and press Pause/Start again...

sometimes can be a bit tricky to hit the exact spot....just wait for it to recognize, and then engage its new starting point....

the reaction can start right away, other times may take a few minutes...

granted this is an analog type of setup, but in reality, the mother board decides what it is doing, and also tells the dial when to move....

 

[rp2813]

I've run a couple of loads through the Neptunes and the most impressive thing about the washer that I've noticed is that it launches almost directly into spin without any time-consuming balancing period.  That is a huge benefit over the Affinity's aggravatingly perfectionist tendencies.

 

One by-product of this quick spinning is that the Neptune can do some serious knocking and shaking while getting up to speed, which I think is normal but it sounds like bad engineering.  Indeed, throughout a full cycle the Neptune is noisier overall than the Affinity, but its pump is a lot quieter. 

 

I think I could adapt to the Neptune system.  I'm so used to a "heavy duty" cycle taking a minimum of an hour in the Affinity -- not including balancing periods that can easily add 15 to 30 more minutes -- that it makes me want to question how a Neptune can get the same sort of load completed in 45 minutes, even though 45 minutes is still nearly twice as long as the longest regular wash cycle on my A712!  I need to change my approach from the set-and-forget of any machine with electronic controls and remember how to interfere with analog knobs and buttons again.  That's a good thing.

 

I'm going to continue running trial loads so I'll be able to make an educated decision when it's time to move the chosen pair of machines into the basement.  A colored load will be next.

 

Thanks for all of the advice and positive reports thus far.  I was prepared for negative input.  Maybe I would have drawn some if I had made this a Neptune vs. Affinity thread, ya think?