I am in the market for a new washer/dryer. I did some research on the internet and decided to go with a toploader whirlpool (great reviews). However, when I went to the store to order, I made a rather rash decision. I really liked the larger stainless steel tub of the Maytag and ordered it instead. Now I am reading lots and lots of reviews that Maytags are "junk". Does anyone have some advice or past experiences dealing with this. And if you do - specifically what models did you like. Thanks.
Maytag vs Whirlpool Toploaders
- Thread starter msf59
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Maytags
are not what they used to be. However, individual units can, and do, vary. My Maytags are from 1997, and I have never had any trouble with them.
Maytag lost focus on being the best made at a fair price. They kept the price, but lowered the build quality.
I do agree with the general consensus about Whirlpool being the best top loader these days.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
are not what they used to be. However, individual units can, and do, vary. My Maytags are from 1997, and I have never had any trouble with them.
Maytag lost focus on being the best made at a fair price. They kept the price, but lowered the build quality.
I do agree with the general consensus about Whirlpool being the best top loader these days.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
If you like the WP, then consider GE whose quality has taken quite a leap forward. These are short, fast agitation machines.
If you like Maytag, consider SQ, as it is more sturdy since it has a longer proven ground in coin laundries. These are 180 degree classic agitation machines.
If you like Maytag, consider SQ, as it is more sturdy since it has a longer proven ground in coin laundries. These are 180 degree classic agitation machines.
Which is more gentle ?
Short and fast or long and slow?
(And please, it is a serious straight-forward question!)
Short and fast or long and slow?
(And please, it is a serious straight-forward question!)
westytoploader
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2004
- Messages
- 4,485
Any of the perforated-tub Speed Queens (be it old or new) are very gentle machines and don't have a particularly fast stroke either on high speed; I think it's even slower than their solid-tub predecessors! So needless to say there won't be any shredding with one of these!
I myself like long strokes; they're ALWAYS gentle and more fun...
to watch, that is.
*Ducks and runs*
I myself like long strokes; they're ALWAYS gentle and more fun...
to watch, that is.
*Ducks and runs*
irishwashguy
Well-known member
I would say that the Maytags have gone down hill----
If it were between Maytag VS Whirlpool, then truely i would say Whirlpool. Many years ago, Maytag got greedy.Whirpool got inovative and afordable.i had a Maytag Neptune, and it was a piece of junk. This particular machine drove the company into a position where now they are owned by Whirpool. I personally would think that if you were going to get a TL, i would also consider the Speed Queen.I have used one of these myself many times, they are quality w/ a stainless steel tub, as well , that includes the dryer. They are also in alot of comercial laundries.
If it were between Maytag VS Whirlpool, then truely i would say Whirlpool. Many years ago, Maytag got greedy.Whirpool got inovative and afordable.i had a Maytag Neptune, and it was a piece of junk. This particular machine drove the company into a position where now they are owned by Whirpool. I personally would think that if you were going to get a TL, i would also consider the Speed Queen.I have used one of these myself many times, they are quality w/ a stainless steel tub, as well , that includes the dryer. They are also in alot of comercial laundries.
Which is more gentle ?
The reason I ask is that my new GE T/L-er is very fast and short in agitation; yet they are so proud of their *German engineering*.
I like the older, slower GE FF and the Maytags agitation much better.
(Well, at least we know that the *new* way requires less time to get the job done).
The reason I ask is that my new GE T/L-er is very fast and short in agitation; yet they are so proud of their *German engineering*.
I like the older, slower GE FF and the Maytags agitation much better.
(Well, at least we know that the *new* way requires less time to get the job done).
Great video Glenn. Thanks.
Awesome amchine, and yes I personally like that style of agitation.
Awesome amchine, and yes I personally like that style of agitation.
tecnopolis
Well-known member
I personaly love MaYTAGS. unless your getting a GE Profile with the stainless steel "extra action tub", they are kinda junky. I don't like suspended tubs like the GE. the Maytag has a "pin point" balancing system which is sturdier. Here's a test, grab the GE's agitator and pull it back and forth. try the same on the Maytag and you will see what I am talking about. Either way, Top loaders are fun.
tecnopolis
Well-known member
GE Profile w/extra-action tub.
Maytag
Everyone I know has had to have the couplers, on their Whirlpools replaced, often more than once. The Whirlpool is loud and the agitator clack, clack, clacks to insantity. My sister has a Whirlpool and my mom used to. I purchased the Atlantis set in 2000 and it has never given a moments trouble. It is quiet and makes a breathy whooshing sound. It has larger usable capacity than the Whirlpool and the clothes are very clean at the end of the cycle. Mom bought the current Maytag, the first year, Performa was sold and she has never had any trouble. She washes load after load of jeans because of Wrangler sponsoring their rodeo company and they insist the cowboys look great! (Why are Cowboys such rotten lovers! They all think 8 seconds is a long ride!) I would enjoy the Maytag and rejoice that the spirit God of washers lead you to change your mind. If you are 1/10 as pleased with your Maytag as I am with mine, you'll be very well pleased. I purchased a set of Maytags in 1970 for my mom, my first set in 1977 and my last set in 2000. I have known the past and the present. Nothing is what it used to be. We have to accept that if we are going to age gracefully.
Kelly
Everyone I know has had to have the couplers, on their Whirlpools replaced, often more than once. The Whirlpool is loud and the agitator clack, clack, clacks to insantity. My sister has a Whirlpool and my mom used to. I purchased the Atlantis set in 2000 and it has never given a moments trouble. It is quiet and makes a breathy whooshing sound. It has larger usable capacity than the Whirlpool and the clothes are very clean at the end of the cycle. Mom bought the current Maytag, the first year, Performa was sold and she has never had any trouble. She washes load after load of jeans because of Wrangler sponsoring their rodeo company and they insist the cowboys look great! (Why are Cowboys such rotten lovers! They all think 8 seconds is a long ride!) I would enjoy the Maytag and rejoice that the spirit God of washers lead you to change your mind. If you are 1/10 as pleased with your Maytag as I am with mine, you'll be very well pleased. I purchased a set of Maytags in 1970 for my mom, my first set in 1977 and my last set in 2000. I have known the past and the present. Nothing is what it used to be. We have to accept that if we are going to age gracefully.
Kelly
Belt drives Rule---No shredding short strokes-the long Slooowww strokes are best.If I were to buy a new TL-would go with the Speed Queen.Many commercial "smaller users" use the unmetered ones --this would be beauty and barbershops.
Isn't the new generation of junky Maytags a reworking of the old Norge design?
And are or aren't the new GE's made by Whirlpool/Sears?
And are or aren't the new GE's made by Whirlpool/Sears?
jasonl
New member
I've always had a guilty interest in those GE SS machines. Some of them do spin at 850rpms as well (I think).
GE vs Maytag
The GE is a fine machine. The agitation is most like the Whirlpool, quick and short. The GE tub appears deeper and more narrow, than the Maytag. The GE is at least twice as loud as the Maytag, in motor noise and with the noticable clack clack clack of the agitator. The washer increases significantly in noise as it ages, much like the old Hotpoints were known for. My sister in law bought hers the first year of the redesign with the larger plastic tub. She has yet to have a repair but it really sounds bad.
The Maytag has a larger opening and a wider tub, which is a slight advantage is loading and unloading. The Maytag is quieter than the GE and makes a breathy whoosh sound with out noticable agitator clack. The agitation stroke is longer and slower and in my opinion creates better roll over. In my experience, the Maytag spins dryer than the GE. At the end of the day, I believe the machines are about similar in durablity and washability. It is going to end up being a choice of who gives the best service, locally, is noise an issue and which machine grabs your fancy. If noise is an issue, the Maytag wins, hands down.
Kelly
The GE is a fine machine. The agitation is most like the Whirlpool, quick and short. The GE tub appears deeper and more narrow, than the Maytag. The GE is at least twice as loud as the Maytag, in motor noise and with the noticable clack clack clack of the agitator. The washer increases significantly in noise as it ages, much like the old Hotpoints were known for. My sister in law bought hers the first year of the redesign with the larger plastic tub. She has yet to have a repair but it really sounds bad.
The Maytag has a larger opening and a wider tub, which is a slight advantage is loading and unloading. The Maytag is quieter than the GE and makes a breathy whoosh sound with out noticable agitator clack. The agitation stroke is longer and slower and in my opinion creates better roll over. In my experience, the Maytag spins dryer than the GE. At the end of the day, I believe the machines are about similar in durablity and washability. It is going to end up being a choice of who gives the best service, locally, is noise an issue and which machine grabs your fancy. If noise is an issue, the Maytag wins, hands down.
Kelly
deep, long, slow strokes are what I like
In the end, all modern machines wash well.
The real questions are:
How much damage do you want done to your clothes?
Do you have a reliable service/parts provider close to you? - all modern US machines break more or less continuously.
Do you need to save water/energy/detergent?
If you have a good repairperson for Whirlpool nearby, than even that most-horrid-of-all-brands is the best choice - because you can get it repaired fast. It will break often, of course.
If you have no or only limited access to repair/parts in your area, then you should think very very hard about either pre-90's Maytags or, if new, LG, Miele or Bosch.
Any of the four will run forever without trouble.
If you wash a lot of delicates or your clothes need to last a long time - but are also very dirty, then your best choice is a front loader with water heater built in. Takes longer, but is gentle and cleans best.
If you wash normal clothes that aren't really too dirty, then it doesn't matter too much whether short or long strokes - the clothes will be in the machine for too short of a time for it too matter. But if you have normal clothes that are really dirty, then you should get a machine with long, slow strokes. This will provide the necessary 'activation' while not over-stressing the fibres.
If energy - for heating water or drying clothes is important, then a FL is the only way to go. Same if you have allergy problems with detergents. Way less water, energy, detergent - but way more time.
Make a list and see what is your top priority.
If you have to buy new and US built, then be sure to get an extended warranty. Sears and GE do a good job there - Bosch not so good, Whirlpool, well let's not and say we didn't.
In the end, all modern machines wash well.
The real questions are:
How much damage do you want done to your clothes?
Do you have a reliable service/parts provider close to you? - all modern US machines break more or less continuously.
Do you need to save water/energy/detergent?
If you have a good repairperson for Whirlpool nearby, than even that most-horrid-of-all-brands is the best choice - because you can get it repaired fast. It will break often, of course.
If you have no or only limited access to repair/parts in your area, then you should think very very hard about either pre-90's Maytags or, if new, LG, Miele or Bosch.
Any of the four will run forever without trouble.
If you wash a lot of delicates or your clothes need to last a long time - but are also very dirty, then your best choice is a front loader with water heater built in. Takes longer, but is gentle and cleans best.
If you wash normal clothes that aren't really too dirty, then it doesn't matter too much whether short or long strokes - the clothes will be in the machine for too short of a time for it too matter. But if you have normal clothes that are really dirty, then you should get a machine with long, slow strokes. This will provide the necessary 'activation' while not over-stressing the fibres.
If energy - for heating water or drying clothes is important, then a FL is the only way to go. Same if you have allergy problems with detergents. Way less water, energy, detergent - but way more time.
Make a list and see what is your top priority.
If you have to buy new and US built, then be sure to get an extended warranty. Sears and GE do a good job there - Bosch not so good, Whirlpool, well let's not and say we didn't.
Maybe horrid to you. Not so in my experiences with the brand and i am sure millions of others.
How long Panthera have you been out of the u.s.? We all have a right to our opinions. I like many brands of machine, but i have had nothing but great service from the WP products i have owned/own.
This current Kenmore TL i have now has not needed any repairs (knock on wood) in the three years it has been in use.
For better or worse, these direct drive washers from WP have proven extremely reliable over the years.
The sales figures confirm it.
This current Kenmore TL i have now has not needed any repairs (knock on wood) in the three years it has been in use.
For better or worse, these direct drive washers from WP have proven extremely reliable over the years.
The sales figures confirm it.
