Jamie, I would say that is most definitely the case. They have to differentiate between the lines. And of course, the average consumer isn't going to research the nuances of product differences from the same sibblings/cousins. But when it ocmes to washers, dryers, and dishwahers, I wanna know how "cousins" diffferentiate". (I suspect the Maytag brand is now what would have been Kenmore Elite feature-wise if Sears had kept sourcing FLers from WP). There are cycles or options the Maytag has that is either not offered on the WP or cycles are similar, but with either different tumble or spin speesd. Otherr than the recirculating spray for the Maytag, I also like there is a MaxExtract option for extended spin, which WP doesn't offer in their model, but offers Eco boost instead. I'll take longer spin over cooler hot and warm water temps. Maytag also has Ex. Heavy as well as heavy soil options. Wouldn't surprise me the std. cycle times are a bit shorter on the Maytag comparable cycles vs. the WP ones as John L has indicated, I think he referred to being "dumbed down" a bit. I"m still drawn to the Maytag version of these vs. the WP because of the nozzle, MaxExtract, I doubt I'd use any of the specialty cycles since I don't have laundry that meets the descriptions, save for Kitchen Towels, and I'd either use Sanitary or Allergen, or even PowerWash cycles for those, depending upon the details of the Kitchen Towels cycle. Plus, I also like the auto 2 extra rinse capability of the Maytag option. Plus, I'd be willing to monkey around with the detergent dispenser settings if based upon my water hardness and concentration level of liquid, turned out to not being to my liking. I'm willing to monkey around and punch buttons to get the results I"m looking for because I understand all ramifications, but then most typical users would have no clue. Maytag (and even WP) have expanded the use of the heater, even as an option for Stain treat (steam for stains) for all but teh quickest or most gentle cycles. that's a far cry from the original WP or even the He3T Kenmore. That's what I like most about FLers is they have the capability to heat water up to 155 degrees, if needed vs. dumbed down top loaders or even the HE top loaders. Not sure what I will do if DOE standard force all FLers to do away with supplemental heaters (like SQ doing away with their one model with the heater booster because of future DOE requirements). I may not always have a water heater like my current WP that has easily accessible temperature controls on top vs. having to remove service panels on typical water heaters. With that I"m able to control the "hotness" of hot washes in my Fridgemore right now. (I don't relish the thought of washing whites on top of the stove to get hot water for whites some day).
