Which One

[jaxsunst]

I don't do anything without consulting this group first......

My 17 year old Kenmore dryer died. I bought a used DD Whirlpool matching set off Craigslist, and after six weeks, that dryer has died. I could fix it, but with all the irons I have in the fire my wife and I have decided to buy a new front load set. I have been looking and I have it narrowed down to either a Maytag or a Samsung. They are about the same price with the same features. Which one should I get?

 

[frigilux]

I just finished looking at various front-load pairs and decided to get one of the new Frigidaire sets (washer model 4474/dryer model 4074) which you can see in my thread titled "Consumer Reports Tests New Frigidaire.."

However, if you've narrowed the field down to Maytag or Samsung, here's what Consumer Reports has to say about them. It's good to get reports from those who actually own one of the machines, but you'll find opinions vary widely. Some think their machine is great, while others will say just the opposite.

It also depends on whether or not you would like your dollars to go to a US-based corporation (Maytag is owned by Whirlpool). When purchasing a Frigidaire, my money will wind up in the hands of the Swedes. But I believe their washers are made in the US, and I'm supporting a local, mom-and-pop business.

The Samsungs generally tested a little better than the Maytags, but the scores weren't very far off from each other. All tested models by both brands scored an overall "Very Good" or "Excellent". The top-rated model, (a Kenmore-branded LG) tested with an overall score of 85. The Frigidaire I just ordered tested in at 81.

SAMSUNG:
WF520AB ($1400) scored an 84.
WF448AA ($1400) also scored an 84.
WF419AA ($1200) scored an 80 and was noted to be excellent at resisting vibration during spin. If you're installing your washer on a concrete floor, it doesn't make much difference. But if you're installing it on the first or second floor, it might.
WF330AN ($800) scored a 79.
WF218AN ($800) scored a 79.
WF220AN and WF210AN ($750) scored a 74, but the resistance to vibration was only fair.

MAYTAG:
MHWE950W ($1300) scored an 82. This is a new model.
MHWE550W ($1300) scored an 80. Also a new model.
MHWE900V ($1300) scored a 78.
MHWE500V ($1100) scored a 75. Only fair at resisting vibration.
MHWZ600T ($700) scored a 73. (This model is known as the Epic)

I was at a Sears yesterday, and was impressed with the build-quality of the Samsungs they had on the floor, but the Maytags I've seen at my local dealer seem sturdy, too.

CR reports that 13% of people responding who owned Maytags needed repairs. Not enough information to rate the Samsungs for reliability.

And there's my 2-cents---or rather, CR's. Good luck with your purchase, and I'm sure some AW members who own Maytags and Samsungs will chime in with their experiences.

 

[kqkenmore]

I have a Samsung but I am having service issues with it and it does not look like service is going to be that easy to get.Have you thought about Speed Queen? I bought a top loader for my mother and she loves it.I want one of their front loaders and I am going to get one when I can.They are hard to find in Memphis but the place to go to get one is Hamiliton Maytag out on 64 hwy talk to Larry he can order you what you want and his prices are very good and they have the best customer service I handled mother's transaction over the phone and by looking at the Speed Queen website and it did not take that long to get it even though he had to order it. I just thing that you would be better pleased with one of those that the others and I have had manny and they are crap.On her dryer they threw in the cord and vent for free. Good Luck Carl

 

[appnut]

I'd lean more toward the Maytag, particularly with service being mentioned as an issue3 with the Samsung and y'all are both in Memphis.

 

[sudsman]

If you buy it from sears

I would not worry about a service problem.. Can only speak for this area but the service they offer here is 2nd to none.

 

[amyswasher]

I second that:

Sears repair are the only people that will come out where I live. Granted it's maybe once a month, but they are the only ones. Home Depot would not do anything around here. In Fort Stockton I have bought a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and dishwasher had been repaired many times.