Were the post-1980 woodgrain Maytags considered somewhat “boring” compared to the center-dials?

[woodjack99]

They’re definitely not as brightly colored as their predecessors. I know many people seem to think it was a sad change. Personally, I think it was just a modernization; the center-dials looked 70s and the woodgrain looked 80s. And they were the same machines internally.

 

[repairguy]

I personally liked the early eighties models that had the fake wood grain panels and white push buttons. They were the 10 series machines. I didn’t like the models that followed as much that had the brown buttons as in photo 2.

 

[qsd-dan]

It depends if you're talking about appearance, usability, or repairability.

 

Appearance - Purely subjective.

 

Usability - Upside: The infinite water level switch comes in handy once you memorize the switch settings in proportion to the water level in the tub. Downside: All spray rinses and deep rinses are cold only. No console light.

 

Repairability: Removal of the console to service the timer/console switches/lid switch is far quicker and easier than all of the previous generations. The newer motor/carriage design is MUCH quicker and easier to remove and install. The twist lock water fill injector hose is MUCH easier to remove and install.

 

 

[this post was last edited: 1/31/2022-22:02]

 

[rp2813]

I'm with you Melvin.  I think the 10 series design with the white buttons is better looking than the uninspired brown-on-brown of the 12 series, which must have presented difficulties for the visually impaired.

 

I do like the warm spray rinse on the CD models better than the default cold on my 12 series.

[this post was last edited: 1/31/2022-22:26]

 

[qsd-dan]

The problem with the ivory colored buttons is that they yellow overtime. This is probably why they switched to the brown buttons.

 

[circlew]

Dan, white or ivory plastic doesn't have to "yellow". Whatever plastic material Westinghouse used for their range knobs in the early 50's stays white as snow. Maytag probably used a less costly grade.

 

[johnb300m]

I feel like Maytag always had issues with yellowing plastics. Even up to our wavy console series Neptune dryer. Seems like they could never master the UV inhibitors that other brands were getting.

 

[qsd-dan]

Not disagreeing that better compounds would slow down or eliminate the yellowing process but it's no secret that all ivory colored buttons used in Maytags from 1966-1983 yellowed overtime, especially when exposed to florescent lighting....which ruled the world during that time period. This was not a problem with the black or gray colored buttons from the 1950's-1965 nor the brown buttons used from 1984-1994. Look at the consoles from most appliances makers from the mid 90's on including computer equipment. Not a pretty aging process.

 

[rp2813]

I don't recall seeing a 10 series with yellowed buttons, but if Dan says so, I see no reason to doubt that they're out there.  Still, even ivory is better than brown IMO.

 

Our '97 Amana pair had white knobs that quickly yellowed, which is a mark of the '90s for sure.  They were in the garage and received indirect light from two north facing windows, plus there were florescent lights in the garage which could have contributed to the yellowing.

 

The knobs on my mom's '49 Westinghouse stove were white as new when I sent it off to its new home in 2008, and it was under flush-mounted florescent lighting starting in the early '70s.  It's apples and oranges as far as the Amana's cheap modern materials vs. superior post-war quality on the Westinghouse, though.

 

[good-shepherd]

and deep rinses are cold only

My A712 offers a warm rinse option.

Even my 1998 LAT has a warm rise option, albeit with a warm wash only, but you can get around that by filling on the Hot/Cold setting then switch to the Warm/Warm position.

And a warm wash in the winter with private well water is anything but warm.

 

[good-shepherd]

12 series glossy consoles also hold up much better to wear and tear and clean up nicely with polishing compound.

I like them.

 

[appnut]

Yes Ralph, those who are visually impaired, they did pose a bit of a challenge, but once I got familiar with the layout, any model in the whole line I could operate without any issue. But I knew I didn't want to deal with it for the next 2 to 3 decades, The most visually functional dryers I've had were my GE big door and the Maytag Dependable Care. And the washer, the GE, the Fridgemore, and the Duet.

 

[swestoyz]

10 and 12 series Maytags

Once upon a time I had a personal preference for blue center dial Maytags, but that has changed. This is the generation of Maytag from my childhood. Folks around here either went to Sears and put a Kenmore on credit or went to the local Maytag dealer and bought what they could afford. That was the Iowan thing to do. Heck, considering the economy in the early to mid 80's around here it is a wonder that these sold locally at all, but they did.

I suspect Ralph meant that the 12 series machines only offered a cold spray rinse as the 410/810 and 712 do offer a deep warm rinse with a hot and warm wash.

This 712 set has been a daily driven now for a few years and in fact my wife prefers this set out of everything else. The washer was cleaned and refurbished with new seals/damper pads/motor glides/pump/drive belt (sans popping open the transmission) and I replaced the seals/electronic control on the dryer. They don't come much more dependable than this.

Ben

 

[thatwasherguy]

I’m extremely biased here, as I grew up with a ‘76 set...

But My favorites the central-dial machines. There’s just something about the v-shape of the control panel, with the chrome dial, crystal knob and chrome cap in the middle, along with the chrome trim that they had. I don’t know what it is about them, but in my opinion, they are the most beautiful washers and dryers ever made. That said, the black control panel Maytags were very good looking as well (in my opinion second most beautiful machines after the central dials). Then there’s the “woo woo” sound that the models with the helictal transmission made when they agitated. That sound is music to my ears. Maytag truly was wonderful. Here’s a few pictures of my 1978 A-208 and DE-408 (the first 4 were taken before I even had a chance to unload them from the back of the truck). Thanks,
Thatwasherguy.

 

[good-shepherd]

This 712 set has been a daily driven now

Nice.

IMO the 12 series have a classy, rich look to them.

As for the Iowan's buying Maytags that was a smart move. The cheapest washer, vehicle, etc. is the one that lasts the longest.

 

[repairguy]

I think taking pictures of a vintage appliance find still in the back of the truck is obligatory. I’ve seen quite a few here including some of my own. Lol

 

[electronicontrl]

I grew up with '76 Center Dials

I also grew up with Center Dials and did not like the control panels on the "12 Series" when I first saw them, but now find them classy.
I agree.

 

[jon]

I’m fortunate

To have several series of these Maytags in my family. A 1979 center dial washer at our summer house, a 1985 brown control panel model in my main home, a 1993 at at house we bought to rent to my partner’s niece, my Brother has a 2000 model and my Sister has a very special nearly top of the line last 1990s model. It has almost every option and all those rows of marvelous push buttons. I also have a 1995 nearly top of the line model in Almond with Almond control panel. I do like the machine because it has the automatic presoak on the regular cycle and a second rinse option and the energy saver water temp option and two speeds but the motor has a loud drone to it so I don’t use it in favor of the 1985 which is a single speed with less options and cycles. Plus the 85 has the Pittman trams and that is just a wonderful classic washing motion combined with the full minute spinning spray rinse which virtually eliminates the need for a second deep rinse.

I need to get more of the dryers into the family but most of the Maytags washers are paired with the Whirlpool top lint filter style dryers by coincidence…maybe it’s because those seem to last a long time as well. My electronic dry control on my Maytag dryer has just stopped working properly.

Jon